GATE 2026 CSE Exam Today: What Students Must Know Before Entering Centre?
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GATE CSE 2026 is being conducted by IIT Guwahati today on February 8. The exam is held in two shifts, morning and forenoon. Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 CSE must carry their admit card and one valid ID proof. Check details here
GATE CSE Exam Today
GATE CSE Exam 2026: Indian Institute of Technology is conducting GATE Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) exam today across multiple centres. Thousands of engineering graduates and final-year students are appearing for GATE 2026 held for admissions to postgraduate programmes and recruitment by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Ahead of exam, candidates have been advised to strictly adhere to exam day guidelines for smooth entry.
As per schedule, GATE CSE is being held in two shifts today. Apart from Computer Science and Engineering, ST, EY, NM, PE papers are also being conducted today. The duration of each GATE 2026 paper is three hours. They must report to GATE exam centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. It must be noted that they will not be allowed to log in 30 minutes after commencement of the exam.
GATE 2026 Exam Timing and Reporting
GATE 2026 CSE exam is held in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Candidates must check their exact exam timing and shift details mentioned on GATE admit card.
| Shift |
CSE Exam Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Shift |
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Shift |
2:30 to 5:30 PM |
Reporting at GATE CSE exam centre is mandatory at least 60 minutes before scheduled start time. Late entry will not be allowed under any circumstances.
Documents Required at GATE CSE Exam Centre 2026
Candidates must carry these documents
- Printed GATE 2026 Admit Card
- Original, valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
Commonly asked questions
The GATE 2026 paper code of XE stands for Engineering Sciences, XH stands for Humanities and Social Science, and XL stands for Life Sciences.
For GATE Paper "XE"
- General aptitude carries a total of 15 marks
- Engineering mathematics contains 11 questions of 15 marks
- Sectional option papers (from B to I) - contains 22 questions carries a total of 35 marks
For GATE Paper "XH"
- General aptitude section carries 15 marks
- Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) carries 16 questions of 25 marks.
- Option section (from C1 to C6) - contains 39 questions of 60 marks.
For GATE Paper "XL"
- The general aptitude section carries 15 marks.
- Chemistry (compulsory) section contains 17 questions of 25 marks.
- Optional section (Q through U) - contains 19 questions of 30 marks.
No, physical calculators are not allowed inside GATE exam hall. Candidates will be provided with a virtual calculator to solve their questions. It is advised to practice using GATE calculator to improve accuracy.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 exam dates on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 dates below -
| Events | Dates |
| GATE 2026 application form release date | August 28 |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (without late fees) | October 7 (REVISED) |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (with late fees) | October 13 |
| GATE 2026 form correction submission last date | November 10 |
| GATE 2026 admit card release date | January 13 |
| GATE 2026 exam date | February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 result date | March 19 |
| GATE scorecard download date | March 27 to May 31 (free download) till December 31 (by paying a fee of INR 500) |
Entry will be denied if GATE admit card or a valid ID is missing.
Items Allowed and Prohibited at GATE CSE Exam Centre
Only essential items are permitted inside exam hall
- Admit card and original photo ID
- Transparent water bottle (if allowed by centre)
- Personal mask (if required)
Electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, earphones, Bluetooth devices, and study material are prohibited. Rough sheets will be provided at centre and must be returned after exam.
Also Check: GATE 2026 list of items allowed & prohibited in exam hall
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Sanjana Surbhi is education focused content specialist with over five years of experience in education sector. She covers engineering and government exams. She holds Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Patn
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