GATE Exam 2026 Begins Today; Check Documents to be Carried & Exam Day Guidelines

GATE exam starts today. Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must go through guidelines and other important details. They can check dresscode and reporting time here 

GATE Exam 2026 Begins Today

GATE 2026 Day 1 Today: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati will be conducting Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 today, February 7, in two shifts. GATE is being held for AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, and XL in shift 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Whereas, shift 2 of GATE 2026 is being conducted for AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH from 2.30 to 5.30 pm. The duration of each GATE 2026 paper is three hours.

Those appearing for exam are required to carefully go through GATE exam day instructions, dress code, and list of prohibited items to avoid last minute issues at centre. Candidates must carry their GATE 2026 admit card and strictly adhere to instructions. Entry to exam centre will be regulated, and they must report early for biometric verification and security checks. 

GATE 2026 Exam and Shift Time 

IIT GATE 2026 will be conducted in two shifts. GATE exam timings are

• 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• 2:30 to 5:30 pm

Students have to report to the exam centre around 1 hour before the shift timing.

Important documents to carry during GATE 2026 Exam 

Candidates must carry these important documents on exam day

• They must carry a hard copy of GATE admit card. 
• The photograph and details on admit card must be clearly visible.
• One original and valid photo identity proof. Acceptable ID proofs include Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence, or PAN card.
• The photo ID must be same as used during registration.
• Photocopies or digital copies of ID proofs are not allowed.

Also Check: GATE 2026 list of items to allowed & prohibited in exam hall 

Guidelines For GATE 2026 Candidates 

When appearing for exam, candidates must follow these guidelines 

• They must enter exam hall before time.
• They must carry their admit card and original valid photo identity proof.
• A scribble pad will be provided for rough work by invigilator. Candidates must write their name and registration number on it before they start using it..
• They must not tamper with computer and related hardware provided in exam hall. 
• Candidates found tampering with computers will have their candidature cancelled. 

GATE 2026 Dress Code

As per instructions, male candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must wear simple, light and comfortable clothing. Shirts or tshirts with large buttons, metal zips, badges or too much pockets should be avoided. Caps, hats, mufflers covering head will not be permitted.

Female candidates should opt for casual, comfortable dress without metal. Accessories, including jewellery, watches, stoles, belts, bangles and hair accessories with metal parts are not allowed inside exam centre.

Read More: GATE 2026 Exam Feb 7: IN, XE, XL, XH Question Paper Analysis, Answer Key Today Live Updates