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