GATE Process

The following are the most registered subjects/papers in the GATE examination -

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Every year, Lacs of candidates register for the above subjects, making the respective branch competitive. 

GATE counselling is done by CCMT and COAP to offer admission to MTech and research programmes. The mode of counselling is online. Stages of GATE counselling are as follows -

• Candidate registration
• Choice filling
• Choice locking and fee payment
• Seat acceptance and downloading the seat allotment letter
• Reporting to the allotted institute for document verification

If you do not receive any confirmation message or email after submitting the GATE 2026 application form, then here's what you can do -

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Ensure that your mobile number and email ID are active 
• Log in to the GOAPS portal and verify that the form status is marked as submitted with a successful payment.
• If the issue persists, then contact the GATE helpdesk

A topper in GATE can expect a salary ranging from INR 9 to 35 Lacs (depending on various factors, such as specialisations, experience, company, designation applied for, skill set, GATE scores, etc.) Also, the salary of the GATE topper can vary depending on the experience, skills gained, and specialisation applying for. 

No, negative marking applies only to MCQs. Here's how the GATE 2026 negative marking for MCQs is done -

• For a one-mark MCQ, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer
• For a two-mark question, 2/3rd mark will be deducted for an incorrect response. 

There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs. 

The GATE 2026 is scheduled to take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted online in two shifts. The session timings of the GATE 2026 exam are -

• Forenoon shift from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and
• Afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Candidates are advised to check their exam timings (mentioned on the GATE admit card 2026) and report to the exam centre 60 minutes before the exam. 

The weightage of General aptitude in GATE 2026 is 15 Marks. The mode of the GATE question paper is English and general aptitude is common for all sections. Candidates must go through the syllabus and instructions carefully and prepare as per their difficulty level. 

Yes, GATE 2026 allows candidates to appear in upto two papers, provided the paper combination (as per the prescribed combinations issued by the authorities). The list of the permitted combinations will be made available on the GATE's official website and information brochure. Candidates must select both the papers carefully during GATE 2026 registration and pay additional fee. Make sure to check the GATE paper codes before adding them. Adding two papers in GATE helps students to expand their chances across multiple disciplines. 

Practising GATE old question papers play an important role in preparation. They help in understanding the GATE exam pattern, difficulty level, and topic-wise weightage. It also helps in building accuracy and time management. Aim to solve at least 5 to 10 question papers before the examination.