GATE

The MCQ, MSQ, and NAT are the types of questions asked in the GATE examination. 

• MCQs are the multiple-choice questions
• MSQs are the multiple select questions
• and NAT are numerical answer type questions 

Each question type has a different marking scheme, which the candidates must go through the information brochure carefully. 

No, there are no international test centres for the GATE exam. Foreign candidates or Indian applicants who are willing to appear for the exam will have to travel to India in order to appear for the GATE examination. The GATE 2026 will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in more than 200 cities in India. 

The GATE zones are the authorities that perform any operations related to the GATE examination. These are managed by the GATE offices of IISc and IITs. The list of GATE zones is as follows-

• IISc Bengaluru
• IIT Delhi
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Guwahati
• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Kharagpur
• IIT Madras
• and IIT Roorkee

No, applicants cannot opt for any paper from the combination list. Candidates can only select from the options provided by the GATE authorities in the GATE 2026 paper combination list. For example, a CS student has the free will to choose from the following set of exam papers: DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST. 

Attempting two papers in GATE allows students to broaden their skills and career options in different disciplines. Implemented in 2021, the GATE two paper combination can be chosen from the given list of paper combinations (already set by the authorities). With the GATE two paper combination list, also, you have better chances of qualifying the examination. 

The GATE eligibility for architecture students are -

• Must have a bachelor's degree in architecture (5 years course)
• Naval architecture (4-years course) or 
• Must have pursued B.Planning (4-year course)

Candidates must ensure that they go through the GATE eligibility criteria carefully before applying. 

Yes, candidates having qualifying degree in B.Com can apply for GATE exam to get admission to the master's programmes in IITs and IISc. Candidates must go through the GATE information brochure carefully before applying. Also, students in 3rd year or final year in commerce are also eligible for GATE. 

This year, the application form for GATE 2026 has been revised. Candidates appearing must check the fees before filling the application form. The GATE fees are as follows -

• For female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is INR 1000 (during the regular period) and INR 1500 (during the extended period)
• For all other applicants, including foreign nationals, the fee is INR 2000 (during the regular period) and INR 2500 (during the extended period)

Candidates can pay the application form using credit card, debit card, UPI or netbanking. 

The GATE 2026 application form can be filled online. To apply, candidates can check the following steps below -

• Visit the official website of GATE - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
• Click on the application form portal (GOAPS)
• Register to generate enrollment ID and password
• Login using credentials and fill out the details. 
• Upload the documents as per specifications. 
• Pay the GATE application form fees
• Confirm the declaration and submit the application form

Candidates are advised to keep multiple printout of the application form for future reference. 

The GATE exam 2026 dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The exam will be conducted in two shifts. However, the branch-wise dates will be announced a few days before the exam. Candidates must check the official website carefully to get latest updates on the GATE examination.