GATE

Paper.      General.   OBC/EWS.    SC/ST/PWD

CE/CS 29.2 26.2  19.4

EE/EC 25.0  22.5  16.6

ME  35.8 32.2 23.8

DA  29.0 26.1  19.3

Humanities 40 36  26.6

Statistics.   30.2 27.1 20.1

IIT Guwahati introduced the GATE Energy Science paper in 2026, as the new optional paper under the Engineering Sciences (XE), with the code XE-I. The candidates applying in GATE 2026 see this addition first, and it is aimed at expanding the scope of this exam to the modern themes in energy fields

Yes, you can. If you have selected the wrong gender or category in the GATE application form 2026, then you can change it during the GATE application form correction window. The correction facility will be available at the GOAPS portal after the completion of the GATE registration. 

To fix this, candidates need to pay an additional amount through netbanking/credit card/debit card/UPI. Always review the confirmation page before final submission to avoid such mistakes.

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. 

Yes, the Indian Institute of Technology has increased the GATE 2026 application fees. Candidates can check the revised GATE exam fees 2026 below -

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.