GATE

The GATE 2026 exam is expected to maintain a moderate to high difficulty level, similar to previous years. Candidates are advised to focus more on core concepts, analytical thinking, and application-based problems. Aspirants should be prepared for tricky questions, especially NATs, (as they can be time-consuming.)

As the competition is increasing every year due to PSU and M.Tech admissions, the examiners may introduce complex integrative questions from multiple topics. Like for examples, questions structured by blending two to three concepts/topics. Hence, it is important to parctice time management skills with a deep understanding of the fundamentals. 

Here are tips and hacks that GATE aspirants can follow for preparation -

• Be clear with the concepts and fundamentals of each. 
• Pick one topic and start going through it.
• Revise it properly from your lecture notes
• When starting your second revision, start creating short notes (as per your understanding)
• Practice mock tests and previous year's question as many times you can. 
• Keep a error notebook to analyse your mistakes and performance
• Keep at least one month for revision only. Avoid touching anything new. 

Mock tests and GATE old question papers really help gauge difficulty trends. 

Candidates who want to appear for two papers can fill out the GATE application form in the following ways -

• Visit the GOAPS portal and click on the "New candidate registration"
• Complete the registration and fill out the personal and communication details.
• Now log in using the credentials created - GATE enrollment ID and password.
• Fill out the exam details -GATE paper you wish to apply, choice of examination city, and other personal and educational details. You need to select at least three exam cities from the same zone. 
• Upload the documents as per the specifications.
• Pay the application fees and submit the form.
• Save and keep a copy of the GATE application form. 

The GATE 2026 application form is expected to release in August. The dates will be announced soon. Candidates can find complete details here. 

When filling out the GATE application form 2026, the GOAPS portal requires certain documents of the candidates for the verification process. Based on the details, the concernced IIT will issue the GATE admit card, scorecard, and college/course allotment during the counselling. Therefore, it is very important for the candidates to provide the correct and updated information. So, here are the list of the documents that are required at the time of filling out the GATE 2026 application form. 

• High quality scanned image of the candidate's photograph. Make sure that the photo should be a recent one and covers all the issued guidelines. 
• High quality scanned image of candidate's signature meeting the specifications.
• Category certificate (SC/ST) in PDF format (if applicable)
• Certificate of Dyslexic in PDF format (if applicable)
• Scanned copy of the valid photo ID proof - Aadhar card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License.

NOTE: The valid ID proof must have the name, date of birth, and unique photo ID number. The provided the ID proof must be carried in original to the examination hall for verification. 

Candidates can apply for GATE 2026 once the registration link is activated. The link will be available for a specific timeline. 

• First, the conducting authority, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, launches the GATE 2026 official website along with the GATE dates. The official website of GATE 2026 is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE 2026 exam dates are OUT.
• The GATE 2026 information brochure will be updated on the website soon (expected first week of August). 
• As mentioned before, the information brochure will carry all the important details regarding the exam, such as GATE 2026 exam dates, registration timeline, eligibility criteria, steps to apply, exam centre details, two-paper combination and more. 
• After the release of the website and GATE information bulletin, the authorities will activate the GATE registration link 2026 on the prescribed dates. 
• During that phase, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be able to register and fill out the GATE application form through the link activated at the GOAPS portal. Registrations for GATE 2026 will be made available from August 25 onwards.