GATE

The most registered and appeared GATE paper codes are as follows -

• Computer Science (CS)
• Civil Engineering (CE)
• Mechanical Engineering (ME)
• Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)

New GATE subjects/papers like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) are also growing in popularity.

Here is a brief stats of GATE 2025 registered and appeared applicants of the above subjects -

A total of 936019 candidates had registered in GATE 2025, out of which 747319 candidates had appeared in the examination. 

The list of GATE paper codes and valid paper combinations is available on the GATE's 2026 official website. Candidates can also check their GATE paper codes in the information brochure. 

This year, GATE 2026 is organised by IIT Guwahati. The GATE exam dates 2026 are February 7, 8, 14, and 15.

The GATE 2026 will have 30 paper codes, covering wide range of disciplines including engineering, science, life sciences, humanities, and architecture. 

New papers have been introduced, which are -

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Geomatics Engineering (GE) and 
• Environmental Science (ES)

Candidates are advised to go through the GATE paper codes carefully before adding their paper choices. 

The GATE paper codes are unique identifier codes that is assigned to each GATE paper. The GATE paper codes can be checked on the official website. For example, the GATE paper code for computer Science and engineering is CS, and ME for mechanical engineering, and EC for electronics and communication engineering. 

The GATE paper codes help candidates identify their chosen subject during the GATE registration and while downloading the admit card, checking results and more. 

Yes, GATE allows candidates to choose any two paper from the approved list of GATE two paper combinations. The list is available on the official website and in the information brochure. Candidates must check the GATE paper codes and the paper eligibility before submitting. 

Yes, candidates can apply for GATE 2026 even if they have backlog, as long as you are in the final year or have completed your degree. GATE does not disqualify candidates with backlogs. However, candidates must clear their backlogs before taking M.Tech admission or getting into PSU. However, during the counselling or recruitment process, it can hamper in the selection process. 

Yes, candidates having a foreign degree can also apply for GATE. In such cases, the applicant must be in their final year (bachelor's degree) or relevant fields. It is advised to go through the GATE eligibility criteria and conditions before filling the application form.

NOTE: Applicants must note that there will be no international exam centres for the examination. Candidates need to travel to India in order to attempt the GATE exam. 

No, there is no age-limit for attempting GATE exam. Whether you are a fresh graduate, or a working professional, or someone who want to get into PSUs can apply for the GATE exam 2026, as long as you can meet the eligibility. Apart from the age-criteria, the GATE eligibilty relies on other factors, such as educational qualifications, category, etc. 

Thus, having no age-limit in GATE, gives an upperhand and a flexible option for candidates who are planning higher studies or applying to PSUs at any stage in their career. 

The GOAPS is an online portal activated by IIT Guwahati for GATE aspirants to perform GATE related activities. The uses of the GOAPS portal are as follows -

• Registration and application 
• GATE application fee payment
• Editing or modification in the GATE application form
• Downloading the GATE admit card 2026
• Checking and downloading the GATE answer key, question paper, and response sheet
• Raising objections to the answer key
• Checking GATE result and downloading the scorecard.

The GATE 2026 admit card will be released on January 2, 2026. Candidates who have submitted their application form will be eligible to download the hall ticket. The GATE admit card 2026 will be available on GOAPS portal, and the credentials required to download the admit card is enrollment ID and password. The GATE 2026 exam dates are February 7,8, 14, and 15, 2026.