GATE 2026: Dates, Registration, Syllabus ,Eligibility Criteria

GATE Exam is a national-level examination in India used for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities. The primary purpose of the GATE exam is to make students eligible to get admission in ME and M.Tech courses offered by IITs, NITs, and various other institutions. IITs jointly conduct the exam. IIT Roorkee conducted the GATE Exam 2025. This year, the GATE Exam was scheduled on February 1st, 2nd, 15th, and 16th, 2025, and the GATE Exam result 2025 was declared on the 19th of March 2025. To be eligible for the GATE exam, candidates must have passed a graduation degree in their respective discipline. Furthermore, there is no age limit to apply for the exam.

The GATE exam pattern includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions. A total of 65 questions are asked in the exam, for which 3 hours are allocated to the student. The GATE exam syllabus includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and a subject-specific paper, with the specific topics varying depending on the engineering discipline chosen. To sit for the exam, one has to fill out the GATE exam application form on the official website of the particular IIT conducting the exam for that particular year. 

GATE Exam: Quick Highlights

The table below shows the GATE exam quick overview.

What is the GATE Exam?

The GATE Exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level exam conducted for admissions to postgraduate programs. Around 8.9 lakh candidates appeared for the GATE 2025 exam, which was conducted on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025, with results announced on March 19, 2025. 

The exam pattern consists of 65 questions, carrying a total of 100 marks, with sections on General Aptitude and core subjects. The GATE Exam Syllabus varies by discipline, covering engineering, technology, and science topics.

GATE Admit Card 2026

The GATE Admit Card 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati on their official website. The admit card is expected to be released in January 2026. Students are highly encouraged to keep a regular eye on IIT Guwahati official website.

GATE Exam Application Form 2026

The GATE Exam Application Form is expected to be released in the month of August 2025. Students are highly encouraged to look out for the official website of IIT Guwahati for latest updates and Notification of the exam.

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati will release the GATE Exam Pattern for 2026. However, a similar pattern has been noted over the years in the GATE Exam. This pattern consists of 65 questions in various formats worth a total of 100 marks. The table below shows key highlights of the GATE exam pattern.

GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria

The GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026 will be released in August 2025 by IIT Guwahati. Usually the common requirements of the GATE Exam are shown in the table below.

GATE Exam Syllabus 2026

The GATE Exam Syllabus for the year 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati officially with the notification of the exam. Understanding the GATE syllabus acts as a key to success in the examination. As this not only helps to prepare for the examination but also reminds candidates of their weak areas.

GATE Exam Two-Paper Combination

GATE 2025 was conducted for 30 test papers. The following table shows the list of papers with codes.

A candidate is allowed to appear either in ONE or UP TO TWO test papers. The GATE Exam Syllabus 2025 has been released on the website of IIT Roorkee and can be downloaded from the subject wise links given below.

GATE Question Paper

To qualify the GATE Exam it is important for students to analyze the gate exam question papers. By solving GATE exam previous year question paper students may get a decent idea of the exam pattern and syllabus. Students may download GATE Exam Previous Year Question papers by clicking the link below.

GATE Mock Test 2026

GATE Mock Test 2025 is a simulated exam designed to replicate the actual GATE Exam environment. It follows the official GATE Exam Pattern, covering multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical answer-type (NAT) questions, and multiple-select questions (MSQs). These mock tests are available online, either officially by exam authorities or through various coaching institutes. The following points show the importance of solving GATE Exam Mock Tests.

1. Familiarity with Exam Pattern – GATE Mock Test helps students to understand the question format, marking scheme, and time distribution. 

2. Time Management – The GATE exam is three hours long, requiring a decent approach to attempt all sections. Practicing mock tests enables candidates to allocate time wisely between General Aptitude and core subjects.

3. Self-Assessment and Performance Analysis – Taking multiple GATE Mock Tests helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses. Candidates can evaluate their accuracy, speed, and problem-solving skills through mock test analysis.

4. Improving Accuracy and Reducing Negative Marking – GATE has negative marking for MCQs, regular mock tests help students minimize errors by refining their approach to answering questions.

5. Facing Real Exam Pressure – Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, reducing exam anxiety and increasing confidence. Attempting tests under timed conditions helps candidates get comfortable with the real exam setting.

GATE Exam Preparation Tips

The GATE exam requires strategic preparation to secure a decent score. A structured approach and consistent practice improve GATE exam performance significantly. Below are some important GATE Exam Preparation Tips for students.

1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Understanding the GATE syllabus and exam pattern helps in prioritizing topics. The exam includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT), and Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). The syllabus varies based on the selected engineering discipline.

2. Use Standard Study Materials: Referring to standard books, online courses, and previous years' papers helps in practicing concepts.

3. Practice Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Solving GATE previous year papers and mock tests improves accuracy and time management. It also familiarizes candidates with the difficulty level and question trends. Regular practice helps in identifying strengths and weak areas.

4. Time Management: Managing study time effectively ensures a balanced coverage of all topics. Allocating specific time for theory, problem-solving, and revision enhances retention. Using a study planner or timetable can help in tracking progress.

GATE Exam Books

Choosing the right books for GATE preparation is very important in practicing problems effectively. However, there are many books available in the market, the table below shows some best-selling books recommended for different subjects, along with their publishers.

GATE Answer Key 2026

The GATE Answer Key 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati on their official website. The Answer Key is expected to be released in February 2026 after the examination. Students are requested to keep a regular eye on IIT Guwahati official website for GATE 2026 answer key.

GATE Exam Result 2026

The GATE exam result 2026 will be released on the IIT Guwahati official website. The result is expected to be released in March 2026.

GATE Response Sheet

The GATE exam response sheet 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati after the GATE Examination. The response sheet is expected to be released in February 2026.

GATE Exam Centres

All applicants have to select their three preferred GATE Exam Centres while filling out the application form. Candidates can choose the exam city from their respective zones during the registration process. The GATE exam is conducted across eight zonal centers. Which are:

• IISc Bangalore 
• IIT Delhi 
• IIT Bombay 
• IIT Guwahati 
• IIT Kanpur 
• IIT Kharagpur 
• IIT Madras 
• IIT Roorkee 

GATE Exam Counselling Process

The GATE Exam counselling process is essential for candidates seeking M.Tech admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs or applying for PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) jobs. After qualifying for GATE, candidates must participate in centralized counselling platforms like COAP (for IITs) or CCMT (for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs) to secure admission. Each step, from registration to document verification, requires careful attention to deadlines and eligibility criteria. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the GATE counselling process efficiently. Following is the step by step process of GATE exam counselling.

1. Check GATE Results: Visit the official GATE website and download your scorecard.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Check the eligibility for M.Tech, PSU jobs, or other programs.

3. Register for COAP (For IITs): Candidates seeking IIT admission must register on the COAP portal. The GATE MTech counselling process 2025 (COAP) will start from 13th May 2025.

4. Register for CCMT (For NITs, IIITs, GFTIs): Apply through the CCMT portal for M.Tech admissions in NITs and IIITs.

5. Apply for Direct Admissions (Other Institutes): Some institutes have separate applications. Check their official websites.

6. Participate in Counselling Rounds: Lock choices, check seat allotments, and follow deadlines strictly.

7. Pay Seat Acceptance Fee: If allotted a seat, pay the fee to confirm your admission.

8. Document Verification: Upload and verify documents online or offline as per institute requirements.

9. Confirm Admission: Complete the final admission process by paying tuition fees.

The GATE Exam 2026 will be organized by IIT Guwahati and is expected to be held in February 2026. As per the GATE Exam Schedule, registration typically starts in August, and the Admit Card is released in January. The table below shows some of the key dates concerning GATE Exam 2026.