GATE 2026 Exam :Admit Card (Out), Exam Dates (Out), Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

Latest updates:

• GATE 2026 Admit Card has been released on 13th January, 2026.
• As per the official schedule, the GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, and the results will be announced on March 19, 2026.
• GATE 2026 exam details have been released, a new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I) is being introduced in the Engineering Science (XE) paper.

👉 Check more latest updates on GATE 2026

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 MTech courses offered by IITs, NITs, and various other institutions. IITs jointly conduct the exam. IIT Guwahati will be conducting the GATE Exam 2026. GATE exam 2026 Admit Card has been released on 13th January, 2026. The exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, and the GATE Exam result 2026 is expected to be declared in March 2026. The GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria includes 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 complete the GATE Exam Application Process, students have to fill out the GATE exam application form on the official website released by IIT Guwahati. 

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 2026 exam, which was conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, with results announced on March 19, 2026. 

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 admit card of GATE 2026 has been released today, January 13, 2026 by IIT Guwahati on their official website. It can be downloaded from the official GOAPS portal using the registered enrollment ID and password. 

The GATE admit card contains:

• Candidate’s name, photograph, and signature
• GATE paper code and exam date & time
• Exam centre details
• Other guidelines/instructions for exam day 

Also Check:GATE 2026 Admit Card OUT

How to Download Admit card

Steps to download admit card is mentioned below.

• Students have to visit the official GATE portal to download admit card through download link ( through gate2026.iitg.ac.in or the GOAPS portal). 
• Enter your enrollment ID and password to access and download your hall ticket. 
• The admit card must be printed clearly and carried to the exam centre. 

What to Carry to the Exam?

Important documents student need to take with him in examination hall.

• Printed admit card
• Valid photo ID proof as mentioned in the application form
• Students may bring pen and pencil and a transparent water bottle (as per centre rules) 

GATE Exam Application Form 2026

The GATE Exam Application Form has been closed in october 2025 for 2026. Students are highly encouraged to look out for the official website of IIT Guwahati for the latest updates and notifications of the exam.

• Application for GATE 2026 must be submitted online through GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), accessible from the GATE 2026 website, by paying the prescribed application fee.
• The photograph, signature, photo ID, and certificates such as SC/ST/PwD/Dyslexia, wherever applicable, must be uploaded during the online application. 
• The accepted photo identification cards are: Aadhaar-UID, Aadhaar Virtual ID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID card, Driving License, and any valid photo ID issued by Central or State Government. 
• Candidates must produce the same original valid photo identification card (Photo ID) during the examination for verification purposes, failing which the candidate may not be allowed to appear for the examination. Candidates must upload the photo ID that has been issued most recently (to facilitate easier verification of the candidate).
• Pay the application fee through the listed electronic payment modes. 
• Check the status of the application form: Received/Under scrutiny/Accepted/Defect status/Status after rectification/Rejected with valid reasons, etc. Only one person can register with one email address.

Data Required for Filling the Application Form The following data will be required while filling the online application form 

• Personal details (name, date of birth, personal mobile number, name and mobile number of parent or guardian, etc.). 
• The name of the candidate in the application form must be exactly the same as that in the valid photo ID, which the candidate must produce in original while appearing for GATE 2026 examination at the centre. 
• Candidates are advised to ensure that the date of birth provided in the application form matches exactly with that mentioned in the photo ID. 
• GATE 2026 scorecard will be issued as per the name entered in the application form. Prefixes/titles such as Mr./Shri/Dr./Mrs./Smt./Prof./Capt./Maj./Lt./Col., etc. must not be used before the name. 
• Address for communication including PIN code 
• Details of the Eligibility degree  
• Institute/College name and address (where the candidate is studying or have graduated from) with PIN code 
• Choice of GATE test paper(s) 
• Choice(s) of GATE examination cities 
• Good quality image of the candidate’s photograph conforming to the specifications as given in Section 6.7  
• Good quality image of the candidate’s signature conforming to the specifications as given in Section 6.7   
• Scanned copy of valid photo Identity Document (ID) (The same ID, in original, MUST be produced while appearing for GATE 2026) 
• Scanned copy of the Category (SC/ST) certificate, if applicable, in PDF format 
• Scanned copy of UDID (preferred)/PwD Certificate, if applicable, in PDF format 
• Scanned copy of Dyslexic Certificate, if applicable, in PDF format 
• Net-banking/debit card/credit card/UPI/wallet details for fee payment 

GATE 2026 Application Fees

GATE 2026 Application Fees is based on category and period in which a student has done payment. Payments must be made online by using net banking/debit card/credit card/wallet/UPI.

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 has been released on 5th August 2025 by IIT Guwahati. The common requirements of the GATE Exam are shown in the table below.

GATE Exam Two-Paper Combination

GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers. The following table shows the list of papers with codes.

A candidate is allowed to appear in either ONE or UP TO TWO test papers. The GATE Exam Syllabus 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati on its official website. The GATE 2026 Syllabus can be downloaded from the subject-wise links given below.

GATE Mock Test 2026

GATE Mock Test 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 its 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.

How to Check the GATE 2026 Answer Key?

Here are the steps to download GATE 2026 Answer key.

• Students have to visit the official GATE 2026 website (gate2026.iitg.ac.in).
• Log in with your enrollment ID and password
• Find the link to the answer key and your response sheet to download them as PDFs.

GATE Exam Result 2026

The GATE exam result 2026 will be released on the IIT Guwahati official website. The GATE 2026 Result will be released on 19th March 2026.

How to Check the GATE 2026 Result?

Here are the steps to download the GATE 2026 Result.

• Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
• Click on the GOAPS login link.
• Enter your enrollment ID/email ID and password.
• Click on Submit to view and download the scorecard.
• Save and print the scorecard for future reference.

GATE Response Sheet 2026

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 2026

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 2026 (COAP) will start from May 2026.

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 will be conducted 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 the GATE exam 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.

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

The GATE Exam cutoff for each paper will be released after the commencement of GATE 2026 Examination. The cutoff generally varies with the total number of test takers, the difficulty level of the GATE 2026 question paper, and applicant categories. Below in the table is the GATE 2026 Cutoff for candidates reference.

FAQs Regarding GATE 2026

Ques. What are the qualifying marks for GATE 2026?

Ans. The minimum scores required to clear GATE 2026 are 25-35 for the general category and lower than 25 for other categories like SC/ST.

Ques. Is 40 marks good in GATE?

Ans. Yes, the GATE 2026 minimum requirement is 25-35 marks for general, but it is not high enough to get admission in IITs/NITs.

Ques. What are the jobs after GATE 2026?

Ans. Students who have cleared the GATE examination have the opportunity to work in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like IOCL, NTPC, GAIL, BHEL, ONGC, Research & Development (DRDO, ISRO, BARC), Academia (lecturer, professor), and higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D. in IITs/IISc).

Ques. What are the total number of questions in GATE 2026 Exam?

Ans.The total number of questions are 65, out of which 10 questions are from general aptitude and rest from the subject chosen.

Ques. Which college is best after the GATE 2026 exam?

Ans. As per SYU experts, top colleges after the GATE exam are Acharya Institute of Technology - [AIT], ANNA University - [AURCC], Anna University, Chennai, Babu Banarasi Das University - [BBDU], and Dr. Harisingh Gour University.