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GATE 2026: Important Dates, Exam Pattern, Admit Card & Syllabus
January 22, 2026 | By BMUTL;DR
- GATE 2026 is a national-level exam for M.Tech./ME/Ph.D. admissions and PSU jobs
- Conducted by IIT Guwahati
- Exam dates- 7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026
- Computer-Based Test with 30 papers
- New addition- Energy Science (XE-I) paper
- Question types- MCQ, MSQ, NAT
- Duration- 3 hours | 65 questions | 100 marks
- Score validity- 3 years
- Open to final-year students and graduates from engineering, science and allied fields
- Early understanding of syllabus and pattern boosts preparation and success
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, known as GATE exam, is recognised as a golden opportunity for aspirants who dream of getting admission in top universities. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. This national-level examination is designed for students to assess their conceptual understanding as well as problem-solving skills in various engineering, technology, science, architecture and humanities subjects.
If you want to secure admission to M.Tech, ME or Ph.D. courses in leading universities or want to make a career in PSUs like ONGC, DRDO, ISRO and more, this exam is your gateway. Check this guide to get full information and the latest updates about the GATE 2026 exam!
GATE 2026 Exam Overview
| Aspects | Details |
| GATE Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Organising Institute Name | IIT Guwahati |
| GATE 2026 Exam Date | 7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Papers | 30 Subjects |
| New Addition of Paper | Energy Science (XE-I) paper |
| GATE 2026 Registration Date | 28 August 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Registration Last Date
(Without Late Fee) |
Extended till 6 October 2025 |
| GATE Exam Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | 1 & 2 mark questions;
Negative marking for MCQs only |
| Exam Language | English |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) with Subject Paper (some include Engineering Mathematics) |
| GATE 2026 Result Date | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
GATE Exam 2026- What’s New?
- GATE 2026 will have a total of 30 test papers comprising full and sectional papers.
- A new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I) is introduced in Engineering Sciences (XE) paper.
- A candidate can appear for one or two test papers.
- Only selected two-paper combinations are allowed for candidates appearing in two papers.
- GATE score obtained by the candidate will remain valid for a period of THREE years from the date of result announcement.
GATE 2026 Exam Date
The GATE 2026 exam schedule has been released on the official website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/examination-schedule.html. Below is the detailed schedule for you-
| Date | Day | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
| February 07, 2026 | Saturday | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | ||
| February 08, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CS-1, ST |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | ||
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | ||
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | EC |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AR, DA |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
| Parameters | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Papers | 30 Test Papers |
| Section of GATE 2026 | ● General Aptitude (GA)
● Candidate's Selected Subject(s) |
| Type of Questions | ● Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
● Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) ● Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Skills Testing | ● Recall
● Comprehension ● Application ● Analysis & Synthesis |
| Marks Distribution (Except these papers- AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | ● General Aptitude- 15 marks
● Engineering Mathematics- 13 marks ● Subject Questions- 72 marks ● Total Marks- 100 |
| Marks Allocation (for these papers- AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | ● General Aptitude- 15 marks
● Subject Questions- 85 marks ● Total Marks- 100 |
| Marking Scheme | Each question carries either 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | Applicable Only to MCQs-
● For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. ● For 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. No negative marking applies to MSQ and NAT questions. No partial marking is allowed in MSQs. |
GATE 2026 Exam Papers
Below is the GATE test paper name as per their code-
- AE- Aerospace Engineering
- GG- Geology & Geophysics
- AG- Agricultural Engineering
- IN- Instrumentation Engineering
- AR- Architecture and Planning
- MA- Mathematics
- BM- Biomedical Engineering
- ME- Mechanical Engineering
- BT- Biotechnology
- MN- Mining Engineering
- CE- Civil Engineering
- MT- Metallurgical Engineering
- CH- Chemical Engineering
- NM- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
- CS- Computer Science & Information Technology
- PE- Petroleum Engineering
- CY- Chemistry
- PH- Physics
- DA- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- PI- Production & Industrial Engineering
- EC- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- ST- Statistics
- EE- Electrical Engineering
- TF- Textile Engineering & Fibre Science
- ES- Environmental Science & Engineering
- XE- Engineering Sciences
- EY- Ecology and Evolution
- XH- Humanities & Social Sciences
- GE- Geomatics Engineering
- XL- Life Sciences
Is the GATE 2026 Syllabus Released?
Yes, the syllabus of the GATE 2026 exam is available for aspirants. Below is the detailed structure of the exam curriculum-
General Aptitude
What topics should you cover?
- Verbal Ability- Grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude- DI, algebra, arithmetic, probability
- Reasoning- Analytical & logical reasoning
Subject-Wise Syllabus for GATE Exam
| Subjects | Topics |
| Computer Science (CS) | ● Programming & Data Structures
● Algorithms ● Operating Systems ● Databases ● Computer Networks ● Digital Logic ● Theory of Computation ● Compiler Design |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | ● Thermodynamics
● Heat Transfer ● Fluid Mechanics ● SoM ● Manufacturing ● Industrial Engineering ● Machine Design |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | ● Structural Engineering
● Geotechnical Engineering ● Transportation Engineering ● Environmental Engineering ● Fluid Mechanics & Hydrology |
| Electronics & Communication (EC) | ● Networks
● Signals & Systems ● Control Systems ● Analogue & Digital Circuits ● Communications ● Electromagnetics |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | ● Electric Circuits
● Machines ● Power Systems ● Signals ● Control Systems ● Power Electronic |
| Chemical Engineering (CH) | ● Process Calculations
● Fluid Mechanics ● Heat & Mass Transfer ● Chemical Reaction Engineering ● Plant Design |
| Data Science & AI (DA) | ● Probability & Statistics
● Data Analytics ● Machine Learning ● Deep Learning ● Databases ● Programming |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Academic Background | Required Qualification | Who Can Apply |
| Engineering / Technology / Pharmacy | Undergraduate degree completed after 10+2, B.Sc. or Diploma (minimum 4 years) | Final-year students and graduates |
| Architecture / Planning | Degree in Architecture, Naval Architecture or Planning (4–5 years) | Students in later years or degree holders |
| Science (Research Track) | Science-based bachelor’s degree with extended duration | Eligible from advanced study years or after completion |
| Doctor of Pharmacy | Six-year professional doctoral programme including internship | Students in advanced years or completed |
| Medical & Veterinary Sciences | Recognised professional medical or veterinary degree | From mid-programme onward or completed |
| Postgraduate Degrees | Master’s degree in science, arts, mathematics, statistics or computing | First-year PG students and above |
| Integrated Engineering (Post-B.Sc.) | Four-year integrated master’s programme | Any year of study or completed |
| Integrated / Dual Degree (After 10+2 or Diploma) | Five-year integrated or dual-degree programme | Eligible from mid-programme onward |
| General Bachelor’s Degrees | Three-year undergraduate degree in science, arts or commerce | Final-year students or graduates |
| Integrated Science Programmes | Five-year integrated M.Sc. or B.S.–M.S. degrees | Students from third year onward |
| Professional Society Qualifications | Engineering-equivalent certifications approved by authorities | Section A or equivalent completed |
| Agricultural & Allied Sciences | Four-year degree in agriculture, horticulture or forestry | Third/final-year students or graduates |
How to Apply for the GATE Exam in 2026?
To apply to the GATE 2026 exam, you have to follow a step-by-step procedure-
Step 1- Apply Online via Application Form
Fill out the GATE 2026 application form with the following data-
- Personal Details- Name, date of birth, address, pin code and more
- Eligibility degree information
- GATE test paper(s) choice
- Three GATE examination cities from same zone
Step 2- Create ID and Password
Once you submit registration details successfully, a registration ID will be created. You have to set a password for your account.
Step 3- Log in to Your Account
After successful account creation, log in to your account via registration ID and password. Verify and edit your information if required to finalise your registration process.
Step 4- Necessary Documents
- Image of the candidate with signature
- Scanned copy of a photo ID document
- Scanned copy of the Category (SC/ST) certificate (if necessary) in PDF format
- Scanned copy of UDID (preferred)/PwD Certificate (if required) in PDF format
- Scanned copy of Dyslexic Certificate (if necessary) in PDF format
- Relevant Annexure(s) in PDF format
Step 5- Submit and Pay the Fee
Before submitting, you must thoroughly check all your information. After submission, pay the GATE 2026 application fee via debit card, credit card, UPI, net-banking, etc. Here is the detailed fee structure for exam-
| Category | Regular Period | During Extended Period |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD Candidates (per test paper) | INR 1000 | INR 1500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals
(per test paper) |
INR 2000 | INR 2500 |
GATE Admit Card 2026
According to the latest information, the GATE Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released by the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, at any time. The authority has not officially confirmed any date for GATE Admit Card 2026 on their portal. But, candidates need to be stay updated by checking the official website for admit card latest information- gate2026.iitg.ac.in
10 Effective GATE 2026 Preparation Tips
The GATE exam, conducted by IIT Guwahati, is one of the prestigious exams for engineering graduates. As we know, lakhs of aspirants appear for the GATE exam every year, which makes the competition tough for students. That’s why you need to follow some effective and best preparation strategies to clear your exam like
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly
- Make a study plan for consistent learning and preparation
- Try to find refer to standard books and quality study material
- Practice previous year question papers
- Take mock tests regularly to analyse your performance
- Focus on conceptual clarity, not rote learning
- Time management & revision strategy for speed and accuracy
- Don't forget to cover General Aptitude and Mathematics as they are Key
- Stay consistent for positivity and motivation
- Maintain a healthy routine to reduce stress
GATE 2026 Exam Results
The result date has already been announced on the official website by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. The expected date of the GATE exam result 2026 is March 19. Students can easily check and download their scorecard on the website by using their enrollment ID and password. Also, remember the GATE scorecard is valid only for three years from the date of result announcement.
Conclusion
GATE 2026 continues to be the most important competitive exam for engineering, science as well as technology aspirants in India. Whether your goal is higher education at top institutes or securing prestigious PSU jobs, a strong GATE score can offer you a diverse range of career paths.
With updates such as the introduction of the Energy Science paper, flexible paper combinations and a three-year score validity, GATE 2026 offers more opportunities. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility as well as application process early to plan strategically, prepare effectively and maximise your chances of success.
FAQs
GATE 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026, across multiple sessions as per the official notification.
GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on behalf of the National Coordination Board.
Qualifying marks in GATE 2026 depend on the paper and category. General candidates require 25-30 marks, with relaxed cutoffs for OBC, SC and ST.
GATE is quite challenging due to deep conceptual questions and competition, but IIT entrance exams test broader aptitude. The difficulty varies based on preparation, subject strength as well as exam goals.
GATE 2026 enables admission to M.Tech, ME, and PhD programmes, PSU recruitment, international university opportunities and offers a valid score for three years.
Final-year students and graduates from engineering, technology, science, architecture, humanities and related disciplines are eligible for GATE 2026 examination.
No, GATE is conducted once every year, usually in February, by one of the IITs or IISc on a rotational basis.
Scoring 40 marks in GATE is considered good and may qualify candidates for admissions or PSU shortlisting, depending on the paper difficulty, category and overall cutoff trends.
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