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

Updated By Falak Khan on 28 Aug, 2025 14:58

GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati for the admission year 2026-2027. GATE is a national-level exam held for admission into M.Tech, M.E, and PhD courses in IITs, NITs, GFTIs, and other premier colleges. GATE is also a gateway for government jobs in PSU recruitments. GATE exam is held annually in February.

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GATE 2026 Exam

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati in the month of February 2026. GATE is a national-level exam conducted for ME, M.Tech, and PhD admissions in IITs, NITs, GFTIs, IIITs, and other participating colleges. GATE exam score is also used for government job recruitments at PSUs, also known as Public Sector Undertakings. Some of the top PSUs accepting GATE scores to offer government jobs in India are NTPC, GAIL, PGCIL, HPCL, BHEL, NHPC, BSNL, BARC, DRDO etc. GATE The GATE exam 2026 will be held for 30 different engineering specializations. You can choose to appear for more than one GATE engineering paper.

IIT Guwahati has launched GATE 2026 official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. All the important dates and latest information related to the upcoming entrance exam is mentioned on the website. GATE 2026 registration has commenced on August 28, 2025. The last date to apply for GATE 2026 without a late fee is September 28, 2025, and with a late fee is October 9, 2025. GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 & 15.

Read further below to know about GATE 2026 exam dates, paper combinations, list of engineering papers, and more. 

Quick Links:

GATE 2026 Exam DateGATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2025 Latest Updates

  • Aug 25, 2025:

    GATE 2026 Registration Dates Revised - Registration for the GATE 2026 examination will open on August 28, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and required documents before applying. The registration will close on September 28, 2025, without a late fee, and on October 9, 2025, with a late fee.

  • Aug 25, 2025:

    GATE 2026 Exam Centres List Released - IIT Guwahati has released a tentative list of examination cities for the upcoming GATE 2026 exam. Candidates can refer to this list to identify their preferred examination locations. Please note that there are no international centres for the GATE 2026 examination.

  • Aug 25, 2025:

    New Sectional Paper in GATE 2026 Introduced - A new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I) has been introduced in the Engineering Sciences (XE) paper for GATE 2026. This addition expands the range of subjects available for candidates taking the examination, which assesses understanding in various engineering and science disciplines.

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What’s New in GATE 2026?

For the GATE 2026 exam, the following changes have been made in the examination process: 

  • A new sectional paper is being introduced on Energy Science (XE-I) in Engineering Science (XE) paper.

  • The application fee for Unreserved categories including foreign nationals has been increased from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 2000 this year. Alongside the fee amount for SC/ ST/ PwD/ Female candidates has been revised from Rs. 900 to Rs. 1000 for the upcoming session. 

  • Students can now appear for one or two papers in GATE 2026.

  • Only selected two-paper combinations are allowed for students appearing in two papers.

Quick Links:

GATE 2026 Exam CentresGATE 2026 Admit Card

GATE Conducting Body

The 7 prestigious IITs and IISc Bangalore jointly administer the national-level Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) entrance exam every year. It follows an 8-year rotation pattern in which each institute conducts the GATE exam at regular intervals. The GATE zonal office of the specific institute, one of the eight zones where the GATE exam will be held, is in charge of overseeing GATE exam-related activities, from registration, admit card release to exam conduct, followed by result declaration. The conducting body for GATE exam 2026 this year is IIT Guwahati.

Check out the GATE conducting body of the last 6 years below. 

Year

GATE Conducting Body

2026

IIT Guwahati

2025

IIT Roorkee

2024

IISc Bangalore

2023

IIT Kanpur

2022

IIT Kharagpur

2021

IIT Bombay

GATE 2026 Exam Highlights

Here is an overview of GATE 2026 exam key features: 

Particular

Details

Name of the Exam

Graduate Admission Test in Engineering (GATE)

Conducting Body of GATE 2026

IIT Guwahati

GATE 2026 Official Website

gate2026.iitg.ac.in (Active)

GATE Exam Dates 2026

February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026

Application Mode

Online

Application Fees

  • Rs. 2000 (for Unreserved Categories and Foreign Nationals)

  • Rs. 1000 (for SC, ST, PwD, Female Candidates) 

Total No. of GATE Papers/ Subjects

30

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (Online)

Minimum Eligibility

Must have passed a Bachelor’s degree such as B.Tech or a Master’s degree such as M.Sc.

Total No. of Questions in GATE 2026 Exam

65

GATE 2026 Total Marks

100

Questions Type

MCQ, MSQ, NAT-type questions 

Exam Level

National

GATE Exam Frequency

Once a year

Purpose of the Exam

  • The entrance exam is conducted for M.Tech admission in IITs, NITs, IIITs and other government and private engineering colleges.

  • GATE score is also valid for PSU recruitment.

Admission Process

  • Students for admission to IITs will have to participate in the COAP counselling process after GATE results

  • Students aspiring for admission to NITs will have to participate in the CCMT counselling process after GATE results.

Validity of GATE Score

3 years from the date of examination

Most Opted GATE Paper

Computer Science and Information Technology (As per recent trends)

Least Opted GATE Paper

Geology and Geophysics, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (As per recent trends)

Top Engineering Colleges :

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

GATE 2026 exam dates have been released along with the official notification in August 2025. We have updated GATE important dates 2026 for all events in the table below. 

EventsDates (Tentative)
Launch of GATE 2026 WebsiteAugust 6, 2025 (Active)
Commencement of GATE 2026 Registration through GOAPSAugust 28, 2025 (Revised)
Last Date for GATE 2026 Registration Form Submission without Late Fee

September 28, 2025 (Revised)

Extended Date for Submission of Online Application Form with Late Fee

October 9, 2025 (Revised)

GATE 2026 Application Form ScrutinyOctober 2025
GATE 2026 New Two-Paper Combination FacilityOctober 2025
Availability of GATE 2026 Mock Test LinkOctober 2025
GATE 2026 Registration Form Correction Window 

October to November 2025

Release of GATE Admit Card 2026

January 2026

GATE 2026 Exam February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026
Release of GATE Response Sheet 2026February 2026
Release of GATE 2026 Provisional Answer Key February 2026
GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Window

February to March 2026

Release of GATE 2026 Final Answer KeyMarch 2026
GATE 2026 Result AnnouncementMarch 19, 2026
Availability of GATE 2026 ScorecardMarch 2026
Commencement of GATE 2026 COAP CounsellingMarch 2026
Commencement of GATE CCMT Counselling 2026 May 2026

Quick Links:

GATE 2026 Exam PatternGATE 2026 Syllabus

List of Two Paper Combinations in GATE 2026

The list of GATE 2026 two paper combinations has been released by IIT Guwahati. In the GATE 2026 exam, students are allowed to appear for more than 1 paper. If you want, you can appear for two GATE papers. However, you can opt for 2 GATE engineering papers as per the paper combination released by the IIT Guwahati only. You can check out the list of GATE two paper combinations for 2026 below. 

GATE Two Paper Combination List (Table 1)

Code of the First GATE PaperCode of the GATE Second PaperCode of the First GATE PaperCode of the Second GATE Paper
AECE, XE, MEGGGE
AGCEINBM, EC, ME, EE
ARCE, GEMACS, ST, DA, PH
BMBT, INMEAE, NM, DA, IN, PI, XE
BTBM, XLMN-
CEAE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XEMTXE
CHES, PE, XENMCE, ME
CSMA, DA, EC, GE, PH, STPECH
CYXE, XLPHCS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE
DACS, ME, PH, ST, XE, EC, EE, MAPIME, XE
ECDA, EE, IN, PH, CSSTCS, XH, DA, MA
EEEC, DA, IN, PHTF-
GEAR, CE, ES, GG, CS, XLCY, EY, BT,
EYXLXHST
ESCE, CH, GEXECY, AE, CE, CH, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI

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FAQs about GATE

How many attempts for GATE?

There is no limit on the number of attempts in the GATE exam. GATE is conducted annually, so you can appear only once a year. If you want, you can reapply for the GATE exam next year. 

When can I apply for GATE 2026?

The GATE 2026 application form will likely be released in August 2025. You can apply on the GATE 2026 GOAPS portal. 

Is GATE tougher than JEE?

GATE is generally considered to be tougher than JEE Main. GATE exam syllabus is at per undergraduate level, whereas JEE Main syllabus is as per Class 11th and 12th. The GATE exam requires a deeper understanding of the concepts. 

How to prepare for the GATE exam in 2026?

If you are aiming for the GATE 2026 exam, you must begin your preparation at least 8 to 9 months before the exam. Make a proper GATE study timetable, add all the topics and chapters in it. Study as per the plan, understand the concept, and join a good coaching centre if needed. Solve previous year papers, mock tests, and sample papers regularly. Revise the syllabus timely manner. 

What is the GATE cut off for 2026?

GATE 2026 cut off will be released along with the GATE result 2026 in the month of March 2026. The GATE qualifying cutoff marks are the minimum marks that you must score to pass the exam. GATE admission cutoff will be released by the respective college during the GATE counselling. 

Who will conduct the GATE exam in 2026?

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati in the month of February 2026.

Do I need to fill two GATE application forms 2026 to appear in two papers?

No, you dont need to fill two GATE registration forms to appear in two papers. You can choose two paper combination from the set and fill out the SINGLE GATE 2026 application form.

What is the qualifying marks for GATE?

For General students, the expected qualifying mark is 35.5. OBC students are expected to achieve a minimum of 31.9 marks, while SC/ST/PWD students have a lower threshold of 23.6 marks.

Which branch is best in GATE?

There is no specific best branch in GATE 2026. The exam conducting body conducts GATE exam papers in various branches so that students interested in different engineering specializations can get admission to top MTech colleges. However, many students find Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) to be the best branch of GATE.

Which branch is toughest in GATE?

Electronics and communication engineering, mining, physics, and electrical are the most difficult branches in the GATE exam.

Is GATE conducted 2 times a year?

No, the GATE exam is conducted only one time a year.

What is the GAT-B exam?

Graduate Aptitude Test - Biotechnology (GAT-B) all-India entrance test conducted annually to offer admissions to different courses in the department of biotechnology. 

Can I participate in any of the sessions for a paper that is being held in more than one session?

NO. Each candidate will only be assigned with one of the many sessions of a specific paper.

How many GATE papers may I apply for?

A student may submit an application for ONE or TWO of the 30 papers listed in the GATE INFORMATION BROCHURE or on the GATE website (choosing from the list of combinations provided under Two Paper Combinations). The student is in charge of selecting the right paper. 

The following suggestions offer some principles in this regard:

  • The students are required to participate in paper(s) related to the field of their qualifying degree, up to two depending on the combinations listed in Two Paper Combinations.
  • However, the students are allowed to select any other paper in accordance with their admission strategy, keeping in mind the requirements of the institutions they desire to apply to for admission.

How can I register for GATE?

Students must complete and submit the GATE online application form in order to register for the entrance exam. For further information on how to complete and submit a GATE application, students can refer to the information above.

How can I pay the fee for the GATE exam?

After completing the online application form on the GATE website, the payment option will be displayed. Any of the listed payment alternatives are available to the student. The student is required to pay any additional fees, such as service fees, processing fees, or bank fees.

Is there a maximum age to take the GATE exam?

No, there is no upper age limit for GATE participation.

Who conducts the GATE exam every year?

GATE examination is conducted on a rotational basis by all the seven IITs and IISc Bangalore every year. GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati.

Can a GATE qualified student apply for M.Tech/M.E admission in institutes of national importance only?

No, in addition to the institutes of national importance, GATE qualified students can apply for admissions in any institute offering M.Tech/M.E/MS/Direct PhD admissions.

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My gate score is 534 and air is 2362 , general category. Where can I expect my admission. Can I get microelectronics in bits

-dibya das mohapatraUpdated on September 04, 2025 11:57 PM
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Aston, Student / Alumni

Due to high competition for Microelectronics at BITS, a GATE score of 534 might be challenging. LPU's M.Tech in VLSI/Microelectronics presents a great alternative. The program features state-of-the-art labs, expert faculty, and an industry-aligned curriculum. With a focus on practical skills and real-world projects, it prepares students for promising careers.

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Aston, Student / Alumni

LPU is an excellent option, as it accepts GATE scores for admission to its M.Tech. programs. You should contact the LPU admission office directly for specific eligibility and scholarship details about their Data science and Artificial intelligence programs.

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sampreetkaur, Student / Alumni

With a GATE Score of 365, it may be tough to get core branches like electrical in top IITs or NITs as their cut offs are usually higher. but don't worry, LPU also offers electrical engineering programs with good labs, industry tie-ups and placement support so its a great choice.

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Is there any entrance exam for joining this college or my kcet score only

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Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) accepts results from various entrance exams for admission, such as KCET, COMEDK, GATE & KMAT amongst others. Admission is based upon the candidate's rank in these exams, followed by counselling. If you have further queries regarding Engineering course admission, you can write to hello@collegedekho.com or call our toll free number 18005729877, or simply fill out our Common Application Form on the website.

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-chirag vyasUpdated on March 25, 2025 06:31 PM
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Rupsa, Content Team

Dear Student,

Agar aap ka GATE score 530 hain, to NIT Durgapur, IIIT Bihar aur IITDM Kurnool mein Data Science & Artificial Intelligence course ke liye admission mil sakta hain. Agar aap OPEN Category se belong karte hain, toh NIT Durgapur mein aap ko shayad admission na mile, but OBC-NCL/ EWS ategory mein admission mil sakti hain. Aap doosre NIT colleges accepting GATE score 500-600 bhi check kar sakte hain. Unfortunately, GATE score 530 pe aap ko kisi bhi IIT mein admission nahi milegi. 

We hope this answers your query. Good luck!

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Cut off for BC

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Rupsa, Content Team

Dear Student,

I understand that you are asking about the GATE cutoff for BC category (OBC category) for PG admission. As for the academic year 2025, the GATE cutoff 2025 for the BC category will be released after the examination. The cutoff marks for BC category varies for different engineering courses. Based on the past year's cutoff trends, the expected GATE cutoff for BC category for Mechanical Engineering will be between 25.2 to 25.9; for Chemical Engineering it can be 22 to 24 and for Electronics & Communication Engineering it can be 22 to 26. Note that compared to the …

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Engineering 4th year student eligible for gate exam?

-AnonymousUpdated on August 10, 2024 05:49 PM
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Milind M Ayachit, Student / Alumni

Yes, even 3 Rd year students are also eligible

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Can a Diploma in Engineering student apply for GATE exam?

-Pradee kumar beheraUpdated on March 17, 2022 09:26 AM
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priyal gogna, Student / Alumni

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priyal gogna, Student / Alumni

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-Venkata PraneethUpdated on July 27, 2020 11:12 AM
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Venkata Praneeth, Student / Alumni

Hai can you please give topic wise weightage in subjects of category B,similar to the one you have given for category-A

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Is it possible to take admission in nit warangal without qualifying gate by management quota

-Vinay kumar kasanaboinaUpdated on May 27, 2020 06:13 AM
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Admin, System Team

Dear Student,

There is no management quota admission in NIT Warangal for M.Tech courses. Candidates must qualify GATE and take part in the CCMT counselling process to be eligible for admission. 

NIT Warangal grants direct admission only to candidates who have completed their B.Tech from IIT with a CGPA of 8.0. Sponsored candidates (sponsored by companies or industries) are also eligible for direct admission in NIT Warangal. 

For more details, you can check the link below -

How to Get M.Tech Admission without GATE Score?

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