Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 – eligibility, documents required, exam schedule, exam pattern and application process.
GATE 2026 – The notification for GATE 2026 has been officially released jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a gateway for admission into postgraduate programs such as M.E., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D. and also plays a vital role in recruitment for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). As per the GATE 2026 Notification, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) is the Organizing Institute (OI) for GATE 2026 exam. The official website of GATE 2026 is https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in. In this post you can find all important details given in the GATE 2026 notification.
- What is Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
- Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
- How to apply for GATE 2026 – Application Process
- Important Dates for GATE 2026
- GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- Opportunities with GATE Qualification
- FAQs
What is Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) ?
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national entrance exam conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) . Each year, the responsibility of organizing GATE is assigned to one of these institutes on a rotational basis. GATE is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) and evaluates the comprehensive understanding of the candidates in various undergraduate subjects in Engineering, Technology, and Architecture; and both undergraduate and post-graduate level subjects in Science, Humanities, Commerce, and Arts.
- The GATE score reflects the relative performance level of the candidate in a particular test paper. GATE score will be valid for THREE YEARS from the date of announcement of results.
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for GATE applicants.
- Nationality: Candidates should be of Indian nationality. Candidates belonging to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and United Arab Emirates will also be eligible.
Educational Eligibility
- Candidates who are currently studying in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate degree program or who have completed any government-approved degree program in Engineering/Technology/Science/Architecture/Commerce/Arts/Humanities are eligible to appear for GATE 2026.
- Before filling the application, candidates must ensure that they meet the educational eligibility criteria of GATE 2026. A candidate who is currently studying in the third or higher years of any undergraduate degree program or who has already completed any government approved degree program in Eng/ Technology/ Architecture/ Science/ Commerce/ Arts/ Humanities is eligible to appear for GATE 2026.
- The following Professional Societies* or Institutions conduct exams in various fields of engineering:
- The Institution of Engineers (India) (IE)
- The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE)
- The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
- The Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, including Polymer and Environmental Group (IIChE)
- The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM)
- The Indian Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIIE) Candidates who possess certification from any of the professional societies must ensure that those exams are approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC as equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./ B.Arch./B.Planning. duration at Candidates who are pursuing their qualifying degree or obtained the degree from countries other than India must be currently in the third or higher years or must have completed their Bachelor’s degree (of least 3 years) in Engineering/Technology/Science/Commerce/Arts/ Architecture/Humanities.
- For complete detail of GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria please refer the information brochure on the official website
How to Apply for GATE 2026 – Application Process
- Applications must be submitted online only through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) with payment of the prescribed fee.
Registration
- A candidate must first register by providing full name (as per the valid photo ID, which candidate MUST bring in original while appearing for GATE 2026 examination at the examination centre), a valid email address, mobile number and by choosing a password. All communication will be sent to this email address and/or mobile number. Only ONE PERSON CAN REGISTER WITH ONE email address.
- No change in email or mobile number will be entertained at a later stage.
Enrolment ID
- Each registered candidate will be provided with a unique Enrolment ID. Upon registration, an email containing the Enrolment ID will be sent to the candidate. The Enrolment ID will be needed for reference in all future communications pertaining to the examination.
Filling in GATE 2026 Application
- After registration, GATE 2026 application must be filled and submitted online only.
- GATE 2026 Application Processing System (GOAPS) allows the candidate to enter the data, save partially filled form, logout and resume filling the form by logging in again. The online application process is self-explanatory and user-friendly.
- Before proceeding to payment, the candidate is advised to check the filled-in application form for any errors by clicking “Save and View Application” button. Once the candidate clicks “Submit and Proceed to Payment” button, no changes can be made to the application.
Documents Required
- Good quality image of the candidate’s photograph and signature conforming to the specifications
- Scanned copy of valid photo Identity Document (ID) (The same ID, in original, MUST be produced while appearing for GATE 2026 examination at the centre)
- 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
- Relevant Annexure(s), if applicable, in PDF format
NOTE
- Ensure that the uploaded documents are readable and clear. Uploading unreadable documents may lead to delays in processing the application and may lead to rejection of candidature.
Application Fee
Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates (per test paper)
- Regular Period (28th Aug to 28th Sept 2025)
- – Regular Period – Rs.1000/-
- – During the Extended Period – Rs.1500/-
All other candidates including foreign nationals (per test paper)
- Extended Period (29th Sept to 09th October 2025)
- – Regular Period – Rs.2000/-
- – During the Extended Period – Rs.2500/-
- *PwD means Persons with Benchmark Disability.
- *PwD means Persons with Disability.
Note:
- *PwD here refers to Persons with Benchmark Disability. Only those candidates with benchmark disability (40% and higher) are eligible for fee concession. For benchmark disabilities, please refer to RPwD Act 2016.
Key Dates of GATE 2026
- GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) opens: August 28, 2025 Closing Date of regular online registration/applications: September 28, 2025
- End of extended period for online registration/ application (with late fee): October 09, 2025
- Last date for change of Category, Paper & Exam City. Adding a new test paper, and change of personal details (additional fee applicable per change): November 06, 2025
- Admit Cards available for download: January 02, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule
Forenoon: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
-
- February 07, 2026 (Saturday)
- February 08, 2026 (Sunday)
- February 14, 2026 (Saturday)
- February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Announcement of Results in the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS): March 19, 2026
- Score Cards available for free download: March 27, 2026 to May 31, 2026
- Score Cards available for download by paying a fee of Rs.500/- per Test Paper: June 01, 2026 to December 31, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 Hours*
- Number of Subjects (Papers): 30 (A new test paper on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) has been introduced this year)
- Sections : General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject(s)
Type of Questions:
(a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
(b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or
(c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Testing of Abilities
(a) Recall
(b) Comprehension
(c) Application
(d) Analysis & Synthesis
Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL :
- General Aptitude: 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics**: 13 marks
- Subject Questions: 72 marks
- Total: 100 marks
- (**XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks)
Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL :
- General Aptitude: 15 marks
- Subject Questions: 85 marks
- Total: 100 marks
Marking Scheme: Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks
Negative Marking
- For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be negative marking.
- For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
- For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
- There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions.
- There is no partial marking in MSQ.
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (GA) Marks | Subject: Compulsory Section | Subject: Optional Section(s) | Total Marks | Total Time* (Minutes) |
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF; Subject marks in these papers include questions on Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), which are paper-specific. | 15 | 85 | — | 100 | 180 |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | 85 | — | 100 | 180 |
| AR: Part A is Common and Compulsory. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1 – Architecture or B2 – Planning | 15 | 60 | 25 | 100 | 180 |
| GE: Part A is Common and Compulsory. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1 – Surveying and Mapping or B2 – Image Processing and Analysis | 15 | 55 | 30 | 100 | 180 |
| GG: Part A is Common and Compulsory. Part B1/B2 must be chosen at the time of application. B1 – Geology or B2 – Geophysics | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XE: Section A (Engineering Mathematics) is Common and Compulsory. Applicants must select any TWO of the other sections during the exam. | 15 | 15 | 2 x 35 | 100 | 180 |
| XH: Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is Common and Compulsory. Applicants must select any ONE of the other sections at the time of application. | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XL: Section P (Chemistry) is Common and Compulsory. Applicants must select any TWO of the other sections during the exam. | 15 | 25 | 2 x 30 | 100 | 180 |
- *PwD candidates with benchmark disability are eligible for the compensatory time of one hour. Thus, they will get one hour extra for a three hour exam.
Exam Cities
- Zone 1 -IISc Bengaluru
- Zone 2- IIT Bombay
- Zone 3- IIT Delhi
- Zone 4- IIT Guwahati
- Zone 5- IIT Kanpur
- Zone 6- IIT Kharagpur
- Zone 7- IIT Madras
- Zone 8- IIT Roorkee
International Centres
- This is a tentative list of examination cities. Any changes will be updated on the website.
Admit Card
- Admit Cards for GATE 2026 would be available for download on the GATE 2026 website. Printed copies of the Admit Cards will not be posted to the candidates
- The candidate must appear at the GATE 2026 Exam Centre on the date and time specified in the Admit Card
- Requests for change in the Centre or Location or Date/Time specified in the Admit Card will not be entertained.
Opportunities with GATE Qualification
- Scholarships/Assistantships for Postgraduate Programs
- Candidates who qualify in GATE are eligible for MoE-funded scholarships/assistantships to pursue M.E., M.Tech., M.S., and PhD programs at centrally funded institutes.
- Admissions are primarily based on GATE scores (with at least 70% weightage), along with tests, interviews, or academic records as required by individual institutes.
- The rules for scholarships/assistantships differ across institutes, while reservation is implemented as per Government of India guidelines.
- In addition, a valid GATE qualification is the minimum criterion for several government fellowships and sponsorship opportunities, including those available to foreign nationals through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Employment Opportunities
- Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) use GATE scores for recruitment, including organizations such as BHEL, ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, POWERGRID, SAIL, GAIL, CIL, NLCIL, NPCIL, and others.
- GATE scores are also considered for direct recruitment to Group-A posts in the Government of India, such as Senior Field Officer and Senior Research Officer positions in the Cabinet Secretariat.
- Additionally, various other organizations may announce recruitment through GATE in Employment News or official notifications.
FAQs
Q. How many GATE papers can I apply for?
Ans. A candidate can apply for ONE or TWO papers (from the given set of combinations as per Two Paper Combinations) out of the 30 papers listed in the GATE 2026 INFORMATION BROCHURE or GATE 2026 website. The choice of the appropriate paper is the responsibility of the candidate. Some guidelines in this respect are suggested below:
- The candidates are expected to appear in paper(s) [up to two as per the given set of combinations in Two Paper Combinations] appropriate to the discipline of their qualifying degree.
- The candidates are however, free to choose any other paper according to their admission plan, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions in which they wish to seek admission.
Q. After submission of application, am I permitted to change my GATE Examination Paper?
Ans. YES. ONLY after the last date for application submission, a request for the change of GATE Examination Paper will be entertained against additional payment. Dates for the same will be announced later. Any request after that date will NOT be considered
Q. Is there any age limit to appear for GATE 2026?
Ans. NO, there is NO age limit to appear for GATE 2026.
Q. Do I need to fill two forms to appear in two papers?
Ans. NO. The two papers option must be selected based on the given set of combinations in a SINGLE form only.
Q. Which Identity Document (ID) will be accepted in the application form?
Ans. For Indian candidates, the following valid photo identification documents/cards will be accepted: Aadhaar-UID (preferable), Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, and Driving License. For foreign nationals, documents like valid Passport, any other valid photo ID issued by their government, Driving License is acceptable.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the number of times one can appear for GATE?
Ans. NO,one can appear for the GATE examination any number of times.
Conclusion
GATE 2026 serves as an opportunity for students and professionals who want to grow in their academic and career journey in engineering, technology, science, and related areas. With clear eligibility rules, an easy online application process, and a well-structured exam, it helps candidates get admission into top postgraduate programs. A good GATE score also provides access to scholarships, fellowships, and job opportunities in PSUs and government organizations. Candidates can leverage GATE as a stepping stone to successful careers in India and abroad.
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