The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 notification has been officially released by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing institute for this prestigious national-level examination. GATE is a gateway for engineering, technology, science, architecture, commerce, arts, and humanities graduates to pursue postgraduate programs like M.Tech, M.E., and Ph.D. at top institutes such as IITs, NITs, and IISc, or to secure recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Here we provides a comprehensive overview of the GATE 2026 notification, including key dates, eligibility, exam pattern, and more.
Key Highlights of GATE 2026
- Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati
- Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
- Registration Start Date: August 28, 2025
- Total Papers: 30, including a new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I)
- Purpose: Admission to postgraduate programs, scholarships, and PSU recruitment
- Official Website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
GATE 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT) designed to assess candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects across various disciplines. It is conducted by IITs and IISc on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Important Dates for GATE 2026
Here’s the official schedule for GATE 2026 as per the notification:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August 6, 2025 |
| Information Brochure Release | August 21, 2025 |
| Online Application Starts (GOAPS Portal) | August 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | September 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | October 9, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | November 6, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| Response Sheet Availability | February 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | February 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
| Scorecard Download (Free) | March 27 – May 31, 2026 |
| Scorecard Download (With ₹500 Fee) | June 1 – December 31, 2026 |
| COAP Counseling Portal Opens | March 2026 |
Note: Dates are subject to change. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
GATE 2026 has flexible eligibility criteria, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. Key points include:
- Educational Qualifications:
- Candidates in the 3rd year or higher of undergraduate programs in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in these fields.
- Students in the 5th, 6th, or 7th semester of MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc, or B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) programs.
- Holders of professional society certifications (e.g., AMIE, AMICE, AMIETE) recognized by MoE/AICTE/UGC.
- Age Limit: No age restriction.
- Nationality: Indian and international candidates are eligible.
- Attempts: No limit on the number of attempts.
- International Candidates: Must travel to India for the exam unless appearing at centers in Dubai or Singapore.
Candidates with backlogs can apply but must submit a final-year mark sheet or provisional certificate during the application process.
GATE 2026 Application Process
The application process for GATE 2026 is entirely online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Register on GOAPS: Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in, click “New User,” and provide your name, email, and mobile number to create an account.
- Fill Application Form: Log in to GOAPS and enter personal details, academic qualifications, preferred GATE paper(s) (up to two from approved combinations), and exam city preferences.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB), signature (JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB), and category/degree certificates (PDF, up to 300 KB) if applicable.
- Pay Application Fee:
- Indian Candidates:
- Female/SC/ST/PwD: ₹1000 (regular), ₹1500 (extended period)
- Others: ₹2000 (regular), ₹2500 (extended period)
- International Candidates:
- India: $100
- Dubai: $200
- Singapore: $300
- Payment modes: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or PayPal (for international candidates).
- Indian Candidates:
- Submit Form: Review and submit the application. Save the confirmation page for reference.
- Correction Window: Make corrections during November 2025, if needed.
Note: Fees for two papers are double the single-paper fee. No refunds for multiple applications; only one will be considered.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE 2026 exam is a 3-hour CBT with 65 questions totaling 100 marks. Key details:
- Sections:
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks (10 questions, compulsory)
- Subject-Specific: 85 marks (55 questions, including Engineering Mathematics for some papers)
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 1 or 2 marks, with negative marking (1/3 for 1-mark, 2/3 for 2-mark).
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): 1 or 2 marks, no negative marking.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): 1 or 2 marks, no negative marking.
- Papers: 30 papers, including the new Energy Science (XE-I) under Engineering Sciences (XE).
- Language: English.
- Tools: A virtual scientific calculator is provided on-screen; physical calculators are not allowed.
Paper-wise Weightage:
- Papers like CE, CS, EC, ME: GA (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), Subject (72 marks).
- Papers like CY, MA, PH: GA (15 marks), Subject (85 marks).
Candidates can refer to the official syllabus for detailed topics, covering General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core disciplines.
New Changes in GATE 2026
- Energy Science Paper: A new sectional paper (XE-I) has been introduced under Engineering Sciences (XE), focusing on energy-related topics.
- Revised Registration Dates: Registration now starts on August 28, 2025, and ends on September 28, 2025 (without late fee).
- Expanded Eligibility: Third-year undergraduate students are eligible, making GATE more accessible.
Benefits of Qualifying GATE 2026
Qualifying GATE 2026 opens numerous opportunities:
- Postgraduate Admissions: Secure seats in M.Tech, M.E., M.S., or Ph.D. programs at IITs, NITs, IISc, and other institutes.
- Scholarships: Eligible for AICTE scholarships (₹12,400/month for 24 months) for M.Tech programs at AICTE-approved institutes.
- PSU Recruitment: Scores are used by PSUs like NTPC, ONGC, IOCL, BHEL, and SAIL for hiring.
- Government Jobs: Qualify for Group-A posts like Senior Field Officer in the Cabinet Secretariat.
- International Opportunities: Some foreign universities accept GATE scores for admissions.
- Score Validity: GATE scores are valid for 3 years for academic purposes.
How to Prepare for GATE 2026
- Understand the Syllabus: Download the GATE 2026 syllabus from the official website and focus on high-weightage topics.
- Study Resources: Use standard textbooks, online courses, and GATE preparation books.
- Practice: Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule to cover General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core subjects.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check gate2026.iitg.ac.in for updates on syllabus, exam cities, and more.
GATE 2026 is a critical opportunity for aspiring engineers and professionals to advance their academic and career prospects. With the notification out and registration starting on August 28, 2025, now is the time to begin your preparation. Visit the official website for the detailed information brochure, syllabus, and application process. Stay focused, prepare strategically, and aim for a top score to unlock prestigious opportunities in academia and industry!
For more information visit : https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/important-dates.html