GATE 2026 - The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE exam dates on its official website. According to the official dates released by IIT Guwahati, the GATE exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The GATE registration started on August 28, 2025. The registration deadline has been extended for GATE 2026. Eligible candidates can now apply for the GATE exam till October 7, 2025, without a late fee at iitg.ac.in. The last date to apply for GATE 2026 with a late fee is October 13, 2025.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score is widely accepted by various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India for recruitment to engineering and management positions. Leading PSUs such as ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, GAIL, IOCL, and HPCL use GATE scores to shortlist candidates for interviews, offering a transparent and merit-based selection process. Recently, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has joined the list of PSUs accepting GATE scores, opening new opportunities for engineering graduates in the aviation sector.
GATE 2026 will have a total of 30 test papers, comprising full papers and sectional. Candidates will have the option to appear for one or two test papers from the allowed two-paper combinations. The GATE score obtained by the candidates will remain valid for a period of THREE years from the date of announcement of results. GATE exam 2026 question papers and solutions for previous years have been released officially by IIT Guwahati. Candidates can now download them from the link provided in the article below.
Many coaching institutes will be releasing the subject-wise GATE 2026 analysis for candidates. GATE analysis includes details about the difficulty level of the question, GATE expected cut off, and more. The GATE answer key 2026 will be released for candidates who appeared in the examination. GATE 2026 answer key date is expected around the third or fourth week of February 2026. The answer key can be downloaded along with the response sheet for each subject.
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After the release of the GATE result, the counselling process will start for IITs, IIITs, NITs, and GFTIs. GATE COAP Counselling 2026 will be conducted for admission to IITs, while GATE CCMT Counselling 2026 will be conducted for IIITs, NITs, and GFTIs. The GATE Counselling date is yet to be announced officially.
Check Expected GATE Cutoff 2026 for IITs, PSU, NITs
GATE Exam 2026
The GATE exam 2026 will be conducted separately for 30 papers. A candidate is allowed to appear either in ONE or UP TO TWO test papers. Aspirants preparing for the engineering exam are eligible for the exam. According to GATE eligibility criteria, the candidate must have a bachelor's degree in Engineering/ Technology/ Architecture/ Science/ Commerce/ Arts.
Due to several applicants aspiring for admission in M.Tech Program, the engineering exam for admission to the M.Tech is extremely demanding. Therefore, individuals doing GATE preparation must be familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. For each of the 30 papers, there is a different GATE exam pattern and syllabus. For the year 2026, there has been no change in the syllabus and pattern for the GATE 2026 exam.
Download: GATE Syllabus 2026 for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
GATE 2026 Exam Dates
The GATE Exam 2026 dates are out. Interested candidates can check the table below to know the important dates of the exam:
|
Particulars
|
Dates
|
|
GATE 2026 Application Form Starts
|
August 28, 2025
|
|
GATE 2026 Application Form Ends
|
October 7, 2025 (Revised)
|
|
GATE 2026 Application Form Ends (with additional fee)
|
October 13, 2025 (Revised)
|
|
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release
|
January 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Exam Dates
|
February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Response Sheet
|
February 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Provisional Answer Key
|
February 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge
|
February 2026 to March 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Result
|
March 19, 2026
|
|
GATE 2026 Scorecard
|
March 2026 to May 2026 |
GATE registration started on August 28, 2025. The GATE application form will remain live from August 28, 2025, to October 7, 2025. The conducting body will also allow candidates to fill out the application form till October 13, 2025. (with late fees). Students must note that all dates are liable to change as per the discretion of the conducting body, that is IIT Guwahati. Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria are only eligible to apply for the GATE 2026 examination. The steps to fill out the GATE application form are given below:
- Visit the GATE website (gate2026.iitg.ac.in)
- The first step is to register on the official website by entering your mobile number, password, and active email address.
- Candidates who successfully register themselves will be sent a GOAP enrollment ID to the email address they provided.
- Use the enrolment ID to log in to the GATE portal called GOAPS.
- You'll see the GATE application form on your screen.
- Fill out your personal and academic information in the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee for GATE 2026.
- Submit the application and print off the receipt after doing so.
GATE Application Fee 2026
|
Category
|
Application Fee
|
Application Fee (Late)
|
|
Female candidates & SC/ST/PwD
|
INR 1000
|
INR 1500
|
|
All other candidates
|
INR 2000 |
INR 2500 |
GATE Admit Card 2026
IIT Guwahati will release the Admit Card on January 2026. Interested candidates can check the steps below to download their admit card:
- Visit the official website of GATE
- Click on the ‘GATE Admit Card Link’
- Enter Enrolment ID and password.
- Candidate’s admit card will be displayed on your screen
- Download and take a printout of the admit card
- Verify details mentioned on the admit card.
Details Mentioned on GATE Admit Card 2026
Candidates must verify the following details mentioned on their admit card:
- Name of the Candidate
- Registration Number
- GATE Exam Date
- GATE Exam Centre
- Exam Timings
- Candidates’ Photograph
- Candidates’ Signature
- GATE Exam Paper
- Paper Code
- Exam Day Instructions
GATE 2026 Exam Dates: Subject-wise
|
GATE 2026 Exam Day and Date
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GATE 2026 Test Papers
|
Timings
|
|
February 2026
|
CS1 | AG | MA
|
9:30 am to 12:30 pm (forenoon session)
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|
CS2 | NM | MT | TF | IN
|
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (afternoon session)
|
|
February 2026
|
ME | PE | AR
|
9:30 am to 12:30 pm (forenoon session)
|
|
EE
|
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (afternoon session)
|
|
February 2026
|
CY | AE | DA | ES | PI
|
9:30 am to 12:30 pm (forenoon session)
|
|
EC | GE | XH | BM | EY
|
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (afternoon session)
|
|
February 2026
|
CE1 | GG | CH | PH | BT
|
9:30 am to 12:30 pm (forenoon session)
|
GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before submitting their GATE application, candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements. The following table summarises the GATE eligibility criteria for 2026:
|
Particulars
|
Details
|
|
Nationality
|
Candidates may register for GATE 2026 whether they live in India or abroad
|
|
Age Limit
|
There is no upper age limit for taking the exam.
|
|
Number of Attempts
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Unlimited
|
GATE Paper Analysis 2026
GATE exam analysis 2026 will be provided to candidates who appear for the GATE 2026 exam. Candidates will be able to check the detailed GATE analysis from many unofficial sources. The subject-wise GATE exam analysis will be given to candidates by subject experts and teachers for each day after the exam is conducted.
GATE Exam Pattern 2026
Interested candidates preparing for the GATE exam must be aware of the exam pattern. Aspirants can check the GATE exam pattern tabulated below:
| Particulars |
Details |
| Mode of Examination |
The test papers will be in English. Computer Based Test (CBT) [will be conducted at select centers in select cities]. |
| Duration |
3 Hours* |
| Number of Subjects (Papers) |
30 |
| Sections |
General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subjects |
| Type of Questions |
Candidate’s Selected Subject(s)
(a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
(b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or
(c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Questions for testing these abilities |
(a) Recall
(b) Comprehension
(c) Application
(d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, 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, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL |
General Aptitude: 15 marks
Subject Questions: 85 marks
Total: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme |
Questions carry 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. |
GATE Marking Scheme 2026
|
Paper Code
|
General Aptitude (GA) Marks
|
Subject Marks
|
Total Marks
|
Total Time (Minutes)
|
|
|
AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, CY, EC, EE, ES, EY, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PH, PI, ST, 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 + Part B1 or B2 (B1: Architecture or B2: Planning)]
B1 or B2 can be selected during Exam.
|
15
|
60 + 25
|
100
|
180
|
|
|
GE [Part A + Part B1 or B2 (B1 - Surveying and Mapping or B2 -Image Processing and Analysis)] B1 or B2 can be selected during the Exam.
|
15
|
55 + 30
|
100
|
180
|
|
|
GG [Part A + Part B]
(Section 1: Geology or Section 2: Geophysics)
|
15
|
25 + 60
|
100
|
180
|
|
|
XE (Section A + Any TWO Sections)
Sections can be selected during Exam
|
15
|
15 + (2 x 35)
|
100
|
180
|
|
|
XH (Section B1 + Any ONE Section)
|
15
|
25 + 60
|
100
|
180
|
|
|
XL (Section P + Any TWO Sections)
Sections can be selected during Exam.
|
15
|
25 + (2 x 30)
|
100
|
180
|
|
GATE Combination of Two Papers
|
Code of the First (Primary) Paper
|
Codes of Papers Allowed as The Second Paper
|
Code of the First (Primary) Paper
|
Codes of Papers Allowed as The Second Paper
|
|
AE
|
CE, ME, XE
|
GG
|
GE
|
|
AG
|
CE
|
IN
|
BM, EC, EE, ME
|
|
AR
|
CE, GE
|
MA
|
CS, PH, ST
|
|
BM
|
BT, IN
|
ME
|
AE, IN, NM, PI, XE
|
|
BT
|
BM, XL
|
MT
|
XE
|
|
CE
|
AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE
|
NM
|
CE, ME
|
|
CH
|
ES, PE, XE
|
PE
|
CH
|
|
CS
|
EC, GE, MA, PH, ST
|
PH
|
CS, EC, EE, MA, XE
|
|
CY
|
XE, XL
|
PI
|
ME, XE
|
|
EC
|
CS, EE, IN, PH
|
ST
|
CS, MA, XH
|
|
EE
|
EC, IN, PH
|
XE
|
AE, CE, CH, CY, ME, MT, PH, PI
|
|
ES
|
CE, CH, GE
|
XH
|
ST
|
|
EY
|
XL
|
XL
|
BT, CY, EY
|
|
GE
|
AR, CE, CS, ES, GG
|
|
|
Note: Candidates must have a preferred choice of paper, which is their initial selection, if they want to take TWO subject examinations. From the possible combinations shown in the table above, candidates are required to make the second choice. Combinations that are not on the list ARE NOT permitted to take.
GATE Syllabus 2026
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE syllabus on its official website. Aspiring candidates can check the paper-wise GATE syllabus in the table below:
|
Paper/Subject Code
|
Topics
|
Paper/Subject Code
|
Topics
|
|
AE
|
Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Space Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion
|
IN
|
Engineering Mathematics, Electricity and Magnetism, Electrical Circuits and Machines, Signals and Systems, Control Systems, Analog Electronics, Digital Electronics, Measurements, Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation, Communication and Optical Instrumentation
|
|
AG
|
Engineering Mathematics, Farm Machinery, Farm Power, Soil & Water Conservation Engineering, Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, Agriculture Process Engineering, and Dairy & Food Engineering
|
MA
|
Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations, Algebra, Functional Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, Topology, Linear Programming
|
|
AR
|
Architecture, Planning and Design, Construction and Management, Environmental Planning and Design, Urban Design, Landscape and Conservation, Planning process, Housing, Services and Infrastructure, History and Contemporary Architecture, Building Construction and Structural systems, Building Services and Sustainability, Regional and Settlement Planning, Planning Techniques and Management, Infrastructure Planning
|
ME
|
Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
|
|
BM
|
Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Circuits, Signals and Systems, Analog and Digital Electronics, Measurements and Control Systems, Sensors and Bioinstrumentation, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Imaging Systems, Biomechanics, Biomaterials
|
MN
|
Engineering Mathematics, Mining Geology, Mine Development and Surveying, Geomechanics and Ground Control, Mining Methods and Machinery, Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation and Underground Hazards, Mineral Economics, Mine Planning, Systems Engineering
|
|
BT
|
Engineering Mathematics, General Biology, Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Fundamentals of Biological Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology, Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology, Recombinant DNA technology and Other Tools in Biotechnology
|
MT
|
Engineering Mathematics, Metallurgical Thermodynamics, Transport Phenomena and Rate Processes, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, Physical Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy, Manufacturing Processes
|
|
CE
|
Engineering Mathematics, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Geomatics Engineering
|
NM
|
Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Structures, Fluid Mechanics and Marine Hydrodynamics, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Thermodynamics and Marine Engineering
|
|
CH
|
Engineering Mathematics, Process Calculations and Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Instrumentation and Process Control, Plant Design and Economics, Chemical Technology
|
PE
|
Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology, Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Production Operations, Offshore Drilling and Production Practices, Petroleum Formation Evaluation, Oil and Gas Well Testing, Health Safety and Environment in Petroleum Industry, Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques, Latest trends in Petroleum Engineering
|
|
CS
|
Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, Computer Networks
|
PH
|
Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, Nuclear and Particle Physics
|
|
CY
|
Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
|
PI
|
Engineering Mathematics, General Engineering, Manufacturing Processes I, Manufacturing Processes II, Quality and Reliability, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research and Operations Management
|
|
EC
|
Engineering Mathematics, Networks, Signals and Systems, Electronic Devices, Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits, Control Systems, Communications, Electromagnetics
|
ST
|
Calculus, Matrix Theory, Probability, Standard Discrete and Continuous Univariate Distributions, Stochastic Processes, Estimation, Testing of Hypotheses, Non-parametric Statistics, Multivariate Analysis, Regression Analysis
|
|
EE
|
Engineering Mathematics, Electric circuits, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Electrical and Electronic Measurements, Analog and Digital Electronics, Power Electronics
|
XE
|
Linear Algebra, Calculus, Vector Calculus, Complex Variables, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods
|
|
ES
|
Mathematics Foundation, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Microbiology, Water Resources and Environmental Hydraulics, Water & Wastewater Treatment and Management, Air and Noise Pollution, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Global and Regional Environmental Issues, Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
|
XH
|
Reading Comprehension, Expression, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning
|
|
EY
|
Ecology, Evolution, Mathematics and Quantitative Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Applied Ecology & Evolution
|
XL
|
Atomic Structure and Periodicity, Structure and Bonding, s, p and d Block Elements, Chemical Equilibria, Electrochemistry, Reaction Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Structure-Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms, Chemistry of Biomolecules
|
|
GE
|
Engineering Mathematics and Basic Geomatics, Surveying and Mapping, Image Processing and Analysis
|
TF
|
Engineering Mathematics, Textile Fibres, Yarn Manufacture, Yarn Structure and Properties, Fabric Manufacture, Structure and Properties, Textile Testing, Chemical Processing
|
GATE Preparation 2026
If applicants wish to ace the examination, they must be aware of the essential GATE preparation tips. Using the preparation guidance provided by experts can help candidates organise their preparation more effectively. Assessing one's skills and shortcomings can be made easier for applicants by solving GATE question papers. They can also be better able to comprehend the GATE exam syllabus and structure.
Below are the GATE preparation tips that candidates should follow while preparing for the exam:
- Know the syllabus and exam pattern inside and out
- Minimum Study Material
- Prepare Self Notes
- Frequently revise the study material
- Practice GATE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE Result 2026
The GATE result will be announced by IIT Guwahati after the successful conclusion of the exam. Candidates will be able to check their result using their enrolment ID/Email address & password. GATE results 2026 will be valid for 3 years. Till that time, any institute would accept the GATE score as proof of eligibility for admission to postgraduate study or employment. Candidates will have the following details on their GATE result 2026:
- Candidate’s Name
- Candidate’s Photograph
- Candidate’s Signature
- GATE Registration Number
- Gender of the Candidate
- Examination Paper & Paper Code
- GATE Marks (Out of 100)
- GATE Scores (Out of 1000)
- Validity of GATE scores
GATE Marks Vs GATE Scores
It is important to note that GATE Marks & GATE scores are different. GATE Marks are the marks obtained by candidates out of 100 in the exam. The GATE scores are normalised scores of candidates out of 1000.
GATE Score Normalisation
The following formula is used to calculate the normalised GATE Score:
GATE Cutoff 2026
The GATE cutoff is of two types: Qualifying Cutoff & Admission Cutoff. The GATE Qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks that candidates need to qualify the examination. The GATE admission cutoff is released separately by participating colleges for final admission to the college. It is important to note that just meeting the qualifying cutoff score does not guarantee admission.
The following table shows the GATE qualifying cutoff for 2026:
|
GATE Paper Code
|
Qualifying GATE Cutoff Marks
|
|
General
|
OBC-NCL/EWS
|
SC/ST/PWD
|
| DA: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
37.1 |
33.3 |
24.7 |
| MA: Mathematics |
25 |
22.5 |
16.6 |
| MN: Mining Engineering |
22 |
22.5 |
16.6 |
|
PH: Physics
|
32
|
28.8
|
21.3
|
|
CS: Computer Science & Information Technology
|
27.6
|
24.8
|
18.4
|
|
EC: Electronics & Communication Engineering
|
25
|
22.5
|
16.5
|
|
CE: Civil Engineering
|
28.3
|
25.4
|
18.8
|
|
EE: Electrical engineering
|
26
|
23.5
|
17.6
|
|
ME: Mechanical Engineering
|
28.6
|
25.7
|
19
|
|
XE: Engineering Sciences
|
36.2
|
32.5
|
24.1
|
| XL: Life Science |
29.3 |
26.3 |
19.5 |
|
CH: Chemical Engineering
|
25.2
|
22.6
|
16.7
|
GATE Counselling 2026
Two organisations—Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) and Centralised Counselling for MTech (CCMT)—conduct the GATE counselling for admission to M.Tech programmes. For admission to M.Tech programmes at IITs, GATE COAP counselling is held; for admission to M.Tech programmes in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, and CFTIs, GATE CCMT counselling is held.
GATE COAP 2026: Eligibility
- Candidates must have a valid GATE score of the previous three years to participate in the counselling round for 2026 (2024/2025/2026).
- It is required that candidates have minimum marks in graduation, which can vary depending on the institution they are applying to.
GATE CCMT 2026: Eligibility
- Candidates must have a valid GATE score of the previous three years to participate in the counselling round for 2026 (2024/2025/2026).
- A minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% is required in graduation. SC/ST/PWD candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 6 or 55% in their graduation.
