The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most important national-level entrance examinations in India. Every year, thousands of students from engineering, science, and related fields appear for the exam to secure admissions into postgraduate programs or to qualify for public sector jobs. For the year 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is the organizing institute. The exam will be conducted in February 2026 across multiple cities in India.
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Important Dates for GATE 2026
The online application process for GATE 2026 will begin on August 28, 2025. Candidates must complete their registration and submit the application form by September 28, 2025. An extended period with a late fee will remain open until October 9, 2025.
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The exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two sessions — forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM). Admit cards will be available for download from January 2, 2026, while the results will be announced on March 19, 2026. The scorecards can be downloaded free of cost until May 31, 2026, and later with a fee until December 31, 2026.
Application Fees
The application fees vary according to the category of the candidate and the registration period:
- Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates: ₹1000 (regular period), ₹1500 (extended period)
- All other candidates including General/OBC/EWS: ₹2000 (regular period), ₹2500 (extended period)
Candidates applying for two papers will need to pay twice the fee of a single paper.
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
GATE 2026 has a flexible eligibility framework. Candidates who are currently in the third year or higher of any undergraduate degree program in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts are eligible to apply.
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Additionally, those who have already completed any government-approved degree in these fields can also apply. Students in professional degree programs such as MBBS, BDS, BVSc, BSc (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) and similar courses are also eligible if they are in higher semesters. Importantly, there is no age limit for appearing in GATE 2026.
Exam Pattern and Structure
GATE 2026 will be conducted entirely in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and will include 30 test papers. A candidate can appear in one or two papers, provided the chosen combination is from the approved list.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Questions: 65
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Sections: General Aptitude + Subject Selected
The types of questions will include:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – with negative marking
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – no negative marking
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions – no negative marking
The marking scheme ensures that wrong answers in MCQs attract penalties, while MSQ and NAT questions do not. For most papers, the distribution of marks will be:
- General Aptitude: 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks (for relevant subjects)
- Subject Questions: 72 marks.
Opportunities After GATE 2026
A valid GATE score opens multiple academic and career opportunities. Candidates can apply for:
- Postgraduate Programs: Admission to Master’s and Doctoral programs in IITs, IISc, NITs, and other centrally funded institutions. Many of these programs also provide scholarships or assistantships.
- Public Sector Jobs: Several PSUs such as BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, IOCL, and SAIL consider GATE scores for recruitment.
- Government Jobs: Direct recruitment to certain Group-A central government posts is also based on GATE scores.
How to Apply for GATE 2026
The entire application process will take place through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), available on the official website https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Steps to apply:
- Register using your name, valid email ID, and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and exam-related details.
- Upload a recent photograph, signature, and required documents (such as category or PwD certificates).
- Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for records.
Final Words
GATE 2026 is not just an entrance exam but also a gateway to higher education and career advancement in technical fields. With IIT Guwahati as the organizing institute, the exam will be conducted with strict guidelines and in a fully online mode. Candidates are advised to carefully check eligibility, choose the right papers, and complete their applications well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.
A good score in GATE can significantly enhance academic and professional prospects, making it one of the most sought-after exams in India.
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