GATE 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

GATE 2026 Notification will be available online in August 2025, with IIT Guwahati tentatively conducting the exam. It is a national-level aptitude test assessing candidates’ understanding in UG level courses, offering admission to Engineering, Science, Technology, Architecture, and Humanities fields. GATE 2026 scores will be valid for three years and enable candidates to pursue Master’ & direct doctoral courses, as well as qualify for recruitment in various PSUs. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), a prestigious examination, serves as a gateway to admission in renowned institutions such as IITs, NITs, and others for advanced education programs including M.Tech and PhD.

The GATE 2026 hall ticket can be downloaded from iitg.ac.in, providing access to the syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and previous year’s question papers with solutions. The exam comprises 65 questions totaling 100 marks, including General Aptitude (GA) and subject-specific questions, featuring MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.

Admission into some colleges and institutions without MoE Scholarships is also facilitated through GATE scores. For more details on registration, exam dates, eligibility, pattern, and syllabus, candidates can refer to the comprehensive articles available. 

GATE 2026 Highlights

GATE 2024 stands as a pivotal examination for aspirants aiming for postgraduate programs in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Here are the key highlights encapsulating the essence of the GATE exam.

GATE 2026 Exam Dates

GATE 2026 Exam Dates are crucial for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in engineering, architecture, and related fields. 

GATE 2026 Application Form

The GATE Application Form 2026, intended for candidates interested in taking the GATE 2025 exam, will be made available by the Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT Guwahati). The official GATE Notification 2026, along with the application form, is anticipated to be published on the website https://www.iitg.ac.in/ in August 2025.

• The GATE 2026 Application portal opens in the fourth week of August 2025, and candidates must apply online.
• Offline or other modes of application submission are not accepted; only online applications are allowed.
• The deadline for registration without a late fee is until the second week of October 2025.
• For an extended period with a late fee, candidates can register until the third week of October 2025.
• Candidates opting for two papers need to pay the application fee twice.
• The registration process includes online registration, filling out the application form, document upload, and fee payment.
• Printed copies of applications or documents should not be sent to the authority or any GATE offices.
• If candidates submit multiple applications, only one will be considered, and the rest will be rejected without a refund.
• International applicants must travel to India to take the GATE exam.
• The entire application process is conducted online for convenience and efficiency.

GATE 2026 Application Fee

The GATE 2026 application fee can be conveniently paid online via various payment methods such as net banking, debit card, credit card, UPI, or wallet. However, it is important to note that the fee is non-refundable except in cases where a specific two-paper combination is removed by the Organising Institute. Below is a detailed description of the application fee for each test paper.

How to Fill GATE 2026 Application Form?

• Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official GATE 2026 website using the provided link.
• Online Registration: Click on the registration link and enter your name, email address, and mobile number, and create a password to register online.
• Confirmation Communication: After successful registration, you will receive confirmation details on your registered mobile number and email address.
• Login: Use the provided credentials to log in to the website.
• Application Form: Access the application form and start filling in the required details, including personal information, address, educational qualifications, and choice of exam city.
• Document Upload: Upload the necessary documents such as a category certificate, photograph, signature, and valid photo ID. Ensure that these documents are scanned and uploaded in the prescribed format and size.
• Payment of Application Fee: Proceed to pay the application fee using the provided payment methods, which may include net banking, debit card, credit card, UPI, or wallet.
• Review and Confirmation: Carefully review all the details filled in the application form before confirming.
• Print Application Form: After confirmation, take a printout of the application form for future reference.
• Save Confirmation: Save the confirmation details and keep them safe for future correspondence.

GATE 2026 Application Form – Required Documents

Here are the essential documents and details required for GATE registration:

GATE 2026 Application Form Correction

The GATE Correction Window 2026 provides candidates with an opportunity to rectify any errors or update information in their application forms after the registration process concludes. During this period, candidates can make changes to various aspects such as category, preferred paper, chosen exam city, and personal details.

It’s important to note that the correction facility will be exclusively available through online mode. Any modifications or corrections made through other means will not be accepted. Candidates can access the correction window starting from the third week of November 2025, ensuring they have ample time to review and update their application details accurately.

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria delineates the necessary qualifications and conditions that candidates must meet to be eligible for the examination. It encompasses educational qualifications, age limits, and other essential requirements.

• Qualifying Degree/Subject: Candidates currently enrolled in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program or those who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering/Technology, Humanities & Sciences, or Architecture are eligible to apply.
• Age Criteria: There is no age limit specified for applying to the GATE examination.
• Eligibility for Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals who are either currently enrolled in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program or have completed a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3-year duration) in Engineering/Technology, Humanities & Sciences, or Architecture from outside India are eligible to apply.
• Certification Equivalence: Applicants with certifications from professional societies must ensure that the examination is recognized by AICTE/MoE/UPSC/UGC as equivalent to B.Tech/B.E/B.Arch/B.Planning, etc.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 examination will adhere to a structured exam pattern consisting of a 3-hour duration single-paper Computer-Based Test (CBT). It will comprise multiple choice questions (MCQs), multiple select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions, totalling 65 questions with a maximum score of 100 marks.

Subject-wise marking for various papers:

GATE 2026 Syllabus

The GATE 2026 Syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of topics and subjects covered in the examination. It serves as a guide for candidates to prepare effectively for the test.

GATE 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for GATE 2026 requires a strategic approach and diligent effort. Here are some effective preparation tips to excel in the exam:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the GATE exam pattern, including the types of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the exam.
• Syllabus Analysis: Thoroughly go through the GATE syllabus and prioritize topics based on weightage and your proficiency level.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject and allows for regular revisions.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to gauge your preparation level and improve your time management skills.
• Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding fundamental concepts rather than rote learning to tackle complex problems effectively.
• Refer to Standard Books: Utilize recommended textbooks and study materials to supplement your preparation and gain in-depth knowledge of topics.
• Revision Strategy: Dedicate time for regular revisions to reinforce concepts and ensure better retention of information.
• Stay Healthy and Positive: Maintain a balanced lifestyle, get adequate sleep, and stay positive throughout your preparation journey to stay focused and motivated.

GATE 2026 Mock Test

To assist candidates in their preparation for GATE 2026, mock tests will be available online on the official website. These mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, providing candidates with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the computer-based test format.

Candidates can access the mock tests by logging into the designated portal using their credentials. These mock tests are invaluable tools for understanding the exam structure, assessing time management skills, and identifying areas for improvement. However, it’s important to note that the number of questions in the mock tests may vary from the actual exam, so they should be used primarily for practice purposes.

GATE Paper & Codes

Below is a list of GATE papers along with their respective codes, aiding candidates in identifying and selecting their preferred subjects for the examination.

GATE 2026 Admit Card

The GATE 2026 admit card will be available for download from the official website in the first week of January 2026. Candidates must obtain their admit cards online, as no physical copies will be sent via post. The admit card will contain essential details such as the exam date, time, venue, and important instructions for the examination.

It is crucial for candidates to carefully review their admit cards upon downloading them. Any errors or discrepancies should be immediately reported to the authorities for rectification before the examination. Additionally, candidates must remember to carry a valid photo identification proof along with their admit card to the exam centre for verification purposes. Requests for changes to the exam details specified in the admit card will not be entertained by the authorities.

GATE 2026 Exam Centres

The GATE Exam 2026 will be conducted in various cities across India. Candidates from foreign countries must travel to India specifically to appear for the test, as there will be no exam centres outside India.

Some of the cities where the exam will be held include Ambala, Kurukshetra, Hamirpur, Kangra, Madi, Mohali, Patiala, Bilaspur, Shimla-Solan, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Pathankot, Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Noida, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Haldwani, Dehradun, Roorkee, and many more. Candidates can find the complete list of exam cities online on the official website.

GATE 2026 Answer Key

In the fourth week of February 2026, the authority will initially release the provisional answer key for GATE 2026. Before this, candidates will have access to their responses by the second week of February 2026.

Utilizing the answer key, candidates can estimate their probable scores achieved in the exam. Additionally, if any discrepancies are found in the key, candidates have the opportunity to raise objections. However, a challenge fee must be paid by students, which will be refunded only if the objection is proven to be correct.

GATE 2026 Result

The GATE Result for the year 2026 is scheduled to be announced in the second week of March 2026. Candidates will be able to access their results through the online mode on the official website.

To view their results, candidates need to log in using their enrollment ID or email address along with their password. The result will include essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, section-wise marks obtained, total marks, and more.

GATE Scorecard 2026

The GATE 2026 scorecard will be accessible for download online a few days following the declaration of results. Only those candidates who have qualified will have the privilege to download their scorecards electronically, as no hard copies will be distributed by the authority. These scorecards hold validity for three years from the date of the result announcement and offer a comprehensive view of the candidate’s relative performance in the test paper.

Candidates can anticipate the availability of scorecard downloads starting from the fourth week of March 2026. Qualified candidates must download and preserve their scorecards for future reference, as they serve as an official record of their performance in the GATE examination.

GATE 2026 Cut-Off

Securing the minimum cutoff marks in the GATE examination is crucial for candidates aiming for admission to various institutions and potential job opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Expected cut-off marks below (according to previous year trends):

GATE 2026 COAP Counselling

GATE Counselling 2026 will be conducted through two platforms: COAPS (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) and CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan./M.Des.). Scheduled to commence from the third week of March 2026, the counselling process encompasses several stages, including online registration and payment of counselling fees.

Following registration, candidates will proceed to complete choice filling and locking before the seat allotment process begins. Document verification is a crucial step in the counselling procedure, requiring candidates to present themselves at designated verification centres with their valid certificates and documents. This comprehensive process ensures a streamlined and transparent approach to seat allocation and admission to postgraduate programs offered by various institutions across the country.

GATE 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.