The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious national-level examinations for admission to M.Tech, ME, MS, and PhD programmes, as well as recruitment into leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
The GATE 2026 exam schedule has been officially released, and the examination will be conducted on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across India.
A valid GATE score remains valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration.
GATE 2026 Exam – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Papers | 30 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Questions per Paper | 65 (10 GA + 55 Subject) |
| Exam Cities | 176+ |
| Score Validity | 3 Years |
GATE 2026 Exam Dates – Subject-Wise Schedule
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in two shifts each day:
- Morning Shift: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Subject-Wise Exam Schedule
| Exam Date | Paper Codes | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 2026 | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | |
| 8 Feb 2026 | CS-1, ST | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| CS-2, EY, NM, PE | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | |
| 14 Feb 2026 | CE-1, EE, PI | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| BM, CE-2, ME, MT | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | |
| 15 Feb 2026 | EC | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| AR, DA | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
GATE 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 28 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 October 2025 (Extended) |
| Last Date with Late Fee | 9 October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 (Expected) |
What’s New in GATE 2026?
- Two new papers introduced:
- Geomatics Engineering (GE)
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering (NM)
- Total papers increased to 30
- Candidates can opt for two papers (as per approved combinations)
- Eligibility relaxed to 10+2+3 (ongoing)
- All questions will be objective type (MCQ, MSQ, NAT)
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian citizens
- International candidates meeting eligibility norms may also apply
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed or be pursuing:
- Bachelor’s degree (Engineering/Technology/Science/Arts/Commerce)
- Master’s degree in relevant disciplines
- No age limit to appear for GATE 2026
GATE 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Total Questions: 65
- Total Marks: 100
- Sections:
- General Aptitude (15 Marks)
- Subject-specific questions
- Question Types:
- MCQ
- MSQ
- NAT
- Negative Marking:
- MCQ only (No negative marking for MSQ & NAT)
GATE 2026 Syllabus
GATE 2026 syllabus is released paper-wise for all 30 subjects. Candidates should focus on:
- Core subject concepts
- Engineering Mathematics (where applicable)
- General Aptitude (verbal & numerical ability)
GATE 2026 Cut-Off Marks
- Qualifying Cut-Off: Released by IIT Guwahati
- Admission Cut-Off: Released by individual IITs/NITs/PSUs
Cut-off depends on:
- Difficulty level
- Number of candidates
- Seat availability
- Category
GATE 2026 Admit Card
- Available in January 2026
- Download from GOAPS portal
- Required details:
- Enrollment ID
- Password
GATE 2026 Result & Score Card
- Result expected in March 2026
- Scorecard available for qualified candidates
- Contains:
- Marks
- GATE Score
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Score validity: 3 years
GATE 2026 Exam Centres
GATE 2026 will be conducted across 8 IIT zones, covering 176+ cities in India and select international locations. Allotment will be based on preference and availability.
GATE 2026 – Conducting Body History
GATE is jointly conducted by:
- IISc Bangalore
- IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras & Roorkee
(on a rotational basis)
GATE 2026 FAQs
Q1. What is the GATE 2026 exam date?
GATE 2026 will be conducted on 7, 8, 14 & 15 February 2026.
Q2. Is there any age limit for GATE 2026?
No, there is no age limit.
Q3. How many attempts are allowed for GATE?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
Q4. What is the validity of GATE 2026 score?
The score is valid for 3 years.
Final Note
GATE 2026 is a crucial exam for engineering graduates aiming for top technical institutes and PSU careers. With the exam schedule officially released, candidates should now focus on revision, mock tests, and time-bound practice.
Early planning and strategic preparation can make a significant difference in securing a high GATE rank.