GATE 2026 – Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
Organizing Institute
Conducted by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
Official Website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
About Exam
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on a rotational basis. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is the organizing institute. GATE is a gateway for admission to postgraduate programs (M.E., M.Tech., Ph.D.) in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, and Arts at IITs, IISc, NITs, and other top institutes. The score is also widely used for recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, HPCL, and more.
Important Dates (2025–2026)
- Notification Release: 5 August 2025
- Registration (GOAPS) Opens: 25 August 2025
- Last Date to Apply (without late fee): 25 September 2025
- Last Date to Apply (with late fee): 6 October 2025
- Application Edit Window: 1st week of November 2025
- Admit Card Release: January 2026
- Examination Dates: 7, 8, 14, 15 February 2026
- Exam Shifts:
- Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (IST)
- Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (IST)
- Answer Key / Response Sheet: Late February 2026
- Result Declaration: 19 March 2026
- Scorecard Availability: March 2026 onwards
- Score Validity: 3 years
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian and foreign nationals are eligible.
- Candidates in the 3rd year or above of any undergraduate program can apply.
- Those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts are also eligible.
- No age limit and no attempt limit.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted only through GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) at the official portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Register on the GOAPS portal with name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Fill the application form with personal, academic, and exam details.
- Upload photograph, signature, and other required certificates in prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the application and keep a printout for future reference.
Application Fee
- Regular Period (25 Aug – 25 Sep 2025):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,000
- Others (including foreign nationals): ₹2,000
- Extended Period (26 Sep – 6 Oct 2025):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,500
- Others: ₹2,500
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Number of Papers: 30 (including newly introduced Energy Science – XE-I)
- Total Questions: 65 (10 General Aptitude + 55 Subject-specific)
- Total Marks: 100
- Sections:
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks
- Subject Section: 85 marks
- Question Types: MCQs, MSQs, NAT
- Negative Marking:
- 1 mark MCQ → 1/3 negative
- 2 mark MCQ → 2/3 negative
- No negative marking for MSQ & NAT
Uses of GATE Score
- Admission to M.E., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, and other institutes.
- Direct recruitment opportunities in PSUs like IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, HPCL, BHEL, GAIL, and more.
Important Links
-
Apply Online (Link activates on 25 August 2025)
-
Download Notification
-
Official Website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
FAQs – GATE 2026
When will the GATE 2026 notification be released?
The official notification for GATE 2026 will be released on 5 August 2025.
When will the GATE 2026 registration process start?
The online registration through GOAPS will begin on 25 August 2025.
What is the last date to apply for GATE 2026 without a late fee?
The last date to apply without late fee is 25 September 2025.
Can I still apply for GATE 2026 after the deadline?
Yes, you can apply with a late fee till 6 October 2025.
When will the GATE 2026 application correction window open?
The correction window will be available in the 1st week of November 2025.
When will the GATE 2026 admit card be available?
The admit card will be released in January 2026 on the official website.
What are the GATE 2026 exam dates?
The exam will be conducted on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026.
What are the GATE 2026 exam timings?
There will be two shifts: Forenoon from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Afternoon from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
When will the GATE 2026 answer key and response sheet be released?
The answer key and response sheet will be released in late February 2026.
When will the GATE 2026 result be declared?
The result will be announced on 19 March 2026.
How long is the GATE 2026 scorecard valid?
The scorecard will be valid for 3 years from the date of result.
Where can I apply online for GATE 2026?
You can apply through the official portal once the link activates on 25 August 2025.
Where can I download the official GATE 2026 notification?
You can download it here: Download Notification.
What is the official website for GATE 2026?
The official website is gate2026.iitg.ac.in.