GATE 2026 Exam Notification Out: The GATE 2026 Official Notification PDF has been published on the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) website for a total of 30 subjects. The GATE 2026 registration portal is active now at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Candidates can fill the online application form until September 25, 2025, and with a late fee up to October 6, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity — apply online through the direct link and book your slot for the February 2026 GATE Exam.
This article covers everything you need to know including application dates, eligibility, exam pattern, fees, syllabus, and selection process in detail.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted for graduates in engineering, technology, science, commerce, and humanities who wish to pursue postgraduate programs, research opportunities, scholarships, or PSU recruitment. For the year 2026, the exam will be organized by IIT Guwahati, which has already released the official GATE 2026 notification PDF on its portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Table of Contents
Scroll below to check the GATE 2026 important dates, eligibility, exam pattern, application fees, syllabus, and all latest updates.
🔎 GATE 2026 Recruitment: Overview
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 offers aspirants the opportunity to pursue Master’s and Doctoral programs at IITs, IISc, NITs, and other leading CFTIs with scholarships. Moreover, top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, Power Grid, HPCL, and many others recruit candidates directly based on their GATE score.
📌 GATE 2026 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati (Organizing Institute) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates | 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th February 2026 |
| Number of Papers | 30 Test Papers |
| Eligibility | 3rd year & final year UG students and graduates in Engg/Science/Arts/Commerce/Humanities |
| Age Limit | No Age Limit |
| Validity of Score | 3 Years |
| Application Dates (Regular) | 28th August 2025 – 28th September 2025 |
| Extended Registration (Late Fee) | 26th September – 9th October 2025 |
| Result Date | 19th March 2026 |
| Official Website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
📢 GATE 2026 Notification PDF Out l GATE 2026 Exam Notification Out
The GATE 2026 Notification / Information Brochure has been officially released by IIT Guwahati on 21st August 2025. The detailed notification contains all the essential information such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, registration process, exam pattern, syllabus, and list of 30 test papers.
Candidates can now visit the official portal and download the GATE 2026 Notification PDF directly from gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
🎓 GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling the application form for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, candidates are advised to carefully go through the eligibility criteria prescribed by IIT Guwahati, the organizing institute. Meeting these requirements is mandatory to avoid rejection at later stages.
The GATE 2026 eligibility criteria mainly focus on the following aspects:
1. Nationality
Indian Citizens: All Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
Foreign Nationals: Candidates from other countries are eligible if they are studying in India or hold equivalent educational qualifications approved by the Government of India.
OCI/PIO Card Holders: Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are also eligible.
2. Age Limit
There is no upper age limit to appear for the GATE 2026 exam.
This makes GATE suitable for both fresh graduates and working professionals who wish to pursue higher education or secure PSU jobs.
3. Educational Qualification
The candidate must have completed or be currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate degree or a government-approved equivalent program. A detailed list of eligible courses is provided below:
| Degree / Program | Qualifying Degree / Examination | Eligibility Year / Status |
|---|---|---|
| B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after Diploma / B.Sc.) | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| B.Arch. / B.Plan. / Naval Arch. | Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, or Naval Architecture (4 to 5 years) | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma / 4 years after 10+2) | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| M.Sc. / M.A. / MCA / Equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Science / Arts / Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Applications | Currently in 1st year or higher OR completed |
| MBBS / BDS / BVSc | Professional medical degrees like MBBS, BDS, BVSc | Currently in 5th semester or higher OR completed |
| Pharm.D. (Post-10+2) | Professional Doctoral Program in Pharmacy (6 years) | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| Integrated M.Tech. / M.E. (Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s program in Engg./Tech. (4 years) | Currently in 1st year or higher OR completed |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. or Dual Degree (after 10+2 or Diploma) | 5-year integrated / dual degree programs in Engineering / Technology / Pharmacy | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. | Bachelor’s degree in Science / Arts / Commerce (3 years) | Currently in 3rd year OR completed |
| Integrated M.Sc. / Integrated B.S.-M.S. | 5-year integrated program in Science / Mathematics | Currently in 3rd year or higher OR completed |
| Professional Society Exams | Exams conducted by recognized professional societies (like AMIE, ICE, IETE, etc.) | Must have completed Section A OR equivalent |
4. Special Notes on Eligibility
Pending Results: Candidates who are in their final year can apply, but they must produce the required certificate at the time of admission or counselling.
Foreign Degree Holders: Candidates pursuing or completing their degree from a foreign university must have an equivalent qualification recognized by MoE/AICTE/UGC.
Professional Society Recognition: Candidates who have certifications from institutions like IE, ICE, IETE, etc., must ensure that these are approved by MoE / AICTE / UPSC.
5. Documents Required for Eligibility Proof
During the GATE 2026 application, candidates must upload relevant documents:
- For completed degrees: Final degree certificate or provisional certificate.
- For ongoing degrees: A certificate from the Head of Department/Institute confirming enrollment.
- For category benefits: SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificates (if applicable).
- For PwD candidates: Valid disability certificate or UDID.
📝 GATE 2026 Application Process
The GATE 2026 application process is completely online via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), available at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The portal allows candidates to register, fill the application form, upload documents, pay fees, and track their application status easily.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help candidates successfully complete their GATE 2026 registration and application:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official GATE 2026 website and click on the “Apply Online” link. This will redirect you to the GOAPS portal.
Step 2: Register on GOAPS
- Enter your full name, valid email, mobile number, and create a secure password.
- After registration, a unique Enrollment ID will be generated and sent to your email.
- Keep this ID safe—it is required for all future logins and communications.
Step 3: Login and Fill the Application Form
- Use your Enrollment ID and password to log in.
- Fill in personal details: name, date of birth, gender, category, parent’s name, communication address, and educational qualifications.
- Select the GATE paper you wish to appear for and up to three preferred exam cities.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Valid photo ID
- Category/PwD/Dyslexic certificate (if applicable)
⚠️ Make sure documents meet the specifications mentioned in the official notification to avoid rejection.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- Pay the GATE 2026 application fee online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Wallets.
Step 6: Review and Submit the Application
- Review your filled-in details using “Save and View Application”.
- Click “Submit and Proceed to Payment” once verified.
- Download and save the application confirmation page for future reference.
Step 7: Check Application Status
- Track your application status on GOAPS.
- Status updates include: Received, Under Scrutiny, Accepted, Defective, Rejected.
- Correct any defects within the specified timeline.
Step 8: Forgot Enrollment ID or Password
- GOAPS provides a recovery option via your registered email ID or mobile number in case you forget your Enrollment ID or password.
💰 GATE 2026 Application Fees
The GATE 2026 applications are accepted only online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Regular Fee | Extended Period Fee (Late Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
| For Two Papers | Double the above fees | Double the above fees |
Mode of Payment: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Wallets
📝 GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE 2026 Exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and will include General Aptitude (GA) and subject-specific sections. The exam consists of objective-type questions, with each correct answer awarding 1 or 2 marks. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (4 hours for PwD candidates with compensatory time).
Key Highlights of GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours for PwD with compensatory time) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject(s) |
| Types of Questions | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions), NAT (Numerical Answer Type) |
| Number of Questions | 65 (10 GA + 55 Subject-specific) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Negative Marking | MCQ: 1/3 mark deducted for 1-mark questions, 2/3 for 2-mark questions; None for MSQ/NAT |
| Special Provisions for PwD | Scribe assistance and compensatory time as per MoE guidelines (F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated Aug 01, 2025). Candidates with benchmark disabilities (≥40%) must submit certificates from authorities listed in Appendix A and B. |
Additional Notes:
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions require input via the on-screen virtual keypad.
- Physical calculators are not allowed; candidates can use the on-screen virtual calculator provided during the exam.
📚 GATE 2026 Test Papers
For GATE 2026, a total of 30 subjects (papers) will be offered. Candidates can appear in one or two papers (as per allowed combinations).
Examples of GATE 2026 Test Papers
| Code | Paper / Subject |
|---|---|
| AE | Aerospace Engineering |
| CS | Computer Science & Information Technology |
| EE | Electrical Engineering |
| CE | Civil Engineering |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| DA | Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
| ES | Environmental Science & Engineering |
| XH | Humanities (Economics, English, Sociology, Psychology, etc.) |
| XL | Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, etc.) |
Note: Candidates must check the official GATE 2026 brochure for the full list of 30 papers and allowed combinations if they plan to appear in two papers.
🌆 GATE 2026 Examination Cities
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted at several centres across more than 200 cities/towns in India. Candidates can select up to three cities for their exam, all within the same GATE 2026 zone.
Zonal Coordinating Institutes & Tentative Exam Cities
| Zonal Institute | States / UTs Covered |
|---|---|
| IISc Bengaluru | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Telangana |
| IIT Bombay | Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh |
| IIT Delhi | Chandigarh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, New Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (West) |
| IIT Guwahati | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal |
| IIT Kanpur | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (Central and East) |
| IIT Kharagpur | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, West Bengal |
| IIT Madras | Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana |
| IIT Roorkee | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh (West) |
Important Note:
- If a candidate chooses a first-choice city in a particular zone, the second and third choices must also be from the same zone.
- Candidates should check the official GATE 2026 brochure for the full list of exam cities and confirm availability.
📝 GATE 2026 Admit Card
The GATE 2026 admit cards will be available for download from 2nd January 2026 via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Candidates must log in with their credentials to download the admit card.
- The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.
🎯 GATE 2026 Results and Scorecards
- Result Announcement: GATE 2026 results will be declared on the official GATE 2026 website.
- Scorecard Download: Qualified candidates can download their GATE 2026 scorecards from the portal.
- Electronic Copy: Candidates are advised to preserve the electronic version of their scorecard for future use.
Scorecard Fee & Validity
- From 1st June 2026 to 31st December 2026, a fee of ₹500 per test paper will be charged for obtaining the scorecard.
- From 1st January 2027 onward, no scorecards will be issued.
- Validity: The GATE 2026 scorecard is valid for three years from the date of result announcement.
⚠️ Note: There is no provision for hard copies of the GATE 2026 scorecard; only electronic copies will be available.
📅 GATE 2026: Important Dates
The GATE 2026 exam schedule and application dates have been officially released in the GATE 2026 Notification. The exam will be conducted over two weekends in February 2026.
Key Dates for GATE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Notification Release | 21st August 2025 |
| Online Registration Starts | 28th August 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration (Normal Fee) | 28th September 2025 |
| Extended Registration with Late Fee | 9th October 2025 |
| Last Date to Change Category/Paper/City | 6th November 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | 2nd January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 19th March 2026 |
| Scorecard Free Download | 27th March – 31st May 2026 |
| Scorecard with Fee (₹500) | 1st June – 31st December 2026 |
🌟 Opportunities After GATE 2026
Qualifying GATE 2026 opens up a wide range of opportunities in higher education, government jobs, and the private sector. Here’s a detailed look at the possibilities:
1. Higher Education Opportunities
- Candidates can pursue M.Tech, M.E., M.S., or Ph.D. programs at prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, IISc, and other top universities across India and abroad.
- GATE scores are accepted by several foreign universities (e.g., Germany, Singapore) for postgraduate admissions.
2. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- GATE scores are widely used for recruitment in PSUs such as BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, GAIL, SAIL, and more.
- PSUs offer attractive salary packages, job security, and growth opportunities.
3. Government Organizations & Research Labs
- Various central government organizations and research laboratories accept GATE scores for direct recruitment.
- Candidates can explore opportunities in research and innovation through these institutes.
4. International Opportunities
- Certain universities abroad recognize GATE scores for admission, providing candidates with global exposure and international career prospects.
Overall: Clearing GATE 2026 significantly enhances a candidate’s career prospects, offering better education, high-paying job roles, and opportunities in research and innovation.
❓ GATE 2026 FAQ
1. What is GATE 2026?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026 is a national-level exam for engineering, science, humanities, and commerce graduates seeking postgraduate admissions, scholarships, and PSU jobs.
2. Who is eligible for GATE 2026?
- Final year or completed undergraduate students in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- There is no age limit.
3. How many papers are there in GATE 2026?
There are 30 test papers. Candidates can appear in one or two papers (as per allowed combinations).
4. When will the GATE 2026 application process start?
- Registration Start: 28th August 2025
- Last Date (Regular Fee): 28th September 2025
- Extended Registration (Late Fee): 9th October 2025
5. How can I apply for GATE 2026?
Applications are accepted only online via GOAPS at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
6. What is the application fee for GATE 2026?
| Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
| Two Papers | Double the above | Double the above |
7. What is the GATE 2026 exam pattern?
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for PwD)
- Questions: 65 (10 GA + 55 Subject-specific)
- Marks: 100
- Types of Questions: MCQ, MSQ, NAT
8. When will GATE 2026 exams be held?
- Exam Dates: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026
9. When will the admit card be released?
- Admit Card Download: 2nd January 2026 via GOAPS portal
10. When will GATE 2026 results and scorecards be available?
- Result Declaration: 19th March 2026
- Scorecard Free Download: 27th March – 31st May 2026
- Scorecard with Fee (₹500): 1st June – 31st December 2026
- Validity: 3 years from result declaration
11. What opportunities are available after GATE 2026?
- Higher Education: M.Tech, M.E., M.S., Ph.D. in IITs, NITs, IISc, and abroad
- PSU Jobs: BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, GAIL, SAIL, etc.
- Government & Research Labs: Recruitment using GATE scores
- International Opportunities: Some foreign universities accept GATE for admission
