GATE 2026 notification updates that IIT Guwahati has now officially launched its GATE 2026 Exam website along with the dates. Candidates who are interested in enrolling for research-based programs like MTech, M.E. or even PhD programs can find the GATE 2026 exam schedule here. The GATE exam dates are 7,8,14, and 15 February 2026. The GATE 2026 application form, however, will be live on 25th August 2025. The candidates should stay updated from the GATE 2026 official website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
The GATE 2026 exam dates are available on the GATE 2026 official website. The dates are very important for the candidates to set and prepare their study schedule and the deadlines accordingly. Two new subjects for GATE 2026 exam – Geomatics Engineering (GE) and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) are now added making a total of 30 subjects.
In this article, we will talk about the GATE 2026 exam with respect to the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, important dates, application fee, subject list along with new additions.
GATE 2026 Exam Important Dates
The GATE 2026 registration date is 25th August 2025. It is important to stay connected with the official website. Below is the table to guide you through the important dates of GATE 2026 exam schedule:
| Dates | Upcoming Events |
|---|---|
| 25 August 2025 | Opening Date of GATE 2026 Application Form |
| 25 September 2025 | Closing Date of GATE 2026 Application Form (Without Late Fee) |
| 5 October 2025 | Closing Date of GATE 2026 Application Form (With Late Fee) |
| October 2025 | Application Form Correction (Tentative) |
| January 2026 | GATE 2026 Admit Card Date (Tentative) |
| 7 February 2026 | GATE 2026 EXAM 9:30 am to 12:30 pm 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
| 8 February 2026 | GATE 2026 EXAM 9:30 am to 12:30 pm 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
| 14 February 2026 | GATE 2026 EXAM 9:30 am to 12:30 pm 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
| 15 February 2026 | GATE 2026 EXAM 9:30 am to 12:30 pm 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
| March 2026 | GATE 2026 Results |
What is GATE 2026 Exam?
The full form of GATE is Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. GATE 2026 Exam is a national level entrance exam held for postgraduate studies MTech, ME, and PhD for disciplines relating to Engineering, Technology and Architecture.
The GATE 2026 exam official website link is https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
GATE exam is held across 8 zones across the country. It is organized by special committee members from prestigious universities including IISc Bangalore and seven IITs on the behalf of National Coordination Board (NCB) which is the part of the Ministry of Education, India.
GATE 2026 Exam Eligibility Criteria
In the GATE 2026 exam official website, the eligibility criteria are also mentioned, and candidates should make sure to reach the eligibility criteria. The table below states the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Nationality |
|
| Qualification for GATE 2026 Exam |
|
| GATE Age Limit | No age limit for GATE 2026 Exam |
| GATE attempt limit | No attempt limit for GATE 2026 Exam |
For more detail about the eligibility criteria for certain specific program/ degree, a candidate can visit the eligibility criteria or click on this link: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/eligibility-criteria.html
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of gate is more or less like the past year. Below is a debriefed exam pattern for better understanding of the candidates and to help them with the exam preparation:
| Particulars | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Language of Examination | English |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours PwD candidates with a benchmark disability greater than 40% are given an extra one hour as compensation. And PwD candidates with a benchmark disability less than 40% are requested to present their certificate. |
| Total Number of Subjects | 30 (2 new subjects have been added) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) and Candidate’s Selected Specialized Subject |
| Type of Questions | There is a total of three types of questions:
|
| Testing Abilities | a. Recall b. Comprehension c. Application d. Analysis and Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Engineering Mathematics*: ~13 marks Subject Questions: 72 marks Total: 100 marks *XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks |
| Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Subject Questions: 85 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For MCQ: • For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. • For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer.There is no negative or partial marking for MSQ and NAT. |
GATE 2026 Exam Syllabus
GATE 2026 Exam will be conducted for 30 papers. A candidate is allowed to appear on a maximum of two papers. The detailed syllabus and the two-paper combination will be soon updated on the website, thereby enabling the candidates to prepare accordingly.
In the meantime, the candidate can prepare for the general aptitude section which accounts for at least 15 marks or less depending on your paper code.
GATE 2026 Exam Application Form
The application form for GATE 2026 Exam will be live for the candidates from 25th August 2025 onwards. The list of documents required will be notified soon on the official website but from the previous year’s data, high quality image of candidate’s passport size photograph and signature, a scanned copy of SC/ST/PwD Certificates will be required to upload. In addition to that, scanned copy of valid photo identity card like Aadhar/ Passport/ Pan Card/ Voter ID/ Driving License must be uploaded along with the application form.
GATE 2026 Exam Application Fees
The application fee GATE 2026 exam for Female/SC/ST/PwD per test paper is INR 1000 for the regular period. but, for the extended period the fee is INR 1500.
The application fee for the rest of the candidates, including foreign nationals, is INR 2000 for the regular period and INR 2500 for the extended period.
These are however application fees for only one test paper. If a candidate wants to appear in two exams, they must pay the application fee according to their category twice.
GATE 2026 Exam Centres
GATE 2026 notification about the exam centres will be released only after the application portal goes live. Candidates must select their preferred exam centres while completing the GATE 2026 application form. Last year, there were 238 exam centres but for the GATE 2025 Exam, 11 new cities have been added in various zones. The list of new cities is given below:
- IISc Bangalore (Puttur)
- IIT Delhi (Bhilwara, Dausa, Hanumangarh)
- IIT Madras (Nandyal, Erode, Krishnagiri, Pollachi)
- IIT Guwahati (Baddi, Palamur, Una)
GATE 2026 Exam Subject List
The table below mentions the subject list for GATE 2026 Exam, along with 2 newly introduced subjects.
| Subject | Paper Code | Subject | Paper Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology & Geophysics | GG |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture and Planning | AR | Mathematics | MA |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Biotechnology | BT | Mining Engineering | MN |
| Civil Engineering | CE | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
| Computer Science & Information Technology | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE |
| Ecology and Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE | Life Sciences | XL |
GATE 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
A well-structured study plan gives success to an individual preparing for their entrance exam. Mentioned below are some of the GATE 2026 exam preparation tips.
- Better Understanding of the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: The first step to any exam involves studying the syllabus and the exam pattern in detail. An individual appearing for a competitive exam should be aware of the syllabus and how the exam is incorporated.
- Previous Year Papers and Mock Test: Another important step to be assured of success, one must practice the PYQs and Mock Tests as much as possible. This helps a candidate assess their weak points and gain strength in those areas through this type of revision.
- Quality Resources: It is crucial that a candidate has adequate and the right resources with them. The right preparation books or academy support is very important for a fresher who is appearing for the first time.
- Master the General Aptitude: Even though the General Aptitude section only accounts for 15 or less marks, it should be thoroughly prepared. These 15 marks can be earned easily with simple, everyday practice of verbal, numerical, analytical and spatial abilities.
Conclusion
GATE 2026 Exam is important for candidates who are interested in researching, especially in engineering and science related fields. The GATE 2026 exam website for Guwahati is now officially open with the admission portal going live on 25th August 2025. Stay updated and connected with the website for further updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
