GATE Exam 2026: Eligibility, Registration, Important Dates, Syllabus, Paper Pattern, and Benefits
Latest Update on GATE Exam 2026: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, organized by IIT Guwahati, will be held on February 7, 8, 14, & 15 for 30 papers. Additionally, the official GATE website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in has been launched, and GATE exam registration will begin on Monday, August 25th.
After clearing the GATE exam, aspirants can be admitted to IITs, IISc, and other universities for postgraduate programs. PSUs in India also recruit candidates based on the GATE cutoffs. The GATE is a premier national-level exam for engineering, science, and humanities graduates aiming for M.Tech/Ph.D. programs at IITs, NITs, IISc, or PSU jobs. This comprehensive blog covers the GATE 2026 exam schedule, eligibility, registration, important dates, syllabus, paper pattern, benefits, and the two-paper combination options. It’s a success roadmap designed for beginners and repeat aspirants.
What is the GATE Exam 2026?
GATE 2026 exam is a 3-hour, 100-mark computer-based test (CBT) evaluating undergraduate-level knowledge across 30 disciplines, including engineering, science, architecture, and humanities. It comprises General Aptitude (15 marks) and core subject + Engineering Mathematics (85 marks). Qualifying for GATE unlocks postgraduate admissions, PSU recruitment, and research opportunities.
Why Prepare Early? A structured GATE 2026 study plan can help you with thorough syllabus coverage, extensive practice, and confidence to excel in this competitive exam.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the GATE Exam 2026?
GATE 2026 offers flexible eligibility with no age or attempt limits, accommodating diverse candidates.
Eligibility Overview
- Nationality: Indian and international candidates (must travel to India for the exam).
- Educational Qualification: Candidate,
- Must have completed or is pursuing the 3rd year/higher of undergraduate programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science (e.g., BE/B.Tech, B.Arch).
- Must have a completed degree or be in the final year/semester of B.Tech by 2026.
- With a 3-year B.Sc. graduation degree, you are eligible, though admission options may be limited (e.g., Integrated Ph.D., MS by Research).
- Documents Required: Degree certificate, final year marksheet, or provisional certificate for those awaiting degrees.
Key Note: Select the minimum qualifying degree (e.g., B.Tech) during registration, even if you hold higher qualifications.
Read More: GATE Eligibility Criteria
GATE Exam Date: Important Days and Schedule
| Particulars | Tentative Dates |
| Activation of GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) | Monday, August 25th, 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration for GATE 2026 (Without Late Fee) | Thursday, September 25, 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration for GATE 2026 (With Late Fee) | Monday, October 06, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | January 2026 |
| GATE Exam Dates 2026 | Saturday, February 07, 2026 Sunday, February 08, 2026 Saturday, February 14, 2026 Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Availability of Response Sheet | February 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | February 2026 |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | February 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Announcement | March 19th 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Scorecard Availability | March 2026 |
How to Register for the GATE 2026
GATE 2026 registration will begin on 25 August. Register online via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal. The portal allows you to register, submit the form, upload the document, and pay the fee.
Steps to Register
- Access GOAPS: Visit iitg.ac.in (active from August 2025).
- Register: Create an account with your name, email, and mobile number to receive an Enrollment ID and password.
- Fill out the form: Enter personal details, academic qualifications, paper(s) choice, and exam city preferences.
- Upload Documents:
- Photograph: JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB, 80% face coverage.
- Signature: JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB, black ink on white paper.
- Pay the Fee: You can pay your fee through various modes of payment available. Use net banking, credit/debit card, UPI, or PayPal (for international candidates). You must remember that the fees are non-refundable.
The application fee for the GATE Exam 2026 is neither refundable nor transferable. It can be paid through various payment gateways, including UPI, net banking, debit cards, credit cards, and E-wallets.
| Category | Regular Period
(August 25 to September 25, 2025) |
During the Extended Period (September 26 to October 06, 2025) |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates (Per test paper) | 1000 | 1500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals (Per test paper) | 2000 | 2500 |
NOTE: The above Application fees are for a single test paper. Candidates opting for two papers must pay twice the above-mentioned fees.
Read More: GATE Exam Pattern 2026
Syllabus of GATE Exam 2026
The GATE 2026 syllabus covers 30 test papers, including General Aptitude (GA) and subject-specific topics. Minor updates are expected to be confirmed by IIT Guwahati in August 2025.
Syllabus Breakdown
Each GATE 2026 paper is worth 100 marks. General Aptitude (GA) is common for all papers (15 marks), and the rest of the paper covers the respective test paper syllabus (85 marks).
| XE Paper Sections | Code | XH Paper Sections | Code | XL Paper Sections | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) (15 marks) |
A | Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory) (25 marks) |
B1 | Chemistry (Compulsory) (25 marks) |
P |
| Any TWO optional Sections (2×35 = 70 marks) |
Any ONE optional Section (60 marks) |
Any TWO optional Sections (2×30 = 60 marks) |
|||
| Fluid Mechanics | B | Economics | C1 | Biochemistry | Q |
| Materials Science | C | English | C2 | Botany | R |
| Solid Mechanics | D | Linguistics | C3 | Microbiology | S |
| Thermodynamics | E | Philosophy | C4 | Zoology | T |
| Polymer Science and Engineering | F | Psychology | C5 | Food Technology | U |
| Food Technology | G | Sociology | C6 | ||
| Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences | H | ||||
| Energy Science (Newly Introduced) | I |
Notes:
- Candidates must familiarize themselves with the paper code as it is required during application and examination.
- Each candidate should fill out only one application. If they wish to appear in the second paper (from the two-paper combination), they can add the respective paper to their original application.
- In case of Multiple applications, only one will be accepted, and the remaining applications will be rejected without any refund for the paid fee.
Exam Paper Pattern in GATE Exam 2026
The GATE 2026 paper pattern tests candidates’ recall, comprehension, analysis, and application skills through a structured format.
Exam Structure
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language of examination | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours* |
| Number of papers (Subjects) | 30 test papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject(s) |
| Type of Questions | (a) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Question (MSQ) (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Testing of abilities | (a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & 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 Total: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | A wrong answer chosen in an MCQ will result in a negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ. |
Read More: How to Prepare for GATE 2026 Exams: Tips & Tricks
Key Definitions:
- MCQs: Multiple-choice questions with negative marking. Only one option is correct.
- MSQs: Multiple-select questions with no negative marking. One or more than one option can be correct
- NATs: Numerical answer type with no negative marking.
- Two-Paper Option: Candidates can choose up to two papers from the allowed combinations.
Read More: GATE Negative Marking
Two-Paper Combinations in GATE 2026
| Primary Paper (Code) | Allowed Secondary Paper (Code) |
| Aerospace Engineering (AE) | CE, ME, XE, GE |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | AE, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE, DA, TF, EE |
| Computer Science (CS) | DA, EC, MA, PH, ST, XE, BT, EE, ME |
| Data Science & AI (DA) | CS, EC, MA, ST, BM, CE, IN, CH, MT, BT, XH, GE |
| Electronics & Communication (EC) | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH, XL |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | EC, IN, PH, BM, XL, CS, CE |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | AE, CH, NM, PI, XE, CS, DA |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | AE, CE, CH, ME, MT, PE, PI, AG, AR, BM, CS, GE, GG, NM, PE, TF |
| Life Sciences (XL) | BM, BT, CY, EY, CH, EE, PH, EC |
Note: Combinations are subject to change; check iitg.ac.in for updates. An additional fee applies for the second paper.
💡Preparation Tip: Practice with mock tests to master the virtual calculator and question types.
Benefits of Qualifying for the GATE Exam
Qualifying for the GATE exam offers significant academic and professional advantages, making it a high-value investment.
Key Benefits
- Postgraduate Admissions:
- You can take admission for M.Tech, M.S. by Research, or Ph.D. programs at IITs, NITs, IISc, IIITs, and other institutes.
- GATE scores remain valid for 3 years for admissions.
- PSU Recruitment:
- Direct recruitment at PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, and BHEL with impressive salaries.
- Research Opportunities:
- Junior/Senior Research Fellowships for CSIR, DRDO, and ISRO research careers.
- International Opportunities:
- Admission to select foreign universities (e.g., NUS, NTU in Singapore) accepting GATE scores.
- Career Advancement:
- Enhances employability in the private and government sectors.
Additional Advantages
| Benefit | Details |
| Scholarships | MHRD stipend (₹12,400/month) for M.Tech students at IITs/NITs. |
| Interdisciplinary Options | Two-paper combinations enable broader career paths (e.g., CS + DA). |
| No Attempt Limit | Reattempt to improve scores without restrictions. |
Pro Tip: A high GATE score maximizes chances for PSU jobs or top institute admissions
Read More: GATE Syllabus For Civil Engineering (CE) 2026
How to Prepare for GATE 2026
To crack GATE 2026, go with this strategic plan:
- Start Early: Begin with a 6–12 month GATE 2026 study plan, prioritizing high-weightage topics.
- Use Quality Resources: Study standard textbooks, solve previous year papers (2016–2025), and explore platforms like GeeksforGeeks.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take 10–15 full-length mocks to build exam confidence.
- Master General Aptitude: Practice daily to score 12–15 marks in this section.
- Revise Regularly: Maintain concise notes for quick revision.
- Consider Coaching: Institutes like IMS GATE Academy or Made Easy provide structured guidance.
FAQs on GATE Exam 2026
What are the GATE 2026 exam dates?
IIT Guwahati will hold the GATE exam for 2026 on February 7,8,14, & 15 in 2026 by IIT Guwahati. Candidates can register for the GATE exam from August 25, 2025.
Who can apply for GATE 2026?
Candidates pursuing 3rd year or higher of undergraduate programs or those with a completed degree in Engineering, Science, Arts, etc.
When should I apply for the GATE exam in 2026?
The application and registration process for GATE 2026 will begin on August 25th, 2025, and will remain open until October 2025.
Can I choose two papers in GATE 2026?
Yes, for an additional fee, you can choose two papers in the GATE exam from the allowed combinations (e.g., CS + DA).
How long are GATE 2026 scores valid?
Your GATE scores remain valid for 3 years for postgraduate admissions.
Who is eligible for the GATE exam 2026?
GATE 2026 offers flexible eligibility with no age or attempt limits and accommodates diverse candidates. You can check here for the complete list of eligibility requirements with regard to academic and nationality.
Conclusion
The GATE Exam 2026 is a transformative opportunity for graduates to advance their academic and professional journeys. You can craft a robust preparation strategy by understanding GATE 2026 eligibility, registration, important dates, syllabus, paper pattern, two-paper combinations, and benefits. Start early, use quality resources, and practice consistently to crack GATE 2026 and access prestigious opportunities at IITs, NITs, or PSUs.
