GATE 2026

For GATE 2026 aspirants, it is crucial to know all the various important dates for mock tests, admit cards, exam dates and announcement of results

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance examination for postgraduate programs such as M.Tech, ME, MS, PhD, etc. It covers various streams such as technology, engineering, science, architecture, arts, commerce, humanities, etc. Through GATE, candidates can gain access to top educational organizations such as IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities. GATE is considered one of the most prestigious options for postgraduate courses in India. Let us get more information about GATE 2026.

GATE 2026 – Overview

GATE is conducted on a rotational basis by the IISc Bangalore and the seven IITs. The IITs are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee. Every year, one of the members conducts the entire process, while others provide all the necessary support. This reduces dependency on any specific entity and also minimizes the risk of outcomes such as paper leaks, cheating, etc.

GATE 2026 is being conducted by IIT Guwahati. The exam is a computer-based test of 3 hours or 180 minutes. The scores are valid for three years from the date of announcement of results. Candidates can choose from 30 subjects, based on their domain expertise. In GATE 2026, third-year undergraduate students have been allowed to take the exam. GATE 2026 also has a special provision for PSU recruitments.

Important dates for GATE 2026

• Online registration – This has commenced since August 25, 2025
• Closing date for regular registration (without late fee) – October 6 and 7, 2025
• Closing date for extended registration (with late fee) – October 13, 2025
• GATE 2026 Admit Cards download – This will commence from January 02, 2026
• GATE 2026 Exam dates – The GATE 2026 exams will be conducted on February 07, 08, 14, and 15, 2026
• GATE 2026 results announcement – March 19, 2026
• GATE 2026 scorecard download – This will be available from March 28–May 31, 2026

Eligibility criteria for GATE 2026

There is no age limit fixed for participating in GATE 2026. Also, candidates can make any number of attempts in the entrance exam. A modification has been introduced in GATE 2026, allowing third-year undergraduates (minimum 10+2+3 ongoing) to take part in the exam. This will ensure a seamless transition, without any gaps in the candidate’s career progression. The candidate should have Indian nationality. Foreign students from select countries are also allowed, but they need to travel to India to take the tests.

GATE 2026 registration process

Only online applications are being processed for GATE 2026. There is no offline option available to anyone. The official portal for registration to GATE 2026 is https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/. It is a simple process where applicants have to provide their details and pay the fees online. The application fee for GATE 2026 is Rs 1,800 for one paper and Rs 2,300 for two papers, for general candidates.

For SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates, the fee is Rs 900 for one paper and Rs 1,400 for two papers. Foreign nationals from SAARC countries applying for GATE 2026 need to pay less than the fee paid by non-SAARC foreign nationals.

Tips for students taking GATE 2026

Students can prepare on their own for GATE 2026 or seek professional help and support from any of the reputed coaching centers. Taking mock tests helps significantly by preparing candidates both mentally and emotionally. Based on feedback provided by candidates who have successfully cleared GATE exam in the past, students may have to devote 6-8 hours daily. Students also need to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing when preparing for the GATE exam.