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The GATE Dress code will be released by IIT Guwahati, the conducting body of GATE 2026. As per the guidelines, candidates should wear lightweight, comfortable clothes and should avoid using metals like belts, rings, watches, bracelets and shoes covering the feet.
- As per the GATE Dress code, candidates should avoid wearing headgear, stoles and scarves unless required for any religious or medical reasons.
- Candidates should refer to the GATE Admit Card 2026, as it includes proper centre-based instructions for GATE Dress code, ID Proofs and Items that are not allowed.
In GATE 2026, around 400 candidates' exam was delayed because of not following the dress code, which shows it is important to follow the GATE Exam Dress Code properly.
By following the GATE 2026 Dress code, candidates can reduce their chances of any risk on the Exam day, and it can be conducted fairly.
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| Key Summary: In this Article, we have discussed about GATE Dress code 2026, including the Documents Required, banned items, exam timings and guidelines.
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| Table of Contents |
GATE 2026 Dress Code for Males
- Male candidates are instructed not to wear any clothing with metallic buttons or other metal accents.
- Candidates must refrain from donning such attire with an excessive number of pockets.
- Candidates are not permitted to cover their heads with a hat, muffler, or any other type of fabric.
- To avoid any discomfort during the exam, candidates must dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
- Candidates are not permitted to wear any jewellery or accessories, including belts, watches, and rings. Items of this nature will be strictly forbidden inside the testing facility.
- Sandals or flip-flops are recommended for candidates. Avoid wearing shoes or other foot-covering clothing.
- Candidates are not permitted to wear jewellery such as bracelets, rings, or goggles.
GATE 2026 Dress Code for Females
- Candidates must refrain from donning any type of stole, dupatta, or scarf.
- Candidates are not permitted to wear any jewellery or other accessories. There will be a strict restriction on these items inside the exam room.
- Candidates must refrain from donning any metal-containing clothing or accessories.
- To prevent any discomfort on the exam day, candidates are advised to dress comfortably and casually.
- Sandals or flip-flops are recommended for candidates. Avoid wearing shoes or other foot-covering clothing.
- Goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, and similar accessories are not permitted on candidates
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Documents Required for GATE Exam 2026
While taking GATE Exam, candidates must make sure they have all of the necessary documentation with them.
- GATE Exam Admit card is the most crucial document to have with you.
- Candidates must have a valid ID card with them at all times, such as a driving license, PAN card, Aadhaar card, college ID, employee ID, etc.
- Candidates are also recommended to adhere to the covid protocol. Use hand sanitizer and a mask.
- Candidates may bring a transparent water bottle, a pen, and a pencil.
GATE 2026 Banned Items
- Phones, calculators, log tables, pagers, tablets, and laptops are examples of electronic devices.
- Paper, books, and journals are not permitted.
- Pencil, pencil box, and set of geometry.
- Backpacks or bags.
- Anything else besides a GATE Exam 2026 admit card, an ID, and a photo.
- Foods and beverage
- Any kind of metal object.
- Microphone, camera, recorder, headphones, etc
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GATE Exam Day Instructions
To prevent confusion on exam day, GATE Exam 2026 conducting body has issued a few instructions. Below, we've listed them:
- Candidates must carry their GATE Admit card with them when they take the exam.
- They must bring an original picture ID, such as an Aadhaar-UID, passport, PAN card, voter ID, or driver's license, to the exam center in addition to their admit card.
- They have 90 minutes to get to the GATE exam location before the test starts. Additionally, they won't be able to check in once the exam has begun, which is 30 minutes.
- Twenty minutes before the start of the test, they are permitted to log on and read the instructions.
- Candidates are needed to bring their own pocket-sized hand sanitizer, pencil, transparent water bottle, mask, and pen.
- They must read the question paper in order to choose and organize the order in which they should tackle the sections.
GATE Exam Pre-Exam Specifications
- Candidates will be allowed to log in 20 minutes before the actual GATE Exam starts.
- They must go through the necessary instructions during the allotted time. However, they will not be allowed to start answering till the specified time.
- Candidates must use the time to understand the provided instructions.
- Also, scribble pads for rough work will be provided at the exam center. Candidates have to return the scribble pad after completing the exam.
- All candidates must write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before they start using it.
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FAQs for GATE Dress Code 2026
Ques. Does GATE have a dress code?
Ans. Yes, the GATE Exam requires proper guidelines for the GATE Dress code to ensure security, unfair practices and frisking. The GATE Dress code is followed by all centres and changed every year by the conducting IIT.
- Candidates should only wear light, non-metallic clothes.
- No belts, jewellery, or metallic accessories are allowed on the exam day.
- The Details for the dress code are mentioned on the GATE Admit Card.
Ques. Are Shoes Allowed for the GATE Exam?
Ans. No, shoes that cover the candidate's feet are not allowed in the GATE Exam according to the previous year's guidelines.
| Footwear Type | Allowed | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Flip-flops | Yes | Easy to inspect during security checks |
| Open sandals | Yes | No covered areas for hiding items |
| Formal/Covered Shoes | No | Delay frisking may contain metal |
| Sports shoes | No | Not allowed due to coverage and size |
Ques. What is Allowed in the GATE Exam?
Ans. Candidates should only carry important approved items as listed on the GATE Admit Card. Bringing unauthorised items can disqualify or delay the candidate's exam.
Allowed Items (as per official GATE 2026 instructions):
- GATE 2026 Admit Card (printed copy)
- Original valid Photo ID (Aadhar/PAN/Passport/College ID)
- Transparent water bottle
- Mask, gloves (if COVID guidelines apply)
- Pens (as per centre instructions)
Ques. What Should I Wear to the GATE Exam?
Ans. You should wear simple, light, and non-layered clothing without metallic elements or unnecessary accessories. This helps ensure a smooth frisking process.
Recommended Clothing for GATE 2026:
| Clothing Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt/Kurta | Allowed | Prefer light colours |
| Jeans/Pants (no belt) | Allowed | Avoid metallic zippers or embellishments |
| Dupatta/Stole | Not allowed | Can conceal items; best to avoid |
| Jackets/Shrugs | Not allowed | Additional layers are not permitted |
| Footwear | Open only | Flip-flops/sandals preferred |
Ques. Is a Handkerchief Allowed in the GATE Exam?
Ans. The Handkerchiefs are not banned in the GATE Exam, but candidates should avoid carrying them to prevent any suspicious activity.
- No mention in GOAPS or the admit card about handkerchiefs.
- Candidates are allowed tissues or napkins during COVID years.
- If necessary (e.g., for health reasons), inform the invigilator before the exam.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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