The GATE 2026 will be conducted by the IIT Guwahati, it is one of the most important exams that engineering and science graduates must pass for admission into their postgraduate courses and to secure jobs in the public sector. According to the previous trend observed from 2021 to 2025, GATE will be conducted on the first two weekends of February.
Tentative dates for the GATE 2026 exam are February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, as the dates have yet to be confirmed. This computer-based examination will offer candidates a choice of 30 different subjects, with both general test papers and specialized sections in various domains. As the weekends in February 2026 are fewer, aspirants should keep track of official announcements and begin early preparation.
Latest Updates of GATE 2026 Exam Dates
GATE Exam Dates 2026
Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must remain in touch with the expected exam schedule for effective planning and preparation. Therefore, the tentative GATE 2026 exam dates are presented in the table below to keep candidates prepared. Candidates must regularly check for any official updates concerning the confirmed dates and any further details about the exam pattern and process.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 exam dates - 1st weekend | Saturday - 7 February |
| Sunday - 8 February | |
| GATE 2026 exam dates - 2nd weekend | Saturday - 14 February |
| Sunday - 15 February |
Who will conduct the GATE in 2026?
The IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026. The conducting body of GATE rotates among the IITs and the IISc. Previously, IIT Guwahati organized the GATE in 2010, 2018, and now in 2026.
The Expected Difficulty level of GATE 2026 conducted by IIT Guwahati, as per the previous years' analysis:
- IIT Guwahati (GATE 2010): The exam was considered moderately difficult, with a balanced distribution of questions among the topics.
- IIT Guwahati (GATE 2018): The difficulty level was similar to the GATE 2010, with a mix of straightforward and challenging questions, requiring a thorough understanding of core subjects.
GATE Previous Year’s Exam Dates
| Year | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 1, 2, 15, and 16 February |
| 2024 | 3, 4, 10, and 11 February |
| 2023 | 4, 5, 11, and 12 February |
| 2022 | 5, 6, 12, and 13 February |
| 2021 | 6, 7, 13, and 14 February |
Who will conduct the GATE 2027 exam?
IIT Madras will conduct the GATE 2027 exam expected in February 2027. Each IIT and IISc conducts the GATE exam approximately every 8 years. IIT Madars has previously organized GATE in the years 1985, 1991,1997, 2003, 2011, and 2019. Following this pattern, IIT Madaras is expected to conduct GATE again in 2027.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
As per the tentative schedule, IIT Guwahati will likely declare the GATE 2026 Examination dates in July 2025. Candidates may check the official website for further notifications. The tentative exam dates for GATE 2026 are as follows.
| Events | GATE 2026 Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
| Notification about Availability | 1st week of August 2025 |
| Portal Open for GOAPS (GATE Online Application Portal System) | 4th week of August 2025 |
| Dates for Applying without late fee | 2nd week of October 2025 |
| Dates for Applying with late fee | 3rd week of October 2025 |
| Application Correction/ Modify details | 3rd week of November 2025 |
| Release of GATE 2026 Admit Card | 1st week of January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam | 1st to 2nd week of February 2026 |
| Availability of Responses Sheet | 3nd week of February 2026 |
| Release of Answer Key | 4th week of February 2026 |
| Last Dates for Submission of Objections/ Challenges | 4th week of February 2026 |
| Release of Final Key | 1st week of March 2026 |
| Date for Declaration of Results | 2nd week of March 2026 |
| Availability of Score Card | 4th week of March 2026 |
| Counseling Portal (COAP) Opening | 3rd week of March 2026 |
When can I apply for the GATE exam in 2026?
The GATE 2026 application process is expected to begin in the 4th week of August 2025, with the last submission date without a late fee up to the 2nd week of October 2025 and potentially extended till the 3rd Week of October 2025 with a late fee.
GATE 2026 Exam Centres
IIT Guwahati will manage the GATE 2026 exam centers in 238 locations across India, which are divided into 8 IIT zonal regions. For the last session, IIT Roorkee has added 11 new centers to promote accessibility for candidates nationwide.
| Institute Name | Number of Centres |
|---|---|
| IISc Bengaluru | 37 |
| IIT Delhi | 22 |
| IIT Roorkee | 26 |
| IIT Bombay | 37 |
| IIT Kanpur | 14 |
| IIT Guwahati | 24 |
| IIT Madras | 48 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 30 |
Description of the Exam Pattern for GATE 2026
Below are the crucial features of the exam pattern of the GATE 2026 exam and its marking scheme:
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test.
- Language of Examination: English.
- Number of Papers Offered: 30 Test Papers.
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Question- MCQ.
- Multiple Select Question- MSQ.
- Numerical Answer Type- NAT.
- Sections in the Paper:
- General Aptitude (GA).
- The candidate chooses the subject.
- Testing Abilities: Recall, Comprehension, Analysis & Synthesis, and Application.
- Exam duration- 3 hours.
- Marking scheme: Questions are either 1 or 2 marks.
- Negative marks: 1/3 mark for a question of 1-mark weightage and 2/3 mark for a question of 2-mark weightage.
- There is no negative or partial marking in MSQs and NAT cases.
Read: GATE Exam Pattern 2026, Paper-wise Question Paper Pattern
Tips to Prepare for GATE 2026
To secure a decent score in GATE 2026, follow these preparatory tips:
- Understand the whole syllabus, exam pattern, & marking scheme.
- Find out what's essential among the topics identified and prioritize those for study.
- Concepts must be revised every day for retention.
- Make short notes for every idea and revise them regularly.
- Attempt several mock tests to expose yourself to the exam pattern.
- Solve papers for the last few years and sample tests.
- Prepare using the recommended books and credible study material.
Also Check: GATE Preparation: Time Table, 6 months Study Tips
Conclusion
To conclude, staying updated with GATE 2026 exam dates and important details is essential for successful preparation. With a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and registration process, candidates will be able to do their planning. Therefore, it is advisable to follow official announcements and adopt clever study methods to succeed at GATE.
*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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