GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines are issued by the organizing institute (IIT Guwahati for 2026) on the admit card. The GATE Exam day guidelines ensure a smooth and hassle-free examination. If you are appearing for the GATE exam, you must know what to carry on the day of the exam, what to wear, and when to reach the GATE test centre.
- The GATE 2026 Admit Card has already been released on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- The GATE Admit Card will contain your personal details, GATE 2026 exam date, time, exam center and guidelines for the exam day.
- You should reach the centre before the time mentioned on the admit card to complete the verification; late entry will not be allowed.
- You should carry a printed copy of the GATE Admit Card, along with an original Photo ID Proof and a passport-size photograph.
The Restricted items, like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, bags, wallets, books, and personal stationery, are not allowed at the exam center.
The GATE exam 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
Check: GATE 2026 Admit Card Released; Download Hall Ticket @gate2026.iitg.ac.in
What are the GATE 2026 Exam Guidelines?
The GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines are a set of rules you must follow while taking the test. These guidelines are set by IIT Guwahati to ensure a fair and hassle free examination process. You must follow these instructions to avoid confusion, delays, or disqualification.
| Guideline Category | What Candidates Must Follow |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time | Reach the GATE 2026 exam hall at least 90 minutes before the exam. Late entry is not allowed |
| Mandatory Documents | Carry a physical copy of the GATE admit card printed on A4-size paper. Also, carry a valid ID proof. If the quality of the photo in the ID proof is unclear, then bring an additional recent photo ID. |
| Login and Instructions | Students will be offered to sit before exam time. 20 minutes will be provided to log in and read instructions. |
| GATE Calculator | An online GATE calculator will be installed in the system for doing calculations. |
| Dress Code | There are no specific dress code guidelines. However, students are required to wear light and comfortable clothing onthe GATE exam day. |
| Allowed Items | Admit card, ID proof, photograph, transparent pen, transparent water bottle |
| Restricted Items | Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, bags, Watches of any kind, wallets, books, any electronic devices, Charts, log tables, books or any text materials, Heavy ornaments |
| Special Provisions | Candidates suffering from any airborne contagious diseases must inform their respective zonal centres at least a week before GATE exam. Such students must carry their medical fitness certificate to the centre, and wear masks and gloves for precaution. Candidates with any other health issues must bring the required medications. |
| GATE Scribble Pad | A scribble pad will be provided inside the GATE exam hall. You must write your name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. You can take only one pad at a time. If GATE scribble pad is filled, the candidate has to return the previous one and then ask for a new one. |
| Exit Rules | You are not allowed to leave the exam hall before the exam concludes |
Source: GATE 2026 Information Brochure
Also Check:
- GATE Exam Centers 2026: Check Zonal List of Exam Cities in India
- GATE 2026 Login (GOAPS) @gate2026.iitg.ac.in, Uses and Benefits of GOAPS
Source: GATE 2026 Information Brochure
The video by “GPAT Discussion Centre” also explains the things to be carried on the GATE 2026 exam day.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates
The GATE exam schedule has been released on the official website. You can check the adtes below:
| Day, Date | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CS-1, ST |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | EC |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AR, DA |
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
GATE 2026 Shift and Reporting Time
| Shift | Exam timings | Reporting time |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (forenoon session) | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm | At least 90 mins (3 hours) before exam time |
| Shift 2 (afternoon session) | 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
GATE 2026 Exam-Day Guidelines: Items You Should Carry and Strictly Avoid
As per the GATE 2026 Exam Guidelines, a few items are allowed and a few items are prohibited to conduct the exam smoothly. The details will be mentioned on the GATE 2026 admit card or on gate2026.iitg.ac.in for any last-minute updates.
- A virtual calculator is provided on-screen during the computer-based test—no physical one is needed.
| Category | What You SHOULD Carry (Mandatory / Allowed) | What You MUST STRICTLY AVOID (Prohibited Items) |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Printed GATE 2026 Admit Card (on A4-size paper)Original valid photo ID proof (same as uploaded during registration, e.g., Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.) | Photocopies of IDExpired or invalid IDAny other document not listed as valid proof |
| Writing / Rough Work | Transparent PenNothing (scribble pad / rough sheet will be provided) | Personal pens, pencils, pencil boxes/pouchesPapers, books, charts, log tables, study material etc |
| Electronic Devices | None | Mobile phones/smartphonesSmartwatches / any watches (analog or digital)Calculators (physical)Earphones, Bluetooth devices, tablets, pen drives, scanners, any electronic/communication/recording devices |
| Personal Belongings | Transparent water bottle (if allowed; check centre-specific rules; some centres permit it) | Bags, purses, walletsBelts, jewellery (rings, bracelets, chains, metallic accessories), gogglesAny personal items (food, eatables, etc.) |
| Other / Dress Code | Simple, comfortable clothing without excessive metal, pockets, or layers that could require extra checking | Heavy jewellery, metallic ornamentsBulky clothing, scarves, stoles, dupattas (may be asked to remove) |
Source: GATE Official (Brochure Link)
Ques: What to carry during a GATE 2026 exam?
Ans: On the GATE 2026 exam day, you must carry your printed admit card, a valid photo ID like Aadhaar or PAN, a pen, a pencil, a transparent water bottle, and a passport photo. No electronic gadgets, calculators, bags, or study materials are allowed.
Ques: Can I wear jeans in the GATE exam?
Ans: Yes, you can wear jeans, but comfortable and lightweight clothing is suggested, and flip-flops or sandals are recommended as footwear. Both male and female candidates should avoid wearing goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, or any other such items.
Ques: What should I avoid wearing to GATE?
Ans: You must not wear Metal-Heavy Clothing. You can remove or pack metal items before arriving at security.
Documents to Carry for the GATE 2026 Exam
The other required documents must be carried along with the admit card of GATE 2026. Without valid documents, candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
- Printed copy of GATE 2026 Admit Card
- Original photo ID proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- PAN Card
- School/College ID
- Notarised certificate with photo
Also Read: GATE Virtual Calculator: Check Uses and Benefits of Virtual Calculator
GATE 2026 Dress Code
The organizing institute does not issue any dress code guidelines. However, students must wear light and comfortable clothing on exam day. To know what to wear and not, you can check the GATE dress code details here.
GATE Exam Dress Code 2026: Documents Required, Banned Items, Exam Timings, Exam Day Instructions
GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines for Students with any Health Issues
If you have any health issues on the GATE exam day, you must follow the guidelines or report to the authorities about it.
- If you are suffering from any airborne or contagious diseases, such as chicken pox or measles, you must carry your own medications.
- You must inform your respective zonal centres at least a week before the GATE exam in such cases.
- You must also carry your medical fitness certificate to the centre, and wear masks and gloves for precaution.
- Candidates with any other health issues must bring the required medications. Asking for medications during exam day from outside is strictly prohibited.
FAQs
Ques: Is a printed admit card mandatory for GATE 2026?
Ans: Yes, only printed admit cards are accepted. Digital copies on mobile phones are not allowed at the exam centre under any condition.
Ques: Is Aadhaar compulsory for GATE 2026 exam day?
Ans: No, Aadhaar is not compulsory. Other valid government-issued photo IDs are accepted if they match the admit card details.
Ques: Are bags allowed inside the GATE exam centre?
Ans: No, bags are not allowed inside the exam hall. Most centres do not provide storage facilities.
Ques: Is a physical calculator allowed in GATE 2026?
Ans: No, physical calculators are not allowed. Candidates must use the virtual calculator provided on the exam screen.
Ques: Is biometric verification compulsory in GATE 2026?
Ans: Yes, biometric verification is mandatory for all candidates in GATE 2026. Failure may lead to denial of entry.
Ques: Can I leave the GATE 2026 exam hall early?
Ans: No, candidates are not allowed to leave before the GATE 2026 exam ends, even if they finish early.
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