The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the entrance test for postgraduate engineering and science programs in India, such as Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Technology (MTech), and direct PhD admissions in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities across India. It also facilitates entry into prestigious public sector jobs (PSUs) at entry-level positions. It is conducted every year by the 7 IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) - Bangalore, in coordination with the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI). According to the trends, GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati.

GATE 2026 Exam Highlights
| Points | Details |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Exam Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Release Date of Official Notification | August 2025 |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | iitg.ac.in |
Important GATE 2026 Exam Dates
The dates of the GATE 2026 exams will be released by IIT Guwahati on its official website, iitg.ac.in. Generally, the GATE exam date will include all dates for important events like registration of GATE 2026, admit card release date, result date, etc.
Date for 2026 GATE Exam
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration of GATE 2026 | August 2025 |
| GATE 2026 registration deadline (Without Late Fee) | October 2025 |
| Last day for GATE form 2026 submission (including late charge) | October 2025 |
| Changes to the 2026 GATE application form | November 2025 |
| GATE admit card publishing date | January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 examination date | February 2026 |
| GATE response sheet 2026 | February 2026 |
| GATE Examination Answer Key Released | February 2026 |
| GATE 2026 answer sheet challenge period | February 2026 |
| GATE 2026 results | March 2026 |
| Candidates can download score card | March 2026 |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the stated eligibility requirements to apply for GATE 2026. These standards define the qualifications prospective candidates must meet for the test.
- Applicants have to be Indian nationals. NRIs that meet the eligibility requirements can also take the GATE 2026.
- Candidates should have either finished a Bachelor's degree or be in the third year or later of an undergraduate program in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- GATE 2026 has no age restriction.
GATE 2026 Registration Process
Candidates satisfying the eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 can register online at the official website. The registration process is explained below:
Step 1: Registration
The first step in applying for GATE 2026 is the registration process, which is done online. Candidates must mention their name, email address, and contact number. After that, a unique enrollment ID and password will automatically be generated.
Step 2: Filling Up the Application Form
Use your enrollment ID and password to log into the GOAPS portal and complete the GATE Application Form. The candidate, without any glitches, should give personal details, educational qualifications, and the subject for which they are willing to sit.
Step 3: Uploading Document
The applicant has to upload the photograph and scanned signature as per specification.
Step 4: Payment of Registration Fee
After that, the candidate has to pay the GATE 2026 registration fee through credit card/debit card or net banking, which completes the application process. It is advisable to keep a printout of the submitted GATE application form for future reference.
GATE 2026 Exam Registration Fee for Indian and International Applicants
The GATE 2026 registration fee is different for each category. Here is a breakup:
Indian Candidates Registration Fee:
- Female applicants - INR 900.
- SC/ST/PwD applicants - INR 900.
- Other candidates - INR 1800.
International Candidates Registration Fee:
- International applicants - $100.
Other Details Regarding GATE 2026
- Application Fee Waivers: Female and SC/ST/PwD candidates get a 50% concession on the application fees.
- Payment Methods:
- For Indian Candidates: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI.
- For International Candidates, use a Credit Card or PayPal.
- Refund Policy: Registration fees, once paid, shall be non-refundable under any circumstances.
Extra Charges
- Late Fee: ₹500 for Indian Candidates | $20 for International Candidates.
- Extra Paper Fee: ₹500 per additional paper (Indian candidates) | $20 per additional paper (International candidates).
Make sure you register within the specified dates to avoid the additional charges.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Before venturing into preparation, candidates should take some time to know about the GATE 2026 exam pattern. It includes important details like the types of questions asked, the total number of questions, the time duration of the exam, maximum marks, and the marking scheme. The GATE 2026 exam will be held online for 3 hours. As per the exam pattern, the questions can be categorized into three major types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). The exam scoring will be carried out with a maximum of 100 marks.
Also Check GATE 2026 Syllabus
Documents and Information Required in GATE 2026 Registration
Candidates must have the following documents and information to complete the GATE 2026 registration process. They are required to fill out the application form correctly, upload documents, and verify information.
- Personal Information
- Full Name (as in official documents).
- Date of Birth.
- Gender
- Category - General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD.
- Nationality
- Aadhaar No (for Indian candidates) or Passport No (for International candidates).
- Contact Information
- Active Email ID - This will be used for all communications and GOAPS login.
- Mobile No - Active for OTP verification and updates.
- Correspondence Address - For official communication.
- Academic Details
- Qualifying Degree (e.g, B.Tech., B.E., M.Sc., etc.).
- Name of the Institution/University.
- Year of Passing or expected year of completion.
- Marks/CGPA (if applicable).
- Scanned documents to be uploaded
- The candidates must upload the following documents:
- Photograph.
- Signature.
- Category Certificate.
- Degree Certificate.
- Provisional Certificate.
- PwD Certificate.
- Payment Details
- Any Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI for online payment of application fee.
- Exam Preferences
- Choice of GATE paper(s) (up to two papers).
- Preferred exam Cities (two choices maximum).
Ensure all documents are accurate and in the required format to avoid complications during registration.
Also Check GATE Previous Year Papers
Conclusion
The GATE 2026 exam is an essential road to M.Tech and Ph.D. programs of distinction and sought-after PSU jobs with great significance for engineering students throughout India. Being conducted by IIT Guwahati, the candidates must know all upcoming notifications, including exam dates, registration, and other relevant information.
GATE 2026 preparation should start well in advance, following a solid course of action. Understanding the concepts is the priority while solving previous years' papers, and attempting mock tests should be done religiously to sharpen your skills.



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