GATE 2026 Exam Begins Tomorrow; Check Guidelines, Dress Code, Schedule, and Mandatory Instructions

Sapna Content Writer

Content Writer | Updated On - Feb 6, 2026

Students must reach the centre 90 minutes before the start of the exam.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is set to commence the GATE 2026 examination on February 7, 2026. Candidates appearing for the national-level entrance test must strictly adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth examination process.

The GATE exam will be conducted in two shifts (Forenoon and Afternoon).

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule

Date	Session	Time
February 7, 2026	Morning (FN)	9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
February 7, 2026	Afternoon (AN)	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
February 8, 2026	Morning (FN)	9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
February 8, 2026	Afternoon (AN)	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
February 14, 2026	Morning (FN)	9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
February 14, 2026	Afternoon (AN)	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
February 15, 2026	Morning (FN)	9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
February 15, 2026	Afternoon (AN)	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Admit Card: Candidates must carry a printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card to the exam center. Digital copies will not be accepted.
Valid ID Proof: Along with the admit card, a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, PAN, etc.) is mandatory.
Reporting Time: Candidates are advised to report to the center at least 90 minutes before the exam starts for biometric verification.
Late Entry: No candidate will be allowed to log in 30 minutes after the commencement of the exam.
Permitted Items: Only transparent water bottles, masks, and a simple pen or pencil are allowed inside.

Also Check: GATE Paper Analysis 2026: Check Difficulty Level, Branch-wise Question Paper Analysis, Weightage of Topics

GATE 2026 Dress Code: Instructions for Male & Female Candidates

To facilitate security checks and avoid prohibited items, the following dress code is recommended:

General Rule: Candidates should wear simple, light, and comfortable clothing. Avoid clothes with large buttons, metal zips, or many pockets.
Footwear: Shoes are strictly prohibited. Candidates must wear open footwear like sandals or flip-flops.
Accessories: Belts, watches, bracelets, rings, goggles, and metallic jewelry are not allowed.
Headgear: Caps, hats, or mufflers are not permitted unless for religious reasons (subject to thorough security screening).

GATE 2026 Important Candidate Instructions for the Exam Hall

Biometric Verification: Candidates must undergo biometric and document verification before entering the hall.
Login Period: A 20-minute reading period is provided on the computer screen before the exam begins to review instructions.
Scribble Pad: A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. Candidates must write their name and registration number on it and return it to the invigilator before leaving.
Calculators: Personal calculators are prohibited; a virtual scientific calculator will be available on the exam screen.
Leaving the Hall: No candidate is permitted to leave the examination hall before the full duration of the exam is over.