GATE 2026: Key Highlights & Exam Dates
If you’re an engineering or science student planning career advancement, GATE is the crucial exam for admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and for PSU recruitment. IIT Guwahati is the organizing institute for GATE 2026.
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start | August 25, 2025 |
| Application Deadline (No Late Fee) | September 25, 2025 |
| Application Deadline (With Late Fee) | October 6/9, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be updated |
| Exam Dates | Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
Validity: GATE 2026 score is valid for 3 years from result date.
What is GATE and Who Should Apply?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by IITs and IISc Bangalore. Qualifying in GATE is essential for:
- M.Tech, ME, and PhD admissions in top engineering/science institutes
- Direct recruitment to PSUs such as IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, and others
- Group A-level posts in Central Government departments
GATE 2026 will be held across 30 engineering and science subjects—with options for up to two test papers per candidate.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Degree/Program | Criteria/Eligible Year |
| BE/BTech/BPharm | 3rd year+ or completed |
| BArch | 3rd year+ or completed |
| BSc/B.S. | 3rd year+ or completed |
| MSc/MA/MCA | 1st year+ or completed |
| Int. ME/MTech/Post-BSc | 1st year+ or completed |
| Int. ME/MTech/Dual | 3rd year+ or completed |
| BSc/BA/BCom | 3rd year+ or completed |
| Professional Societies | Section A or equivalent completed |
No age limit for GATE exam. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, and arts are eligible.
GATE 2026 Application Process & Fees
Applying for GATE 2026 is exclusively online via the GATE GOAPS portal. You will need scanned copies of your photo, signature, and certificates.
| Category | Application Fee (Regular) / Late Fee |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹ 900 – ₹ 1000 / ₹ 1400 – ₹ 1500 |
| Others | ₹ 1800 – ₹ 2000 / ₹ 2300 – ₹ 2500 |
Fees vary by exam center location; international fee structure may differ.
GATE Exam Pattern & Syllabus (2026)
GATE 2026 will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Each paper consists of 65 questions (MCQ, MSQ, and NAT formats):
- General Aptitude: 15 marks (common across all papers)
- Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks (most technical papers)
- Subject-Specific: 72 marks (technical), 85 marks for select streams
| Section | No. of Questions / Marks |
| General Aptitude | 10 / 15 |
| Subject Paper | 55 / 85 (or 72+13) |
Total Duration: 3 hours, 100 marks. Official syllabus and previous year papers are available on the GATE website.
Top Preparation Strategies for GATE 2026
- Understand the syllabus: Cover all topics—don’t opt for selective study.
- Use quality books: Refer to standard textbooks and practice previous years’ papers. Recommended books include:
- Mechanical: P.K. Nag, R.K. Bansal
- Electrical: P.S. Bimbhra, C.L. Wadhwa
- Computer Science: Cormen, Galvin, Tanenbaum
- Civil: Gere & Timoshenko, R.C. Hibbeler
- Regular revision: Make self-written notes and micro notes for all subjects.
- Mock tests and online series: Harness official resources and test series for accurate exam simulation.
- Time management: Fix study hours, reduce distractions, and plan daily schedules.
GATE 2026 Admit Card, Results & Cut-Off
- Admit Card: Available online before exam date. Requires Enrollment ID and password for download; carry valid ID on exam day.
- Results & Cut-Off: Announced on March 19, 2026. Cut-offs vary by paper and category; candidates scoring above cut-off are eligible for PG admission and PSU calls.
- Score Validity: Three years for M.Tech/PhD admissions and recruitment.
