GATE 2026 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is going to be conducted by IIT Guwahati. In this comprehensive guide get all the latest information on Exam Date, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Admit Card and every information related to GATE 2026 Exam.
Everything You Need to Know about GATE 2026
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a nationally recognized entrance exam in India for postgraduate engineering and science programs like Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Technology (MTech), and direct PhD admissions in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities across India, as well as an entry to prestigious public sector jobs (PSUs) at entry-level positions. Conducted annually by the 7 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) - Bangalore on behalf of the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI).
Start Preparaing for GATE 2026 by enrolling to GATE Foundation Programs
GATE 2026 Exam: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | GATE 2026 |
| GATE Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati (Tentative) |
| Registration Start | August 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (No Late Fee) | September 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Late Fee) | October 09, 2025 |
| Exam Date | 7,8,14,15 (February) |
| Purpose | Admission to M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D. programs, PSU recruitment eligibility |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Number of Papers | 30 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| Score Validity | 3 years |
| Official Website | https://www.iitg.ac.in/ (Tentative) |
Important to Know: To stay updated with the GATE 2026 latest details, candidates are advised to regularly visit the IIT Guwahati official website (iitg.ac.in).
Important Dates For GATE 2026 Examination
Below we have collected all the latest and accurate Important Dates for GATE 2026 Examination:
| Events | Dates 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Availability | 1st week of August 2025 |
| GOAPS Portal Opens | 4th week of August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | 2nd week of October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | 3rd week of October 2025 |
| Application Correction/Modify Details | 3rd week of November 2025 |
| Release of GATE Admit Card | 1st week of January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam | 1st week of February 2026 |
| Response Sheet Availability | 2nd week of February 2026 |
| Release of Answer Key | 4th week of February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Objections | 4th week of February 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | 1st week of March 2026 |
| Declaration of Result | March 19,2026 |
| Availability of Scorecard | 4th week of March 2026 |
| Counselling Portal (COAP) Opens | 3rd week of March 2026 |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the GATE 2026 exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic qualifications, age, and nationality. Below are the detailed latest eligibility requirements:
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | - 3rd year or higher of a 4-year Bachelor’s program (B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch). |
| - Already completed a Bachelor’s degree. | |
| Postgraduate Students | - Final year of a Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.A./M.S.) in Science, Math, Statistics, or Computer Applications. |
| - Already completed a Master’s degree. | |
| Integrated Degree Students | - 2nd/3rd/4th year of a 5-year integrated Master’s program (e.g., B.Tech + M.Tech). |
| - 4th/5th year of a dual degree program (e.g., B.Tech + MBA). | |
| Professional Certification | - Passed Section A of AMIE (IE India), AMICE (ICE India), or AMIETE (IETE India). |
| - Certification must be recognized by UGC/AICTE. |
GATE 2026 Eligiblity Critera Latest News
The eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 was made more flexible. Previously, candidates needed to be in at least their fourth year of post-secondary education (following a 10+2+4 system) to qualify. The requirement has been reduced to being in at least the third year of a post-secondary program (following a 10+2+3 system). This change allows third-year undergraduate students to also take the exam, giving more candidates a chance to improve their scores and enhance their career prospects earlier.
Who is NOT Eligible for GATE 2026 Examination?
- Students in the 1st or 2nd year of a 4-year Bachelor’s program (unless in a 3-year degree).
- Students in the 1st year of a Master’s program (Science/Math/Statistics).
- Candidates with diplomas (unless combined with a UGC/AICTE-recognized Bachelor’s degree).
How to Register for GATE 2026 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow the below steps for GATE 2026 Registration:
Step 1: Visit the Official GOAPS Portal
- Go to the official GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal for GATE 2026.
- Click on the "New User" button to create an account.
Step 2: Create Your GOAPS Account
- Provide your name, email ID, and mobile number to register.
- A unique enrollment ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
- Use these credentials to log in to the GOAPS portal.
Step 3: Fill Out the GATE 2026 Application Form
- Log in to your GOAPS account and fill in the required details, including:
- Personal information (name, date of birth, gender, etc.).
- Communication address.
- Academic qualifications (degree, institute, marks, etc.).
- Choice of GATE paper(s) (up to two papers can be selected).
- Examination city preferences.
- Double-check all details before proceeding.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned copies of the following documents in the specified format:
- Photograph: JPEG/PNG format, 10–200 KB, with 80% face coverage.
- Signature: JPEG/PNG format, 10–200 KB, in black ink on white paper.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Degree Certificate/Provisional Certificate: For final-year students or graduates.
- Ensure all documents meet the prescribed size and format requirements.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- Pay the application fee online using:
- Debit/Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI or other digital payment methods.
Step 6: Submit the Application Form
- Review all the details entered in the application form.
- Once confirmed, submit the form.
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your application details.
Step 7: Download and Save the Application Form
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
- No need to send a hard copy to the GATE office.
Step 8: Application Correction (If Required)
- If you need to correct any details, use the application correction window (expected in the third week of November 2025).
- Make changes carefully, as only limited fields will be editable.
Important Notes:
- Do not send printed copies of the application or any documents to the authority or zonal GATE offices.
- If multiple applications are submitted by a candidate, only one will be considered, and the rest will be rejected without any fee refund.
- Candidates applying from outside India must travel to India to appear for the exam.
GATE 2026 Exam Registration Fee (Indian/International Students)
The application fee for GATE 2026 Enrolment differs based on the category of the candidate and the gender. Below is the detailed breakdown:
1. Application Fee for Indian Candidates
| Category | Female Candidates | SC/ST/PwD Candidates | All Other Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Centers in India | ₹900 | ₹900 | ₹1800 |
| Exam Centers in Dubai | ₹5000 | ₹5000 | ₹10,000 |
| Exam Centers in Singapore | ₹7000 | ₹7000 | ₹14,000 |
2. Application Fee for International Candidates
| Category | Fee (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Exam Centers in India | $100 |
| Exam Centers in Dubai | $200 |
| Exam Centers in Singapore | $300 |
GATE 2026 Exam Latest Information:
- Fee Waivers: Female candidates and SC/ST/PwD candidates enjoy a 50% discount on the application fee.
- Payment Modes:
- Indian candidates can pay via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
- International candidates can pay via Credit Card or PayPal.
- Refund Policy: Application fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
3. Additional Charges
- Late Fee (if applicable): ₹500 (for Indian candidates) or $20 (for international candidates).
- Extra Paper Fee: ₹500 per additional paper (for Indian candidates) or $20 per additional paper (for international candidates).
Read more about GATE Application Form Process
Documents/Details Needed for GATE 2026 Registration
To complete the GATE 2026 registration, candidates must have the following documents and details ready. These are essential for filling out the application form, uploading, and verifying information.
1. Personal Details
- Full Name (as per official records).
- Date of Birth (DOB).
- Gender.
- Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD).
- Nationality.
- Aadhaar Number (for Indian candidates) or Passport Number (for international candidates).
2. Contact Information
- Valid Email ID (for communication and GOAPS login).
- Mobile Number (for OTP verification and updates).
- Correspondence Address (for official communication).
3. 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).
4. Scanned Documents
Candidates must upload the following documents in the specified format:
| Document | Format | Size | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPEG/PNG | 10–200 KB | Recent passport-sized photo with 80% face coverage and white background. |
| Signature | JPEG/PNG | 10–200 KB | Signature in black ink on white paper. |
| Category Certificate | Up to 300 KB | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD certificate (if applicable). | |
| Degree Certificate | Up to 300 KB | For graduates or final-year students (if available). | |
| Provisional Certificate | Up to 300 KB | For final-year students (if degree certificate is not yet issued). | |
| PwD Certificate | Up to 300 KB | For Persons with Disabilities (if applicable). |
5. Payment Details
- Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI details for online payment of the application fee.
6. Exam Preferences
- Choice of GATE Paper(s) (up to two papers).
- Preferred Exam Cities (up to two choices).
Important Notes
- Ensure all documents are clearly scanned and meet the specified size and format requirements.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for Indian candidates. International candidates must provide their Passport Number.
- Category Certificates must be issued by competent authorities and valid as per government norms.
- Final-Year Students: If the degree certificate is not yet available, upload a provisional certificate or course completion certificate.
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card
The GATE 2026 admit card is anticipated to be out in the month of January 2026. Only those who have successfully completed their registration for the GATE 2026 entrance exam will be able to obtain their GATE admit cards. To access the admit card, candidates must use the enrollment ID and password received during the registration process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Go to the official GATE website.
Step 2: Login to GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System)
- Click on the "GATE 2026 Admit Card" link.
- Enter your Enrollment ID and Password.
- Solve the security CAPTCHA and click Submit.
Step 3: Download the Admit Card
- Once logged in, find the option to download the admit card.
- Click on the Download button and save the admit card in PDF format.
Step 4: Print the Admit Card
- Take a clear printout (color or B/W) on A4-size paper.
- Ensure all details (photo, signature, exam center, and timing) are clearly visible.
Important Notes
- The admit card is mandatory for entry to the exam hall.
- Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License) along with the admit card.
- The admit card will not be sent via post or email—it must be downloaded online.
- If you face any issues, contact GATE helpdesk immediately.
GATE 2026 Syllabus - Download PDF for All Subjects
Access the branch-specific latest GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF by clicking on the provided link in the table below in the table:
GATE Paper | GATE Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Agriculture Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Architecture and Planning | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Biomedical Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Biotechnology | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Civil Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Chemical Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Computer Science and Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Chemistry | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Electronics and Communication Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Electrical Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Environmental Science and Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Ecology and Evolution | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Geomatics Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Geology and Geophysics | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Mathematics | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Mining Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Metallurgical Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Petroleum Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Physics | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Production and Industrial Engineering | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Statistics | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Engineering Sciences | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Humanities and Social Sciences | Download PDF |
| GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences | Download PDF |
GATE 2026 DA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) Syllabus
Below mentioned is the latest syllabus of GATE 2026 DA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence).
Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Probability and Statistics | Counting (permutation and combinations), probability axioms, Sample space, events, independent events, mutually exclusive events, marginal, conditional and joint probability, Bayes Theorem, conditional expectation and variance, mean, median, mode and standard deviation, correlation, and covariance, random variables, discrete random variables and probability mass functions, uniform, Bernoulli, binomial distribution, Continuous random variables and probability distribution function, uniform, exponential, Poisson, normal, standard normal, t-distribution, chi-squared distributions, cumulative distribution function, Conditional PDF, Central limit theorem, confidence interval, z-test, t-test, chi-squared test. |
| Linear Algebra | Vector space, subspaces, linear dependence and independence of vectors, matrices, projection matrix, orthogonal matrix, idempotent matrix, partition matrix and their properties, quadratic forms, systems of linear equations and solutions; Gaussian elimination, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinant, rank, nullity, projections, LU decomposition, singular value decomposition. |
| Calculus and Optimization | Functions of a single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, Taylor series, maxima and minima, optimization involving a single variable. |
| Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms | Programming in Python, basic data structures: stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, hash tables; Search algorithms: linear search and binary search, basic sorting algorithms: selection sort, bubble sort and insertion sort; divide and conquer: mergesort, quicksort; introduction to graph theory; basic graph algorithms: traversals and shortest path. |
| Database Management and Warehousing | ER-model, relational model: relational algebra, tuple calculus, SQL, integrity constraints, normal form, file organization, indexing, data types, data transformation such as normalization, discretization, sampling, compression; data warehouse modelling: schema for multidimensional data models, concept hierarchies, measures: categorization and computations. |
| Machine Learning | (i) Supervised Learning: regression and classification problems, simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, ridge regression, logisic regression, k-nearest neighbor, naive Bayes classifier, linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine, decision trees, bias-variance trade-off, cross-validation methods such as leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation, k-folds cross-validation, multi-layer perceptron, feed-forward neural network; (ii) Unsupervised Learning: clustering algorithms, k-means/k-medoid, hierarchical clustering, top-down, boƩom-up: single-linkage, multiple-linkage, dimensionality reduction, principal component analysis. |
| AI | Search: informed, uninformed, adversarial; logic, propositional, predicate; reasoning under uncertainty topics - conditional independence representation, exact inference through variable elimination, and approximate inference through sampling. |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
GATE 2026 Examination is expected to have the below exam pattern:
Exam Mode
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Conducted in multiple sessions for different papers.
Exam Duration
- 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Number of Papers
- Total: 30+ Papers
- Candidates can appear for one or two papers from the allowed combinations.
Question Types
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – 1 or 2 marks each with negative marking.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – 1 or 2 marks each, no negative marking.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions – 1 or 2 marks each, no negative marking.
Total Marks and Distribution
| Sections | Marks Distribution |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 Marks |
| Subject-Specific Questions | 85 Marks |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Marking Scheme
- MCQs:
- 1-mark questions: -0.33 negative marking for incorrect answers.
- 2-mark questions: -0.66 negative marking for incorrect answers.
- MSQs & NAT: No negative marking.
Allowed Calculators & Virtual Tools
- Virtual Scientific Calculator provided on-screen.
- No physical calculators or electronic devices allowed.
GATE 2026 Paper Combination (Tentative)
In GATE 2026, candidates can choose Two Papers during the application process using the GATE 2026 Apply Online Link. The combinations of these Two Papers are outlined in the table format below, guiding those intending to appear for the GATE 2026 Exam.
Code of the First Paper | Codes of the Second Paper | Code of the First Paper | Codes of the Second Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE | CE, ME, XE | GE | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG |
| AG | CE | GG | GE |
| AR | CE, GE | IN | BM, EC, EE, ME |
| BM | BT, IN | MA | CS, DA, PH, ST |
| BT | BM, XL | ME | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE | MT | XE |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE | MT | XE |
| CH | ES, PE, XE | NM | CE, ME |
| CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST | PE | CH |
| CY | XE, XL | PH | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
| DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, ST, XE | PI | ME, XE |
| EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH | ST | CS, DA, MA, XH |
| EE | DA, EC, IN, PH | XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
| ES | CE, CH, GE | XH | ST |
| EY | XL | XL | BT, CY, EY |
GATE 2026 Paper Codes List
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam covers a wide range of subjects, each identified by a unique paper code. Below is the complete list of GATE paper codes along with their respective subjects:
GATE Paper | Code | GATE Paper | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology & Geophysics | GG |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture and Planning | AR | Mathematics | MA |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Biotechnology | BT | Mining Engineering | MN |
| Civil Engineering | CE | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Computer Science & Information Technology | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (NEW) | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE |
| Ecology and Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE | Life Sciences | XL |
Stay Ahead with GATE 2026 Preparation - Tips
Here are some valuable tips for candidates to enhance their GATE 2026 preparation:
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Create a Study Plan
- Refer to Standard Study Materials
- Solve Previous Year Question Papers
- Take Mock Tests & Analyze Performance
- Revise Regularly
Pro-Tip: Enroll in Top GATE 2026 Courses in India to Crack the GATE Exam Easily:
Where I can check GATE 2026 Results?
The GATE 2026 Result is anticipated to be announced in March 2026. The announcement of the GATE 2026 Results will occur online. To access the GATE 2026 Result, candidates must use their details enrollment ID, email address, and password.
Here's how to download the GATE 2026 Result:
- Step 1: Visit the GATE GOAPS 2026 portal.
- Step 2: Log in using your GATE enrollment ID or email address and password.
- Step 3: Click on the 'GATE 2026 Result' tab.
- Step 4: The GATE 2026 Result will be displayed on the screen.
- Step 5: Candidates can review the details and save the GATE exam result 2026 for reference.