How to prepare for Gate 2026 starting now?
Here is a detailed GATE 2026 Information Brochure overview covering key aspects such as the exam overview, eligibility criteria, admit card and exam centers, and the application process. About GATE 2026:-
Overview
Conducting Institute: IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026.
Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for candidates availing compensatory time).
Total Papers: 30 subjects, including two new subjects: Geomatics Engineering (GE) and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM).
Total Marks: 100.
Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
Purpose: Admission to M.Tech, Ph.D. programs, PSU recruitment, and fellowship opportunities.
Exam Pattern
Total Number of Questions: 65.
Section-wise Weightage:
General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks (10 questions).
Engineering Mathematics (for some papers): 13 marks.
Subject-specific questions: 72 marks (55 questions for core discipline).
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will be awarded 1 or 2 marks. Negative marking applies to MCQs but not to MSQs and NATs.
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc./B.Arch/B.Pharm) or Master’s degree (M.Sc./MCA/MA) in a relevant discipline.
Those studying in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate degree program are also eligible.
Accepted degrees include Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities.
Age Limit:
There is no age restriction for candidates who meet the educational requirements.
Nationality:
The exam is open to Indian as well as foreign candidates. However, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria, such as being in the 3rd or higher years of any UG degree or having completed a bachelor’s degree in
Engineering/Technology/Humanities & Sciences/Architecture
Special Considerations:
Candidates with certifications from professional societies must ensure that their examination is approved by AICTE/MoE/UPSC/UGC as being equivalent to B.Tech/B.E/B.Arch/B.Planning, etc.
PwD candidates with a benchmark disability greater than 40% are eligible for compensatory time of one hour.
Eligible Degrees
Bachelor’s Degrees:
B.E./B.Tech
B.Arch (5-year course)
B.Sc. (Research)/BS
Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2)
Naval Architecture (4-year course)
Planning (4-year course).
Master’s Degrees:
M.Sc./MA/MCA or equivalent
Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent.
Integrated Programs:
Int ME/M.Tech (Post-B.Sc)
Post-B.Sc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering/Technology (4-year program) Arya College of Engineering & IT, Jaipur.
For detailed information and updates, candidates should refer to the official GATE 2026 website and information brochure.
Exam Centers for GATE 2026
Location: GATE exams are typically conducted across various cities in India and a few international centers.
Center Allocation: The exam center is allocated based on the choices made during the application process. Candidates are advised to visit their allocated exam center beforehand to avoid last-minute confusion.
Center Details: The exact list of exam centers for GATE 2026 will be announced by IIT Guwahati, the conducting institute for that year.
Important Instructions
Mandatory Document: The admit card is a mandatory document to carry to the exam center. No candidate will be allowed to appear for the exam without it.
Discrepancies: If there are any discrepancies in the admit card details, candidates must contact the GATE organizing institute immediately to request corrections.
Exam Schedule
• Exam Date: The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled to take place in February 2026.• Exam Sessions: The exam may be conducted in multiple sessions depending on the number of candidates and available slots.
For detailed information and updates, candidates should refer to the official GATE 2026 website and information brochure.
Application Process for GATE 2026
The application process for GATE 2026 involves several steps, which are outlined below:
Step 1: Registration
Website: Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
GOAPS Portal: Register through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).
Details Required: Name, valid email ID, mobile number, and a password.
Enrollment ID and Password: These will be generated after successful registration and will be used for logging in to fill out the application form.
Step 2: Filling out the Application Form
• Login: Use the enrollment ID and password to log in to the GOAPS portal.• Form Details: Fill in personal, academic, and communication details.• Exam Center Choice: Select three preferred exam centers.• Paper Selection: Choose one or two test papers (with an additional fee for the second paper).
Step 3: Uploading Documents
Required Documents:
Photograph
Signature
Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License)
Category certificate (if applicable)
Format and Size:
Documents must be in JPEG/JPG format.
Minimum size: 5 KB; Maximum size: 1 MB.
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
• Payment Modes: Net banking, debit card, credit card, UPI, wallet.
• Note: The fee is non-refundable unless a specific two-paper combination is removed by the organizing institute.
Step 5: Submission and Confirmation
Review and Submit: Carefully review the application form and submit it.
Printout: Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Dates
Registration Start Date: Last week of August 2025.
Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee): First week of October 2025.
Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee): Third week of October 2025.
