With less than a month remaining for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, aspirants across the country are now entering the final phase of preparation. The national-level examination, being organised by IIT Guwahati on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Ministry of Education,
IMPORTANT DATES
| Activity | Day | Date* |
| GATE 2026 Examinations | Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday | February 07, 2026 February 08, 2026 February 14, 2026 February 15, 2026 |
| Announcement of results | Thursday | March 19, 2026 |
*All dates are liable to change
The application and correction windows for GATE 2026 have already concluded, and the focus has now shifted to exam readiness, city allotments, and admit card-related updates, which are expected to be released shortly on the official GATE portal.
Examination Schedule and Papers
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE
| Day, Date | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CS-1, ST |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | EC |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AR, DA |
A wide range of disciplines including Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Sciences, Humanities, and emerging areas such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. candidates opting for two-paper combinations are advised to carefully review their session timings and centre details once hall tickets are issued.
Examination Centres Across India
Examination centres spread across all states and union territories under different IIT and IISc zones. Candidates were allowed to choose three preferred cities within a single zone; however, the final allotment will be subject to administrative feasibility.
Foreign nationals and Indian citizens residing abroad are appearing for the examination by selecting centres within India and making independent travel arrangements.
Admit Cards and Important Instructions
The GATE 2026 admit cards are expected to be made available in the coming weeks. Candidates will be required to carry:
- A printed copy of the admit card
- A valid original photo identity proof (as uploaded during application)
Any mismatch in personal details or identity documents may lead to disqualification at the examination centre.
Why GATE 2026 Remains Crucial
Beyond admissions to postgraduate programmes at IITs, IISc, NITs, and central universities, GATE scores continue to play a critical role in PSU recruitments, research fellowships, and interdisciplinary academic pathways. For students of architecture, planning, and allied fields, GATE also opens routes into advanced research, urban policy studies, and doctoral programmes.
What Candidates Should Do Now
With the examination dates approaching, candidates are advised to:
- Regularly check the official GATE website for admit card and exam-day instructions
- Familiarise themselves with their paper-wise schedule
- Review permitted two-paper combinations and exam centre logistics
Any further updates or changes, if announced, will be notified only through official GATE 2026 website.
Candidates are encouraged to rely solely on official updates and avoid misinformation during the final weeks leading up to GATE 2026.
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