Graduate Aptitude Test In Engineering

IIT Guwahati will conduct the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 in the first and second weekends of February 2026. GATE is a national-level entrance exam held annually for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech, M.E., M.Arch, M.Sc, etc.) at prestigious institutes like IITs, IISc Bengaluru, and other top colleges across India. It also serves as a gateway for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in recruiting roles such as Management Trainees (MTs) and engineers in top government organisations.

The official notification for GATE 2026 is expected to be released in the last week of July 2025, with the exam being held for 30 different subjects from Engineering, Technology, Science, Humanities, and Architecture. IISc Bengaluru and seven IITs jointly conduct the exam on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB). Candidates who qualify the GATE exam not only gain access to top institutes for higher education but also open doors to attractive job opportunities in India's leading PSUs.

GATE 2026 Highlights

 Here is a quick overview of the GATE 2026 exam. The table below highlights key details, including exam dates, conducting body, number of papers, mode of examination, and other important information for aspiring candidates.

GATE 2026 Important Dates

Here is the tentative schedule for GATE 2026, including important dates for registration, exam, admit card, result, and more. Candidates should keep track of these key events.

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

IIT Guwahati is expected to release the official GATE 2026 eligibility criteria in August 2025 along with the information brochure. However, based on past trends, the eligibility usually remains the same every year.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be in the 3rd/final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, or Humanities from a recognised university or institution.
• Nationality: Both Indian and international candidates can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the GATE 2026 exam.

GATE 2026 Registration Process

The GATE 2026 registration will begin soon after IIT Guwahati releases the official notification. Once the registration link is active, candidates can apply online by following these easy steps:

Step 1: Register on the GOAPS Portal: Visit the GATE official website and register by entering your name, email ID, and phone number. After successful registration, you will receive an Enrollment ID and Password.

Step 2: Fill out the GATE 2026 Application Form: Log in using your Enrollment ID and Password. Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details.

Step 3: Upload Documents: Upload a scanned photo and signature as per the required format.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee: Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI to complete the process.

GATE 2026 Syllabus

The GATE 2026 syllabus covers a wide range of 30 subjects across engineering, science, humanities, and technology. Candidates must carefully select their subject paper based on their academic background and career goals. Here's the complete list.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the GATE 2026 exam pattern is essential for adequate preparation. The exam consists of three types of questions—MCQ, MSQ, and NAT—and is administered online. The paper is 3 hours and carries 100 marks. It consists of General Aptitude and subject-specific questions. Here is a detailed breakdown of the GATE 2026 exam pattern:

GATE 2026 Preparation Tips 

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Know what topics will be asked and how the questions are structured. This helps in planning better.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly timetable and adhere to it. Give more time to tough subjects.
3. Practice with Previous Papers: Solve past year GATE papers to understand the types of questions and improve your speed.
4. Take Mock Tests Regularly: Practice full-length mock tests to build stamina and enhance your time management skills.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify the subjects or topics on which you're not confident and dedicate more time to improving them.
6. Revise Regularly: Regularly review and revise essential formulas, concepts, and shortcuts to retain them until exam day.

GATE 2026 Admit Card

IIT Guwahati is expected to release the GATE 2026 admit card about 2–3 weeks before the exam. To download it, candidates need their enrollment ID or registered email ID and password. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Visit the official GATE 2026 website – www.iitg.ac.in
Step 2: Click on the "GATE 2026 Admit Card Download" link.
Step 3: Log in using your enrollment ID, email ID, password, and captcha code.
Step 4: Click "Submit" to view your admit card on the screen.
Step 5: Click "Download" and save a copy for future use.

GATE 2026 Result

The GATE 2026 result will be announced on the official website. To check the result, candidates will need their registration and enrollment numbers. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the official GATE website at https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/.
2. Click on the “GATE Result 2026” link.
3. Enter your registration and enrollment numbers.
4. The result will appear on the screen.
5. Download and print it for future use.

GATE 2026 Cutoff

The GATE 2026 cut-off for each paper will be announced after the results. It will depend on factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, the applicant category, and past year’s cut-offs. Candidates who meet the cut-off will be called for GATE 2026 counselling. This process helps students get admission into top institutes like IITs and NITs.

GATE 2026 FAQs