The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most prestigious national-level exams for engineering, technology, architecture, and science graduates. Conducted by IIT Guwahati this time, GATE 2026 will serve as the gateway for M.Tech, PhD, and PSU recruitment opportunities.
The official GATE 2026 exam dates are now out, and candidates can plan their preparation strategy accordingly. In this blog, we cover GATE 2026 exam date, registration schedule, admit card release, result announcement, and new changes introduced this year.
GATE Exam 2026 Highlights
- Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati
- Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
- Application Form Start Date: August 28, 2025
- Last Date (without late fee): September 28, 2025
- Last Date (with late fee): October 9, 2025
- Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026
- Result Date: March 19, 2026
- New Addition: XE-I (Energy Science) paper under Engineering Sciences
GATE 2026 Exam Date
The GATE Exam 2026 will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in different sessions. Students should note that the exam will be held in two shifts each day — Forenoon (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM).
Knowing the exact GATE 2026 exam schedule is crucial for candidates to align their preparation and revision strategy.
GATE 2026 Registration Dates
The GATE 2026 application form will be available online from August 28, 2025 at the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Registration Starts: August 28, 2025
- Last Date (No Late Fee): September 28, 2025
- Extended Deadline (with late fee): October 9, 2025
👉 Candidates are advised to complete the registration before the last date to avoid paying an extra fee.
GATE 2026 Admit Card
The GATE Admit Card 2026 will be released on January 2, 2026. Applicants can download it from the official website using their enrollment ID and password. The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall, so candidates must check details like exam date, time, center, and paper code carefully.
GATE 2026 Result Date
The GATE Result 2026 will be announced on March 19, 2026. Along with the result, candidates can download their GATE scorecard, which will remain valid for three years.
What’s New in GATE 2026?
IIT Guwahati has introduced some key changes in GATE 2026:
- New Paper Introduced: Energy Science (XE-I) under Engineering Sciences.
- Two-Paper Combination Flexibility: Students can now choose two subjects from the approved combinations, giving more scope for interdisciplinary opportunities.
How to Prepare for GATE 2026 Exam Date
With the GATE 2026 exam date already announced, aspirants should:
- Create a time-bound study plan aligning with the exam schedule.
- Practice with previous year papers and mock tests.
- Focus on core subjects and numerical aptitude.
- Keep track of important deadlines such as registration, admit card, and result dates.
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