GATE

Introduction to GATE 2026

The GATE Exam 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted across 30 test papers, offering candidates the flexibility to appear for one or two papers from allowed combinations. With a score validity of three years, GATE is a gateway to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities, as well as entry-level positions in PSUs. The exam, held on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2026, tests core subject knowledge, General Aptitude, and, for some papers, Engineering Mathematics. With over six lakh candidates appearing annually, GATE’s competitive nature demands strategic preparation. This guide covers all aspects of GATE Admission 2026 to help you succeed.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

To appear for GATE 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: Candidates should have completed or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or equivalent. Master’s degree holders in Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Applications are also eligible. Non-science graduates in Humanities and Social Sciences can apply for specific papers.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.
• Attempts: No restriction on the number of attempts.

• International Candidates: Foreign nationals or Indian nationals residing abroad must travel to India for the exam, as no international centres are available.

GATE Application Form

The GATE application form was available from August 28 to September 28, 2025, via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at goaps.iitr.ac.in. The application correction window closed on March 15, 2026. Here’s the application process:

1. Register: Visit the GOAPS portal, click “New User,” and provide your name, email, and mobile number to create an enrollment ID.
2. Fill the Form: Log in with your enrollment ID and password to enter personal, academic, and contact details. Select your preferred paper(s) and exam centers (up to three choices).
3. Upload Documents: Submit a recent photograph, signature, and certificates (e.g., degree, category, PwD) in specified formats (JPG/PDF, under 200 KB).
4. Pay the Fee: Fees are INR 900 (female/SC/ST/PwD) and INR 1,800 (others) per paper without late fees; add INR 500 for late submissions. Payments are accepted via net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
5. Submit: Review, submit, and download the confirmation page. No hard copies need to be sent to the GATE office.

Incomplete applications or multiple submissions result in rejection, with only one application considered.

GATE Admission 2026: Important Dates

GATE Admission 2026: Key Details

GATE Syllabus

The GATE Syllabus 2026 includes 30 papers, with new additions like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA). Each paper comprises:

• General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks, covering verbal ability (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and numerical ability (data interpretation, percentages, probability).
• Core Subject: 85 marks (or 72–85 marks for papers with Engineering Mathematics). Topics vary by discipline:
  • Mechanical Engineering (ME): Applied Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing, Machine Design.
  • Electrical Engineering (EE): Electric Circuits, Power Systems, Control Systems, Power Electronics.
  • Civil Engineering (CE): Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering.
  • Computer Science (CS): Algorithms, Operating Systems, Databases, Programming.
  • Data Science and AI (DA): Machine Learning, Probability, Data Visualization.

Download the detailed syllabus PDF from gate2026.iitr.ac.in. No major changes were made from 2025, but verify for updates.

Previous Year Paper Q/P

Previous Year Cutoff’s

GATE Exam Pattern

The GATE Exam Pattern for 2026 is:

• Mode: Computer-based test (CBT).
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes; 4 hours for PwD candidates).
• Total Questions: 65 (10 GA + 55 subject-specific).
• Total Marks: 100 (15 GA + 85 subject-specific).
• Question Types:
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 1 or 2 marks, with negative marking (–1/3 for 1-mark, –2/3 for 2-mark questions).
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): No negative marking.
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT): No negative marking, answers entered via a virtual keyboard.
• Sections: General Aptitude (mandatory) and core subject (Engineering Mathematics for select papers like ME, EE, CE).

Candidates choosing two papers must select from allowed combinations (e.g., CS with DA).

GATE Entrance Exam

The GATE Entrance Exam assesses conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills across 30 disciplines. Conducted on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2026, in two shifts daily, it had 238 exam centers across India. The exam’s difficulty varies, with 2026 papers like Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Civil Engineering (CE) rated moderate, while Data Science and AI (DA) was moderately difficult. Mock tests and previous years’ papers are available on gate2026.iitr.ac.in for practice.

GATE Admit Card

The GATE Admit Card was released on January 7, 2026, via the GOAPS portal (goaps.iitr.ac.in). To download:

1. Log in with your enrollment ID and password.
2. Verify details like name, exam center, paper code, and shift.
3. Download and print the admit card.

Candidates must carry the admit card and a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, passport) to the exam center. Fresh admit cards were issued for candidates whose centers shifted (e.g., from Prayagraj to Lucknow). Electronic devices are prohibited, and candidates must arrive 60 minutes early.

GATE Result

The GATE Result was announced on March 19, 2026, on the GOAPS portal. Scorecards were available from March 28, 2026, valid for three years. To check:

1. Log in to goaps.iitr.ac.in with your enrollment ID and password.
2. View your score, rank, and qualifying marks.
3. Download the scorecard for counselling or PSU applications.

Cutoffs vary by paper and category (e.g., 25–50 marks out of 100). The answer key was released on February 27, 2026, with objections accepted until March 1, 2026.

Counselling Process

GATE 2026 counselling is conducted via:

• COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal): For IIT admissions, started May 17, 2026. Candidates register, accept offers, and verify documents. Round 1 results are out, with Round 2 from May 23–25, 2026.
• CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M.Tech): For NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, with Phase 1 registration by June 4, 2026.
• Institute-Specific Counselling: For institutions like IIIT Delhi.

Candidates need a valid GATE score (2023–2026), a minimum 6.5 CGPA (6 for SC/ST/PwD), and documents like degree certificates and category proofs.

GATE Career Scope

A high GATE Career Scope includes:

• Postgraduate Admissions: Secure M.Tech, M.E., or Ph.D. seats at IITs, NITs, IISc, or international universities (e.g., NUS Singapore).
• PSU Recruitment: Companies like ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, and PGCIL recruit for roles like Graduate Engineer Trainee, with salaries of INR 7–15 LPA.
• Research Positions: Opportunities at ISRO, DRDO, or BARC for research scientists.
• Higher Studies Abroad: GATE scores are accepted by select foreign universities for scholarships.
• Private Sector: Companies like Tata and L&T value GATE-qualified engineers for technical roles.

The three-year score validity allows flexibility in career planning.

GATE 2026 Preparation Tips

To ace GATE 2026, follow these preparation tips:

1. Understand Syllabus and Pattern: Review the official syllabus and exam pattern to prioritize high-weightage topics like Thermodynamics (ME) or Algorithms (CS).
2. Create a Study Plan: Start preparation 6–7 months early (July–August 2025), allocating time for GA, core subjects, and revision.
3. Use Quality Resources: Study NCERT for basics, then refer to books like “GATE General Aptitude” by R.K. Kanodia, “Mechanics of Materials” by B.C. Punmia (CE), or “Signals and Systems” by Oppenheim (EE).
4. Practice Past Papers: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests on gate2026.iitr.ac.in to gauge difficulty and improve time management.
5. Focus on Concepts: Emphasize numerical-based questions (98% of GATE) using NPTEL lectures or YouTube playlists.
6. Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to build speed and accuracy.
7. Revise Regularly: Create concise notes for formulas and key concepts.
8. Time Management: Attempt easy questions first, allocate time for review, and stay calm during the exam.

Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid burnout with regular breaks.

GATE FAQ's

Q1: What is the purpose of the GATE 2026 exam?

A: GATE 2026 facilitates admission to M.Tech, M.E., and Ph.D. programs at IITs, NITs, and other institutes, and recruitment in PSUs like ONGC and IOCL.

Q2: What is the last date for GATE 2026 registration?

A: The deadline was October 3, 2025 (regular), and October 11, 2025 (with late fees). The correction window closed on March 15, 2026.

Q3: How can I download the GATE Admit Card?

A: Log in to goaps.iitr.ac.in with your enrollment ID and password to download the admit card, released on January 7, 2026.

Q4: What is the GATE 2026 exam pattern?

A: It’s a 3-hour CBT with 65 questions (10 GA, 55 subject-specific) for 100 marks, including MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. Negative marking applies only to MCQs.

Q5: How long is the GATE 2026 score valid?

A: The score is valid for three years from March 19, 2026.

Q6: Can I appear for two papers in GATE 2026?

A: Yes, from allowed two-paper combinations (e.g., CS with DA). Select the primary paper first.

Q7: How are GATE cutoffs determined?

A: Cutoffs (25–50 marks) depend on paper difficulty, candidate performance, and category. Check gate2026.iitr.ac.in post-results.