GATE Latest Updates
06 Jan, 2026 The GATE 2026 admit card release date has been postponed. Revised date soon @ gate2026.iitg.ac.in/. Check Here.
18 Nov, 2025 The IIT Guwahati has released the examination schedule for the GATE 2026 exams. Exam starts Saturday, February 07, 2026 and ends on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Check Here.
17 Nov, 2025 GATE Mock Test is now live on the official website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in. To take the GATE Mock Tests, Click Here.
GATE 2026 admit card was to be released on January 2nd 2026 but IIT Guwahati postponed the release of admit card. New date is yet to be announced. You can check admit card link and instructions on the official website (https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in).
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be conducted on February 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, 2026, in two sessions each day — the forenoon session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM across multiple test cities in India.
Although the admit card release is postponed, but the exam dates remain the same leaving only one last month for candidates to brush up their preparation.
The GA section is common and compulsory for each candidate. The questions in this section carry a total of 15 marks.
- According to the previous year analysis, few topics carry high weightage in different branches, majorly in engineering mathematics, core subjects and general aptitude.
- The GA and Engineering Mathematics hold ~28% of the total marks. Practising that will be beneficial in adding easy marks.
Candidates should focus on revising the repeated concepts and core formulas, practise mathematics for faster calculation and accuracy, avoid untouched topics and take full length mock tests to develop the real exam rhythm.
GATE 2026 Latest Updates:
- Practice GATE Mock Tests for Free
- GATE 2026 Expected Cutoff for Top Branches
- Download GATE 2025 Question Paper Pdf
Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed about GATE 2026 Exam, including the admit card release date, exam dates, syllabus, preparation tips and eligibility
- Admit cards will be released on January 2nd, 2026. (Postponed)
- GATE 2026 Exam is expected to be conducted on February 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, 2026.
- Any queries regarding the application, examination centre, admit card and results are handled by the respective GATE 2026 Zonal Coordinating Institutes.
- The GATE Exam will include a total of 30 subjects.
- In GATE, 15% weightage will be given to the general aptitude section and 85% to the subject-based section.
- The GATE 2026 scores will remain valid for three years.
What is GATE 2026?
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
- IIT Guwahati is the organizing institute for GATE 2026.
- The GATE 2026 will test the candidates' understanding of the UG Level subjects like engineering, science and technology for admission in M.Tech/PhD programs and recruitment in PSUs.
- With questions in the form of MCQ (with negative marking of 1/3rd for 1 mark questions and 2/3rd for 2 mark questions), MSQ and NAT (without negative marking).
- GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers as Computer Based Test (CBT) (including the new sectional Paper on Energy Science in Engineering Sciences).
The number of applicants in GATE 2026 are expected to be record breaking 10 Lakhs plus. Although these numbers are not official and is projected based on past trends. As per the GATE 2026 exam scheduled released, expect higher number of applicants in CS and CE paper as only these two papers are scheduled in two shifts.
What’s New?
- Admit card release postponed, new date to be announced soon.
- A new sectional test paper on Energy Science (XE-I) in Engineering Sciences (XE) paper.
- PSU: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) will be using GATE 2026 results of CE, CH, EC, EE, IN and ME test papers for recruitment.
- Mock Test Links are now live on the official portal of GATE 2026. To take the GATE 2026 Mock Tests, click https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/mock-test-links.html
Ques. Is GATE 2026 the only exam to seek admission to Master’s programs in IISc, IITs, NITs?
Ans. Candidates with B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. degrees desirous of seeking admission to Master’s programs in IISc, IITs, NITs, and other CFTIs, may refer to JAM 2026 organized by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
GATE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit Card | January 2nd, 2026 (Postponed) |
| Exam Date | February 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, 2026 |
| Result Date | March 19th, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Marks | 100 Marks (65 questions) |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs and NATs |
| Score Validity | 3 years |
Ques. Problem regarding admit card? What to do?
Ans. According to the official notification, any queries regarding the examination centre, admit card and results are handled by the respective GATE 2026 Zonal Coordinating Institute.
Ques. What to carry at the examination centre?
Ans. Along with the copy of the admit card downloaded from the official website, You need to bring original photo identity document, specified during the filling of application form. Note that the photo and signature should be clear on the admit card.
Gate Exam Schedule 2026
The GATE exam schedule has been released on the official website. You can check the dates below:
| Day & Date | Time & Session (IST) | Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Forenoon – FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Afternoon – AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Forenoon – FN) | CS-1, ST |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Afternoon – AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Forenoon – FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Afternoon – AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Forenoon – FN) | EC |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Afternoon – AN) | AR, DA |
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
What to do in the Last Month?
As the New Year is approaching so is the GATE Exam 2026. With the release of the admit card on January 2nd, countdown will begin for the exam.
- Focus on targeting the scoring General Aptitude section
- Practice Engineering Mathematics
- Focus on PYQs
- Give full length mock tests and analyze your mistakes and work on it.
- Revise core formulas and repeated concepts
- Do not take up untouched big subjects
Together this will help in securing 20-25 easy marks by clearing the concept, strengthening pattern recognition, faster and accurate calculations, real time exam rhythm and exam temperament.
Also Read:
GATE 2026 Important Topics and Difficulty Level:
The GATE 2026 Exam will include 30 subjects, having different syllabus and difficulty level.
- According to the previous year analysis, few topics carry high weightage in different branches, majorly in engineering mathematics, core subjects and general aptitude.
- By Understanding the topic-wise weightage and difficulty level analysis candidates can give priority to important topics and study in an effective manner.
| SECTION | WEIGHTAGE |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15% |
| Engineering Mathematics | ~13% |
| Subject-Specific Topics | ~72% |
| Special/ Interdisciplinary Papers | Varies (as per the official GATE brochure) |
Refer to the link for subject wise trending topics and strategy for EE, ECE and IN
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE Exam will be held in CBT Mode and will be divided into different sections, including general aptitude and subject-based sections.
The GA section is common and compulsory for each candidate. The questions in this section carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying 1 mark each and 5 questions carrying 2 marks each, making a total of 10 questions. Remaining 55 questions are subject specific carrying a total of 85 marks.
Ques. Is there Negative marking in GATE 2026?
Ans. For the MCQ type questions there will be a negative marking of 1/3 for every wrong answer. There will be no negative marking for MSQ and NAT type question.
Mock Test Links are now live on the official portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in).
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Ques. What type of questions are asked in GATE Examination?
Ans. The questions in a test paper are designed to assess the following abilities
Recall: These questions are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws of the discipline.
Comprehension: These questions test the candidate’s understanding of the basic concepts and require the candidate to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.
Application: These questions test the candidate’s applicability of knowledge either through computation or by logical reasoning.
Analysis and Synthesis: In these questions, the candidate is presented with data, diagrams, images, etc. that require analysis before answering a question. A Synthesis question might require the candidate to compare two or more pieces of information.
The questions may be a mix of a single standalone statement/phrase/data based questions, combination of options, or match the given items type
For complete exam pattern analysis, refer
GATE 2026 Syllabus
GATE General Aptitude Syllabus (10 questions, 15 marks)
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
GATE Engineering Mathematics Syllabus: 13 Marks (Varies by Paper)
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Complex Analysis
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Algebra
- Functional Analysis
- Numerical Analysis
- Partial Differential Equations
- Topology
- Linear Programming
Check Subject-Specific detailed syllabus at the official portal: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Subject Combination for GATE 2026
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers (subjects). A candidate is allowed to appear in ONE or TWO test papers.
List of combination of two test papers allowed:
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
GATE 2026 Expected Cut-off
The cutoff marks will increase or decrease based on the number of seats, difficulty level of the paper and number of candidates applying.
You can check GATE 2025 and 2024 cutoff on the official website of GATE with the following links respectively
(https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/doc/download/GATE2025StatisticalAndPerformanceReportWebVersion.pdf)
The number of applicants in GATE 2026 are expected to be record breaking 10 Lakhs plus. With this rise in number of applications it will probably raise the cutoff marks a few numbers.
Source:
As per the GATE 2026 exam scheduled released, expect higher number of applicants in CS and CE paper as only these two papers are scheduled in two shifts.
Ques. Is 350 a good GATE score?
Ans. The GATE Score above 350 is considered as average score, which ensures that candidates will be qualified, but not in top IITs.
| GATE Score | Category | Admission Possibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 350–400 | General | NITs (lower branches), state universities |
| 350–500 | OBC/SC/ST | Decent chance in mid-tier NITs |
| >600 | General | IITs and PSU shortlisting possibilities |
Ques. Will you get a job after qualifying GATE 2026?
Ans. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) are the companies that are owned by the union government of India or one of the state governments or both. These companies recruit candidates every year based on GATE scores.
- Shortlisted candidates with a valid score are called for selection rounds like Personal Interview (PI)/ Group Discussion (GD).
- Over 50+ PSUs accept GATE qualified engineers for executive positions.
- These Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna PSU include IOCL, DRDO, NTPC, BPCL, BARC, BHEL, GAIL, BEL, BSNL, etc.
- Direct recruitment to Group-A level posts in the central government such as Senior Field Officer (Tele), Senior Research Officer (Crypto) and Senior Research Officer (S&T) in Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, is now being conducted based on GATE score.
- Some other organizations may also utilize GATE 2026 score in their recruitment process.
List of Participating IITs
The list below shows some of the participating IITs in GATE COAP:
List of Participating NITs
GATE Previous Year Registration Statistics
By the previous year's registration statistics, candidates can have an analysis of the competition level.
GATE Registration Statistics (2025-2022)
- The Total number of registered candidates has increased from 8,45,432 in 2022 to 9,36,019 in 2025, which has increased the growth by 10%.
- The Attendance Ratio has also increased from 70.7% in 2022 to 79.9% in 2025.
- In 2025, the computer science exam saw the highest number of candidates, with almost 1,70,825 candidates appearing.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Attendance Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 936019 | 747319 | 79.90% |
| 2024 | 826239 | 653292 | 79.10% |
| 2023 | 670000 | 517000 | 77.10% |
| 2022 | 845432 | 597030 | 70.70% |
Ques. How many candidates have applied for GATE 2026?
Ans. The number of applicants in GATE 2026 are expected to be record breaking 10 Lakhs plus. Although these numbers are not official and is projected based on past trends.
FAQs
Ques. When will the GATE 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The admit card of GATE 2026 is scheduled to be released on Jan 2nd, 2026 on the official portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in). (Postponed, new date yet to be announced)
Ques. How to do in the last month of preparation of GATE 2026?
Ans. The last month strategy should focus on maximum revision of core concepts, practicing for speed building, building exam temperament and PYQs.
Ques. Is the GATE score valid for 3 years?
Ans. Yes, the GATE score of a candidate is valid for at least 3 years from the date of result announcement.
So, candidates can use their GATE score for admission into top IITs, PSUs, and other participating universities for 3 years after result declaration.
Ques. When will be the GATE 2026 exams conducted?
Ans. The GATE 2026 Exam dates are officially announced by IIT Guwahati for all exams.
The exams will be conducted in two shifts each day on February 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th 2026
Ques. Will I be provided with any white paper for rough work and calculations during the examination?
Ans. Only one scribble pad at any point of time will be provided to the candidate that can be used to do the rough work. To obtain a second scribble pad, the candidate MUST return the first scribble pad. The candidates have to return any scribble pad in their possession at the end of the examination. The virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen.
Ques. If a paper is being held in more than one session, can I appear in any of the sessions of that particular paper?
Ans. NO. Each candidate will be assigned to ONLY ONE of the multiple sessions of a particular paper. The assigned session will be mentioned in the admit card.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Comments
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Yes, a B.Voc in Mechatronics graduate can apply for M.Tech programs, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of the institute. Most M.Tech admissions through GATE require a B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in relevant engineering disciplines. Some universities may also accept B.Voc if it Is recognized as equivalent to a B.Tech in Mechatronics or allied streams.
You can check here for the GATE Question Paper 2025 (Available): Check GATE Previous Year Question Paper with Solution PDF
You can download a free official mock test for GATE, including the Agricultural Engineering (Paper code “AG”) stream, from the official portal of IIT Roorkee (for GATE 2025). The official 2026 GATE website by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati provides “Mock Test Links” and sample papers. The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) portal lists mock test series developed for GATE.
For GATE Preparation 2026, the candidates should follow a strategic & effective way of preparation. They should create a monthly study plan, practice the previous year's question paper, mock test and analyze subject-wise weightage. You can check here for the GATE Preparation 2026: Time Table, 6 months Study Tips, Free Resources, Books, and Previous Year Question Papers
To download GATE previous year question papers, visit the official GATE organizing institute website: gate.iitb.ac.in or gate.iitm.ac.in, depending on the year. Navigate to the “Previous Year Question Papers” section. Select the desired year and paper/subject. Click the download link to save the PDF to your device. These papers are useful for practice, understanding exam patterns, and preparing for upcoming GATE exams. You can also check here for the GATE Question Paper: Check GATE Previous Year Question Paper with Solution PDF
Syllabus regarding GATE examination
The GATE syllabus includes mainly three sections: Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Core Subject. The syllabus of the core engineering subject chosen by the candidates will differ for each test paper. You can download the GATE syllabus for the relevant test papers from the official website under the GATE 2025 Test Papers and Syllabus tab on the home page.
Which are the top colleges for pursuing MTech without GATE?
There are more than 200 colleges available to pursue MTech without a valid GATE score. Some of the top colleges offering MTech programs without GATE are Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Technological University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, BITS Pilani, TIET Patiala, Amity University, VIT Vellore, and Pondicherry University.
Please suggest me preferred books to prepare for GATE XL
I made a mistake while entering the date of birth in the GATE 2025 application form. How to correct it?
The GATE 2025 application correction window will open after the registration is closed. You can correct the date of birth in the application form with additional payment once the correction window is opened. Check out the GATE 2025 official website regularly for further updates on the correction window.
Which are the best colleges for M.Tech Aerospace Engineering in India? Mention the top 30 colleges.
Some of the top colleges offering MTech in Aerospace Engineering in India are IIT Madras, IISC Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, Chandigarh University, Amity University, NIMS University, and SASTRA University. To get admission for MTech in Aerospace Engineering in India, candidates must have a valid GATE score or must meet the eligibility requirements set by the respective institute/ University.
Let me know if there is any institution where I can apply for a PhD in Psychology.
IIT Kanpur offers a PhD in Psychology and considers the valid score of GATE or qualifying JRF/ NET as an admission criteria. Candidates must have a master's degree in the relevant field to apply for this programme. Some of the other top institutes offering PhD in Psychology are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Christ University, and Amity University. To apply to these institutes/ universities, the candidates must meet their eligibility requirements and qualify for the relevant admission tests.
I want to clear GATE exam.
You can clear the GATE exam with dedication and effective preparation strategy. Plan your study and utilise the recommended books and materials to complete the syllabus. Practise previous years' question papers and mock tests daily to understand the question pattern. Revision plays an important role in your success. Revise all the learned topics on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. To keep yourself mentally and physically healthy, do daily exercise and meditation.
What are the important topics to focus on for GATE?How can I enhance my preparation of GATE?
Important topics to focus on for GATE include engineering mathematics, general aptitude, and core technical subjects. You can also refer to standard textbooks, online resources, and mock tests to enhance your preparation for the exam.
What are the career opportunities after qualifying GATE?
Qualifying GATE opens up various career opportunities for students. Students can pursue higher studies such as M.Tech, MS, and PhD in reputed institutions in India and abroad. They can also apply for various job opportunities in government and private organizations.
What is the exam pattern for GATE and what is the duration of GATE paper?
The exam pattern for GATE consists of multiple-choice questions, numerical answer-type questions, and comprehension-based questions. The exam is conducted in online mode and the duration of the exam is three hours.
What is GATE and what are the eligibility criteria for appearing in GATE?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an entrance exam conducted for students who wish to pursue postgraduate programs in engineering and technology. The eligibility criteria for appearing in GATE is a bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, or science.
If you secure admission in the Ph.D. program at Govind Ballabh Pant University (GBPUAT), you may be eligible for financial assistance or fellowships. Here are some relevant details:
GATE Fellowship:
University Merit Scholarship:
Application Process:
NIT Jamshedpur, NIT Jalandhar, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, NIT Calicut, NIT Agartala, IIT Dhanbad, and IIT Mandi are the universities that would accept GATE scores for 400 marks in 2024.
NIT Jalandhar, MNIT Manipur, NIT Agartala, NIT Calicut, NIT Durgapur, MNIIT Jaipur, NIT Jamshedpur, and MANIT Bhopal are a few of the universities that accept GATE 400–500 results.