The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 notification has been officially released by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. This year’s exam will open opportunities for candidates aiming for postgraduate admissions, public sector jobs, and research programs.
Key Dates for GATE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 25 August 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) | 25 September 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) | 6 October 2025 |
| Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 19 March 2026 |
The registration process will be conducted through the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be in the third year or higher of a bachelor’s degree or have already graduated in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts.
- No age limit is set for appearing in GATE.
- Indian nationals, NRIs, and eligible foreign candidates can apply.
How to Apply for GATE 2026
- Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in and open the GOAPS registration portal.
- Create an account with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Select one or two subjects from the list of available GATE papers.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Pay the application fee online via net banking, UPI, or card.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for reference.
Exam Pattern and New Changes
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours, maximum 100 marks
- Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Candidates can now opt for two papers instead of one.
- A new subject, Energy Science, has been introduced, making a total of 31 papers available.
Importance of GATE 2026
A valid GATE score is accepted by IITs, NITs, IISc, and several universities in India and abroad for M.Tech, MS, and PhD programs. It is also used by many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment. The score remains valid for three years from the date of the result announcement.
Quick Summary
- Conducting Body: IIT Guwahati
- Registration Window: 25 August – 25 September 2025 (Late fee till 6 October)
- Exam Dates: 7, 8, 14 & 15 Feb 2026
- Result Date: 19 March 2026
- Eligibility: 3rd year or graduate in relevant fields; no age limit
- Score Validity: 3 years
❓ FAQs
1. Who is eligible for GATE 2026?
Candidates must be in the third year or higher of an undergraduate program, or already hold a degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts. There is no age limit.
2. When will GATE 2026 registration start?
Registration for GATE 2026 will begin on 25 August 2025 through the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
3. What are the exam dates for GATE 2026?
The exam will be conducted on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 in computer-based mode across multiple cities in India.
4. How many subjects can I choose in GATE 2026?
Candidates can appear for one or two papers from the list of 31 subjects offered. The combination must be allowed by the organizing body.
5. What is the last date to apply for GATE 2026?
The last date to apply without a late fee is 25 September 2025. With late fee payment, candidates can apply until 6 October 2025.
6. Is there any change in the GATE 2026 syllabus or subjects?
Yes, a new subject, Energy Science, has been introduced, increasing the total to 31 subjects. The syllabus for each paper is available on the official portal.
7. How long is a GATE score valid?
A GATE score is valid for three years from the date of the result announcement.
8. Can foreign nationals apply for GATE 2026?
Yes, foreign nationals who meet the academic eligibility criteria can apply. They can choose from designated international exam centers.