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GATE 2026 Exams Start on February 7; Check Exam Guidelines and Required Documents
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026) is set to begin on February 7, 2026, and will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The examination will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at various exam centres across the country.
Each exam day will have two shifts - the forenoon shift from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must follow the exam-day guidelines strictly and carry all required documents to avoid last-minute issues.
GATE 2026 Exams Start on February 7: Exam Guidelines & Important Documents to Carry
The GATE 2026 examination is one of the most important national-level exams for engineering, technology, and science graduates. It is conducted for admission to M.Tech, M.E, and PhD programmes at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other reputed institutions, and is also used for PSU recruitment.
As per the official schedule, GATE 2026 will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts each day:
- Morning Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Candidates are advised to report to the exam centre well in advance, as entry will generally be allowed only within the time mentioned on the GATE 2026 admit card.
Important Documents to Carry
On the day of the exam, candidates must carry the following documents:
Printed copy of GATE 2026 Admit Card
Original valid photo ID proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
Passport-size photograph, preferably the same as uploaded in the application form
Without these documents, candidates may not be permitted to enter the examination hall.
GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 should strictly follow the guidelines issued by the conducting authority:
Reach the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time
Follow instructions given by invigilators and centre staff
Login to the computer only when instructed
Do not carry prohibited items such as:
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches
- Calculators
- Notes, books, or papers
Rough sheets will be provided at the centre and must be returned after the exam
Candidates will be allowed to use only the virtual calculator available on the computer screen during the exam.
During the Examination
The GATE question paper consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Candidates must manage their time carefully, as the total duration of the exam is 3 hours.
Post-Exam Instructions
After completion of the exam, candidates should:
- Submit rough sheets to the invigilator
- Leave the exam hall only after proper instructions
- Preserve the admit card for future reference, including result and counselling
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official GATE website for updates related to:
- Response sheet release
- Answer key
- Result date
- Counselling and PSU recruitment notifications
With the GATE 2026 exams starting from February 7, candidates should ensure they are fully prepared, aware of the guidelines, and carry all necessary documents to have a smooth exam-day experience.
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