GATE 2026 Exam Begins Tomorrow; Important Instructions for Candidates

Published: Friday, February 6, 2026, 19:00 [IST]

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026) is set to begin tomorrow, bringing an important phase for lakhs of engineering and science graduates across the country. The exam is being conducted by IIT Guwahati and will be held as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, at designated examination centres nationwide.

GATE 2026 Exam Begins Tomorrow; Reporting Time — PTI Images

GATE 2026 Exam Begins Tomorrow; Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 are advised to carefully check their reporting time, exam shift, exam-day instructions, and the list of barred items to avoid last-minute issues at the examination centre.

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Shifts

As per the official notification, GATE 2026 will be conducted in two shifts each day:

Forenoon Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Candidates are required to report at the exam centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card to complete verification and biometric procedures.

GATE 2026 Exam Dates:

February 7, 2026
February 8, 2026
February 14, 2026
February 15, 2026

Each paper will be conducted on specific dates and shifts as allotted in the admit card.

Reporting Time and Entry Guidelines

Candidates should reach the examination centre at least 60-90 minutes before the scheduled exam time. Late entry will not be permitted under any circumstances once the gate closes.

Before entering the exam hall, candidates will undergo:

Identity verification
Biometric authentication
Security checks

It is mandatory to follow all instructions issued by IIT Guwahati and the exam authorities.

Documents to Carry for GATE 2026

Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination centre:

Printed copy of GATE 2026 Admit Card
Original valid photo ID proof, such as:
Aadhaar Card
Passport
Voter ID
PAN Card
Driving Licence

Digital copies or photocopies of ID proofs will not be accepted.

List of Barred Items at GATE Exam Centres

To ensure fairness and security, several items are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall, including:

Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices
Calculators (physical or digital)
Earphones, headphones, or any electronic gadgets
Bags, wallets, books, notes, or study material
Jewellery, metallic accessories, or smart wearables

Note: A virtual on-screen calculator will be provided during the exam for numerical calculations.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

GATE 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test consisting of:

65 questions

Total marks: 100

Question types:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

The duration of the exam is 3 hours.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Carry only permitted items into the exam hall
Follow COVID or safety guidelines, if applicable
Do not leave the exam hall before the end of the exam
Any form of misconduct may lead to disqualification

Candidates are advised to read all instructions printed on the admit card carefully.

Why GATE 2026 Is Important

GATE scores are used for:

Admission to M.Tech / M.E / PhD programmes in IITs, NITs, and other premier institutes
Recruitment by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
Eligibility for fellowships and scholarships

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 starting February 7 should plan their travel in advance, download and print their admit cards, and strictly follow exam-day guidelines to ensure a smooth examination experience.