The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially released the notification for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. GATE is one of the most prestigious national-level competitive examinations in India, designed to assess the comprehensive understanding of candidates in various engineering, technology, science, and humanities subjects.
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 subjects (papers) in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple cities in India. The exam is scheduled to take place on 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026.
This exam not only opens the door to higher education in IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISc, and other top institutes but also provides lucrative career opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and even in direct Government of India recruitments.
What is GATE Exam?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance test jointly conducted by:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
It is organized on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
GATE is not just an entrance test—it is a career-defining examination. Qualifying GATE makes you eligible for:
- Admission to Master’s (M.Tech/ME) and Doctoral programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Sciences.
- Direct recruitment in PSUs like BHEL, GAIL, HAL, IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, and PGCIL.
- Government jobs in Group A posts such as Senior Field Officer, Senior Research Officer (Crypto), and Senior Research Officer (S&T).
- International admissions and fellowships in select universities abroad, where GATE scores are accepted.
Why is GATE 2026 Important?
- Gateway to Higher Education: Leading institutes like IITs, NITs, and IISc offer admissions through GATE.
- Scholarships & Assistantships: Qualifying GATE makes candidates eligible for MoE scholarships and financial aid during higher studies.
- PSU Recruitment: Top PSUs in India shortlist candidates based on GATE scores for engineering and management positions.
- Government Opportunities: Direct central government recruitments are carried out using GATE scores.
- Global Recognition: Some foreign universities in Singapore and Germany accept GATE scores for admission.
In short, a good GATE score can change the trajectory of your career.
GATE 2026 Exam Overview
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Organizing Institute | IIT Guwahati |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Subjects/Papers | 30 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Exam Dates | 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026 |
| Result Validity | 3 Years |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
One of the biggest advantages of GATE is its flexible eligibility:
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates studying in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree (Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities).
- Candidates who have already completed a government-approved degree are also eligible.
- Age Limit:
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in GATE.
This means whether you are a fresher, working professional, or even looking for a career change, you can appear for GATE 2026.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam will test candidates on core subject knowledge, general aptitude, and reasoning ability.
- Total Questions: Varies as per paper
- Types of Questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Negative Marking: Applicable only for MCQs
This well-structured exam pattern ensures candidates are evaluated on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
GATE 2026 Application Fee
The application process is completely online through the official GATE portal. The fee varies according to category and deadline.
| Category | Regular Fee | Extended Period Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| Others (General/OBC) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
Applicants are advised to apply during the regular period to avoid late fees.
GATE 2026 Exam Centres – IIT Guwahati Zone
GATE 2026 will be conducted across 24 examination centres under IIT Guwahati zone.
| State | Exam Cities |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur |
| Bihar | Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea |
| Jharkhand | Bokaro Steel City, Dhanbad |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Nagaland | Dimapur, Kohima |
| Sikkim | Gangtok |
| Tripura | Agartala |
| West Bengal | Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Kalyani, Siliguri |
How to Apply for GATE 2026?
The application process is simple and fully digital. Candidates must apply online through the official GATE 2026 portal.
Steps to Apply Online:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
- Register using your valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, ID proof, certificates).
- Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates for GATE 2026
Candidates must keep track of the important deadlines to avoid last-minute hassles:
- Start of Online Application: 28th August 2025
- Last Date (Without Late Fee): 28th September 2025
- Last Date (With Late Fee): 9th October 2025
- Admit Card Release: To be announced
- Exam Dates: 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026
- Result Announcement: 19th March 2026
GATE 2026 Online Form link and related Weblinks
| Gate Application Form | Register |
| Gate Exam Date | Visit Here |
| Gate Syllabus | Visit Here |
| Gate Notification Pdf | Click Here |
Why You Should Prepare for GATE 2026 Now
The competition for GATE is intense, with lakhs of candidates appearing every year. Early preparation is the key to success. By qualifying GATE with a good score, you can secure:
- M.Tech/ME admissions in IITs, NITs, IISc
- Research fellowships and scholarships worth thousands per month
- High-paying PSU jobs with attractive salaries and perks
- Government of India posts in technical and research domains
For engineering graduates and science aspirants, GATE 2026 is the ultimate opportunity to unlock academic and professional excellence.
Contact and Support
For queries regarding GATE 2026, candidates may contact:
- Phone: +91 361 258 6500
- Email: helpdesk.gate@iitg.ac.in
- Website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
Final Words
The GATE 2026 Notification by IIT Guwahati has set the stage for one of the most competitive and rewarding examinations in India. With opportunities in higher education, PSU recruitment, government services, and international recognition, GATE is more than just an exam—it is a gateway to success.
If you are planning to appear, start your preparation early, understand the syllabus, practice mock tests, and stay consistent. A good GATE score can open multiple career pathways and place you among the top professionals of the country.
