The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati will soon issue admit cards for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) . Candidates applying for Master of Technology (MTech), Master of Science (MS), and PhD programmes must download their hall tickets. The admit cards will be available online atgate2026.iitg.ac.in.
To download the GATE 2026 admit card, candidates require their valid login credentials. These include their enrolment ID and password.
GATE 2026 Examination Schedule
The GATE 2026 examination will occur across four days in February. Each exam day will feature two distinct sessions.
| Date | Morning Session (Shift 1) | Afternoon Session (Shift 2) |
|---|---|---|
| February 7, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| February 8, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| February 14, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| February 15, 2026 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
Required Documents for Exam Day
Candidates must bring specific documents to their examination center. The GATE 2026 admit card is mandatory. A valid government-issued photo identification proof is also required.
The admit card will display personal details, the assigned GATE exam date, and specific instructions for the examination day.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern and New Papers
The GATE 2026 examination includes 30 test papers. These comprise both full-length and sectional papers. IIT Guwahati has introduced a new sectional paper, Energy Science (XE-1) , within the Engineering Sciences (XE) category.
Essential Exam Day Guidelines
Adhering to exam day rules ensures a smooth experience. Candidates should follow these instructions:
- Arrive at the GATE exam center 90 minutes before the exam starts.
- Login will not be permitted 30 minutes after the exam commencement.
- Candidates can log in and review instructions 20 minutes prior to the exam start.
- Utilize the “View all questions” button to review all questions. This helps in planning the attempt order.
- Many top scorers recommend starting with the subject section, including General Aptitude (GA) and Engineering Mathematics.
- Avoid guessing answers. Incorrect responses will incur negative marking, reducing the overall score.
Prohibited Items at Exam Centers
Strict restrictions apply to items inside the examination hall. Candidates must not carry any of the following:
- Stationery items
- Study material
- Calculators
- Electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones)
GATE Examination Scope
The GATE entrance exam facilitates admission to MTech, MS, and PhD programmes. These programmes are offered at various premier institutions across India. Participating institutions include the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs).