Guwahati, India – The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has published the examination schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026). The national-level entrance examination will occur on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 . Students seeking postgraduate admissions can find full details on the official website,gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
GATE 2026 is a computer-based test conducted in dual shifts on scheduled Saturdays and Sundays. The forenoon session will run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm . The afternoon session will take place from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm .
Understanding GATE 2026
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination. It is administered jointly by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. GATE serves as a qualifying test for admission to postgraduate programs. These include Master of Technology (MTech), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Such programs are offered at IITs, IISc, and various other government-funded institutions across India.
Some public sector undertakings (PSUs) also use GATE scores for recruitment. The examination assesses a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects. These subjects span engineering, technology, architecture, and science. A strong GATE score supports advanced academic pursuits and specific career opportunities in these fields.
Examination Pattern and Format
GATE 2026 will be entirely computer-based (CBT). The examination will feature three primary question types. These include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Candidates must answer questions directly on the computer system during the test duration.
The examination design evaluates a candidate’s analytical skills, subject knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Each section of the test carries specific weightage. This contributes to the overall score. Official guidelines detail the marking scheme for each question type and section weightage.
Mock Tests Available Online
IIT Guwahati has made mock test links available on the official GATE 2026 portal. These mock tests are designed to help candidates become familiar with the online examination environment. Practicing with mock tests allows students to understand the interface, navigation, and timing of the computer-based test ahead of the actual exam.
However, the institute has issued important disclaimers regarding these mock tests. The features available in the actual GATE 2026 exam may differ from those in the static mock test links. Mock tests are not indicative of the specific topics or questions that will appear in the actual examination. Furthermore, mock test answers will not be evaluated. No scorecards will be generated from mock test attempts.
Detailed Examination Schedule
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted over two weekends in February. Each day features distinct paper codes for different engineering and science disciplines. Candidates should review the schedule carefully to identify their specific exam date and time slot for their chosen subject.
| Date of Examination | Timings for Dual Shifts | Paper Code |
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| February 7, 2026 (Saturday) |
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| February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
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| February 14, 2026 (Saturday) |
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| February 15, 2026 (Sunday) |
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Next Steps for Candidates
Admit card release dates for GATE 2026 are yet to be announced by IIT Guwahati. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website,gate2026.iitg.ac.in, for all official updates. Future announcements will include information on admit card downloads and specific examination center guidelines. Candidates should plan their preparation based on the released schedule.