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The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) is the Organizing Institute for GATE 2026. The exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026, across 200+ cities in India. A new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I) has been introduced this year. Applications open on August 25, 2025, via the official portal. In this blog, we’ve attached the official notification PDF and key details for aspirants.
GATE 2026 Highlights
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG). Get a quick overview here!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Institute | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Papers | 30 |
| New Paper Introduced | Energy Science (XE-I) under Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, NATs |
| Calculator Policy | Only on-screen virtual calculator allowed |
| Paper Choice | One or two test papers only |
| Eligibility | 3rd year or higher UG students / Graduates in approved programs; MBBS, BDS, BVSc, B.Sc. (Agri./Horti./Forestry) from 5th sem. onwards |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Exam Centres | 200+ cities/towns across India |
| Score Validity | 3 years from result announcement |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 (Forenoon & Afternoon sessions) |
| Registration Start Date | August 25, 2025 |
| Registration End Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Extended Deadline | October 6, 2025 (with late fee) |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
GATE 2026: What You Need to Know About Exam
The GATE 2026 – Admissions Exam is jointly administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and all 23 IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. Conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT), GATE evaluates candidates’ understanding across undergraduate subjects in Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in Science, Humanities, Commerce, and Arts.
A valid GATE 2026 score reflects a candidate’s relative performance and will remain valid for three years from the date of result declaration. GATE scores are widely accepted for admission to Master’s programs, Direct Doctoral programs, and Doctoral programs in reputed institutions supported by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and other government agencies. Some colleges also use GATE scores for postgraduate admissions without MoE scholarships, and several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) rely on it for recruitment purposes.
Qualifying GATE does not guarantee admission, scholarship, or a job. Admission and recruitment depend solely on the criteria of the respective institutes or employers. The GATE committee is not liable for any legal obligations related to admissions, scholarships, or employment.
GATE 2026 Admission Exam
The GATE Committee, composed of representatives from the zonal coordinating institutes, oversees the regulation of the exam and declares the results. For administrative efficiency, India is divided into eight zones, each managed by a zonal coordinating institute.
One of these, called the Organizing Institute (OI), handles the end-to-end process and overall coordination among the zones. For GATE 2026, the Organizing Institute is IIT Guwahati (IITG), which will coordinate all activities and ensure smooth conduct of the exam.
GATE 2026 Notification Out – Get PDF Here!
The official GATE 2026 notification has been released by IIT Guwahati, providing complete details on exam dates, eligibility, application process, and important guidelines. We have attached the PDF of the notification below for easy reference, so candidates can download and go through the official information directly before applying online.
GATE Apply Online 2026: Registration Begins August 25, 2025
The GATE 2026 application process will begin on August 25, 2025, through the official portal of IIT Guwahati. Candidates can submit their application form online until September 25, 2025, under the regular period. For those who miss the deadline, an extended period with a late fee is available until October 6, 2025.
All applications must be submitted online via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Applicants should carefully check eligibility, upload documents, and complete fee payment before the deadline to avoid rejection.
GATE Exam Registration Date 2026 – Important Dates
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be organized by IIT Guwahati and conducted in February 2026. The application process, exam schedule, admit card release, and result declaration dates have been officially announced. Below is a complete list of important dates for candidates.
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| GOAPS (Application Portal) Opens | August 25, 2025 |
| Closing Date for Regular Registration | September 25, 2025 |
| End of Extended Registration (with late fee) | October 06, 2025 |
| Last Date for Changes (Category, Paper, City, Personal Details) | November 06, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download Starts | January 02, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examination Dates | February 07, 08, 14 & 15, 2026 (Sat & Sun) |
| Exam Sessions | Forenoon: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
| Free Score Card Download | March 27, 2026 – May 31, 2026 |
| Paid Score Card Download (₹500 per paper) | June 01, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualifictaion
- Students in 3rd year or higher of any UG program can apply.
- Graduates with government-approved degrees in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities are eligible.
- Candidates with certifications from recognized professional societies (IE, ICE, IETE, AeSI, IIChE, IIM, IIIE) can apply if approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC.
- Those pursuing or holding degrees from outside India must have completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Candidates with higher degrees than the qualifying degree are also eligible.
GATE 2026 Qualifying Degrees and Eligibility
Candidates must ensure they meet the educational criteria before applying for GATE 2026. Eligibility depends on the degree or program the candidate is pursuing or has completed.
Candidates holding B.Sc., B.A., or B.Com. degrees who wish to pursue Master’s programs at IISc, IITs, NITs, or other CFTIs should refer to JAM 2026, which is organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. JAM serves as the admission test specifically for science and commerce graduates seeking postgraduate studies.
Below is a detailed table of qualifying degrees and the corresponding eligibility criteria.
| Degree/Program | Qualifying Degree/Examination | Eligible Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm. | Bachelor’s in Engineering/Technology (4 yrs after 10+2 or 3 yrs after B.Sc./Diploma) | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Arch. | Bachelor’s in Architecture (5 yrs), Naval Architecture (4 yrs), Planning (4 yrs) | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Sc. (Research)/B.S. | Bachelor’s in Science (4 yrs after 10+2 or post-diploma) | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Pharm.D. | Professional Pharmacy doctoral program (6 yrs, includes 1 yr internship) | Currently in 3rd–6th year, or completed |
| M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. | Professional Medical degrees | Currently in 5th/6th/7th semester or higher, or completed |
| M.Sc./M.A./M.C.A. or equivalent | Master’s in Arts/Science/Math/Statistics/Computer Applications | Currently in 1st year or higher, or completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s in Engineering/Technology (4 yrs) | Currently in 1st–4th year, or completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./Dual Degree | Integrated Master’s or Dual Degree in Engineering/Technology (5 yrs) | Currently in 3rd–5th year, or completed |
| B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. | Bachelor’s in Science/Arts/Commerce (3 yrs) | Currently in 3rd year or completed |
| Int. M.Sc./Int. B.S./M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year B.S.-M.S. program | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Professional Society Exams | B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent (recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE, e.g., AMIE, AMICE) | Completed Section A or equivalent |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry) | 4-year Bachelor’s program | Currently in 3rd–4th year or completed |
GATE 2026 Age Limit: Who Can Apply
GATE 2026 does not impose any age restrictions. Candidates from any age group can appear for the exam, providing opportunities for both young aspirants and experienced professionals seeking advanced education or PSU recruitment.
GATE 2026 Online Application, Fees & Details
The GATE 2026 Online Application Process will be conducted through the official portal (GOAPS). Candidates need to complete registration, fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee through online modes. Find out the detailed process below!
GATE 2026 Registration: Enrolment ID & Password
When registering for GATE 2026, candidates will receive a unique Enrolment ID on their registered email. This ID acts as your reference number for every step of the exam process, from application tracking to scorecard download.
Along with the Enrolment ID, candidates must create a strong password (8–15 characters) during registration. Avoid using simple or easily guessed patterns like your name, date of birth, 12345678, or abcd1234. A secure password ensures the safety of your account, so keep it confidential and never share it.
Together, the Enrolment ID and password will be your official login credentials throughout the GATE 2026 process.
GATE 2026 Online Application Process
The GATE 2026 Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) will tentatively be available on the official website https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in from the last week of August 2025. Through GOAPS, candidates can complete all application-related activities in one place.
- Registration & Enrollment: Create a new account and register for GATE 2026.
- Uploading Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, valid photo ID, and supporting certificates such as SC/ST/PwD/Dyslexia certificate (if applicable).
- Application Fee Payment: Pay the fee online through available electronic payment modes.
- Application Status Tracking: Monitor the progress of your application – whether it is received, under scrutiny, accepted, or needs correction. Candidates can also view the status after rectification or the reason for rejection (if any).
- Admit Card Download: Download the official GATE 2026 Admit Card once released.
- Post-Exam Access: View responses, marks, and official GATE score.
- Scorecard Download: Finally, download the GATE 2026 Score Card for admission or recruitment purposes.
GATE 2026 Application Fill Up
After successful registration, candidates must complete the GATE 2026 application form online through the official GOAPS portal. The process should be carried out by the candidate only, as submitting details via a third person (friend, agent, or internet café operator) can lead to errors.
Data Required for GATE Form Fill Up 2026
Filling the GATE application form 2026 is an important step, and you should keep all details ready to avoid mistakes. The GATE form fill up 2026 can be done only online through the GOAPS portal.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Personal details – name (must match your photo ID), date of birth, address, mobile number, and email ID.
- Education details – degree, college name, and year of study or graduation.
- Exam choices – preferred GATE paper(s) and exam cities.
- Uploads – your photo, signature, valid photo ID, and certificates (SC/ST/PwD/Dyslexic, if applicable).
- Payment – through debit/credit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet.
You can save the form and continue later, but once you click “Submit and Proceed to Payment”, you cannot make changes. So, check everything carefully before final submission.
GATE 2026 Application Fee
The GATE 2026 application fee must be paid online only using net banking, debit card, credit card, wallet, or UPI. Candidates should ensure that ECOM transaction facility is enabled on their card before proceeding with payment.
- The fee is per candidate per paper.
- For two papers, the fee will be double that of a single paper.
- The fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, except if a certain two-paper combination is withdrawn.
- There are no international centres for GATE 2026. Foreign nationals and Indian nationals living abroad must travel to India to appear for the exam.
- The fee does not include service charges, processing fees, or additional bank charges.
- PwD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates (40% or more disability as per RPwD Act 2016) are eligible for concession in the application fee.
GATE 2026 Registration Fee (Category-wise)
| Category | Regular Period (Aug 25 – Sep 25, 2025) | Extended Period (Sep 26 – Oct 06, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD* candidates | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 1500 |
| All other candidates (including foreign nationals) | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 2500 |
GATE 2026 Application Fee Payment Process
The GATE 2026 application fee can be paid online via net banking, debit/credit card, wallet, or UPI. The fee amount and bank charges are shown before confirmation. After successful payment, candidates can download the PDF copy of their application from the portal.
-
If payment is interrupted (power/internet issue), check your bank account and re-login to the portal.
- If the fee is deducted but not confirmed, the amount will be refunded within 15 working days.
- For multiple payments, extra amounts are also refunded within 15 working days.
- If confirmation is not received, make a fresh payment without waiting for the refund.
- Complete payment well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Documents Needed for GATE 2026 Application
When applying for GATE 2026, candidates must upload certain documents to confirm their identity and eligibility. Submitting the correct documents is important, as incomplete or invalid uploads can lead to rejection of the application. Below is the complete list of required documents:
1. Valid Photo ID Proof
- Candidates have to provide one valid government-issued ID during the application process.
- Options include: Aadhaar-UID (preferred), Aadhaar Virtual ID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, Driving License, or any recognized Government ID.
- The same original ID must be carried to the exam centre along with the GATE 2026 admit card.
- The ID should clearly display: Name, Photograph, ID number, and Date of Birth.
- Foreign nationals appearing in India can use only Passport, Government-issued ID, or Driving License.
2. Category Certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- SC/ST applicants must upload a valid caste certificate to claim fee concessions.
- Only certificates issued by authorized officials will be accepted.
- False or invalid certificates can invite strict action.
- These certificates may also be required later during admission.
- Note: OBC-NCL and EWS candidates are not required to upload their category certificates while submitting the form.
3. Person with Disability (PwD) Certificate
- Candidates under the PwD category need to submit a valid certificate of benchmark disability (40% or more).
- A UDID card or UDID enrollment number is strongly recommended.
- This certificate will again be verified at the time of admission.
4. Dyslexia Certificate
-
Dyslexic candidates who need the help of a scribe must upload a dyslexia certificate issued by an authorized association.
Quick Reminder
- Make sure the uploaded copies are clear, recent, and valid.
- The same documents must be produced in original at the exam centre and may also be required again during admission.
Having all documents ready in advance will ensure a smooth GATE 2026 application process without last-minute stress.
GATE 2026 Photo & Signature Rules
When filling out the GATE 2026 application form, uploading your photograph and signature correctly is very important. If the files don’t match the official rules, your application can be rejected. Here’s a quick guide:
Photo Guidelines
- Use a passport-size, color photo (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
- Your face must cover 60–70% of the image.
- Background should be plain white, without objects or shadows.
- Take the picture in frontal view, showing forehead, eyes, nose, and chin.
- No caps, hats, or sunglasses. Spectacles allowed, but avoid glare.
- Acceptable format: JPG/JPEG.
- Resolution: 200×260 to 530×690 pixels.
- File size: 5 KB to 1 MB.
- Religious headgear is permitted, but the entire face must be visible.
Signature Guidelines
- Upload a scanned image of your signature in JPG/JPEG.
- The signature area should fill 70–80% of the image.
- Use black or dark blue ink only.
- Aspect ratio: height : width = 1 : (2.75 to 3.75).
- Resolution: 250×80 to 580×180 pixels.
- File size: 3 KB to 1 MB.
- Only your own signature is valid.
- Signatures must match at the exam centre, or your candidature may be cancelled.
How to Recover GATE 2026 Login Details
If you forget your GATE 2026 user ID or password, don’t panic. The official GATE 2026 website provides a simple recovery option. Just click on the “Forgot User ID/Password” link on the login page, follow the instructions, and reset your credentials using your registered email ID or mobile number.
GATE 2026 Application Scrutiny & Rectification
Every GATE 2026 application is carefully checked for accuracy, including documents, photo, and signature. Candidates should check their account regularly and fix errors on time to avoid rejection.
- If correct → application is accepted.
- If defects are found → candidate is informed via email/SMS and must rectify within the given deadline.
- Application status is updated by zonal GATE offices and can be checked anytime by logging into the GATE 2026 portal.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
GATE 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in English. The exam evaluates candidates on General Aptitude and the selected subject(s). The test includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and numerical answer type questions, covering recall, comprehension, application, analysis, and synthesis skills. The total duration is 3 hours, with 65 questions in most papers.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 hours (*PwD candidates get +1 hour) |
| Number of Papers | 30 test papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Selected Subject(s) |
| Types of Questions | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Number of Questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (Subject) = 65 |
| Marks Distribution (Most Papers) | GA: 15, Engineering Math: 13, Subject: 72, Total: 100 |
| Marks Distribution (AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | GA: 15, Subject: 85, Total: 100 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks per question |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 for 1-mark MCQ, 2/3 for 2-mark MCQ; No negative for MSQ/NAT |
| Partial Marking | Not allowed |
GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF
For easy reference, we have attached the GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF. Download now!
| Subject | Code | Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | |
| Architecture and Planning | AR | |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | |
| Biotechnology | BT | |
| Civil Engineering | CE | |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | |
| Computer Science & IT | CS | |
| Chemistry | CY | |
| Data Science & AI | DA | |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | |
| Ecology and Evolution | EY | |
| Instrumentation Engineering | IN | |
| Mathematics | MA | |
| Mechanical Engineering | ME | |
| Metallurgical Engineering | MT | |
| Mining Engineering | MN | |
| Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM | |
| Petroleum Engineering | PE | |
| Physics | PH | |
| Production & Industrial Engineering | PI | |
| Statistics | ST | |
| Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF | |
| Engineering Sciences | XE | |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | XH | |
| Life Sciences | XL |
GATE 2026 Syllabus – XE, XH & XL Papers PDF Download
Get the complete GATE 2026 syllabus for Engineering Sciences (XE), Humanities & Social Sciences (XH), and Life Sciences (XL) papers below.
GATE 2026 XE (Engineering Sciences) Syllabus PDF
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) | A | 15 | |
| Fluid Mechanics | B | 35 | |
| Materials Science | C | 35 | |
| Solid Mechanics | D | 35 | |
| Thermodynamics | E | 35 | |
| Polymer Science & Engineering | F | 35 | |
| Food Technology | G | 35 | |
| Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences | H | 35 | |
| Energy Science | I | 35 |
GATE 2026 XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) Syllabus PDF
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Comprehension (Compulsory) | B1 | 25 | |
| Economics | C1 | 60 | |
| English | C2 | 60 | |
| Linguistics | C3 | 60 | |
| Philosophy | C4 | 60 | |
| Psychology | C5 | 60 | |
| Sociology | C6 | 60 |
GATE 2026 XL (Life Sciences) Syllabus PDF
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry (Compulsory) | P | 25 | |
| Biochemistry | Q | 30 | |
| Botany | R | 30 | |
| Microbiology | S | 30 | |
| Zoology | T | 30 | |
| Food Technology | U | 30 |
GATE 2026 Test Papers: Subjects, Marks Distribution & Rules
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted for 30 test papers (subjects), each carrying a total of 100 marks. Every paper includes a General Aptitude (GA) section of 15 marks, common for all candidates, while the remaining 85 marks are dedicated to the respective subject.
Candidates can appear in ONE or TWO test papers, but the two-paper combination must be chosen only from the approved list. For certain subjects like Computer Science (CS) and Civil Engineering (CE), the exam may be held in multiple sessions, though each candidate will be assigned to only one specific session.
Applicants are advised to select test papers that align with their qualifying degree discipline or career goals in admissions and employment. Still, candidates are free to choose from the allowed options, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of the institution they wish to apply for.
It is important to remember the test paper codes, as they are required during both the application process and the examination. Candidates opting for two test papers must specify a primary choice and a secondary choice from the allowed combinations. Submitting multiple applications will lead to the acceptance of only one and the rejection of others.
GATE 2026 Test Papers and Codes
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers. Each test paper has a unique code that candidates must use while applying and appearing for the exam. The complete list is given below:
General Test Papers
| Test Paper | Code | Test Paper | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology and Geophysics | GG€ |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture and Planning | AR# | Mathematics | MA |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Biotechnology | BT | Mining Engineering | MN |
| Civil Engineering | CE | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
| Computer Science & IT | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics & Communication | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE⊕ |
| Ecology & Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH† |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE$ | Life Sciences | XL* |
GATE 2026 Paper Sections for XE, XH, and XL
| Paper | Compulsory Section | Optional Sections | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | Engineering Mathematics (15 marks) | Any TWO sections (2×35 = 70 marks) | A (Compulsory), B – Fluid Mechanics, C – Materials Science, D – Solid Mechanics, E – Thermodynamics, F – Polymer Science & Engineering, G – Food Technology, H – Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, I – Energy Science |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | Reasoning & Comprehension (25 marks) | Any ONE section (60 marks) | B1 (Compulsory), C1 – Economics, C2 – English, C3 – Linguistics, C4 – Philosophy, C5 – Psychology, C6 – Sociology |
| XL (Life Sciences) | Chemistry (25 marks) | Any TWO sections (2×30 = 60 marks) | P (Compulsory), Q – Biochemistry, R – Botany, S – Microbiology, T – Zoology, U – Food Technology |
GATE 2026 Paper Sections for AR, GE, and GG
| Paper | Compulsory Section | Optional Sections | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Architecture, Part-B2 – Planning | AR |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Surveying & Mapping, Part-B2 – Image Processing & Analysis | GE |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Geology, Part-B2 – Geophysics | GG |
GATE 2026 Allowed Two-Test Paper Combinations
| Primary Paper Code | Allowed Secondary Papers |
|---|---|
| AE (Aerospace Engineering) | CE, ME, XE |
| AG (Agricultural Engineering) | CE |
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | CE, GE |
| BM (Biomedical Engineering) | BT, IN |
| BT (Biotechnology) | BM, XL |
| CE (Civil Engineering) | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
| CH (Chemical Engineering) | ES, PE, XE |
| CS (Computer Science & IT) | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST |
| CY (Chemistry) | XE, XL |
| DA (Data Science & AI) | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE |
| EC (Electronics & Communication Engg.) | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH |
| EE (Electrical Engineering) | DA, EC, IN, PH |
| ES (Environmental Science & Engg.) | CE, CH, GE |
| EY (Ecology & Evolution) | XL |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | GE |
| IN (Instrumentation Engineering) | BM, EC, EE, ME |
| MA (Mathematics) | CS, DA, PH, ST |
| ME (Mechanical Engineering) | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| MN (Mining Engineering) | — |
| MT (Metallurgical Engineering) | XE |
| NM (Naval Architecture & Marine Engg.) | CE, ME |
| PE (Petroleum Engineering) | CH |
| PH (Physics) | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
| PI (Production & Industrial Engg.) | ME, XE |
| ST (Statistics) | CS, DA, MA, XH |
| TF (Textile Engg. & Fibre Science) | — |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | ST |
| XL (Life Sciences) | BT, CY, EY |
GATE 2026 Marking Scheme & Distribution of Questions
The GATE 2026 exam consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks. Each paper includes a General Aptitude (GA) section of 10 questions carrying 15 marks, designed to test language and analytical skills. The remaining marks are allocated to subject-specific sections.
Candidates must attempt all compulsory sections, and for papers with optional sections, the choice must be made either at the time of the exam or during application, depending on the paper.
Detailed Distribution of Marks – Test Papers
| Test Paper | Section | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Papers (GA) | General Aptitude | 10 | 15 | 5 × 1 mark + 5 × 2 marks |
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | Part A (Compulsory) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks | |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | Part A (Compulsory) | 36 | 55 | 17 × 1 mark + 19 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 19 | 30 | 8 × 1 mark + 11 × 2 marks | |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | Part A (Compulsory) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks | |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | XE-A (Engg. Math – Compulsory) | 11 | 15 | 7 × 1 mark + 4 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections B–I (choose 2) | 22 each | 35 each | 9 × 1 mark + 13 × 2 marks | |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | B1 (Reasoning & Comprehension – Compulsory) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections C1–C6 (choose 1) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks | |
| XL (Life Sciences) | P (Chemistry – Compulsory) | 17 | 25 | 9 × 1 mark + 8 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections Q–U (choose 2) | 19 each | 30 each | 8 × 1 mark + 11 × 2 marks |
GATE 2026 Paper-Wise Distribution of Marks
| Paper Code | GA Marks | Compulsory Section | Optional Section(s) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF | 15 | 85 | — | 100 |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | 85 | — | 100 |
| AR | 15 | 60 | B1 – Architecture / B2 – Planning – 25 | 100 |
| GE | 15 | 55 | B1 – Surveying & Mapping / B2 – Image Processing & Analysis – 30 | 100 |
| GG | 15 | 25 | B1 – Geology / B2 – Geophysics – 60 | 100 |
| XE | 15 | 15 | 2 × 35 | 100 |
| XH | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 |
| XL | 15 | 25 | 2 × 30 | 100 |
GATE 2026 Exam Cities (Zone-Wise): Important Information for Candidates
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted across multiple cities in India, divided into zones for smooth administration. Candidates can select three preferred exam cities, but all three must be chosen within the same zone. For example, if the first choice is from a particular zone, then the second and third options must also belong to that same zone.
It is important to note that due to operational or logistical constraints, the GATE Committee reserves the right to:
- Add new cities to the list,
- Remove existing cities, or
- Allot a different city that may not be from the candidate’s selected preferences.
GATE 2026 Exam Centers List
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted across multiple cities in India under the supervision of zonal coordinating institutes. India is divided into eight zones, each managed by a zonal office responsible for administrative and operational activities. The Organizing Institute (OI) for GATE 2026 is IIT Guwahati (IITG), which oversees the overall coordination.
Candidates can select their preferred city from the GATE 2026 exam centers list, which covers major cities and towns in all zones, ensuring accessibility for aspirants nationwide.
| Zone | Zonal Office | States Covered & Exam Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | IISc Bangalore | Andhra Pradesh: Ananthapuramu, Kurnool Kerala: Angamaly, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Payyanur, Thrissur, Vatakara, Wayanad Karnataka: Bagalkot, Ballari, Belagavi, Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bidar, Chikkballapur, Chikkamagaluru, Davanagere, Hassan, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Kolar, Mandya, Mangaluru, Manipal-Udupi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Tumakuru Telangana: Hyderabad, Nalgonda, Narsapur/Medak Andaman & Nicobar: Port Blair |
| Zone 2 | IIT Bombay | Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Anand, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Mehsana, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara Maharashtra: Ahilyanagar, Akola, Amravati, Aurangabad, Baramati, Chandrapur, Dhule, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Latur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Ratnagiri, Sangamner, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Vasai-Palghar, Wardha Goa: Madgaon, Mapusa, Panaji |
| Zone 3 | IIT Delhi | Haryana: Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar Jammu & Kashmir: Jammu-Samba, Srinagar Ladakh: Leh Madhya Pradesh: Indore, Ujjain New Delhi: New Delhi Rajasthan: Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Dausa, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur Uttar Pradesh: Greater NOIDA, Mathura |
| Zone 4 | IIT Guwahati | Arunachal Pradesh: Naharlagun-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 |
| Zone 5 | IIT Kanpur | Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna Uttar Pradesh: Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi |
| Zone 6 | IIT Kharagpur | Andhra Pradesh: Bhimavaram, Eluru, Kakinada-Surampalem, Rajamahendravaram, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram Chhattisgarh: Bhilai-Durg, Bilaspur, Raipur Jharkhand: Hazaribag, Jamshedpur, Ranchi Odisha: Balasore-Bhadrak, Baripada, Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Sambalpur West Bengal: Bankura, Berhampore, Hooghly-Howrah, Kharagpur-Midnapur, Kolaghat, Kolkata, Suri |
| Zone 7 | IIT Madras | Andhra Pradesh: Chirala-Bapatla, Chittoor, Guntur, Kadapa, Nandyala, Nellore, Ongole, Tirupati Kerala: Alappuzha, Aluva-Ernakulam, Attingal, Chengannur, Kanjirapally, Kollam, Kothamangalam, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, Thiruvananthapuram Pondicherry: Puducherry Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Erode, Kanyakumari-Nagercoil, Karaikudi, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Namakkal, Ooty, Pollachi, Ramanathapuram, Salem, Thanjavur, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Vellore, Virudhunagar Telangana: Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kodad, Kothagudem, Nizamabad, Suryapet, Warangal |
| Zone 8 | IIT Roorkee | Haryana: Ambala, Kurukshetra Himachal Pradesh: Baddi, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra-Dharamsala, Mandi, Palampur, Shimla-Solan, Una Punjab: Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar-Phagwara, Ludhiana, Mohali-Chandigarh, Patiala, Pathankot Uttar Pradesh: Ghaziabad, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, NOIDA, Saharanpur Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee |
