The registration process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will begin on August 28. Candidates aspiring for postgraduate admissions, direct doctoral programmes, or job opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) can apply through the official portal — gate2026.iitg.ac.in.

GATE is a national-level examination that also serves as an entry route to certain international universities.

This year, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has been designated as the organising institute. The official brochure has already been released, detailing eligibility rules, examination cities, and permitted subject paper combinations.

Widely regarded as one of the most important tests for engineering and science graduates in India, GATE’s relevance has grown over the years as PSUs and select overseas institutions have started considering its scores for recruitment and admissions.

GATE 2026: Important dates

  • Opening of Online Application Processing System (GOAPS): Monday, August 28, 2025
  • Last date for registration (without late fee): Thursday, September 28, 2025
  • Last date for registration (with late fee): Monday, October 9, 2025
  • Examination dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays)
  • Result announcement: Thursday, March 19, 2026

GATE 2026: What’s new

The organising committee has revised the approved two-paper combinations, allowing candidates to opt for broader subject choices. Additionally, minor clarifications have been made in the eligibility rules for students with degrees from international institutions.

GATE 2026: Eligibility criteria

The eligibility framework for GATE 2026 accommodates candidates from varied academic backgrounds:

  • General Requirements: Students in the third year or above of any undergraduate programme, or those who have completed a government-recognised degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
  • Professional Society Examinations: Certifications from professional bodies will be accepted only if they are recognised by the Ministry of Education (MoE), AICTE, UGC, or UPSC as equivalent to standard qualifications such as BE, BTech, or BArch.
  • Foreign Degree Holders: Candidates with at least a three-year Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines from overseas universities are also eligible.

GATE 2026: Documents required

Applicants must upload the following during registration:

  • Recent passport-sized photograph (as per specifications)
  • Scanned signature (as per specifications)
  • Valid photo identity proof (to be carried to the test centre as well)
  • Category certificate (for SC/ST applicants, if applicable)
  • PwD/UDID certificate, if applicable
  • Dyslexia certificate, if applicable
  • Other supporting annexures, if applicable

GATE 2026: Examination cities

The exam will be conducted across multiple test centres coordinated by different IITs and IISc Bengaluru.

  • IISc Bengaluru Zone
  • IIT Bombay Zone
  • IIT Delhi Zone
  • IIT Guwahati Zone
  • IIT Kanpur Zone
  • IIT Kharagpur Zone
  • IIT Madras Zone
  • IIT Roorkee Zone

Candidates can select up to three preferred cities, provided all fall within the same zone. The organising body reserves the right to reassign centres if required.

GATE 2026: Subject paper combinations

Applicants may appear for one or two subject papers, provided the second paper is listed as an approved combination with the first.

First PaperSecond PaperFirst PaperSecond Paper
AECE, ME, XEGGGE
AGCE INBM, EC, EE, ME
ARCE, GEMA CS, DA, PH, ST
BMBT, INMEAE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE

The brochure also notes that exam centres for the second paper may differ from the first, though both will remain within the same city for logistical reasons.

GATE 2026: Examination schedule 

The GATE 2026 exam will be held over four days, with two sessions each day:

  • Forenoon session: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Afternoon session: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
  • Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026

GATE 2026: Application fees

  • Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates: ₹1,000 per paper during the regular window; ₹1,500 during the extended window.
  • All other candidates: ₹2,000 per paper, both during the regular and extended registration periods.