GATE 2026: Admit Card, Exam Schedule, Pattern, Syllabus, FAQs, every year, thousands of engineering, science, and technology graduates in India compete in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) to pursue postgraduate education and secure top roles in research and public sector units (PSUs). GATE serves as a benchmark examination that evaluates candidates’ technical and analytical skills in their respective subjects. GATE 2026 is another crucial milestone for aspirants looking to advance their academic and professional careers.
GATE 2026
| Article on | GATE 2026: Admit Card, Exam Schedule, Pattern, Syllabus, FAQs |
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIT (on behalf of Ministry of Education) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Score Validity | 3 Years |
What is GATE and Why Does It Matters?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level computer-based exam that tests comprehensive understanding in undergraduate subjects across engineering, science, and related fields. It is jointly conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Education. GATE scores are widely accepted for admission to M.Tech, ME, Ph.D., and other postgraduate programs in top engineering universities throughout India.
GATE 2026 Admit Card
The GATE 2026 admit card is one of the most essential documents for candidates. It serves as the entry ticket to the examination hall and contains critical details such as candidate name, registration number, exam date, reporting time, exam centre, and key instructions.
- The admit card for GATE 2026 is expected to be released in January 2026, a few weeks before the exam dates.
- Candidates must download the admit card from the official GATE website using their login credentials (Enrollment ID and password).
- It is crucial to verify all details on the admit card immediately after download. In case of discrepancies, candidates should contact the exam authorities well before the exam.
- A printed copy of the admit card, along with a valid photo ID (such as Aadhar card, passport, or driving licence), must be carried to the examination centre on the day of the test.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule
The GATE 2026 exam schedule has been officially announced, and aspirants should mark their calendars early to plan preparation and logistics accordingly.
The key exam dates for GATE 2026 are as follows:
- Registration Start Date: August 28, 2025
- Registration Close Date (Without Late Fee): October 7, 2025
- Last Date with Late Fee: October 13, 2025
- GATE 2026 Exam Dates: 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th February 2026
- Result Declaration: March 19, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of GATE 2026 defines how the test is structured and how marks are distributed.
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Sections:
– General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks
– Core Subject Paper: 85 marks
Types of Questions
GATE papers consist of three types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These have four options, where one is correct.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): More than one option may be correct.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Answers are entered as numbers using the virtual keypad on the computer screen.
Marking Scheme
- MCQs: Negative marking applies 1/3 mark is deducted for incorrect answers on 1-mark questions and 2/3 mark on 2-mark questions.
- MSQs & NAT: No negative marking.
- The objective is to test not only factual knowledge but also logical reasoning, problem-solving capability, and analytical skills.
GATE 2026 Syllabus
The GATE syllabus varies depending on the subject paper chosen by the candidate. However, every paper shares a General Aptitude (GA) section and a discipline-specific core section.
General Aptitude (GA)
The GA section tests:
- English language skills
- Quantitative reasoning
- Analytical and logical reasoning
Core Subject Syllabus
Each paper’s syllabus is tailored to the specific discipline. For example:
- Civil Engineering: Topics include structural engineering, transportation, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, and engineering mathematics.
- Computer Science & IT: Key areas include programming, data structures, algorithms, computer networks, operating systems, and databases.
- Mechanical Engineering: Covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and control systems.
- Mathematics: Includes linear algebra, calculus, probability, and numerical methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any age limit for GATE 2026?
No, there is no age restriction to appear for the GATE exam.
When will GATE 2026 be conducted?
GATE 2026 is expected to be held in February 2026.
What is the exam mode of GATE 2026?
The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
How many marks is the GATE exam?
The total marks for GATE are 100.
Is there negative marking in GATE?
Yes, negative marking applies only to multiple-choice questions (MCQs).