• Updated on 10 Nov, 2025 by Amrita Das
GATE 2026 Application Form Correction Window is open now. Registered candidates can visit the GOAPS portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in to make necessary edits in their GATE registration form 2026. The last date to submit corrections is November 3, 2025. Candidates are advised to use their enrollment ID and password to log in and make changes before the deadline.
GATE 2026 Registration Link has been closed on October 13, 2025. GATE 2026 Application Form Last Date with Late Fees was extended till October 13, 2025. Candidates who have submitted their applications must check their status on the GATE 2026 candidate login portal. Application under scrutiny means officials are reviewing the submitted information. Any discrepancies will be notified via registered email or contact number, along with a deadline to correct details.
This year, IIT Guwahati is going to conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 07, 08, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts. The forenoon shift will be conducted from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, while the afternoon shift will be conducted from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
GATE 2026 Information Brochure is available on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has also released the GATE Syllabus 2026 on the official website. IIT Guwahati has revised the GATE 2026 Application Fees. Now, female/SC/ST/PwD category students will need to pay INR 1000 (regular fee) & INR 1500 (extended period), while the other candidates need to pay INR 2000 (regular fee) & INR 2500 (extended period). Read further to know more about the GATE 2026 in detail.
GATE 2026 Latest Updates
For the year 2026, IIT Guwahati has introduced two paper combinations and a new subject.
Students can now choose a primary paper and a secondary subject; however, they must follow the officially approved pairings. Some of the combinations include Aerospace Engineering with CE, ME, or XE, or Computer Science can be paired with DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST.
Other than this, the authority has added a new subject named Energy Science (XE-I) under Engineering Sciences.

Table of Contents
- GATE 2026 Highlights
- GATE 2026 Exam Dates
- GATE 2026 Information Brochure
- GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- GATE 2026 Application Process
- GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combinations (New)
- GATE 2026 Syllabus (Released)
- GATE 2026 Mock Tests
- GATE 2026 Admit Card
- GATE 2026 Exam Centres
- GATE 2026 Answer Key
- GATE 2026 Response Sheets
- GATE 2026 Result
- GATE 2026 Toppers List
- GATE 2026 Cutoff
- GATE 2026 Counselling
- GATE 2026 Helpline Numbers
- GATE 2026 FAQs
GATE 2026 Highlights
The GATE 2026, also known as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is a national level engineering entrance test conducted for M.Tech, M.E., & Ph.D admission to IITs, NITs, IITs, and other prestigious institutions across India. The exam is being conducted jointly by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and seven IITs (Delhi, Kharagpur, Guwahati, Roorkee, Madras, Kanpur, Bombay). The exam will be conducted in an online computer-based test mode for a duration of three hours. It will include different questions types such as MCQ, MSQ, and NAT. Check the following table for GATE 2026 Highlights.
Particulars | Details |
GATE Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
Organizing Body | IIT Guwahati |
Official website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
Exam Level | National Level |
Mode of Application | Online |
Mode of exam | Computer-based Test (CBT) |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Application fee | 1800 Rs. (UR) and 900 Rs. (SC, ST, others) |
Number of Subject Papers | 30 (1 new paper added) |
Number of Questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (subject)= 65 |
Question Type | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
GATE 2026 Exam Dates
The official exam dates have been announced on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. IIT Guwahati will be conducting the GATE exam on February 7, 8, 14, & 15, 2026. The GATE 2026 Registration Process has also begun on August 28, 2025. Check out the following table for the latest exam dates of GATE 2026.
Event | Important Dates |
GATE 2026 Application Form (without late fees) | August 28, 2025 - October 07, 2025 (re-extended) |
GATE 2026 Registration with Late Fees |
October 13, 2025 (extended) |
GATE 2026 Application Form Correction Starts (Open) | October 28, 2025 |
Last Date for GATE 2026 Application Correction | November 03, 2025 |
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release | January 07, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 07, 08, 14, & 15, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Result Declaration | March 19, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Scorecard Availability | March 2026 - June 2026 |
GATE 2026 Information Brochure
IIT Guwahati has officially published an information brochure at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. This brochure contains detailed information about the GATE 2026 important dates, application process, documents required, marking scheme, and other details related to this exam. Aspirants are advised to go through the GATE 2026 Brochure for successful preparation and to avoid disqualification.
Download the GATE 2026 Brochure PDF here.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for GATE 2026, candidates must meet the basic eligibility conditions set by the conducting body. Candidates must have completed or be in the final or pre-final year of a relevant undergraduate degree program. There is no age limit and no minimum percentage required to appear for the exam. GATE 2026 is open to Indian nationals as well as international candidates from selected countries. However, foreign nationals must take the exam at centres within India only. Check the following table for GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Eligible Qualification | Eligibility Criteria |
BE / BTech | Completed or in 3rd/final year of the program |
BPharma | Completed or in 3rd/final year of the program |
BArch | Completed or in 3rd/final year of the program |
BSc (Research) / BS | Completed or in 3rd/final year of the program |
MSc / MA / MCA or equivalent | Currently studying or completed the degree |
Integrated ME / MTech | Currently studying or completed |
Integrated MSc / Integrated BS-MS | Currently studying or completed |
Integrated ME/MTech or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Currently studying or completed |
Professional Society Examination (equivalent qualification) | Must be recognized as equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch by MHRD/AICTE/UGC |
(Note- GATE 2026 International Applicants: Candidates from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and UAE can apply for GATE 2026 exam.)
GATE 2026 Application Process
IIT Guwahati has revised the GATE 2026 Application Fees. Now, female/SC/ST/PwD category students will need to pay INR 1000 (regular fee) while the rest candidates need to pay INR 2000 (regular fee). The GATE 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal. The application window had opened on August 28, 2025 (revised) and closed on October 06, 2025 without late fees (revised). A late fee period was re-extended till October 13, 2025, followed by an application correction window. Candidates must upload required documents, pay the application fee, and submit the form before the deadline. The application fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, or net banking. Follow the steps below to apply for the GATE 2026 exam.
- Register on the GOAPS 2026 portal using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate the Enrollment ID and Password.
- Log in to the GOAPS portal using the generated credentials.
- Fill out the GATE 2026 application form with accurate personal, academic, and exam details.
- Upload the required documents, such as a scanned photograph, signature, and eligibility proof, as per specifications.
- Pay the GATE 2026 application fee through any online payment method.
- Recheck the form, accept the declaration, and submit the application.
Check GATE 2026 Application Process Here!
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
IIT Guwahati is expected to conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 07, 08, 14, & 15, 2026, in two sessions: morning and afternoon. The exam will be carried out in online CBT mode for three hours. A total of 65 questions will be asked, in which each question would carry one mark & two marks (depending on the question type). Check the following table for GATE 2026 Exam Pattern.
Particulars | Details |
Examination Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Number of Subjects (Papers) | 30 |
Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject |
Type of Questions | MCQ, MSQ, and NAT |
Abilities Tested | Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis |
Total Number of Questions | 65 (10 from GA + 55 from subject) |
Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 or 2 marks |
Negative Marking | - 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark deducted - 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark deducted |
- No negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions | |
Partial Marking in MSQ | Not Applicable |
GATE 2026 Marks Distribution
Check out the following table for the marks distribution in GATE 2026 as per paper type. The table is as given below-
Paper Type | General Aptitude | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Questions | Total Marks |
All papers (except AR, CY, EY, DA, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | 15 Marks | 13 Marks | 72 Marks | 100 Marks |
Papers: AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL | 15 Marks | Not Applicable | 85 Marks | 100 Marks |
GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combinations (New)
Last Year, IIT Roorkee introduced the two-paper combination in the GATE exam, which means candidates can choose at least two papers for the GATE 2026 exam. Those two papers are named as, Paper I (primary paper), and Paper II (secondary paper). The official paper combinations for GATE 2026 will be released soon by IIT Guwahati. Till then, check out the table below for tentative paper combinations of GATE 2025.
First Paper Code (Paper I) | Second Paper Code (Paper II) |
Aerospace Engineering (AE) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) |
Agricultural Engineering (AG) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Architecture and Planning (AR) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Biotechnology (BT) | Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
Civil Engineering (CE) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) | Electrical Engineering (EE) |
Chemical Engineering (CH) | Chemistry (CY) | Life Sciences (XL) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Biotechnology (BT) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
Chemistry (CY) | Chemical Engineering (CH) | Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) |
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Civil Engineering (CE) | Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Chemical Engineering (CE) | Metallurgical Engineering (MT) | Biotechnology (BT) | Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) |
Electronics and Communication (EC) | Life Sciences |
Electrical Engineering (EE) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Life Sciences (XL) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Civil Engineering (CE) |
Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) | Biotechnology (BT) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) |
Ecology and Evolution (EY) | Biotechnology (BT) | Mathematics (MA) | Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) |
Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Mining Engineering (MN) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Aerospace Engineering (AE) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Architecture and Planning (AR) | Mining Engineering (MN) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
Mathematics (MA) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) |
Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) |
Mining Engineering (MN) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) |
Metallurgical Engineering (MT) | Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Petroleum Engineering (PE) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
Physics (PH) | Life Sciences (XL) |
Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) | Metallurgical Engineering (MT) |
Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Civil Engineering (CE) |
Engineering Sciences (XE) | Agricultural Engineering (AG) | Architecture and Planning (AR) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | Petroleum Engineering (PE) | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) |
Humanities and Social Science (XH) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Chemistry (CY) |
Life Sciences (XL) | Chemical Engineering (CH) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Physics (PH) | Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) |
GATE 2026 Syllabus (Released)
GATE 2026 Syllabus has been released by IIT Guwahati on the official website. The GATE exam will test candidates on three main sections namely, General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and the subject-specific core paper chosen by the candidate. The General Aptitude section is common to all papers and carries 15 marks out of the total 100. For paper codes like AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL, there will be no Engineering Mathematics section, and 85 marks are allotted to the subject-specific questions. For all other papers, 13 marks are allocated to Engineering Mathematics, and the remaining 72 marks are for the subject core. Check the following table for a brief overview of the GATE Syllabus 2026.
Sections | Topics Covered |
General Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, Spatial Aptitude |
Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Calculus and Differential Equations, Complex Analysis and Numerical Methods, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics |
Core Subject | As per the paper code selected by the candidate (subject-wise detailed syllabus) |
Check GATE 2026 Syllabus Here
GATE 2026 Mock Tests
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 mock test links on the official website. The GATE Mock Tests will be available free of cost to take. This will help candidates to understand the GATE 2026 exam pattern and the type of questions properly. The mock tests are subject-specific, and candidates can choose the paper they have applied for better practice. It is important to take these mock tests seriously to identify strengths and weak areas before the actual exam. Follow the steps below to access the GATE 2026 Mock Tests-
- Visit the official website of GATE 2026.
- Click on the mock test link available on the homepage.
- Select the subject or paper from the list.
- Enter dummy login credentials (as no actual login is required).
- Start attempting the mock test and practising for the exam.
GATE 2026 Admit Card
GATE 2026 Admit Card will be released by IIT Guwahati in January 2026. Candidates who have successfully registered for the GATE 2026 will be able to download their admit cards through the GOAPS 2026 portal. The admit card will contain important details like the candidate's name, photo, signature, exam date, time, paper code, and exam centre address. Candidates must check that the photograph and signature on the GATE Admit Card 2026 are clear and match their appearance. A valid photo ID proof, along with a colored printout of the admit card, is mandatory for entry to the examination hall. Follow the steps below to download the GATE 2026 Admit Card.
How to Download the GATE 2026 Admit Card?
Test takers are advised to follow the steps given below to download the admit card of GATE 2026. The steps are as given below-
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Log in using the GOAPS Enrolment ID or Email ID and Password.
- Click on the "Download Admit Card" link.
- Download the admit card and check all the details mentioned.
- Take multiple colored printouts using a laser printer for future use.
- Contact the exam authorities in case of any errors or discrepancies.
GATE 2026 Exam Centres
GATE 2026 Exam Centres will be allotted based on the preferences given during the application process. Candidates can choose three cities from the same GATE zone while filling out the form. There are no international exam centres this year, so all candidates, including foreign nationals, must take the exam in India. GATE 2026 exam centres will be categorized under eight different zones, each managed by a different IIT or IISc.
Zone Number | Organizing Institute |
Zone 1 | IISc Bengaluru |
Zone 2 | IIT Bombay |
Zone 3 | IIT Delhi |
Zone 4 | IIT Guwahati |
Zone 5 | IIT Kanpur |
Zone 6 | IIT Kharagpur |
Zone 7 | IIT Madras |
Zone 8 | IIT Roorkee |
GATE 2026 Answer Key
The GATE 2026 Answer Key will be released 2 to 3 weeks after the exam is conducted in February 2026. The answer key will be published on the official GATE 2026 portal. It will contain the correct responses to all the questions asked in the paper. Candidates can download the answer key and compare it with their response sheet to calculate their probable scores. Those who find any discrepancy in the official key can raise objections by paying a fee of INR 500 per question. The final answer key of GATE 2026 will be released after the evaluation of the raised objections. Follow the steps below to download the GATE 2026 Answer Key.
How to Download the GATE 2026 Answer Key?
Candidates can follow the steps given below to download the answer key of GATE 2026. The steps are as given below-
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Click on the Candidate Login or Answer Key link.
- Log in using your GOAPS Enrolment ID or Email ID and Password.
- After logging in, click the link to download the answer key.
- Save the answer key PDF and use it for score calculation.
GATE 2026 Response Sheets
The GATE 2026 Response Sheet will be available on the GOAPS portal along with the answer key and question paper. It will include all the answers submitted by the candidate during the exam. Candidates can use the response sheet along with the answer key to calculate their probable scores. Follow the steps below to download the GATE 2026 Response Sheet.
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Click on the “Candidate Login” link.
- Enter the GOAPS enrollment ID or email ID and password.
- Once logged in, click on the “Download Response Sheet” link.
- Download and save the PDF file for reference.
GATE 2026 Result
The GATE 2026 result will be announced in March 2026 through the official GOAPS portal. Candidates can view their results by logging in with their Enrolment ID and password. The GATE 2026 Scorecard will be made available to qualified candidates between March and May 2026. The GATE Result 2026 will show the marks obtained, normalized score, and All India Rank (AIR). The score is calculated on a scale of 0 to 1000, depending on the paper and the number of candidates. The GATE Scorecard will remain valid for three years from the date of the result announcement. Follow the steps below to check the GATE 2026 Result online.
How to Check GATE 2026 Result?
Candidates can follow the steps given below to check & download the GATE Result 2026 online. The steps are as given below-
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Log in using your GOAPS Enrolment ID and Password.
- Click on the “GATE 2026 Result” link.
- View your result details and download the result PDF.
- Save the file and take a printout for future reference.
GATE 2026 Toppers List
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 Toppers List along with the release of the result. Last Year, Sadineni Nikhil Chowdhary topped the GATE 2025 in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program with 96.33 marks out of 100 and a GATE Score of 1000. Check the following table for GATE 2025 Toppers List.
Test Paper | Name of the Candidate | Raw Marks
(out of 100) | GATE Score
(out of 1000) |
Aerospace Engineering | BALAMURUGAN | 81 | 990 |
Agricultural Engineering | KEERTHI REVANTH KUMAR | 74.67 | 1000 |
Architecture and Planning | JAYANTH GIFTSON R | 83 | 1000 |
Biomedical Engineering | TANISH GUPTA | 77.67 | 1000 |
Biotechnology | ARNAB PAUL | 66.67 | 1000 |
Civil Engineering | ABHAY SINGH | 89.02 | 1000 |
Chemical Engineering | AMLAN KUMAR TRIPATHY | 75.33 | 1000 |
Computer Science and Information Technology | RAHUL KUMAR SINGH | 100 | 1000 |
Chemistry | DEBASIS MANDAL | 70 | 1000 |
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | SADINENI NIKHIL CHOWDARY | 96.33 | 1000 |
Electronics and Communication Engineering | SWARNAVA BISWAS | 82.67 | 1000 |
Electrical Engineering | PRADIP CHAUHAN | 81.67 | 1000 |
Environmental Science and Engineering | YASH JAIN | 67.33 | 1000 |
Ecology and Evolution | KESHAV R MENON | 86.33 | 1000 |
Geomatics Engineering | NITISH KUMAR | 61.67 | 1000 |
Geology and Geophysics (Geology) | SUMIT GHOSH | 76.67 | 970 |
Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics) | RAHUL MUKHERJEE | 70.67 | 1000 |
Instrumentation Engineering | KAILASH GOYAL | 65 | 993 |
Mathematics | SOHAM PAL | 57 | 1000 |
Mechanical Engineering | RAJNEESH BIJARNIYA | 95.33 | 967 |
Mining Engineering | ANIKET KUMAR GUPTA | 75.67 | 1000 |
Metallurgical Engineering | YOGESH SARMA SEDAI | 89.67 | 941 |
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | JATIN PAL | 52.33 | 1000 |
Petroleum Engineering | SAURABH KUMAR | 74 | 1000 |
Physics | PURNENDU DAS | 76.67 | 1000 |
Production and Industrial Engineering | DEVENDRA DHANANJAY UMBRAJKAR | 85.67 | 1000 |
Statistics | ARCHISHMAN MUKHERJEE | 77 | 1000 |
Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | YADAV AVADHESH ANANTRAM | 73.67 | 1000 |
Engineering Sciences (Engineering Mathematics, Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics) | ANANT PRAKASH PANDEY | 88.33 | 1000 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociology) | VICTOR PRINCE N J | 80 | 939 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Psychology) | SANJNA SHUKLA | 89 | 922 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Linguistics) | MOOMAL MAJEE | 81 | 1000 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociology) | ARIJIT SENGUPTA | 80 | 939 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (English) | NAOREET KHONDEKAR | 71 | 1000 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics) | SAMBUDDHA ROYCHOWDHURY | 87.33 | 948 |
Humanities and Social Sciences (Philosophy) | MOHIT KUMAR | 76 | 1000 |
Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Zoology) | YUGANSH BHATIA | 78.67 | 1000 |
GATE 2026 Cutoff
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 Cutoff on the official website. The cutoff for GATE 2026 is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to score for getting admission in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions across India. The GATE Cutoff Marks 2026 is expected to range from 25 to 50 marks for different papers. The cutoff will depend on various factors such as exam difficulty level, number of candidates appeared, previous year cutoff trends, etc. Check the following table for GATE 2025 Cutoff for reference.
Paper Code | Test Paper | No. Candidates Registered | No. Candidates Appeared | Cut-off
(GEN) | Cut-off
(OBC-NCL/EWS) | Cut-off
(SC/ST/PwD) |
AE | Aerospace Engineering | 7576 | 6009 | 28.9 | 26 | 19.2 |
AG | Agricultural Engineering | 3095 | 2624 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
AR | Architecture and Planning | 10898 | 8501 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
BM | Biomedical Engineering | 2682 | 2165 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
BT | Biotechnology | 24927 | 20048 | 28 | 25.2 | 18.6 |
CE | Civil Engineering | 101596 | 79951 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
CH | Chemical Engineering | 18009 | 14843 | 27.7 | 24.9 | 18.4 |
CS | Computer Science and Information Technology | 207851 | 170825 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
CY | Chemistry | 33058 | 25698 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
DA | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 75854 | 57054 | 29 | 26.1 | 19.3 |
EC | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 97394 | 81475 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
EE | Electrical Engineering | 83355 | 67701 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
ES | Environmental Science and Engineering | 9073 | 6631 | 26.1 | 23.4 | 17.4 |
EY | Ecology and Evolution | 3509 | 2713 | 39.5 | 35.5 | 26.3 |
GE | Geomatics Engineering | 3616 | 2726 | 25.7 | 23.1 | 17.1 |
GG1 | Geology and Geophysics (Geology) | 6837 | 5352 | 38.4 | 34.5 | 25.5 |
GG2 | Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics) | 917 | 684 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
IN | Instrumentation Engineering | 14680 | 11935 | 25.6 | 23 | 17 |
MA | Mathematics | 16953 | 13171 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
ME | Mechanical Engineering | 79830 | 62015 | 35.8 | 32.2 | 23.8 |
MN | Mining Engineering | 8881 | 7438 | 30.6 | 27.5 | 20.4 |
MT | Metallurgical Engineering | 4420 | 3571 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
NM | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 538 | 395 | 25.1 | 22.5 | 16.7 |
PE | Petroleum Engineering | 1731 | 1320 | 31.1 | 27.9 | 20.7 |
PH | Physics | 24747 | 19225 | 26.8 | 24.1 | 17.8 |
PI | Production and Industrial Engineering | 4791 | 3547 | 35.6 | 32 | 23.7 |
ST | Statistics | 3063 | 1967 | 30.2 | 27.1 | 20.1 |
TF | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | 2355 | 1889 | 34.7 | 31.2 | 23.1 |
XE | Engineering Sciences | 14937 | 11156 | 35.4 | 31.8 | 23.5 |
XH-C1 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics) | 4161 | 2973 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XH-C2 | Humanities and Social Sciences (English) | 5665 | 4132 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XH-C3 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Linguistics) | 378 | 297 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XH-C4 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Philosophy) | 702 | 531 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XH-C5 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Psychology) | 5709 | 4125 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XH-C6 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociology) | 2147 | 1546 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
XL | Life Sciences | 50084 | 41086 | 31.3 | 28.1 | 20.8 |
GATE 2026 Counselling
GATE 2026 Counselling Process offers two main options for admission: COAP for admission to IITs and CCMT for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Only GATE-qualified candidates are eligible to participate in these counselling processes. Applicants must register online, fill out and lock their choices, and participate in multiple rounds of seat allocation. Candidates who are offered seats must upload documents, pay the acceptance fee, and undergo document verification. Those admitted through GATE are also eligible for a monthly stipend of INR 12,400. GATE 2026 counselling will be held in multiple rounds between May and July 2026. The GATE 2026 Counselling Process includes the following steps-
- Candidates must register online on the respective counselling portals, namely, COAP for IITs and CCMT for NITs.
- They should fill in and lock their preferred course and college choices.
- If candidates forget to lock their choices, the system will auto-lock the saved choices.
- Based on merit and preferences, the authorities will announce seat allotments in multiple rounds.
- Candidates must pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) and upload documents.
- They must choose their willingness status – Freeze, Float, Slide, or Withdraw.
- All uploaded documents will be verified online by the allotted institute.
GATE COAP Counselling 2026
The Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) is used for admission to M.Tech. programs in IITs and for receiving job offers from PSUs. COAP 2026 will be conducted in five main rounds and five additional rounds, scheduled between May and June 2026. In the first five rounds, candidates will be given three options to respond to the seat offers: Accept & Freeze, Retain & Wait, and Reject & Wait. In the additional rounds (6 to 10), only Accept & Freeze and Reject options will be available. Candidates can only respond to one offer in each round. The options of COAP 2026 are as follows-
- Accept & Freeze: The candidate agrees to take the current offer and will not be considered for any further upgrades.
- Retain & Wait: The candidate accepts the current offer but also wishes to be considered for higher preferences in upcoming rounds.
- Reject & Wait: The candidate declines the current offer but wishes to be considered for better options in future rounds.
- Accept & Freeze (Rounds 6-10): In later rounds, this is the only option to accept an offer without any scope for upgrading.
- Reject (Rounds 6-10): The candidate rejects the current offer and is willing to take a chance in the remaining rounds.
GATE CCMT Counselling 2026
The Centralised Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. (CCMT) is conducted for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. CCMT 2026 will be held in three regular rounds, followed by two special rounds and a national spot round. The entire process will take place between June and July 2026. Candidates must register online, choose programs, pay fees, and participate in seat allotment rounds. Once a seat is allotted, candidates have four options to respond such as Float, Slide, Freeze, or Surrender. The options of CCMT 2026 are as given below-
- Float: The candidate accepts the current seat but wishes to be considered for better choices in future rounds at any institute.
- Slide: The candidate accepts the seat at the same institute but wants a better course preference within that institute in upcoming rounds.
- Freeze: The candidate accepts the allotted seat and is not interested in further upgradation, except for category-based upgrades.
- Surrender (Participate in Next Round): The candidate gives up the allotted seat to participate in the next round and has no claim on the surrendered seat.
GATE 2026 Helpline Numbers
For any queries related to GATE 2026, including hall ticket issues, login problems, or application correction, candidates can contact the respective GATE zone-wise helpdesk. Each zone has its own contact number and email ID. Candidates should contact the institute under whose zone they selected exam centres. Check the following table for GATE 2026 Zone-Wise Helpline Numbers.
Zone | Contact Number | Email ID |
Zone I - IISc Bengaluru | 080-2293 2644 | helpdesk.gate@iisc.in |
Zone II - IIT Bombay | 022-25767068, 022-25767022 | gateoffice@iitb.ac.in |
Zone III - IIT Delhi | 011-26591749 | gate@admin.iitd.ac.in |
Zone IV - IIT Guwahati | 0361-2582751, 0361-2582755 | gate@iitg.ac.in |
Zone V - IIT Kanpur | 0512-2596962, 0512-2596963 | gate@iitk.ac.in |
Zone VI - IIT Kharagpur | 03222-282091, 03222-282095 | gateonline@adm.iitkgp.ac.in |
Zone VII - IIT Madras | 044-22578200 | gate@iitm.ac.in |
Zone VIII - IIT Roorkee | 01332-284531 | helpdesk.gate@iitr.ac.in |
GATE 2026 FAQs
What is GATE 2026?
GATE 2026 stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, an entrance exam for candidates who want to pursue postgraduate studies at top institutes like IITs and NITs or secure jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The exam is held once a year for various engineering and science subjects. Candidates need to choose their preferred stream and prepare according to the syllabus provided. Qualifying GATE makes candidates eligible for M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitment across India. Registration and details are published online each year.
Who can apply for GATE 2026?
Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Science are eligible for GATE 2026. Degrees like BE, BTech, BSc, or an equivalent professional qualification are accepted. Some integrated courses are eligible as well. There is no age limit for candidates applying to GATE. Candidates must review the official eligibility criteria before applying, as specific requirements may change for different streams or years.
What is the application process for GATE 2026?
Candidates first need to register on the official GATE website by filling out the online application form. Required documents like degree certificates, ID proof, and a photograph must be uploaded. Candidates then pay an application fee, which varies by category. After a successful submission, candidates receive a confirmation. It is important to check all details before submitting and keep a copy of the application. The process usually starts several months before the exam date, with deadlines clearly mentioned online.
What is the exam pattern for GATE 2026?
The GATE 2026 exam consists of 65 questions for 100 marks, including General Aptitude (10 questions) and subject-specific questions (55). There are three types of questions: Multiple Choice (MCQ), Multiple Select (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). General Aptitude carries 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics 13 marks, and the subject paper covers the rest. The duration of the exam is three hours, and candidates must select answers on a computer-based test.
What subjects are there in GATE 2026?
GATE 2026 offers over 30 subjects, also known as papers. Candidates choose one based on their degree or interest, such as Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, and others. Each subject has its own syllabus and exam paper. The General Aptitude section is common, but technical topics differ for each branch. Candidates should consult the official information brochure to see the latest list of available subjects and select carefully during registration.
How many times can candidates attempt GATE?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the GATE exam. Candidates can apply as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility requirements each year. Multiple attempts allow candidates to improve their scores and ranks, which helps in securing admission to better institutes or in getting PSU jobs. Continuous improvement and learning from previous attempts are important for candidates seeking higher ranks and better opportunities.
What is the cut-off for GATE 2026?
GATE cut-off is the minimum score candidates must achieve to qualify for the exam and be eligible for admission or recruitment. The cut-off varies for each subject, category (General, OBC, SC/ST), and year. It typically ranges from 28–32 marks to qualify, but higher scores (700–850+) are needed for IIT admissions or PSU jobs. The cut-off is announced after the exam and results, so candidates must aim higher than the qualifying marks for safety.
How should candidates prepare for GATE 2026?
Preparation for GATE 2026 requires a clear study plan, understanding of the syllabus, and regular practice of previous year question papers. Candidates should focus on important subjects and concepts, make notes, and attempt mock tests online. Joining study groups and seeking guidance from seniors or teachers can be helpful. Time management and revision are key. Books recommended for each branch and online courses can provide structured preparation. Quality preparation matters more than quantity.
What are the best books for GATE 2026?
The best books for GATE 2026 depend on the candidate’s chosen branch. For core subjects, candidates should select standard textbooks approved by the faculty and previous toppers. Books for Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude are important for all branches. In addition to textbooks, candidates should use solved papers, topic-wise question banks, and mock tests. Updated editions tailored to the GATE syllabus help in thorough preparation and practice.
Can GATE be cracked in 6 months?
Yes, candidates can crack GATE in 6 months if they prepare with commitment and a focused plan. It is important to cover the entire syllabus, prioritise important subjects, and solve previous year papers regularly. Candidates must maintain discipline, practice numericals, and focus on concepts. Effective time management, regular revision, and using quality study resources are essential. Smart work and consistency play a bigger role than just hard work during these months.

