GATE 2026 Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern PYQs and Weightage

GATE 2026 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a prestigious national-level entrance exam in India conducted by IIT Guwahati for admission into postgraduate programs like M.E., M.Tech, and Ph.D. at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities, as well as for recruitment in public sector units (PSUs). It tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects across engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, arts, and humanities. The exam is computer-based, held annually, with 30 papers expected, and a validity of the GATE score for 3 years. Registration begins on August 28, 2025, and the exam dates are scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

What is GATE Exam?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination in India that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, and arts. It is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The GATE exam is used for admission to postgraduate programs such as M.E., M.Tech, M.Arch, and Ph.D., and scores are also used by various public sector undertakings (PSUs) for recruiting engineers.

GATE 2026 Exam

The GATE 2026 exam, conducted by IIT Guwahati, will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted online in two sessions each day: a forenoon session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and an afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

GATE 2026 Exam Dates and Important Schedule 

GATE 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted in multiple sessions across four days in February 2026. The registration and application deadlines extend from late August to early October 2025, with important events like admit card release and result declaration following the exam dates.

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2026 eligibility criteria allow candidates who are in the third or higher year of their undergraduate program or have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities to appear for the exam. There is no age limit or restriction on the number of attempts.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

The GATE 2026 exam pattern is a computer-based test conducted over 3 hours with a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks. The question paper consists of a General Aptitude section and a subject-specific section, with three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

GATE 2026 Exam Syllabus

GATE 2026 syllabus consists of General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics (for applicable papers), and Subject-Specific Topics. The exam covers 30 papers with each paper having 65 questions totaling 100 marks — 10 questions from General Aptitude and 55 from the candidate’s chosen domain subject.

• General Aptitude (GA) is common to all papers, covering verbal ability, numerical ability, and analytical skills, accounting for 15 marks.
• Engineering Mathematics (15 marks) is included in most technical papers and covers topics like linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, probability, and statistics.
• Subject-specific topics vary from paper to paper, covering comprehensive undergraduate-level concepts relevant to the chosen discipline, such as Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, etc.
• For example, the Computer Science syllabus includes data structures, algorithms, computer organization, operating systems, theory of computation, and databases.
• Mechanical Engineering covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, and more.
• The syllabus is designed to test conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Candidates are advised to download the official syllabus PDFs released by IIT Guwahati for complete and detailed topics of their chosen paper.
• Preparing from the official syllabus, previous papers, and study materials aligned with it is critical for success in the exam.

GATE 2026 Result

The GATE 2026 result will be announced on March 19, 2026. Candidates who have appeared for the exam can check their results on the official GOAPS portal by logging in with their enrollment ID and password.

After the result declaration, scorecards will be available for free download from March 27 to May 31, 2026. Beyond this period, scorecards can be downloaded by paying a fee of INR 500 till December 31, 2026. The GATE scorecard is valid for three years and is used for admission to postgraduate programs like M.Tech, Ph.D., and for PSU recruitment.

GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage

The subject-wise weightage for GATE 2026 varies across different engineering disciplines, but generally follows a pattern of distribution among General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core subject topics. Here is a summarised breakdown for some major branches:

GATE Admission Process 2026

The GATE 2026 admission process involves the following steps:

• Registration and Application: Candidates need to register online on the official GATE 2026 website when the application window opens (starting August 28, 2025). The application must be submitted by September 28, 2025, without a late fee or by October 9, 2025, with a late fee.
• Admit Card Download: After the application submission, candidates can download their admit cards from the official portal starting January 2026 to appear for the exam.
• GATE Exam: The exam is conducted online across multiple sessions on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
• Result Declaration: The GATE 2026 results will be announced on March 19, 2026. Candidates can check their scorecards online.
• Scorecard Validity and Usage: The GATE scorecard is valid for three years. Candidates can use the score to apply for admission to postgraduate programs (M.E., M.Tech, Ph.D.) at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities, or to appear for PSU recruitment.
• Counselling and Admission: After the result, candidates must apply separately for admissions through the respective institutes’ counselling processes. Each institute sets its own cut-off and admission criteria based on GATE scores.
• Joining the Program: Once selected through counselling, candidates complete further admission formalities and join their chosen postgraduate program or PSU job.
• Candidates must regularly check official notifications and websites like IIT Guwahati’s for detailed updates on admission schedules and procedures.

GATE 2026 Previous Year Papers

Solving PYQs is crucial as it gives insights into question patterns, difficulty level, and important topics. Practicing these papers also improves time management and problem-solving speed. Vedprep provides PYQ books with solutions that help students prepare strategically.

Download GATE Previous Year Question Papers

GATE 2026 Best Books

Books play a vital role in structured preparation. Vedprep offers a wide range of exam-specific books, including Theory books, PYQ compilations, and Question Banks. These resources are designed by experts and are highly beneficial for concept clarity and practice.

GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy

A smart strategy involves understanding the syllabus, revising regularly, solving PYQs, and taking mock tests. Students should dedicate more time to high-weightage topics. With Vedprep’s online classes, doubt support, and study material, students can prepare effectively from home.

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Start by thoroughly reviewing the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern to know which subjects and topics to prioritize.
• Create a Study Plan: Divide the syllabus into manageable parts and set weekly and monthly targets to cover and revise topics systematically.
• Focus on Core Concepts: Spend most of your time understanding and mastering the fundamental concepts in your chosen discipline and general aptitude.
• Use Quality Study Materials: Refer to standard textbooks, reliable online resources, and coaching materials tailored for GATE preparation.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to get familiar with the exam format and improve time management.
• Make Short Notes: Prepare concise notes of important formulas, concepts, and tricky problems for last-minute revision.
• Revise Consistently: Allocate time for regular revision to retain concepts and formulas better.
• Work on Weak Areas: Identify your weaker subjects or topics and dedicate extra time to strengthen them.
• Take Care of Health and Time Management: Maintain a balanced routine with breaks, good sleep, and proper diet to stay mentally and physically fit.
• Stay Motivated and Seek Help: Engage in discussions, clarify doubts with peers or mentors, and stay positive throughout your preparation journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2u5UNyYiC8&pp=ygURR0FURSBQUkVQIFZFRFBSRVDSBwkJsgkBhyohjO8%3D

GATE 2026 Online Classes

Vedprep’s GATE 2026 online classes are designed to help students prepare effectively from home with expert guidance. These classes include live interactive lectures, recorded video lessons, topic-wise practice tests, previous year questions (PYQs), and dedicated doubt-solving sessions. The structured course plan ensures that the entire GATE 2026 syllabus is covered systematically.

The faculty at Vedprep consists of experienced mentors from IITs and other reputed institutes, who bring years of expertise in guiding students for GATE. Along with conceptual clarity, Vedprep also provides mock tests, detailed performance analysis, and personalized preparation strategies to make students exam-ready.

Key Highlights of Vedprep Online Classes:

• Live + recorded interactive sessions for flexibility
• Topic-wise practice and PYQ discussion
• Regular doubt-solving sessions
• Mock tests with detailed analysis
• Expert guidance from IIT graduates

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GATE 2026 FAQs

Q1. When will GATE 2026 registration start?

GATE 2026 registration will begin on August 28, 2025, and candidates can apply online until September 28, 2025 (without late fee) and October 9, 2025 (with late fee).

Q2. What are the exam dates for GATE 2026?

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two sessions each day – forenoon (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM).

Q3. Who is eligible for the GATE 2026 exam?

Candidates in the 3rd year or higher of a bachelor’s degree program (B.E., B.Tech, B.Arch, etc.) or those who have completed a UG/PG degree in Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities are eligible. There is no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts.

Q4. What is the exam pattern of GATE 2026?

GATE 2026 is a 3-hour online test with 65 questions (MCQ, MSQ & NAT) for 100 marks. It includes a General Aptitude section (15 marks) and a subject-specific section. Negative marking applies for MCQs only.

Q5. Where can I download the GATE 2026 syllabus PDF?

The official syllabus PDF for all 30 GATE papers will be released by IIT Guwahati on the official website along with the notification. Students should prepare from this official syllabus for accuracy.