GATE 2026 Exam Date Rescheduled to Avoid UPSC Conflict

GATE 2026 Exam Date Change Announcement

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has revealed that the date for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be altered. Initially set for February 8, the exam is being rescheduled to prevent any overlap with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Engineering Services Examination (ESE).

Originally, GATE 2026 was planned for February 7, 8, 14, and 15. Reports suggest that the exam on February 8 might now take place on either February 6 or 16. A revised timetable will be published shortly on the official website. The examination will occur in two daily shifts.

The first shift is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the second will run from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. As per the official announcement from IIT Guwahati, results for GATE 2026 are expected to be released on March 19.

UPSC ESE Exam Schedule

The GATE 2026 committee has acknowledged a potential clash with the UPSC ESE 2026, which is slated for February 8, 2026, according to the UPSC's annual schedule. Consequently, the core GATE subjects (CE, EC, EE, GE, GG, IN, ME, PI) will not be held on February 8, 2026.

Registration Deadlines

Candidates can register for GATE 2026 without incurring late fees until September 28. Applications should be submitted via the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Those wishing to apply after this date can do so until October 9, but will incur a late fee.

Application Fees

The application fee for GATE 2026 is set at ₹1,000 for women, SC/ST, and PWD candidates. All other applicants will need to pay ₹2,000. Candidates from reserved categories applying after September 28 will face a late fee of ₹1,500, while other categories will incur a late fee of ₹2,500.