GATE 2026 Notification Released: Key Dates and Application Process
GATE Exam 2026 Announcement
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially announced the GATE 2026 notification. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can begin their application process on the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in starting August 25. This examination is essential for those seeking admission into postgraduate and doctoral programs across various fields, including engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities.
Important Dates for GATE 2026
Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026
The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The application window will open on August 25 and close on September 25, 2025.
The exam will be conducted in two sessions: the morning session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates can download their admit cards starting January 2, 2026, and scorecards will be available for free download from March 27 to May 31, 2026.
New Paper Introduction
A new subject, Energy Science, has been introduced under the Engineering Science (XE) category for GATE 2026. Despite this addition, the total number of exam papers will remain at 30. The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in the specified two shifts.
Application Fee Structure
The entire application process for GATE 2026 will be conducted online, encompassing form submission, fee payment, and document uploads. The application fees vary by category:
- For female candidates, SC, ST, and Divyang categories: Rs 1,000 (regular period) and Rs 1,500 (extended period).
- For all other candidates: Rs 2,000 (regular period) and Rs 2,500 (extended period).
Steps to Apply for GATE 2026
To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Register by providing your name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Receive your login ID and password.
- Log in and access the application form.
- Complete the form with personal details (name, date of birth, address), educational qualifications, and exam center preferences.
- Upload a passport-sized photo, signature, and necessary documents (e.g., category certificate, Divyang certificate).
- Pay the application fee using online methods (debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI).
- Review all information before submitting your application.