GATE 2026: IIT-Guwahati Releases Exam Schedule, Time; Admit Card Date Expected Soon

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 schedule has been officially announced by IIT Guwahati, the organising institute for this year’s examination. With the exam just around the corner, aspirants are advised to plan their preparation and keep an eye on the official website for the release of admit cards, which is expected this week.

This year, GATE 2026 will be conducted over two weekends — February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 — entirely in computer-based test (CBT) mode. The exam will cover a wide array of engineering, science, and interdisciplinary papers, catering to students across multiple fields.

Exam Timings and Session Details

GATE 2026 will follow a two-session format each day, ensuring a structured timetable for candidates appearing for various papers:

• Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

This structure allows the examination authority to conduct multiple papers on the same day while accommodating different subject streams efficiently. Candidates are advised to arrive at the exam centre well in advance and ensure they adhere to the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards.

Detailed GATE 2026 Schedule

The exam schedule has been designed carefully to accommodate all major engineering and science disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary subjects. Below is the day-wise distribution of papers:

February 7, 2026

• Forenoon Session:
  Agricultural Engineering, Engineering Sciences, Geomatics Engineering, Mathematics, Mining Engineering, Textile Engineering, XE/XL (Engineering Sciences and Humanities & Social Sciences)
• Afternoon Session:
  Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Humanities and Social Sciences

February 8, 2026

• Forenoon Session:
  Computer Science and Engineering – CS-1, Statistics
• Afternoon Session:
  Computer Science and Engineering – CS-2, Environmental Science and Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Petroleum Engineering

February 14, 2026

• Forenoon Session:
  Civil Engineering-1, Electrical Engineering, Production and Industrial Engineering
• Afternoon Session:
  Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering-2, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering

February 15, 2026

• Forenoon Session:
  Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Afternoon Session:
  Architecture and Planning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence

This schedule ensures that students appearing for multiple papers can plan accordingly, especially those opting for interdisciplinary or additional streams such as XE, XL, and CS variants.

Importance of GATE 2026 Scores

GATE scores are not just a measure of academic performance—they are a gateway to advanced studies and career opportunities. Here’s how GATE 2026 scores are used:

1. Postgraduate Admissions:
   • MTech, MS, and PhD admissions at IITs, NITs, and other top engineering institutions across India.
   • Some universities abroad also consider GATE scores for specialized programs.
2. Public Sector Recruitment:
   • Several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) use GATE scores as part of their recruitment criteria.
   • Companies such as ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, and others consider GATE performance for technical positions.
3. Research Opportunities:
   • Students with high scores often get the chance to participate in research projects, fellowships, and funded programs within India and internationally.

Because of these high-stakes opportunities, candidates are advised to practice previous years’ question papers, revise core concepts, and develop time-management strategies for the examination.

Preparation Tips for GATE 2026

With the exam less than two months away, candidates should focus on structured preparation. Here are some expert tips:

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly:
   • Ensure familiarity with the topics outlined in the official GATE syllabus for your paper.
   • Prioritize high-weightage chapters without neglecting the entire syllabus.
2. Practice Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests:
   • Solve at least 5–10 previous years’ question papers to understand trends, difficulty levels, and frequently asked questions.
   • Time your mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Focus on Concepts and Formulas:
   • GATE questions test conceptual clarity and application rather than rote memorization.
   • Maintain a formula sheet and revise regularly.
4. Work on Numerical Accuracy:
   • Solve numerical answer type (NAT) questions with care; avoid guesswork as they are not multiple-choice.
   • Regular practice ensures speed without compromising precision.
5. Time Management:
   • Plan which questions to attempt first in the exam.
   • Avoid spending too much time on a single problem.

Admit Card and Exam Guidelines

The GATE 2026 admit card is expected to be released soon, likely within this week. Candidates must:

• Download the admit card from the official GATE website using their credentials.
• Verify all details including name, photograph, signature, and paper code.
• Follow all exam guidelines, including items allowed inside the exam hall, dress code, and reporting time.

Failure to carry a valid admit card or comply with guidelines can disqualify candidates from the exam, so it is essential to stay updated.

Key Takeaways

• GATE 2026 Dates: February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Sessions: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Papers: Engineering, science, and interdisciplinary streams
• Admit Card: Expected this week, check official website
• Use of Scores: Postgraduate admissions, PSU recruitment, research opportunities

Candidates should plan their revision, practise mock tests and previous papers, and ensure timely download of admit cards to maximize performance. GATE is not just an exam; it is a launchpad for advanced studies and career growth in engineering and technology.