The GATE 2026 Notification has been officially released by the organizing institute, and registration is all set to begin from the first week of September 2025. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech/PhD) and for recruitment in PSUs such as IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, and more. In 2026, the exam will be conducted by IIT Kanpur, and several new features have been introduced in the application and exam structure.
Every year, over 9 lakh candidates appear for GATE to either secure admission into top IITs, NITs, IIITs, or to be eligible for lucrative PSU jobs. The GATE 2026 Notification highlights essential details such as the new paper pattern, revised eligibility criteria, list of participating institutes, and official application links.
The exam will be conducted in February 2026, and aspirants must complete the registration process by the last date in October 2025. The entire application process will be conducted online through the official GATE portal.
Key Dates and Schedule from GATE 2026 Notification
As per the GATE 2026 Notification, here’s a quick look at the important dates you need to remember:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Notification Release | 27 June 2025 |
| Registration Starts | 1 September 2025 |
| Registration Ends (without late fee) | 30 September 2025 |
| Registration Ends (with late fee) | 7 October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 3 January 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 15 March 2026 |
It is highly recommended to register early and avoid the last-minute rush, especially since the GATE portal may experience traffic overload near the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026 Applicants
The GATE 2026 Notification clearly outlines who can apply for the exam. Here are the latest eligibility norms:
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Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science
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Those in their 3rd year of undergraduate programs (in select courses) are now eligible
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No age limit for appearing in GATE
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International candidates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and UAE can also apply
The eligibility window has been expanded to include various science and humanities streams, including Statistics, Economics, and Environmental Science, as listed in the GATE 2026 Notification.
List of Papers and Syllabus for GATE 2026
There are 30 papers offered under GATE 2026, with two new subjects introduced this year: Biomedical Instrumentation (BMI) and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AIH).
A few of the most popular papers include:
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Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
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Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
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Mechanical Engineering (ME)
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Civil Engineering (CE)
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Electrical Engineering (EE)
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Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
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Mathematics (MA), Physics (PH), and Chemistry (CY)
Each paper is of 100 marks, with 65 questions divided into MCQs, MSQs, and NAT (numerical answer type). The GATE 2026 Notification also provides downloadable PDFs for each syllabus, allowing candidates to prepare according to the updated structure.
Application Process: How to Apply for GATE 2026
The registration process is completely online and has been streamlined to be mobile-friendly as well. Here’s how to apply according to the GATE 2026 Notification:
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Visit the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal
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Register using email ID and phone number
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Fill in personal, academic, and communication details
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Upload scanned photograph, signature, and valid ID proof
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Choose exam center, preferred papers, and add second paper (optional)
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Pay the application fee via online payment gateways
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Download and save the confirmation page for future use
Application Fee (as per GATE 2026 Notification):
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General/OBC: ₹1800
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SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹900
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International students: US $50 (approx.)
Late fee for all categories is ₹500 extra. Correction window will open in mid-October 2025 for applicants who want to make changes to their details.
What’s New in GATE 2026?
The GATE 2026 Notification also introduces several important changes for applicants:
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Expanded eligibility for students in the 3rd year of UG programs
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Two-paper combination now includes more flexible choices
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New subjects like BMI and AIH added to reflect emerging technologies
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Improved virtual calculator and formula sheet integrated into the test interface
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PSU recruitment panels to conduct interviews directly using GATE score for fast-track hiring
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Official GATE mock tests will be made available from December 2025
These updates ensure that GATE continues to evolve in line with global academic and industry needs.
FAQs
When will the GATE 2026 exam be conducted?
As per the GATE 2026 Notification, the exam will be held on 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th February 2026 across various cities in India and select international centers.
Can I appear for two papers in GATE 2026?
Yes, GATE allows a combination of two papers for candidates if the combination is listed as valid in the official document.
Is there any limit on the number of attempts?
No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for GATE. You can appear as many times as you like if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the validity of GATE 2026 score?
The GATE 2026 scorecard will be valid for 3 years for MTech admissions and for PSU recruitment as per individual company policies.
Which institutes accept GATE scores?
All IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISc Bangalore, and several foreign universities in Singapore and Germany accept GATE scores for postgraduate admissions.
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