GATE Online Form: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most important national-level examinations for engineering graduates and aspirants aiming for higher studies, research, or government sector jobs. This time, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati is organizing the exam. According to the official notification, GATE 2026 will be conducted on February 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th, 2026 across the country as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for 30 subjects (papers).
GATE is jointly conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and the 23 IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
Qualifying GATE not only opens doors for M.Tech, PhD, and other postgraduate admissions in reputed institutions but also serves as a gateway for PSU jobs and even Group A central government positions.
GATE 2026 Overview
Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) |
Organizing Institute | IIT Guwahati |
Exam Type | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Validity of Score | 3 Years from result date |
Number of Subjects (Papers) | 30 |
Questions | MCQs, MSQs, NAT |
Marks | 100 |
Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Exam Dates | February 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th, 2026 |
Helpline | +91 361 258 6500 |
helpdesk.gate@iitg.ac.in | |
Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
Why is GATE Important?
GATE has multiple benefits beyond postgraduate admissions. Qualifying candidates can:
- Pursue Master’s and Doctoral programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and even select Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities fields.
- Avail MoE scholarships and financial assistance.
- Secure employment in top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like BHEL, GAIL, HAL, IOCL, NTPC, NPCIL, ONGC, PGCIL and many more.
- Apply for Group A level posts in Central Government, such as Senior Field Officer (Tele), Senior Research Officer (Crypto), and Senior Research Officer (S&T) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
Thus, qualifying GATE boosts both academic and professional prospects.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE exam will test candidates’ subject knowledge, aptitude, and analytical ability.
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria.
Educational Qualification
Candidates are eligible if they:
- Are currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program, OR
- Have completed a government-approved degree program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities.
(For detailed qualification list as per each subject paper, check the official notification.)
Age Limit
- There is no age limit to appear for GATE 2026.
- Both fresh graduates and working professionals can apply.
You can use our age calculator tool wherever age criteria is required.
Application Fee for GATE 2026
The application fee varies based on category and application period.
Category | Regular Period | Extended Period |
---|---|---|
Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 1500 |
Others | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 2500 |
GATE 2026 Exam Centres under IIT Guwahati Zone
There will be 24 exam centres (tentative) under IIT Guwahati zone.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar
- Assam: Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur
- Bihar: Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea
- Jharkhand: Bokaro Steel City, Dhanbad
- Manipur: Imphal
- Meghalaya: Shillong
- Mizoram: Aizawl
- Nagaland: Dimapur, Kohima
- Sikkim: Gangtok
- Tripura: Agartala
- West Bengal: Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Kalyani, Siliguri
How to Apply for GATE 2026 Online?
Candidates can apply only through the official GATE portal. The process is simple and fully online.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official portal through the Important Web-Links section below.
- Click on “Online Application Form”.
- Fill in all personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee as per your category.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates of GATE Online Form 2026
Starting date of online application | 28th August 2025 |
Last date (without late fee) | 28th September 2025 |
Last date (with late fee) | 9th October 2025 |
Admit Card Release | To be updated |
GATE 2026 Exam Dates | 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th February 2026 |
Result Announcement | 19th March 2026 |
Important Links of GATE Online Form 2026
Online Application Form | Click Here |
Information Brochure | Click Here |
GATE Exam Schedule | Click Here |
GATE Syllabus | Click Here |
GATE Question Papers | Click Here |
GATE Notification | Click Here |
Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs on GATE 2026
What is the starting date to apply for GATE 2026?
The application process starts on 28th August 2025.
What is the last date to apply for GATE 2026?
The last date without late fee is 28th September 2025, while with late fee it is 9th October 2025.
What does GATE stand for?
GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering