If you are planning to give GATE 2026, this is the right time to get ready. IIT Guwahati will organize the exam in 2026. On August 25, 2025, the application process will open.
GATE is an important exam for students who want to do M.Tech, MS, or Ph.D. in top colleges like IITs and NITs. Many big companies like ONGC, NTPC, BHEL also use GATE score to hire engineers. So, if you want a good future in engineering, GATE is very important.
What is GATE and Why is it Important?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE, is a national examination. It measures your skills in science and engineering subjects.
- If you clear GATE with a good score, you can get admission in IITs, NITs, and IISc for higher studies.
- Many government companies also select candidates based on GATE score for jobs.
- So, this one exam can open many doors for your career.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
Here are the dates you should remember:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration starts | August 25, 2025 |
| Last date (without late fee) | September 25, 2025 |
| Last date (with late fee) | October 6, 2025 |
| Exam dates | February 7–8 and 14–15, 2026 |
Who Can Apply for GATE 2026?
- You can apply if you have finished your engineering or technology degree or are in your final year.
- Students can also apply if they have a master’s degree in statistics, math, or science.
- There is no age limit for this exam.
What’s New This Year?
This time, IIT Guwahati has added a new subject – Energy Science (XE-I) in the Engineering Sciences paper. If you are interested in energy-related fields, this is good news for you.
How to Apply for GATE 2026?
Here is the simple process:
- Go to the official website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Create account and register on the GOAPS portal.
- Fill your personal and academic details.
- Upload your photo, signature, and documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee (Regular) | Fee (Late) |
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹900 | ₹1,400 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹1,800 | ₹2,300 |
Documents You Need
- Passport-size photo
- Scanned signature
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- Degree certificate or proof of final year
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total papers: 30 (including the new Energy Science paper)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Questions: 65 (MCQs, MSQs, NAT)
- Total marks: 100
Your subject questions (85 marks) and general aptitude (15 marks) will be included in each paper.
Why Start Preparing Now?
Every year, 7–8 lakh students apply for GATE. If you want to get a good score, you need to start early.
- Go through the syllabus carefully.
- Practice previous year papers.
- Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Final Tip
Don’t wait for the last date. Apply on time and start your preparation today. GATE can change your career. So, plan well and give your best.
Continue visiting the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, for additional information.
