facebook-icon
Home   »   GATE 2026

GATE 2026 Notification, Registration, Important Dates, Application Form, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most awaited national-level exams for engineering, science, and humanities graduates in India. Organized by a rotating IIT each year, GATE serves as a gateway to M.Tech admissions, PSU recruitment, and research opportunities. With the official notification expected in August 2025, aspirants must stay informed about key details like eligibility, registration, exam pattern, and syllabus. This article covers everything you need to know about GATE 2026 to help you plan your preparation strategically.

GATE 2026 Notification – Overview

The GATE 2026 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted for admissions to postgraduate programs (M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D.) and for recruitment to various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The official notification for GATE 2026 is expected to be released in  August 2025, and it will include all the crucial details related to registration, exam schedule, eligibility, and syllabus.

GATE 2026 Overview 
Exam Name Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026
Conducting Body IIT Guwahati (Tentative)
Level of Exam National
Mode of Exam Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
Expected Notification August 2025
Exam Date February 2026 (Expected)
Duration of Exam 3 Hours (180 minutes)
Number of Papers 30 (Expected)
Eligibility Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Architecture, etc.
Score Validity 3 Years
Official Website https://www.iitg.ac.in/ (Tentative)

GATE 2026 Important Dates

Candidates aspiring to appear for GATE 2026 must stay updated with all key deadlines to ensure a smooth application and preparation process. The examination schedule, from notification release to result declaration and counselling, spans over eight months and follows a structured timeline. Below is a list of all the tentative dates for GATE 2026:

GATE 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
Notification Availability 1st Week of August 2025
Last Date to Apply 2nd Week of October 2025
Application Correction Window 3rd Week of November 2025
Admit Card Release 1st Week of January 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates 1st Week of February 2026
Response Sheet Availability 2nd Week of February 2026
Answer Key Release 4th Week of February 2026
Result Declaration 2nd Week of March 2026
Scorecard Availability 4th Week of March 2026
COAP Counselling Portal Opens 3rd Week of March 2026

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for GATE 2026, candidates must meet certain academic qualifications, irrespective of age. The exam is open to Indian citizens and foreign nationals with recognized degrees. Importantly, there is no age limit or cap on the number of attempts for GATE, allowing candidates the flexibility to appear whenever they meet the required qualifications.

Qualifying Degree Eligibility
B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm. 3rd year or higher / Completed
B.Arch. / B.Planning 3rd year or higher / Completed
B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. 3rd year or higher / Completed
M.Sc. / M.A. / MCA or Equivalent 1st year or higher / Completed
Int. M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) (4-year) 1st year or higher / Completed
Int. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. (5-year) 3rd year or higher / Completed
Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S.-M.S. 3rd year or higher / Completed
B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. (3-year) Final year or Completed
Pharm D. (6 years after 10+2) 3rd year or higher / Completed
MBBS / BDS / BVSc 5th/6th/7th semester or higher / Completed
Professional Society Exams (e.g., AMIE, AMICE) Completed Section A or Equivalent
B.Sc. in Agriculture/Forestry/Horticulture 3rd year or higher / Completed

GATE 2026 Application Form

The GATE 2026 application form will be available exclusively through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal. Candidates must complete the application process online, including registration, form filling, document upload, and fee payment. The application window is expected to open in the 4th week of August 2025. A direct link with steps to apply will be made available in this article.

GATE 2026 Application Fees

The application fee for GATE 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category and the number of papers they are applying for. The fee must be paid online through the GATE portal using net banking, UPI, credit, or debit card. It is non-refundable under normal circumstances.

Category Fee Fee (Extended Period)
SC / ST / PwD / Female Candidates ₹ 900 ₹ 1400
General / OBC / EWS Candidates ₹ 1800 ₹ 2300
Foreign Nationals ₹ 1800 ₹ 2300

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and is designed to assess a candidate’s conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities in engineering, science, and humanities subjects. The exam pattern is standardized across all 30 papers, with slight variations for multidisciplinary subjects like XE, XH, and XL. The test consists of 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks, to be completed in 3 hours.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (Online)
Duration 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Total Questions 65
Total Marks 100
Sections General Aptitude (15 Marks) + Subject Questions (85 Marks)
Types of Questions MCQ (1 or 2 marks), MSQ (Multiple correct), NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
Negative Marking Only for MCQs: -1/3 for 1-mark Qs, -2/3 for 2-mark Qs
Partial Marking Not allowed in any question type

GATE 2026 Paper Codes and Branches

GATE 2026 will offer 30 subject papers, each identified by a unique paper code. Candidates can choose to appear for one or two papers, provided the combination is allowed as per the official guidelines. Each paper tests domain-specific knowledge along with General Aptitude, which is common across all papers.

Paper Code Branches
AE Aerospace Engineering
AG Agricultural Engineering
AR Architecture and Planning
BM Biomedical Engineering
BT Biotechnology
CE Civil Engineering
CH Chemical Engineering
CS Computer Science and Information Technology
CY Chemistry
DA Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
EC Electronics and Communication Engineering
EE Electrical Engineering
ES Environmental Science and Engineering
EY Ecology and Evolution
GE Geomatics Engineering
GG Geology and Geophysics
IN Instrumentation Engineering
MA Mathematics
ME Mechanical Engineering
MN Mining Engineering
MT Metallurgical Engineering
NM Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
PE Petroleum Engineering
PH Physics
PI Production and Industrial Engineering
ST Statistics
TF Textile Engineering and Fibre Science
XE Engineering Sciences (Multisubject)
XH Humanities and Social Sciences (Multisubject)
XL Life Sciences (Multisubject)

Latest Posts

GATE 2026 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Details

The GATE 2026 Syllabus is designed to test candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects across engineering, science, architecture, and humanities streams. It consists of two main components in each paper:

  • General Aptitude (GA) – Common to all papers (15 Marks)
  • Subject-Specific Syllabus – Varies based on the selected paper (85 Marks)

GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) 2026 Syllabus

Section Topics Covered
 Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Transform Theory
 Electric Circuits Node and mesh analysis, Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems, superposition, maximum power transfer, time-domain analysis of RLC circuits, resonance, transient analysis
 Electromagnetic Fields Coulomb’s and Gauss’s laws, electric field and potential, Ampere’s and Faraday’s laws, Maxwell’s equations, transmission lines, wave propagation
Signals and Systems Time and frequency domain analysis of continuous and discrete-time signals, Laplace and Fourier transforms, sampling, Z-transform, LTI systems
Electrical Machines Single and three-phase transformers, DC machines, induction motors, synchronous machines – operation, characteristics, performance and testing
Power Systems Power generation, transmission lines, per unit system, power flow, fault analysis, protection devices (relays, circuit breakers), stability analysis
Control Systems Modeling of physical systems, transfer functions, block diagrams, time and frequency response, stability criteria, Bode and root locus plots, PID controllers
Electrical and Electronic Measurements Measurement of voltage, current, power, energy; PMMC, moving iron, digital meters, oscilloscopes, instrument transformers, bridges
Analog and Digital Electronics Diodes, BJTs, FETs, OP-AMPs and applications, oscillators, feedback, logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, ADC/DAC
Power Electronics Diodes, thyristors, power transistors, rectifiers, choppers, inverters, AC voltage controllers, basics of converters, and their control techniques

GATE Civil Engineering (CE) 2026 Syllabus

Section Topics Covered
1. Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, and Transform Theory
2. Structural Engineering Mechanics, Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagrams, Stress-Strain Relationships, Mohr’s Circle, Shear and Bending Stresses, Deflection, Columns
3. Geotechnical Engineering Soil Properties, Classification, Permeability, Seepage, Effective Stress Principle, Shear Strength, Earth Pressure, Bearing Capacity, Foundations
4. Water Resources Engineering Fluid Properties, Hydrostatics, Kinematics, Bernoulli’s Equation, Flow through Pipes, Open Channel Flow, Hydraulic Machines, Hydrology, Irrigation
5. Environmental Engineering Water and Wastewater Quality, Treatment Methods, Air and Noise Pollution, Municipal Solid Waste, Environmental Impact Assessment
6. Transportation Engineering Highway Planning, Geometric Design, Traffic Engineering, Pavement Design (Flexible and Rigid), Railway and Airport Engineering
7. Geomatics Engineering Principles of Surveying, Levelling, Theodolite, Total Station, Remote Sensing, GPS, GIS, Map Reading, Photogrammetry
8. Construction Materials & Management Concrete and Steel Properties, Mix Design, Construction Equipment, Project Planning, CPM, PERT, Cost Estimation, Quality Control
9. Structural Analysis Determinate and Indeterminate Structures, Trusses, Arches, Moment Distribution, Slope Deflection, Influence Lines, Matrix Methods
10. Design of Steel Structures Working Stress and Limit State Design, Connections, Tension and Compression Members, Beams, Plate Girders, Columns
11. Design of Concrete Structures Working Stress and Limit State Methods, Beams, Slabs, Columns, Footings, Retaining Walls

Latest Posts

GATE Mechanical Engineering (CE) 2026 Syllabus

Section Topics Covered
1. Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Transform Theory
2. Applied Mechanics & Design Engineering Mechanics (free-body diagrams, equilibrium), Strength of Materials, Stress-Strain Analysis, Bending, Torsion, Theories of Failure, Design of Machine Elements
3. Fluid Mechanics Properties of Fluids, Fluid Statics, Control Volume Analysis, Bernoulli’s Equation, Flow through Pipes, Boundary Layer Theory, Dimensional Analysis
4. Heat Transfer Modes of Heat Transfer – Conduction, Convection, Radiation; Heat Exchangers, Thermal Resistance, Transient Heat Conduction, Fins, Boiling and Condensation
5. Thermodynamics Laws of Thermodynamics, Entropy, Availability, Thermodynamic Cycles (Carnot, Rankine, Otto, Diesel, Brayton), Properties of Pure Substances, Psychrometry
6. Applications of Thermodynamics Air and Gas Compressors, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Cycles, IC Engines, Combustion, Fuel Properties
7. Manufacturing Engineering Metal Casting, Forming Processes, Welding, Machining and Machine Tools, Metrology and Inspection, Manufacturing Automation, CNC, Additive Manufacturing
8. Industrial Engineering Operations Research, Linear Programming, Inventory Control, Queuing Theory, Forecasting, Project Management (CPM & PERT), Work Study, Production Planning
9. Materials Science Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials, Heat Treatment, Stress-Strain Behavior, Failure Theories, Corrosion, Phase Diagrams
10. Mechatronics and Robotics (basic) Sensors and Actuators, Signal Processing, Basic Control Systems Concepts (if included in electives)

GATE 2026 Score Validity and Benefits

The GATE 2026 scorecard is much more than just a rank—it’s a gateway to multiple academic and career opportunities across India and abroad. Whether you aim for higher education, public sector jobs, or research positions, a valid GATE score can open the door. The GATE 2026 score will be valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration. This means candidates can use their score until March 2029 for admissions and job applications. The score is valid only for the paper in which the candidate has appeared.

Some of the Benefits of GATE Score 2026 are:

  • 1. Postgraduate Admissions (M.Tech/M.E./M.S./Ph.D.)
  • 2. Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) Recruitment
  • 3. Research Fellowships
  • 4. Higher Studies Abroad
  • 5. Private Sector Advantage
  • 6. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Latest Posts

Sharing is caring!

FAQs

When will the GATE 2026 notification be released?

The GATE 2026 notification is expected to be released in August 2025, along with the opening of the online application portal.

Who is eligible to apply for GATE 2026?

Candidates who are in the 3rd year or higher of their undergraduate degree (engineering, science, architecture, or humanities) or have already completed it are eligible. There is no age limit.

Can I apply for two GATE papers?

Yes, candidates can apply for up to two papers, provided the combination is allowed by the organizing institute. The list of permitted paper combinations will be mentioned in the official brochure.

How many times can I attempt GATE?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can appear for GATE as many times as you wish, provided you meet the eligibility criteria each time.

What is the validity of the GATE 2026 scorecard?

The GATE 2026 score will be valid for three years from the date of result declaration, i.e., up to March 2029.

Is General Aptitude common for all GATE papers?

Yes, the General Aptitude (GA) section is common to all 30 GATE papers and carries 15 marks out of the total 100.

What are the benefits of qualifying GATE 2026?

A valid GATE score opens up opportunities for M.Tech/M.E./Ph.D. admissions, PSU jobs, research fellowships, higher studies abroad, and scholarships during postgraduate studies.

GATE 2026 Notification, Registration, Important Dates, Application Form, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus_4.1