The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially released the detailed examination schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, across two sessions each day. Aspirants can now check the specific dates and sessions for their chosen papers on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. GATE 2026 Paper Schedule provides a clear roadmap for the lakhs of candidates preparing for this crucial examination for postgraduate admissions and PSU recruitment.
GATE 2026 Paper Schedule OUT
The GATE 2026 examination will be held over two weekends in February 2026. The schedule is meticulously planned, with specific papers slotted in the forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) sessions. Candidates appearing for two papers must ensure their combination is permissible as per the official guidelines. The release of this timetable allows students to intensify their preparation for the final stretch.
GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Exam Date Schedule
The complete day-wise and session-wise schedule for all 30 papers is provided below. Candidates should carefully note the date and session for their specific paper(s).
GATE 2026 Paper Schedule
| Day & Date | Session & Time | Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | Forenoon (FN) 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| Afternoon (AN) 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | Forenoon (FN) 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | CS-1, ST |
| Afternoon (AN) 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Forenoon (FN) 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | CE-1, EE, PI |
| Afternoon (AN) 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Forenoon (FN) 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | EC |
| Afternoon (AN) 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm | AR, DA |
Also Read: IIT GATE 2026 Mock Test Link Activated for All Subjects, Direct Links Here
GATE 2026 Paper Schedule
Candidates should keep track of all important deadlines leading up to the exam.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Process Started | August 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (without late fee) | October 6, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (with late fee) | October 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 19, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Admit Card 2026 Date
The GATE 2026 admit card is expected to be released in the first week of January 2026. Candidates will be able to download it from the official GOAPS portal using their enrollment ID and password. The admit card is a mandatory document to carry to the exam center, as it contains crucial details like the candidate’s roll number, exam venue, date, and time.
Also Read: IIT GATE Sample Question Paper 2026 Out, Download PDF at gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Steps to Check the GATE 2026 Paper Schedule and Admit Card
Follow these simple steps to check your exam details and download the admit card when it is released:
- Step 1: Visit the official GATE 2026 website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
- Step 2: Click on the link for “GATE 2026 Exam Schedule” (active now) or “GATE 2026 Admit Card” (to be activated in January).
- Step 3: You will be redirected to the GOAPS login portal. Enter your Enrollment ID and Password.
- Step 4: Your dashboard will display the relevant information. For the schedule, check the table above. For the admit card, download and print a copy for exam day.
Direct IIT GATE 2026 Exam Date Link Here
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is key to cracking GATE.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Number of Questions | 65 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 marks) + Subject-Specific (85 marks) |
GATE 2026 Use of Score
A good GATE score opens multiple doors:
- Postgraduate Admissions: For M.E., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs at IITs, IISc, NITs, and other renowned institutes.
- PSU Jobs: Direct recruitment in top Public Sector Undertakings like BHEL, ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC.
- Scholarships: Eligibility for financial aid and fellowships from government bodies.
Also Read: Best Books for GATE Exam 2026: Subject-wise Study Plan & Resources
FAQs
Q1. Is the GATE 2026 Paper Schedule officially announced?
Ans: Yes, IIT Guwahati has officially announced the GATE 2026 exam schedule. The exams will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
Q2. On which date is the GATE Computer Science (CS) paper?
Ans: The GATE Computer Science paper is split into two sessions. CS-1 is on February 08, 2026 (Forenoon), and CS-2 is on February 08, 2026 (Afternoon).
Q3. What are the exam timings for GATE 2026?
Ans: The exam will be held in two sessions daily:
- Forenoon Session (FN): 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Session (AN): 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Q4. My paper is on February 15. When can I expect my admit card?
Ans: The admit card for all candidates is expected to be released simultaneously for all dates in January 2026.
Q5. How to download the GATE 2026 admit card?
Ans: The admit card can be downloaded from the official GOAPS portal using your enrollment ID and password once it is released.