The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has officially announced the schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. This crucial examination, a gateway to postgraduate programs and public sector jobs, will be conducted over four days in February 2026.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates and Paper Pattern
The GATE 2026 examination will be held on February 1, February 7, February 8, and February 15, 2026. As per the official notification, the exam will be organized in two sessions daily: a forenoon session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and an afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
A significant update for GATE 2026 is the introduction of new subject papers. Candidates will now have the option to appear for 30 subject papers, an increase from previous years. This expansion aims to cater to a wider range of academic disciplines and specializations.
Important Timeline for Registration and Admit Cards
The entire application process for GATE 2026 will be conducted online. The key dates for aspirants to mark on their calendars are:
- August 31, 2025: Online registration process begins on the official website, gate2026.iisc.ac.in.
- October 4, 2025: Last date for registration without a late fee.
- October 11, 2025: Final deadline for registration with a late fee.
- January 4, 2026: Admit cards will be available for download from the portal.
It is crucial for candidates to complete their application within the stipulated deadlines to avoid any last-minute complications.
Exam Structure and What Aspirants Need to Know
The GATE 2026 exam will follow a computer-based test (CBT) format. The question paper will consist of 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into three sections:
- General Aptitude: This section is common to all papers and carries 15% of the total marks.
- Engineering Mathematics: This section, applicable to select papers, carries 15% of the total marks.
- Subject-specific questions: The remaining 70% or 85% of the paper will be based on the core subject chosen by the candidate.
The examination is jointly conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis. For the 2026 session, IISc Bangalore is the organizing institute.
The score obtained in GATE is valid for three years from the date of result announcement. This score is a critical component for admissions to Master's programs, direct Doctoral programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Science, and for recruitment in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
Prospective candidates are advised to regularly check the official GATE 2026 website for detailed information brochures, syllabus updates, and any further notifications. Early preparation and careful adherence to the schedule will be key to a smooth application and examination process.
