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The GATE 2026 exam schedule is now out. IIT Guwahati will start the application process from 25 August 2025, and the exam will be held in February 2026. GATE is an important exam for students who want to get jobs in PSUs, study M.Tech at top colleges, or apply for government fellowships. Here are the key details about the exam dates, fees, sessions, and opportunities.
GATE 2026: Key Dates
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati, and the official schedule has now been released. Aspiring candidates should take note of the key dates for registration, examinations, and other important events to avoid missing deadlines.
Event | Date |
Application Starts | August 25, 2025 (Mon) |
Regular Registration Ends | September 25, 2025 (Thu) |
Late Fee Registration Deadline | October 6, 2025 (Mon) |
Exam Days | Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Exam Dates
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted across four days, spanning two weekends in February 2026. Each day will feature two sessions—forenoon and afternoon—offering flexibility in scheduling various paper codes. Here is the complete session-wise schedule:
Date | Forenoon Session | Afternoon Session |
Saturday, Feb 07 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Sunday, Feb 08 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Saturday, Feb 14 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Sunday, Feb 15 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Application Fees for GATE 2026
The application fee for GATE 2026 varies based on candidate category and the time of registration. IIT Guwahati has provided a clear structure for both the regular and extended registration periods. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Category | Fee | Extended Fee |
Female / SC / ST / PwD (per paper) | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
All Other Candidates (incl. foreign nationals) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
Why GATE 2026 Matters: PSU, M.Tech, Fellowship Opportunities
GATE 2026 is more than just an entrance exam, it’s a direct route to top PSU jobs, IIT/NIT M.Tech admissions, and government fellowships.
- PSU Recruitment: Companies like NTPC, ONGC, and BHEL hire engineers based on GATE scores with excellent pay and job security.
- M.Tech Admissions: IITs, NITs, and IIITs use GATE for M.Tech/MS programs in core and emerging fields.
- Fellowships: Qualified candidates get ₹12,400/month stipends during postgraduation and eligibility for research fellowships.
- Global Recognition: Some foreign universities also accept GATE for PG courses.