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The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 admit card has now been released on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The admit card carries important details such as the candidate’s name, registration number, exam date, shift timing, reporting time and test centre address. As per the schedule, the GATE 2026 examination will be held on 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026. The candidates are advised to keep their hall ticket safe and check all details carefully before the exam day. All the important details related to the GATE 2026 e-call letter, including the direct link to download, step-by-step instructions to access the admit card and key guidelines mentioned on the hall ticket, are provided in this article.

GATE 2026 Admit Card Out
The GATE 2026 admit card for the exam scheduled to be held for four days in February 2026 has been officially released on the website. The computer-based test will be conducted across 235 exam centres under 8 IIT zones in 2 shifts. The morning shift(9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and the afternoon shift (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM). The call letter is a mandatory entry pass and candidates must carry it to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID. The admit card is available online from 13th January 2026, and candidates can download and save it after logging in with their credentials. For ease of access, the direct link to download the GATE 2026 admit card is provided below.
GATE 2026 Admit Card: Highlights
The GATE 2026 e-call letter is now available for candidates appearing in the exam scheduled for February 2026. It is the main document required to enter the exam centre and contains details such as the exam date, shift time, venue, and candidate information. All important information related to the online computer-based test and admit card is also mentioned in the overview table below.
| GATE 2026 Hall Ticket |
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GATE Admit Card
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GATE Exam Important Details
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GATE Admit Card 2026 Download Link
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture or related fields can use their score for higher studies or PSU and research jobs. The GATE 2026 Hall Ticket has been released online on the official website, with IIT Guwahati as the conducting institute this year. Candidates can download their hall ticket by logging in with their registration number, password and CAPTCHA code. The GATE 2026 admit card will show key details like exam date, shift timing, reporting time and exam centre address. The link to generate the hall ticket for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 is given below.
GATE 2026 Admit Card Download Link
Steps to Download GATE 2026 Hall Ticket
GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) is the official portal where candidates can manage all activities related to GATE, including downloading their Hall Ticket. Follow these simple steps:
- Candidates should visit the official GATE 2026 website managed by IIT Guwahati.
- Click on the GOAPS 2026 Login link that is, gate2026.iitg.ac.
- Enter the Enrollment ID or registered email, password and the CAPTCHA code.
- The Admit Card will appear on the screen after successful login.
- Check all the details carefully and ensure that the name, exam date, shift timing and exam centre are correct.
- Click on Download to save a copy of the call letter.
- Print it out clearly and carry it along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre on the day of the exam.
Important Details Mentioned on the GATE 2026 Admit Card
The e-call letter includes important instructions that candidates must follow on the day of the exam. Candidates must carefully verify all the information printed on their GATE 2026 hall ticket so as not to miss any crucial information and be exam-ready with updated guidelines.
- Candidate’s Name
- Registration ID
- Exam Date
- Exam Shift and Timing
- Exam Paper Code
- Examination Centre Address
- Reporting Time
- Candidate’s Photograph
- Candidate’s Signature
- General Instructions for Exam Day
- Category
- Gender
- Date of Birth
GATE 2026 Exam Papers and Codes
GATE 2026 Admit Card will feature individual codes for the 30 different papers. Candidates appearing for one or two papers must check the codes properly as assigned by the official exam authority. Every paper tests domain-specific knowledge along with General Aptitude (GA), common across all papers.
| Paper Code | Branch / Subject |
|---|---|
| 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 (Multi Subject) |
| XH | Humanities and Social Sciences (Multi Subject) |
| XL | Life Sciences (Multi Subject) |
Prohibited Items for the GATE Exam Centre
Candidates must ensure they do not carry any prohibited items inside the examination hall as mentioned on the GATE 2026 Admit Card.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, digital watches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones or any communication gadgets are strictly prohibited to maintain a fair examination environment.
- Stationery items like loose papers, notebooks, extra sheets, pens or pencil boxes and pouches are not allowed inside the exam centre. All required writing facilities will be provided by the exam authorities.
- Printed or handwritten study material, including books, notes, formula sheets or any textual content, is not permitted inside the exam hall under any circumstances.
Essential Guidelines for GATE 2026 Exam Day
- Candidates should reach the examination centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled exam time to complete entry formalities and verification smoothly.
- Carrying a valid GATE 2026 Hall Ticket is mandatory as entry will not be allowed without it.
- Personal calculators are not permitted and a virtual scientific calculator will be provided on the computer screen during the exam.
- Avoid bringing electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, smart watches, fitness bands or Bluetooth devices. Such items may lead to the cancellation of candidature.
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Candidates should reach the exam centre at least 1 hour before the exam starts. This helps avoid rush or confusion at the last moment.
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Candidate login on the computer will start 20 minutes before the exam. Use this time to read the instructions carefully.
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Late entry is not allowed. If a candidate comes 10-15 minutes after the exam has begun they will not be permitted to enter the exam hall.
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Leaving the exam hall in the middle of the GATE 2026 Exam is not allowed. Candidates must stay till the exam is completely over.
Recovering a Forgotten GATE 2026 Enrollment Number
If a candidate forgets their GATE 2026 enrollment ID, there is no need to panic. The examination authority provides an easy recovery option on the GATE login portal.
- Candidates can click on the (Forgot Enrollment ID) option and enter their registered email ID or mobile number used during the application process.
- Once the details are submitted, the enrollment number will be sent to the registered contact details. This allows candidates to log in again without any difficulty.
- After recovering the enrollment ID, candidates can easily access the portal to download the GATE 2026 Call Letter, check exam details, or complete any remaining exam-related activities well before the exam day.

GATE 2026 CBT Marking Scheme and Exam Pattern
The exam will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for GATE 2026 and will consist of three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. The paper will be of 100 marks and candidates will get 3 hours to complete it. Negative marking will apply only to MCQs, while MSQs and NAT questions will not carry any negative marks, allowing candidates to attempt them without the fear of penalty for wrong answers.
| Exam Particulars | Marking Criteria |
|---|---|
| Organising Institute | IIT Guwahati |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Language | English |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Sections | General Aptitude + Subject-specific |
| Marks per Question | 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking |
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| Skills Tested | Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis |
GATE 2026 Question Types and Marks Distribution
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 consists of 3 types of questions which are MCQ, MSQ and NAT.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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These questions are straightforward and come with four answer options.
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Candidates need to choose the one correct answer from the given options.
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Negative marking is applicable in MCQs so accuracy is important.
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These questions are mostly designed to test basic understanding and core concepts.
2. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
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Similar to MCQs, these questions also have four options but the difference is that more than one option can be correct.
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Candidates must select all the correct answers to get full marks.
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There is no negative marking but partial selection does not fetch marks.
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These questions check the depth of knowledge and conceptual clarity.
3. Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
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In this type of question no options are given to the candidates.
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Candidates have to calculate and type the numerical answer using the virtual keypad.
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No negative marking is applicable thus making it safer to attempt.
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These questions mainly focus on problem-solving skills and calculation accuracy.
GATE 2026 Section-wise Marks Distribution
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 Questions | 15 Marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 Questions | 13 Marks |
| Core Subject / Technical Section | 42 Questions | 72 Marks |
| Total | 65 Questions | 100 Marks |
Common GATE Admit Card 2026 Related Mistakes That Can Bar Entry to Exam Hall
Not reading all instructions printed on the admit card
Many candidates read only the exam date and centre details and ignore other instructions. Missing reporting time, ID rules, or exam guidelines can create problems on exam day.
Carrying the wrong or invalid photo ID proof
Bringing an ID not mentioned in the instructions, an expired ID, or only a photocopy can lead to rejection. The ID details must match the admit card.
Reaching the wrong exam centre
Not checking the exact centre address or relying on old locations can make candidates reach the wrong venue or arrive late.
Carrying a crumpled or poorly printed admit card
A torn, faded, or unclear admit card may not be accepted during verification at the centre.
Writing anything on the admit card before inspection
Writing roll numbers, notes, or making marks on the admit card before entry is not allowed and can lead to disqualification.
Forgetting important documents at home
Forgetting the admit card or valid photo ID will result in denial of entry to the exam hall.
Not checking for updated or corrected admit cards
Downloading the admit card once and not rechecking for updates can cause issues during verification.
GATE Exam Conducting Bodies in India
GATE is jointly conducted by 8 premier technical institutes in India that are known for their academic excellence and credibility. This group includes the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and 7 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Every year, one institute from this group takes responsibility for examining on a rotational basis, ensuring smooth administration, transparency, and uniform standards across the country.
The total GATE exam conducting bodies are:
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Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
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IIT Bombay
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IIT Delhi
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IIT Guwahati
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IIT Kanpur
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IIT Kharagpur
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IIT Madras
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IIT Roorkee
GATE 2026 Admit Card Issuing Body
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is the official issuing authority for the GATE 2026 admit card.
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The admit card is released online through the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal.
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IIT Guwahati issues the admit card on behalf of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and all IITs.
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The institute is also responsible for managing exam centres and conducting the GATE 2026 examination.



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