GATE 2026 Exam Day Checklist, Check Carry Items, Prohibited Items, Dress Code and Reporting Time

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 exam is starting from February 7. Students, who are preparing for this National Level Exam, which is going to be conducted by IIT Guwahati for this year 2026 should prepare their exam day checklist. The Gate exam will be held in 2 shifts on multiple days, so candidates must know about checklist such as, which is Carry Items, Prohibited Items, Dress Code and Reporting Time.

GATE 2026 Exam Day Checklist

To ensure a seamless experience and a smooth process on exam day, candidates must carry clear color printout of their GATE 2026 Admit Card with a valid original photo ID (like Aadhaar or PAN). Candidates must reach at the Exam center at least 90 minutes early to complete biometric verification process. Candidates can refer to this article to detailed GATE 2026 Exam Day Checklist.

Reporting Time and Shifts Details

The GATE exam will be held in two shifts every day. Candidates must arrive 90 minutes before the exam starts for the biometric verification and document checking.

Note:

• Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam hall after 10:00 AM (FN) or 3:00 PM (AN).

• Candidates can log in 20 minutes before the exam starts to read instructions.

• No candidate is allowed to leave the hall before the full 3 hours are completed.

Mandatory Carry Items (Checklist)

Candidates can take a very few items in the Exam Hall, but they must carry these two documents, because without these 2 document, they will not be allowed to enter the Exam center:

• Printed GATE 2026 Admit Card: Candidates must carry a hard copy of the Admit Card on A4-sized paper with a clearly visible photograph and signature.
• Original Photo ID Proof: Candidates must carry the original photo ID that they mentioned during the application process. Valid IDs such as:(Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License).
• Transparent Water Bottle
• Transparent Pen
• Face Mask

Prohibited Items (Strictly Banned) in Gate Exam Hall

GATE has given the list of prohibited items in the guidelines, which are as follows:

• Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, analog watches, Bluetooth devices and earphones.
• Calculators: Physical calculators are banned. A virtual scientific calculator will be provided on your computer screen.
• Personal Belongings: Wallets, handbags, belts and expensive jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.).
• Stationery: Books, log tables or loose paper.
• Eatables: Candidates are not allowed to take food items in the Exam Hall.

GATE Guidelines: Rules to Follow Inside the Exam Hall

• Biometric Verification: Biometric verification (fingerprint) is mandatory. Ensure your hands are clean and free from any type of ink/color, as it can cause verification failures.
• No Early Exit: Once you enter the exam hall, even if candidates finish their paper early, they are not permitted to leave the exam hall until the full 3 hours are over.
• The Scribble Pad Protocol: Candidate will be provided with one scribble pad for rough work, which he must return before getting a second pad or leaving the exam hall.

Note: The scribble pad must be returned to the invigilator before leaving. Taking any rough paper outside is a punishable offense.

GATE 2026 Dress Code

While there is no formal uniform for the GATE 2026 Exam, IIT Guwahati has suggested a simplified dress code to speed up the security checking process.

• Clothing: Simple and lightweight clothes like T-shirts or Kurtas. Avoid clothes with too many pockets or large metallic buttons.
• Footwear: Sandals or flip-flops are highly recommended. If you wear shoes with thick soles, you may be asked to remove them outside the hall.
• Headgear: Caps, mufflers, or scarves are not allowed (except for religious reasons, which may require extra checking).

Note: Candidates found using unfair means and not complying with the code of conduct and ethics of GATE 2026 will have their candidature cancelled regardless of whether they have been allowed to complete their examination or not. Appropriate legal action may be initiated against all such candidates.