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GATE 2026: Important Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Cutoff Top Colleges, PSU Jobs
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati on behalf of the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It assesses candidates' comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities.
GATE scores are used for admissions to Master's and Doctoral programs in premier institutes like IITs, NITs, and IISc, as well as for recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The exam is computer-based and covers 30 test papers, allowing candidates to appear for one or two papers from approved combinations.
Table of Contents
Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Number of Papers | 30 |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Application Fee (Regular) | Rs. 1000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD); Rs. 2000 (Others) |
| Validity of Score | 3 years |
| Average GATE Score for IIT Admission | 600-800+ |
| PSU Recruitment | Through GATE scores for select papers |
GATE 2026 Important Dates
All dates are tentative and subject to change; candidates should check the official website for updates.
| Event | Date |
| Opening of Online Application (GOAPS) | August 28, 2025 |
| Closing of Regular Online Registration (without late fee) | October 7, 2025 |
| Closing of Extended Online Registration (with late fee) | October 13, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | October 28 to November 10, 2025 |
| Availability of Admit Card | January 2, 2026 |
| Examination Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Challenge Window for Answer Key | February 2026 (tentative) |
| Announcement of Results | March 19, 2026 |
| Availability of Score Card | March 2026 (tentative) |
| COAP/CCMT Counselling Start | March/April 2026 (tentative) |
Exams are scheduled in two shifts per day: Forenoon (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM).
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific educational qualifications to appear for GATE 2026. There is no age limit, and attempts are unlimited. Eligibility includes students in the third year or higher of undergraduate programs or those who have completed qualifying degrees.
Detailed eligibility criteria are as follows:
| Degree/Program | Qualifying Examination | Eligible Candidates |
| B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma) | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Arch. | Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (5 years)/Naval Architecture (4 years)/Planning (4 years) | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Sc. (Research)/B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2) | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Pharm. D. (after 10+2) | 6-year program including internship | 3rd/4th/5th/6th year or completed |
| M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. | Professional medical degrees | 5th/6th/7th semester or higher, or completed |
| M.Sc./M.A./MCA or equivalent | Master’s in Arts/Science/Maths/Statistics/Computer Applications | 1st year or higher, or completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s (4 years) | 1st/2nd/3rd/4th year or completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. or Dual Degree | Integrated Master’s or Dual Degree (5 years) | 3rd/4th/5th year or completed |
| B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. | Bachelor’s in Science/Arts/Commerce (3 years) | 3rd year or completed |
| Int. M.Sc./Int. B.S./M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year B.S.-M.S. | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Professional Society Examinations | Equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. (recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE) | Completed Section A or equivalent |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) | 4-year program | 3rd/4th year or completed |
Foreign nationals with equivalent qualifications are eligible. Candidates with higher degrees are also permitted. Professional society certifications must be approved by relevant authorities. For complete details, refer to gate2026.iitg.ac.in/eligibility-criteria.html.
GATE 2026 eligibility emphasizes inclusivity, allowing students from diverse backgrounds including science, arts, and humanities to pursue advanced studies in engineering and related fields. This broadens opportunities for interdisciplinary careers.
Approximately 8-10 lakh candidates appear annually, with qualification rates around 15-20%. Ensuring eligibility documentation during application is crucial to avoid rejection.
GATE 2026 Courses
GATE 2026 offers 30 test papers, each corresponding to specific disciplines. Candidates can choose one or two papers from approved combinations. Each paper tests core knowledge and aptitude.
| Paper Code | Paper Name | Sections |
| AE | Aerospace Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| AG | Agricultural Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| AR | Architecture and Planning | General Aptitude + Core |
| BM | Biomedical Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| BT | Biotechnology | General Aptitude + Core |
| CE | Civil Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| CH | Chemical Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| CS | Computer Science and Information Technology | General Aptitude + Core |
| CY | Chemistry | General Aptitude + Core |
| DA | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | General Aptitude + Core |
| EC | Electronics and Communication Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| EE | Electrical Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| ES | Environmental Science and Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| EY | Ecology and Evolution | General Aptitude + Core |
| GE | Geomatics Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| GG | Geology and Geophysics | General Aptitude + Core |
| IN | Instrumentation Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| MA | Mathematics | General Aptitude + Core |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| MN | Mining Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| MT | Metallurgical Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| NM | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| PE | Petroleum Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| PH | Physics | General Aptitude + Core |
| PI | Production and Industrial Engineering | General Aptitude + Core |
| ST | Statistics | General Aptitude + Core |
| TF | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | General Aptitude + Core |
| XE | Engineering Sciences | Engineering Mathematics (A) + Any two optional sections |
| XH | Humanities and Social Sciences | Reasoning and Comprehension (B1) + One optional |
| XL | Life Sciences | Chemistry (P) + Any two optional sections |
A new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I) is introduced in XE. For two-paper combinations, refer to gate2026.iitg.ac.in/two-paper-combinations.html. Popular choices include CE, ME, CS, EC, and EE due to high demand in admissions and jobs.
Each paper is 100 marks: 15 marks General Aptitude, the rest subject-specific. Negative marking applies for MCQs.
GATE 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is conducted online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.
- Visit the official website and click on 'Apply Online' or access GOAPS portal.
- Register by providing name, email, mobile number, and creating a password. Receive Enrollment ID via email/SMS.
- Log in using Enrollment ID and password.
- Fill personal details: name, DOB, gender, nationality, category, PwD status.
- Enter academic details: qualifying degree, year of passing, institute name, CGPA/percentage.
- Select test paper(s) (up to two from allowed combinations) and exam cities (up to three preferences).
- Upload scanned documents: photograph, signature, ID proof, category/PwD certificate if applicable.
- Review the form for errors.
- Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for records.
Track application status via GOAPS. Provisional applications for final-year students require proof submission later.
GATE 2026 Application Fees
Fees are non-refundable and vary by category and registration period. Payment is online only.
| Category | Regular Period (Aug 28 - Oct 7, 2025) | Late Fee Period (Oct 8 - Oct 13, 2025) |
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 1,500 |
| All Other Candidates (including foreign nationals) | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,500 |
For two papers, add Rs. 500 per additional paper (regular) or Rs. 1,000 (late). International centers may have higher fees (e.g., $100/$200 USD).
Document Specifications for Upload
All uploads must be clear, scanned copies in specified formats to avoid rejection.
| Document | Specifications |
| Photograph | JPEG/JPG; 20-200 KB; 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm; color; white background; 80% face coverage without mask/glasses |
| Signature | JPEG/JPG; 10-200 KB; black/blue ink; white background; no capitals or initials |
| Valid ID Proof | PDF; Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License; clear scan |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) | PDF; Issued by competent authority; recent for OBC-NCL/EWS |
| PwD Certificate | PDF; Issued by recognized medical authority; specifies disability percentage |
| Qualifying Degree Certificate/Marksheet | PDF; For completed degrees or provisional for final-year students |
Ensure files are not password-protected. Resize images if needed using tools like MS Paint or online resizers.
GATE Application Correction Window
The correction window allows modifications to submitted applications with applicable fees.
Window Period: October 28 to November 10, 2025 (extended).
- Correctable Fields: Name, DOB, gender, category, PwD status, exam paper, exam cities, contact details, qualifying degree.
- Fees: Rs. 500 for most changes; Rs. 1,000 for category/gender/PwD changes; no fee for minor corrections like address.
- Process: Log in to GOAPS, select 'Change Application Details', make edits, pay if required, resubmit.
No corrections after the window closes. Check notifications for exact fees and fields.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE 2026 exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in English, lasting 3 hours. It assesses candidates' understanding through various question types across 30 test papers. Each paper totals 100 marks, with General Aptitude (GA) common to all (15 marks) and the subject-specific section covering the remaining 85 marks.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes); extra time for PwD candidates |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Number of Papers | 30 |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subject(s) |
| Total Questions | 65 (10 GA + 55 Subject) |
| Total Marks | 100 (15 GA + 85 Subject) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks per question; Negative marking for MCQs only (1/3 for 1-mark, 2/3 for 2-mark); No negative for MSQs or NAT |
| Medium | English |
| Design of Questions | Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis |
For papers like XE, XL, XH, the structure includes compulsory sections and optional ones. Candidates must use the virtual calculator provided during the exam. The pattern ensures a balanced evaluation of conceptual knowledge and problem-solving skills.
GATE 2026 Syllabus
The GATE 2026 syllabus is available on gate2026.iitg.ac.in/exam-papers-and-syllabus.html. It includes General Aptitude (common to all) and paper-specific topics. The syllabus focuses on undergraduate-level concepts with emphasis on application and analysis.
| Paper Code | Key Topics |
| AE | Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Structures, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Space Dynamics |
| AG | Engineering Mathematics, Farm Machinery, Soil and Water Conservation, Irrigation, Agricultural Processing |
| AR | Architecture and Design, Building Materials, Urban Planning, History, Landscape Architecture |
| BM | Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Circuits, Signals, Biomaterials, Biomechanics |
| BT | Engineering Mathematics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering |
| CE | Engineering Mathematics, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Transportation |
| CH | Engineering Mathematics, Process Calculations, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering |
| CS | Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization, Algorithms, Operating Systems |
| CY | Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry |
| DA | Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, Programming, Machine Learning, AI |
| EC | Engineering Mathematics, Networks, Electronic Devices, Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits |
| EE | Engineering Mathematics, Electric Circuits, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals, Power Systems |
| ES | Mathematics and Aptitude, Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, Pollution Control |
| EY | Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour, Mathematics and Quantitative Ecology |
| GE | Engineering Mathematics, Surveying, Remote Sensing, GNSS, GIS |
| GG | Common Section + Geology/Geophysics specifics |
| IN | Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Circuits, Signals, Sensors, Industrial Instrumentation |
| MA | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Algebra |
| ME | Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering |
| MN | Engineering Mathematics, Mine Development, Geomechanics, Extraction, Ventilation |
| MT | Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Extractive Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy |
| NM | Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Ship Hydrodynamics, Ocean Engineering |
| PE | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Reservoir Engineering, Drilling, Production |
| PH | Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics |
| PI | Engineering Mathematics, Manufacturing Processes, Metrology, Industrial Engineering |
| ST | Calculus, Probability, Inference, Regression, Multivariate Analysis |
| TF | Engineering Mathematics, Textile Fibres, Yarn Manufacture, Fabric Structure, Testing |
| XE | Engineering Mathematics (A), Fluid Mechanics (B), Materials Science (C), Solid Mechanics (D), Thermodynamics (E), Polymer Science (F), Food Technology (G), Atmospheric Sciences (H), Energy Science (I) |
| XH | Reasoning (B1), Economics (C1), English (C2), Linguistics (C3), Philosophy (C4), Psychology (C5), Sociology (C6) |
| XL | Chemistry (P), Biochemistry (Q), Botany (R), Microbiology (S), Zoology (T), Food Technology (U) |
General Aptitude covers Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Analytical Aptitude, Spatial Aptitude. Syllabus updates include emerging topics like AI in DA paper.
Best Books for GATE 2026 Preparation
Selecting the right books is crucial for effective preparation. Recommendations are based on popular subjects; focus on standard texts and practice questions.
| Subject/Paper | Recommended Books |
| General Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal; Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Engineering Mathematics | Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal; Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig |
| Computer Science (CS) | Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen; Operating System Concepts by Galvin; Database System Concepts by Korth; Computer Networks by Tanenbaum |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Engineering Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag; Fluid Mechanics by R.K. Bansal; Strength of Materials by R.K. Rajput; Manufacturing Science by Ghosh & Malik |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | Electrical Machines by Nagrath & Kothari; Power Systems by C.L. Wadhwa; Control Systems by Nagrath & Gopal |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | Strength of Materials by R.K. Bansal; Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler; Geotechnical Engineering by Gopal Ranjan |
| Electronics & Communication (EC) | Electronic Devices by Boylestad; Digital Circuits by Morris Mano; Signals & Systems by Oppenheim |
| Data Science & AI (DA) | Pattern Recognition by Bishop; Deep Learning by Goodfellow; Python Machine Learning by Raschka |
| Previous Years' Papers | GATE Solved Papers by Made Easy or GK Publications |
Supplement with online resources, mock tests, and coaching notes. Practice from books like Made Easy Publications or ACE Academy for topic-wise questions.
GATE 2026 Cut off
GATE cut-offs are the minimum marks required to qualify the exam and are determined based on factors like number of candidates, difficulty level, and category reservations. They vary by paper and category (General, OBC-NCL/EWS, SC/ST/PwD). Qualifying cut-offs are announced post-results, while admission cut-offs for institutes are higher and decided during counseling.
Based on trends from GATE 2025 and previous years, expected qualifying cut-offs for GATE 2026 are estimated as follows. Actual cut-offs will be released in March 2026 on the official website.
| Paper Code | Paper Name | General | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
| AE | Aerospace Engineering | 33-36 | 29-32 | 22-24 |
| AG | Agricultural Engineering | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| AR | Architecture and Planning | 41-44 | 36-40 | 27-29 |
| BM | Biomedical Engineering | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| BT | Biotechnology | 35-38 | 31-34 | 23-26 |
| CE | Civil Engineering | 28-32 | 25-29 | 18-22 |
| CH | Chemical Engineering | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| CS | Computer Science and IT | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| CY | Chemistry | 26-29 | 23-26 | 17-20 |
| DA | Data Science and AI | 37-40 | 33-36 | 24-27 |
| EC | Electronics and Communication | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| EE | Electrical Engineering | 30-33 | 27-30 | 20-22 |
| ES | Environmental Science | 27-30 | 24-27 | 18-20 |
| EY | Ecology and Evolution | 33-36 | 29-32 | 22-24 |
| GE | Geomatics Engineering | 32-35 | 28-31 | 21-23 |
| GG | Geology and Geophysics | 42-45 (Geology)/37-40 (Geophysics) | 37-41/33-36 | 28-30/24-27 |
| IN | Instrumentation Engineering | 34-37 | 30-33 | 22-25 |
| MA | Mathematics | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 28-31 | 25-28 | 18-21 |
| MN | Mining Engineering | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| MT | Metallurgical Engineering | 27-30 | 24-27 | 18-20 |
| NM | Naval Architecture | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| PE | Petroleum Engineering | 37-40 | 33-36 | 24-27 |
| PH | Physics | 32-35 | 28-31 | 21-23 |
| PI | Production and Industrial | 30-33 | 27-30 | 20-22 |
| ST | Statistics | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| TF | Textile Engineering | 25-28 | 22-25 | 16-19 |
| XE | Engineering Sciences | 37-40 | 33-36 | 24-27 |
| XH | Humanities and Social Sciences | 37-40 | 33-36 | 24-27 |
| XL | Life Sciences | 29-32 | 26-29 | 19-21 |
Cut-off trends show an increase in popular papers like CS, DA, and ME due to higher competition. For IIT admissions, GATE scores (normalized marks out of 1000) typically range from 600-900 for top branches. Factors influencing cut-offs include total applicants (around 8-10 lakhs), normalization across sessions, and reservation policies. Candidates should aim 10-15 marks above qualifying for better chances in counseling like COAP for IITs and CCMT for NITs.
Historical data: In GATE 2025, CS cut-off was 27.6 (Gen), CE 28.3. Expect slight variations for 2026 based on difficulty.
Top Colleges Accepting GATE 2026 Scores
GATE scores are accepted by over 200 institutes for M.Tech, M.E., MS, and PhD programs. Top colleges include IITs, IISc, NITs, and other centrally funded institutions known for research, infrastructure, and placements. Admissions are through centralized portals like COAP (IITs/IISc) and CCMT (NITs/IIITs/GFTIs).
| College | Location | NIRF Rank (2025) | Known For | Popular Specializations |
| IIT Bombay | Mumbai | 3 | World-class research, industry ties | Aerospace, CS, Mechanical, Chemical |
| IIT Delhi | Delhi | 2 | Innovation hubs, startups | Electrical, Civil, Biotechnology, Data Science |
| IIT Madras | Chennai | 1 | Strong alumni network, online programs | Ocean Engg., AI, Manufacturing, Biomedical |
| IIT Kanpur | Kanpur | 4 | Aerospace and materials research | Aerospace, Industrial, Earth Sciences |
| IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur | 5 | Largest campus, diverse courses | Agricultural, Mining, Architecture |
| IIT Roorkee | Roorkee | 6 | Hydrology and earthquake engineering | Civil, Hydrology, Geomatics |
| IIT Guwahati | Guwahati | 7 | Bioengineering and design | Biotech, Design, Electronics |
| IISc Bangalore | Bangalore | 1 (University) | Pure research focus | Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences |
| NIT Trichy | Tiruchirappalli | 9 | Affordable fees, good placements | Production, Instrumentation, Metallurgy |
| NIT Karnataka (Surathkal) | Mangalore | 10 | Strong in mining and IT | Mining, Information Security, VLSI |
| NIT Warangal | Warangal | 21 | Chemical and biotech focus | Chemical, Biotechnology, Materials |
| IIIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 55 | CS and AI excellence | Computer Science, AI, ECE |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | 9 (University) | State-funded, research-oriented | Power, Printing, Food Tech |
| VIT Vellore | Vellore | 11 | Private, international collaborations | Mechatronics, Automotive, Biomedical |
These institutes offer stipends for GATE-qualified students in MoE-supported programs. Selection is based on GATE score, interviews (for some PhD), and category. IITs prefer scores above 700 for core branches; NITs around 500-600. Research opportunities and industry projects are abundant in top IITs.
GATE 2026 Placements
GATE qualifiers have excellent placement opportunities, primarily through PSUs for entry-level positions like Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) or Management Trainee (MT). Many PSUs recruit directly via GATE scores without further written tests, followed by interviews/GD. Private companies and MNCs also value GATE scores for R&D roles. Campus placements in IITs/NITs for M.Tech students average Rs. 10-20 lakhs.
| Parameter | Details |
| Top PSUs Recruiting | ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BPCL, HPCL, PGCIL, BHEL, GAIL, DRDO, ISRO, NALCO, SAIL |
| Average Package (PSUs) | Rs. 12-18 lakhs per annum (CTC including perks) |
| Highest Package (PSUs) | Rs. 25-35 lakhs (e.g., ONGC, IOCL for top scorers) |
| Private Recruiters | Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Tata Steel, Reliance, L&T, Bosch |
| Average M.Tech Placement (IITs) | Rs. 15-25 lakhs (CS/EC branches higher) |
| Job Profiles | Engineer Trainee, Research Associate, Design Engineer, Project Manager |
| Recruitment Process | GATE score (70-80% weightage) + Interview/GD/Medical |
Over 50 PSUs use GATE for recruitment, with notifications released post-results. For example, in 2025, ONGC offered Rs. 20 lakhs+ for Petroleum Engg. M.Tech graduates from IITs often secure international offers or PhD abroad. Preparation for PSU interviews includes technical questions from GATE syllabus and current affairs.
Success rate: Around 10-15% qualifiers get PSU jobs. Branches like EE, ME, CE have more opportunities. GATE also aids in academic placements for faculty roles.
GATE Scholarships 2026
GATE-qualified candidates pursuing full-time postgraduate programs in MoE-supported institutes receive financial assistance. Scholarships promote higher education and research, covering tuition and living expenses. Additional fellowships are available for PhD and exceptional performers.
| Scholarship/Fellowship | Eligibility | Amount (Monthly) | Duration | Administered By |
| M.Tech Stipend | Valid GATE score, admitted via CCMT/COAP | Rs. 12,400 | 2 years | MoE/AICTE |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | GATE qualified for PhD in science/engg. | Rs. 31,000 + HRA | 2 years (upgradable to SRF) | UGC/CSIR |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | After 2 years JRF, progress review | Rs. 35,000 + HRA | 3 years | UGC/CSIR |
| Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) | Top GATE scorers (CPI >8), admitted to IITs/IISc | Rs. 70,000 (Yr1-2), Rs. 75,000 (Yr3), Rs. 80,000 (Yr4-5) + Rs. 2 lakh annual grant | 5 years for PhD | MoE |
| AICTE PG Scholarship | GATE/GPAT qualified for M.Tech/M.Pharm | Rs. 12,400 | 2 years | AICTE |
| DBT-JRF | GATE in Biotech for PhD | Rs. 31,000 + HRA | 5 years | Dept. of Biotechnology |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | Top 1% in GATE for PhD in sciences | Rs. 31,000 + HRA + Rs. 20,000 contingency | 5 years | DST |
| Industry-Sponsored | GATE qualified, company tie-ups | Rs. 15,000-25,000 | Program duration | Companies like Tata, Reliance |
Scholarships require maintaining CGPA >6.0 and full-time status. PMRF is highly competitive, with 3000 annual slots. Apply during admissions; no separate form for basic stipend. Additional benefits include conference grants and medical insurance.
GATE vs Other Programmes
| Aspect | GATE | CAT | GRE |
| Focus | Technical subjects for engineering/science postgrad | Quantitative, Verbal, Data Interpretation for MBA | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical for global MS/PhD |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati (2026) | IIMs | ETS |
| Difficulty | High (technical depth) | High (aptitude-based) | Moderate (adaptive) |
| Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Opportunities | M.Tech/PhD in IITs/NITs, PSU jobs | MBA in IIMs | MS/PhD abroad |
| Score Validity | 3 years | 1 year | 5 years |
GATE is ideal for technical careers, while CAT suits management, and GRE for international studies.
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card
Admit cards are released on the official website; no physical copies are sent.
- Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in and access GOAPS portal.
- Log in using Enrollment ID/Email and password.
- Click on 'Download Admit Card'.
- Verify details: name, photo, signature, exam center, paper code.
- Download and print multiple copies.
Carry admit card with valid ID to the exam center. Report discrepancies immediately via helpdesk.
GATE 2026 Result & Score Card
Results are announced online; no individual emails/SMS.
- Result Date: March 19, 2026
- Access: Log in to GOAPS with Enrollment ID and password.
- Details: Marks, GATE Score (normalized out of 1000), All India Rank, Qualifying Marks.
- Score Card Download: From March 2026; valid for 3 years.
- Re-evaluation: Not permitted; only answer key challenges allowed earlier.
Score calculation: Raw marks normalized for multi-session papers. Use for admissions and jobs.
GATE 2026 Counselling & Seat Allotment
Counselling is decentralised: COAP for IITs/IISc, CCMT for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs. No common counselling by organising institute.
| Process | COAP (IITs/IISc) | CCMT (NITs etc.) |
| Registration | March 2026; via coap.iitd.ac.in | April/May 2026; via ccmt.admissions.nic.in |
| Eligibility | Valid GATE score | Valid GATE score (2024-2026) |
| Rounds | 5-10 main + additional | 3 main + special |
| Steps | Register, fill choices, view offers, accept/reject/upgrade | Register, pay fee (Rs. 3000), choice filling, locking, allotment |
| Documents | Verified at the institute | Online + reporting |
Some institutes conduct individual counselling/interviews for PhD/MS. Secure seats by paying fees promptly.
FAQs
What is GATE 2026?
GATE 2026 is a national-level exam conducted by IIT Guwahati to assess undergraduate knowledge in engineering, science, and humanities. It facilitates admissions to Master's and PhD programs in top institutes like IITs and NITs, and recruitment in PSUs. The exam includes 30 papers and is held in February 2026.
What are the eligibility criteria for GATE 2026?
Candidates in the 3rd year or higher of Bachelor's degrees in engineering, science, arts, commerce, or equivalent are eligible. No age limit or attempt restrictions apply. Foreign nationals and those with professional society certifications equivalent to B.E./B.Tech. can also apply, ensuring broad access to the exam.
How many papers can I appear for in GATE 2026?
Candidates can appear for one or two papers from the 30 available, but only in approved combinations listed on the official website. This allows flexibility for interdisciplinary interests, such as CS with DA or ME with XE, enhancing opportunities for admissions and jobs.
What is the validity of GATE 2026 score?
The GATE score remains valid for three years from the result announcement date in March 2026. This validity applies to admissions and PSU recruitments, giving candidates time to apply for programs or jobs without retaking the exam immediately.
What are the important dates for GATE 2026?
Applications open August 28, 2025, close October 7, 2025 (without late fee), and October 13 with late fee. Exams are on February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026. Results on March 19, 2026. Check gate2026.iitg.ac.in for updates on rectification and admit cards.
Is there negative marking in GATE 2026?
Yes, for MCQs: 1/3 mark deducted for 1-mark questions, 2/3 for 2-mark questions. No negative marking for MSQs or NATs. This encourages accurate answering, with total 100 marks including 15 for General Aptitude across all papers.
How to prepare for GATE 2026?
Start with syllabus review, use standard books and previous papers. Join coaching or online courses for structured guidance. Practice mocks regularly, focus on weak areas. Maintain consistency with 6-8 hours daily study, balancing concepts and problem-solving for optimal scores.
What are the expected cut-offs for GATE 2026?
Cut-offs vary by paper; for popular ones like CS/EC, General category may need 25-30 marks to qualify. IIT admissions require 600+ normalized scores. Trends show slight increases due to competition; check previous years for estimates and aim higher.
Which PSUs recruit through GATE 2026?
Over 50 PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL use GATE scores for engineer trainee roles. Notifications release post-results; apply separately. Branches like EE, ME, CE have more vacancies, with packages starting at Rs. 12-18 lakhs.
What scholarships are available after GATE?
Qualified candidates get Rs. 12,400 monthly stipend for M.Tech in MoE institutes. PhD offers JRF at Rs. 31,000. PMRF provides up to Rs. 80,000 for top performers. Apply during admissions; maintain academic performance for continuation.
Are there changes in GATE 2026 syllabus?
Minor updates include a new Energy Science section in XE paper. Core topics remain similar to previous years. Download detailed syllabus from official site; focus on engineering mathematics, aptitude, and subject-specific concepts for comprehensive preparation.
How to apply for admissions after GATE 2026?
Use COAP for IITs/IISc and CCMT for NITs/IIITs. Register post-results, fill choices based on scores. Rounds include allotments, acceptances. Some institutes conduct interviews for PhD; prepare resume and research proposals accordingly.
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