GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Opens Tomorrow, Feb 25; IIT Guwahati Sets Fee at ₹500 Per Objection
Published 24 Feb 20263 min read264 Views
Following the successful release of candidate response sheets and provisional answer keys on February 21, IIT Guwahati has confirmed that the GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge window will officially go live tomorrow, February 25. This three-day window is the final opportunity for candidates to contest any discrepancies in the provisional keys provided for the 30 papers conducted earlier this month. The challenge process is entirely digital and must be completed through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at gate2026.iitg.ac.in by February 28.
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GATE 2026 Challenge: Fees and Instructions
The process of raising an objection is a high-stakes task that requires both financial and technical commitment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Window Dates | February 25 – February 28, 2026 |
| Challenge Fee | ₹500 per question |
| Refund Policy | Fee is refunded only if the challenge is upheld by experts |
| Mode of Submission | Online via GOAPS (No emails or hard copies accepted) |
How to Raise an Objection on GOAPS: Step-by-Step
Candidates should follow this rigorous protocol to ensure their objection is reviewed by the IIT Guwahati expert panel:
- Identify the Question ID: Use your response sheet to find the specific Question ID (not the serial number) you wish to challenge.
- Upload Justification: This is the most crucial step. You must upload a clear PDF document containing the proof of the correct answer. Standard textbook references (e.g., Korth for DBMS, Grewal for Engineering Math) are highly recommended over local coaching notes.
- Payment: Pay the ₹500 fee using a Credit/Debit card or Net Banking. Note that the transaction must be successful before the deadline on February 28.
- Final Submission: Ensure you receive a confirmation email for each question challenged.
Expert Strategy: The 'No Penalty' Rule
A common point of confusion among aspirants is whether challenging an answer can lead to a reduction in marks. The answer is no. If your challenge is rejected, your score remains as per the provisional key. However, if the challenge is accepted, the benefit is often extended in two ways:
- MTA (Marks to All): If the question is found to be technically incorrect or ambiguous, marks are awarded to all candidates in that session.
- Revised Key: If the answer is changed from option A to B, only those who marked B will benefit.
What Happens Next?
Once the window closes on February 28, the IIT Guwahati subject matter experts will review every single objection. A Final Answer Key will then be prepared, which cannot be contested further. This final key will be used to calculate the GATE 2026 Results, scheduled for declaration on March 19, 2026.
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