GATE 2026 February Schedule Allows Structured Revision — Dual-Session Format Helps Streamline Study Plans

IIT Guwahati has announced the GATE 2026 exam dates for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, structured into Forenoon (FN) and Afternoon (AN) shifts. This dual-session format is a crucial tool for structured revision. Engineering aspirants must use the confirmed dates to fine-tune their study plans, simulate exam conditions accurately, and master time management for the three-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT). Strategically practicing mock tests according to the FN (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and AN (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) slots is key to overcoming exam-day anxiety and achieving a top GATE score for PSU recruitment or PG admissions.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is set to be conducted by IIT Guwahati on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The release of the official schedule, which details the paper-wise distribution across Forenoon (FN) and Afternoon (AN) shifts, marks a pivotal moment for all engineering aspirants. With approximately two months left until the first exam date, the final preparation phase must transition into a highly focused and time-bound revision strategy. The predictability offered by the dual-session format is not merely a logistical detail; it is a strategic asset that students must utilize to structure their final study plans, simulate accurate exam conditions, and ultimately maximize their scores for higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D.) at IITs/IISc or lucrative Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) recruitment.

Mastering the Dual-Session GATE 2026 Schedule

The GATE 2026 exam is a rigorous 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT), and aligning final practice to the official schedule is fundamental to building exam day resilience and confidence.

• Fixed Dates and Time Slots: The exam is spread over two weekends in February 2026, conducted in two distinct sessions each day:
  • Forenoon (FN) Session: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (IST)
  • Afternoon (AN) Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (IST)
• Simulating Your Exam Slot: Since the specific session for each paper (e.g., CS-1 in FN, CS-2 in AN) is pre-determined, aspirants should identify their subject’s slot and conduct all mock tests during that exact time window. This trains the body and mind to perform optimally during the actual high-pressure hours.
• The Power of the Break: The gap between the two sessions (from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM) provides an opportunity to develop a specific routine. Candidates with a later slot should use the morning for revision of formulas or short notes, peaking their focus by the afternoon session.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Strategy for Success

Success in GATE 2026 hinges not just on knowledge but on navigating the unique structure of its questions, which include multiple formats and a penalty for incorrect answers in a specific type.

• Question Types and Marking: The total paper carries 100 marks across 65 questions and features three question types:
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Carry negative marking (1/3 for 1-mark questions, 2/3 for 2-mark questions). These demand high accuracy and judicious guessing.
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): Can have one or more correct options. No negative marking, but no partial marks either.
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Requires inputting a numerical answer. No negative marking.
• Sectional Weightage: The paper comprises General Aptitude (GA), Engineering Mathematics, and the core subject(s).
  • General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks (common to all papers). This high-scoring section should be consistently practiced.
  • Engineering Mathematics: Typically 13 marks in most engineering papers, forming a crucial scoring foundation.
  • Core Subject: Carries the highest weightage (approximately 72 marks in most papers).
• Time Management in CBT: The CBT format allows candidates to move freely between sections during the 3-hour duration. Strategic time allocation is vital: allocate time judiciously to the three question types, leaving enough buffer for the calculator-intensive NAT questions.

Final Revision Blueprint: Two Months to GATE

The final two months must be dedicated to intensive practice and error analysis, rather than covering new concepts. This is where the structured revision pays off.

• High-Intensity Mock Test Schedule: Aim for a minimum of one full-length mock test per week in December, increasing to two or three per week in January. Crucially, the mock tests must be taken during your actual FN/AN slot.
• Error Analysis and Concept Review: The most valuable time is spent after the mock test. Analyze every incorrect answer—was it a conceptual error, a calculation mistake, or a time management issue? Revisit only the specific, weak concepts immediately after identification.
• Short Notes and Formula Revision: Consolidate all formulas, key theorems, and common constants into a set of short notes. Dedicate the last 30 minutes of every study day to rapid revision of these notes to ensure instant recall during the GATE exam. Consistent revision prevents knowledge decay.

The remaining time before the GATE 2026 examination is not just about completing the syllabus; it is about refining your execution under exam conditions, using the official dual-session schedule as your training guide. The strategic application of mock tests in the prescribed time slots will dramatically reduce performance variability and boost your overall rank. Aspiring GATE candidates must immediately align their weekly mock test schedule to their designated February FN/AN slot and focus their remaining revision efforts exclusively on error analysis and high-yield topics to make every one of the 180 minutes count toward securing admission or a PSU job.

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