GATE 2026 exam timetable out — two sessions per day on 7–8 & 14–15 February

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 exam is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. This national-level examination is the key to M.Tech/Ph.D. admissions at premier IITs/NITs and recruitment in top PSUs. Aspirants must note the two daily sessions (Forenoon: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM, Afternoon: 2:30 PM–5:30 PM IST). Get the detailed branch-wise schedule, understand the exam pattern (MCQ, MSQ, NAT), and strategize your final preparation for success. IIT Guwahati is the organizing body for this highly competitive exam.

The final weeks of 2025 mark the critical phase in the preparation cycle for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. Conducted this year by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), the GATE 2026 examination is the most significant gateway for engineering and science graduates to pursue higher education at elite institutions like the IITs, IISc, and NITs, as well as secure coveted job placements in numerous Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

​The official schedule confirms that the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will span two weekends in February 2026: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. With the application process already closed (it closed in October 2025), the focus for lakhs of aspirants has now shifted entirely to final revision, mock tests, and meticulous time management. The exam will be conducted in two sessions per day, adding a layer of logistical planning for candidates who have opted for two papers or are traveling.

​GATE 2026 Detailed Exam Schedule and Timings

​The GATE 2026 examination is structured across four days, with two sessions held daily. Each session is three hours long (180 minutes), rigorously testing the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate-level subjects. Candidates are strongly advised to check their specific paper code against the official schedule to avoid any confusion regarding their exam date and time slot.

​Session Timings (IST)

• ​Forenoon Session (FN): 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• ​Afternoon Session (AN): 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

​Key Branch Slots Overview (Specific Papers)

​The organizing committee has strategically distributed the 30 test papers across these four days. Key core engineering branches are scheduled as follows:

• ​February 7 (Saturday): 
  • ​FN: AG, ES, GG, IN (Instrumentation Engineering), MA, MN, TF, XE (Engineering Sciences), XL (Life Sciences)
  • ​AN: AE, BT (Biotechnology), CH (Chemical Engineering), CY, GE, PH, XH
• ​February 8 (Sunday): 
  • ​FN: CS-1 (Computer Science & IT – Paper 1), ST
  • ​AN: CS-2 (Computer Science & IT – Paper 2), EY, NM, PE
• ​February 14 (Saturday): (The Core Engineering Weekend) 
  • ​FN: CE-1 (Civil Engineering – Paper 1), EE (Electrical Engineering), PI (Production & Industrial Engineering)
  • ​AN: BM, CE-2 (Civil Engineering – Paper 2), ME (Mechanical Engineering), MT (Metallurgical Engineering)
• ​February 15 (Sunday): 
  • ​FN: EC (Electronics & Communication Engineering)
  • ​AN: AR, DA

​ Understanding the GATE 2026 Exam Pattern and Weightage

​The GATE examination is known for its challenging format, which comprises a mix of question types designed to test both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

​Paper Structure

​The total marks for any GATE paper is 100, irrespective of the discipline. This total is split into two main sections:

• ​General Aptitude (GA): This section is common and compulsory for all 30 papers, accounting for 15 marks. It assesses Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability.
• ​Core Subject Section: This constitutes the remaining 85 marks, covering the syllabus of the candidate's chosen paper. This section includes: 
  • ​Engineering Mathematics: Typically carries a weightage of around 13 marks in most core engineering papers (like ME, CE, EE, EC).
  • ​Technical Subject: The majority of the paper, covering the core curriculum.

​Question Types and Marking

​Candidates will encounter three distinct types of questions, requiring different preparation strategies:

• ​Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Standard format where only one option is correct. They carry 1 or 2 marks, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers (usually 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question).
• ​Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): Questions where one or more options can be correct. They carry 1 or 2 marks, but there is NO negative marking. However, partial credit is also NOT awarded; candidates must select all correct options to get full marks.
• ​Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Questions where the answer is a real number (no options provided). Candidates must enter the calculated answer using a virtual keypad. They carry 1 or 2 marks, and there is NO negative marking.

​Why GATE 2026 Score is Indispensable for Aspirants

​The significance of a high GATE score extends far beyond simple admission, making it a pivotal exam for every serious engineering graduate.

​Opportunities Post-GATE

• ​M.Tech/M.E. and Ph.D. Admissions: A qualifying GATE score is mandatory for admission to postgraduate programs with financial assistance (MoE Scholarship/Assistantship) at top institutions including all 23 IITs, 31 NITs, IIITs, and IISc Bangalore. This stipend is crucial for supporting advanced study.
• ​PSU Recruitment: Many major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as BHEL, GAIL, IOCL, NTPC, and ONGC use the GATE score as the primary screening criterion for entry-level engineering positions. A good score directly translates into high-paying, secure government jobs.
• ​Direct Ph.D. and Research: GATE qualifiers are often considered for direct Ph.D. programs after B.Tech and can explore research positions in prestigious government research laboratories.
• ​International Recognition: Several universities in countries like Singapore (NUS, NTU) and Germany also accept GATE scores for admission to their postgraduate programs, showcasing its international credibility.

​Final Preparation Strategy

​With the exam dates locked in, the next two months should focus on consolidation. Aspirants should:

• ​Maximize Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests under simulated exam conditions (9:30 AM–12:30 PM or 2:30 PM–5:30 PM) to acclimatize to the two daily slots and build stamina for the 3-hour duration.
• ​Prioritize Revision: Concentrate on strengthening fundamental concepts and Engineering Mathematics, which is a high-scoring section.
• ​Focus on MSQ/NAT: Practice a significant number of Multiple Select and Numerical Answer Type questions, as these test deeper conceptual understanding and are free of the negative marking associated with MCQs.

​Conclusion

​The GATE 2026 examination, set across February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, represents a career-defining moment for engineering aspirants. The detailed schedule has been released, providing a clear roadmap for the final preparation leg. Success in this highly competitive exam is the prerequisite for a stellar academic career at India's premier technical institutes and a lucrative professional path in PSUs. All candidates are encouraged to finalize their revision plans and focus on consistent, high-intensity practice to secure a competitive rank.

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