GATE 2026 Admit Cards Remain Mandatory for Ongoing Examination Schedule

As the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 enters its final scheduled days, the organizing institute, IIT Guwahati, has reiterated that the printed admit card remains a mandatory requirement for entry. This report covers the ongoing examination sessions for major branches like Civil and Mechanical Engineering on February 14, 2026.We detail the essential identity verification protocols, the prohibited items list, and the upcoming timeline for the official answer key release and result declaration scheduled for March 19.

As of today, February 14, 2026, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is successfully conducting its third day of examinations across hundreds of centers nationwide. Today’s schedule is particularly significant as it features core engineering branches, including Civil Engineering (CE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME). The organizing body, IIT Guwahati, has emphasized that the Credential verification process is being strictly enforced, with biometric data being cross-referenced against the details printed on the candidate's hall ticket.

• Mandatory Documentation: Candidates must present a clear, color-printed copy of their Admit card on A4-sized paper. Digital versions on mobile devices are strictly not permitted.
• Identity Proof: A valid original photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar Card or Passport, must accompany the Admit card for entry into the test Center.
• Shift Timings: The forenoon session (CE-1, EE, PI) ran from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session (ME, CE-2, BM, MT) is scheduled for 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
• Reporting Protocol: Candidates are mandated to report to their respective Center at least 90 minutes before the commencement of the exam to complete frisking and registration.

Institutional Framework and PSU Recruitment Outlook

The 2026 cycle of GATE serves as a dual-purpose gateway for both higher education and professional Recruitment in the public sector. Beyond admissions to M.Tech and PhD programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), several "Maharatna" and "Navratna" PSUs have already announced their intent to use the GATE 2026 scores. As of mid-February, institutes are maintaining a high level of technical stability in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment, ensuring that the 65-question Credential assessment is fair for all aspirants.

• Prohibited Items: Electronic gadgets, personal calculators, and even certain types of jewelry are barred. A virtual calculator is provided on the exam screen.
• Scribble Pads: To maintain the Credential security, all rough work must be done on the scribble pads provided at the Center, which must be returned after the exam.
• Answer Key Timeline: The provisional answer keys and candidate response sheets are expected to be available for review by the third week of February.
• PSU Opportunities: Leading organizations like ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC are expected to release their detailed Recruitment notifications following the March 19 result.

Conclusion

The smooth conduct of the February 14 sessions reaffirms the robustness of the GATE 2026 administrative framework. As the Admit card remains the single most important document for the final day of testing tomorrow, candidates are urged to verify their center locations and reporting times one last time. This rigorous Recruitment and academic gateway continues to be the benchmark for technical excellence in India. Once the final bell rings tomorrow, the focus will shift to the challenge period for answer keys and the ultimate declaration of results on March 19. For the thousands of students currently in the test halls, this Admit card is more than just a permit; it is the first step toward a career in high-end research or a prestigious role in India's top public undertakings. The successful conclusion of today's core branch papers marks a major milestone for the IIT Guwahati organizing team and the wider engineering community.

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