GATE 2026: Admit Card Remains Available for Ongoing Examination Schedule
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 admit card remains available for download on the official GOAPS portal by IIT Guwahati. As the national-level examination progresses through its scheduled dates on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, candidates are required to download and print their hall tickets to secure entry into the examination centers. Ensure all personal details and shift timings are verified to avoid last-minute administrative hurdles during the ongoing testing window.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing body for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, has confirmed that the Hall Ticket download facility remains active for all registered candidates. As of today, February 10, the first phase of the national-level examination has commenced across various centers in India and abroad. Candidates who have yet to download their credentials must do so immediately via the Official GOAPS Portal to ensure they can participate in their respective subject papers scheduled for the upcoming sessions on February 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
Mandatory Identification and Entry Protocols
The Hall Ticket serves as the primary document for identity Authentication at the examination venue. According to the Official GATE 2026 Guidelines, candidates must present a printed copy of the admit card on A4-sized paper. A digital version on a smartphone or tablet is strictly prohibited for entry. Furthermore, the document must be accompanied by an original, valid photo identification, such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID. This rigorous Authentication process is implemented to maintain the sanctity of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and prevent any instances of impersonation.
- Reporting Time: Candidates are advised to reach the examination center at least 90 minutes before the commencement of the shift mentioned on the admit card.
- Biometric Verification: Entry is contingent upon a successful biometric check, which includes fingerprint and facial Authentication performed at the registration desk.
- Gate Closure: The entry gates for each session will close exactly 30 minutes before the test begins; latecomers will not be entertained under any circumstances.
Tracking the Ongoing Examination Schedule
The GATE 2026 Timeline spans four days, with two shifts scheduled per day to accommodate the 30 different subject papers. Today’s sessions focused on papers such as Mathematics (MA) and Engineering Sciences (XE), while the upcoming February 8 sessions will cater to the high-volume Computer Science (CS) aspirants. The organizing institute has ensured that the Examination Schedule remains strictly on track. After the conclusion of all test papers, the results are tentatively expected to be announced on March 19, 2026, following a thorough Evaluation of the responses.
| Exam Date (2026) | Shift 1 (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) | Shift 2 (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
| February 7 | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH |
| February 8 | CS-1, ST | CS-2, EY, NM, PE |
| February 14 | CE-1, EE, PI | BM, CE-2, ME, MT |
| February 15 | EC | AR, DA |
| Evaluation Status | Ongoing / Commencing | Timeline-Bound |
Discrepancy Redressal and Post-Exam Validity
Candidates are urged to perform a final Authentication of the details printed on their Hall Ticket, including the registration number and center address. In case of any technical error or photograph mismatch, the candidate should immediately notify the GATE 2026 Helpdesk. Additionally, the admit card must be preserved carefully even after the exam, as it is required during the Evaluation and subsequent admission or recruitment processes. Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) use the GATE score for direct recruitment, and the admit card is often a part of the mandatory documentation during interviews.
- Virtual Calculator: A virtual on-screen calculator will be provided; students are not allowed to carry physical calculators into the hall.
- Scribble Pad: Rough sheets or scribble pads will be provided by the invigilators and must be returned at the end of the 3-hour session.
- Validity: The scorecard generated after the Evaluation will remain valid for three years from the date of result declaration.
Conclusion
As the GATE 2026 Timeline progresses through its critical February dates, the importance of a clear and valid Hall Ticket cannot be overstated. The organizing team at IIT Guwahati continues to provide support through the official portal to ensure that every eligible aspirant can access their exam details. With the first day of testing successfully underway, candidates for the remaining sessions must focus on their final revisions and strictly adhere to the Authentication and reporting protocols. This systematic Evaluation phase is the gateway for thousands of engineers to pursue higher education or prestigious roles in the government sector. By ensuring all procedural requirements are met today, students can enter their designated centers with confidence, marking the beginning of their professional advancement in the technical landscape of 2026.
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