GATE 2026 admit cards to be released on 2 January; engineering candidates advised to track key dates and download process

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing body for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, has released a crucial notification for all registered aspirants. The much-awaited GATE 2026 Admit Card will be available for download starting January 2, 2026. This announcement marks the final stage before the premier national-level examination, which serves as the primary gateway for admission into postgraduate engineering (M.Tech) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at top-tier institutions, including the IITs, NITs, and other central universities, as well as for recruitment into several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing body for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, has released a crucial notification for all registered aspirants. The much-awaited GATE 2026 Admit Card will be available for download starting January 2, 2026. This announcement marks the final stage before the premier national-level examination, which serves as the primary gateway for admission into postgraduate engineering (M.Tech) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at top-tier institutions, including the IITs, NITs, and other central universities, as well as for recruitment into several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Aspirants who successfully completed their application and correction processes between August 28 and November 10 must now turn their focus entirely to securing their hall ticket and finalizing their preparation strategy. The exam schedule is tightly packed, making meticulous planning essential for success.

GATE 2026 Examination Schedule 

The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted across two consecutive weekends in February, divided into morning and afternoon slots. Candidates must note their specific paper code and shift time to avoid any last-minute confusion on the exam day.

• Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026 (Available on the GOAPS Portal).
• Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
• Shift Timings:
  • Forenoon (FN) Shift: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
  • Afternoon (AN) Shift: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

The examination structure ensures that papers for different disciplines are spread across these four days, giving aspirants adequate time to focus on their respective subjects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download Your Hall Ticket

The GATE 2026 Admit Card will be released exclusively on the official GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal, which is accessible via the main website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The process to obtain the mandatory document is straightforward:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official IIT Guwahati GATE 2026 website and locate the link for the GOAPS Login.
2. Enter Credentials: Use your registered Enrollment ID (or Email Address) and Password to log in to your applicant dashboard.
3. Download Link: On the dashboard, find the specific link labeled "Download Admit Card" or "Hall Ticket."
4. Verification: Once the PDF document opens, save it immediately and take a printout. It is highly recommended to download the admit card as soon as the link becomes active on January 2 to prevent any technical issues arising from heavy website traffic closer to the exam date.

Crucial Details to Verify

The admit card is more than just an entry pass; it contains vital personalized information that must be cross-checked immediately upon download. Any discrepancy found in the following details should be reported to the GATE helpline number without delay for rectification:

• Candidate’s Name and Registration Number
• The opted Paper Code (e.g., ME, CE, CSE)
• Exact GATE Exam Date and Time (Shift)
• Full Exam Center Address
• Photograph and Signature

Aspirants must carry a printout of the downloaded admit card, along with a valid photo ID proof and essential stationery (pen, pencil, transparent water bottle), to the examination centre. Rough sheets will be provided inside the examination hall. Additionally, the organizing institute has activated mock test links on the official website. Aspiring students are strongly advised to utilize these mocks to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) interface and paper pattern in the remaining days of preparation.

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