GATE 2026 dates announced—two sessions each day on 7-8 and 14-15 February

IIT Guwahati has released the complete schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. The prestigious national-level exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, across four days. With two daily sessions, a total of 30 papers will be administered. This comprehensive guide provides aspirants with the official dates, time slots, eligibility criteria, and a crucial roadmap for the final preparation phase. Secure your M.Tech admission or PSU job—start your strategic revision today.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) remains the definitive benchmark for engineering and science graduates in India, serving as the gateway to premier M.Tech/M.E. programs at institutions like the IITs, IISc, and NITs, and highly coveted recruitment opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The organizing institute for GATE 2026, IIT Guwahati, has officially announced the detailed examination schedule, bringing clarity and urgency to the preparation strategies of millions of aspirants.

​As of November 25, 2025, the countdown to the exam has begun in earnest. The news confirms the dates: GATE 2026 will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The structured schedule, with two daily sessions, is designed to accommodate the 30 diverse papers offered this year. Aspirants must internalize this schedule to fine-tune their revision and mock-test practice in the crucial months ahead. This article breaks down the essential information you need to conquer this challenging exam.

​ The Official GATE 2026 Examination Schedule 

​IIT Guwahati has meticulously scheduled the examination across four non-consecutive days in February, providing logistical space for candidates appearing for up to two papers. Understanding the exact dates and time slots is crucial for seamless planning.

• ​Four Days of High-Stakes Examination:
  • ​Saturday, February 7, 2026
  • ​Sunday, February 8, 2026
  • ​Saturday, February 14, 2026
  • ​Sunday, February 15, 2026
• ​Daily Examination Sessions (Two Slots): The computer-based test (CBT) will be held in two sessions on each of the four dates: 
  • ​Forenoon Session (FN): 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (3 Hours)
  • ​Afternoon Session (AN): 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (3 Hours)
• ​Key Timeline Reminders (Already Passed/Upcoming): 
  • ​Notification Release: August 5, 2025
  • ​Application Portal Open: August 28, 2025
  • ​Application Deadline (Regular): September 28, 2025 (with late fee up to October 9, 2025)
  • ​Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026 (Candidates must download this mandatory document from the GOAPS portal)
  • ​Result Announcement: The official GATE 2026 results are slated for release on March 19, 2026.

​ Exam Pattern, Eligibility, and Subject Breakdown 

​Success in GATE 2026 requires a deep understanding of not just the syllabus, but also the exam mechanics and who is qualified to take it. The GATE is a 3-hour, Computer Based Test (CBT) covering 30 different papers this year, including specialized subjects and general science disciplines.

• ​GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights:
  • ​Question Types: The paper consists of three formats: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple-Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
  • ​Total Marks: The paper is scored out of 100 marks, including General Aptitude (GA) for 15 marks and subject-specific questions for 85 marks.
  • ​Marking Scheme: There is negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs only (1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question). There is no negative marking for MSQs or NATs, encouraging educated attempts in these sections.
  • ​Virtual Calculator: Candidates are provided with an on-screen Virtual Scientific Calculator; personal calculators are strictly not permitted.
• ​Eligibility Criteria: 
  • ​Academic Qualification: Candidates who are currently in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech.), Architecture (B.Arch.), or are in the final year or have completed their Master's degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications are eligible.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the GATE examination.
  • ​Dual Papers: A candidate can appear for up to two papers from the prescribed list of permissible combinations, maximizing their career options in diverse fields. The new Energy Science (XE-I) sectional paper under Engineering Sciences (XE) is a notable addition for 2026.

​ Final Phase Preparation and Strategic Importance 

​With approximately two months remaining until the examination, this is the final, most critical phase of preparation. Aspirants must now transition from learning concepts to mastering application and test strategy.

• ​The Final 60-Day Roadmap:
  • ​Intensive Revision: Dedicate at least 70% of your time to revising core concepts and short-form notes. Focus on high-weightage topics across all subject areas.
  • ​Mock Test Simulation: Take a minimum of 10-15 full-length mock tests under strict exam conditions (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). This practice is essential for building stamina and optimizing time management for the 3-hour duration.
  • ​Analyze Errors: The most important step after a mock test is the analysis. Identify weak areas and types of errors (conceptual, calculation, silly mistakes) and address them immediately.
  • ​Previous Year Papers (PYPs): Solve all Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) from the past 5-8 years of your primary paper. This provides the best insight into the depth and style of questions set by the IITs.
• ​Why GATE 2026 Score is a Game Changer (SEO Focus): 
  • ​M.Tech/M.E. Admission: A high GATE score secures admission into top postgraduate programs, often accompanied by a monthly stipend of ₹12,400 from the Ministry of Education.
  • ​PSU Recruitment: Many prominent PSUs (e.g., ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BHEL) recruit exclusively through GATE scores, offering high salaries, excellent benefits, and job security in the government sector.
  • ​Research & Ph.D. Entry: GATE is a prerequisite for entry into many research and doctoral programs (Ph.D.) in top institutes and research organizations like DRDO/BARC.
  • ​Global Opportunities: Some foreign universities, particularly in Singapore and Germany, also accept a valid GATE score for postgraduate admissions.

​Conclusion: The Time for Strategic Execution is Now

​The release of the full GATE 2026 schedule marks the transition to the most demanding phase of your preparation. With the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, every day counts. Aspirants must align their revision, mock tests, and error analysis with this strict timeline. A top GATE rank is not just an exam result; it is a three-year ticket to prestigious higher education, guaranteed stipends, and a fast-track entry into the nation's most respected public sector jobs. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and make these final weeks count towards securing your engineering future.

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