| GATE 2026 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is one of India’s most prestigious national-level examinations for engineering and science graduates. Conducted by IISc Bangalore and 7 IITs, GATE serves as a gateway for PG admissions (M.Tech/Ph.D.) in IITs, NITs, IIITs and recruitment in PSUs like BHEL, IOCL, ONGC. This guide covers everything about GATE 2026 – exam dates, pattern, syllabus, eligibility, and application process. If you’re preparing for GATE 2026, read this carefully! |
GATE 2026 Exam Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes)* |
| Total Papers | 30 Subjects (Engineering & Science) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 Marks) + Subject-Specific (85 Marks) |
| Question Types | MCQ (1/2 Marks), MSQ, NAT (No Negative Marking) |
| Negative Marking | MCQs Only (1/3 for 1-mark, 2/3 for 2-mark) |
| Marking Scheme | Total Marks: 100 (GA: 15, Subject: 85) |
| PwD Compensatory Time | +1 Hour (For >40% Disability) |
GATE 2026 Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 25th August 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) | 25th September 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) | 6th October 2025 |
| Exam Dates | 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 19th March 2026 |
GATE 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Regular Fee (Before 25 Sep 2025) | Late Fee (After 25 Sep 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All Others (Including Foreign Nationals) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
📌 Note:
- Fee is per paper (Double fee if opting for two papers).
- Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit/Net Banking).
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern (Subject-Wise)
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (15 Marks) | Subject-Specific (85 Marks) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE, CE, ME, EC, CS, EE, etc. | 15 | 85 (Includes 13 Marks Engineering Maths) | 100 |
| AR, CY, MA, PH, GG, etc. | 15 | 85 (No Engineering Maths) | 100 |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | 15 | 15 (Maths) + 2×35 (Optional Subjects) | 100 |
| XL (Life Sciences) | 15 | 25 (Chemistry) + 2×30 (Optional Subjects) | 100 |
📌 Key Points:
✔ General Aptitude (GA) is common for all papers.
✔ MCQs (Negative Marking) + MSQ/NAT (No Negative Marking).
✔ XE/XL/XH papers have optional sections (choose during the exam).
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Important Links
| GATE 2026 Examination Schedule | Click here |
| GATE Syllabus | Click here |
| GATE 2026 Exam Pattern | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
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FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for GATE 2026?
- 25th September 2025 (Without Late Fee) | 6th October 2025 (With Late Fee).
2. Is there negative marking in GATE 2026?
- Yes, only for MCQs (1/3 for 1-mark, 2/3 for 2-mark). No negative marking for MSQ/NAT.
3. Can I apply for two papers in GATE 2026?
- Yes, but you must pay double the application fee.
4. What is the validity of the GATE 2026 score?
- 3 Years (For M.Tech Admissions & PSU Jobs).
5. How many times can I attempt GATE?
- Unlimited attempts (No age/attempt limit).