GATE 2026 Begins Tomorrow: Check List Of Documents To Carry, Key Guidelines
GATE 2026: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), a prestigious national-level examination that assesses candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, Architecture, and Humanities, is set to begin tomorrow, February 7. The examination will be conducted in two shifts daily, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and will continue until February 15.
GATE 2026: Key Guidelines For candidates
- Candidates must enter the examination hall before the scheduled start time. However, delayed entry will be permitted only if the candidate is able to log in within 30 minutes of the examination’s commencement. No relaxation will be granted under any circumstances.
- Candidates must carry their admit card and an original valid photo identity proof (used at the time of registration) inside the examination hall.
- A scribble pad will be provided to the candidate for rough work in the examination hall by the invigilator. Candidates must write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before they start using it.
- A candidate can possess only one scribble pad at any point in time. Before taking the next scribble pad, the previous one must be returned to the invigilator. Any scribble pad in the possession of the candidate must be returned to the invigilators after the end of the examination.
- Candidates must not tamper with the computer and related hardware provided in the examination hall. Candidates found tampering with the computers will have their candidature cancelled summarily. In addition, appropriate legal action may be initiated against such candidates.
What’s not allowed inside the exam hall
- Carrying mobile phones (even in switched-off mode), watches of any form, and calculators inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited.
- Carrying any electronic or communication devices, wallets, papers, loose sheets, pen, pencil box, pouch, and printed or handwritten textual material inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited.
- All means and modes of communication (verbal or otherwise) among candidates inside the examination hall are strictly prohibited.
- If any of the prohibited acts or items listed above are detected during the examination, it will automatically lead to the cancellation of candidature. Results will not be declared for such candidates.
The GATE examination body, comprising the organising institute and zonal coordinating institutes, will not take any responsibility for the safety and security of mobile phones, electronic devices, or any kind of valuables belonging to candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For how many GATE papers can I apply?
A candidate can apply for one or two papers (from the given set of combinations according to the two paper combinations) out of the 30 papers listed in the GATE 2026 Information Brochure or on the GATE 2026 website. The choice of the appropriate paper is the responsibility of the candidate.
Candidates are expected to appear in paper(s) (up to two, as per the given combinations) appropriate to the discipline of their qualifying degree. However, candidates are free to choose any other paper according to their admission plan, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions where they wish to seek admission.