The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE, is an important national examination for engineering graduates. The GATE 2026 exam will start from February 7 and will be conducted by IIT Guwahati.
It will take place on February 7, February 8, 14 and 15 in two shifts each day and will be held in computer based mode at centres across the nation.
Candidates who applied for GATE 2026 need to download their admit cards from the official website and check all the details. You can only enter the examination hall after verifying your documents. Students should arrive at the examination center before the reporting time listed on the admit card to avoid any last-minute problems.
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The shifts
The GATE 2026 examination will be held in two separate shifts per day. The morning shift will occur from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The second shift will be from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Candidates should check their assigned shift and examination centre details on their admit card. Students need to arrive at the centre at least 60 to 90 minutes before the reporting time.
Extensive security checks
Candidates registered for GATE 2026 will go through thorough checks at entry. Security staff will closely examine items, both permitted and banned. Devices like mobile phones, smart watches, calculators and all kinds of study materials, including bags and books, are not allowed inside the centre. Having these items can lead to being prohibited from the exam.
Documents needed
Bringing a physical printout of the GATE 2026 admit card on an A4 sheet is mandatory. The details on the card, including the candidate's image, must be easy to read. Unclear or low-quality printouts do not meet the requirements.
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A valid, original photo ID must also be shown with the admit card. Accepted forms include Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving license, or PAN card, limited to the specific ID used during registration. No photocopies or digital scans will be accepted at the door.
If a candidate fails to present the correct identification, they may be prevented from entering the exam. Candidates are also advised to review all instructions printed on the admit card in detail before arriving, as some may specify if a recent passport-sized photo is needed. It is recommended to verify these requirements before leaving.
