28 Aug, 2025 — GATE 2026 registration is live on the GOAPS portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in). The last date to apply is September 28, 2025. Check live updates
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026 on 7th & 8th February and 14th & 15th February 2026. The official website (gate2026.iitg.ac.in) and the exam schedule were published on 5th August 2025. GATE scores are used for admission to premier IITs, NITs, IIITs and for PSU recruitment.
Top IITs offer over 12,000 M.Tech seats, while NITs and IIITs provide more than 15,000 seats via CCMT counselling. Over 50 PSUs accept GATE scores for hiring in technical, managerial and research roles.
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Key summary:
This article covers GATE 2026 — exam dates, registration, eligibility, syllabus, preparation tips and colleges that accept GATE scores.
IIT Guwahati, the conducting institute for GATE 2026, launched the official portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in) on 5th August 2025 with details on the schedule, syllabus and exam pattern.
GATE 2026 will be held in multiple sessions in February 2026. The notification and information bulletin were released on the official site on 5th August 2025.
25th August 2025
28th August 2025
25th September 2025
28th September 2025
6th October 2025
9th October 2025
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GATE 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) across 30 subjects. Each paper is 3 hours long and includes objective questions — MCQs, MSQs and NATs.
Each paper contains 65 questions for a total of 100 marks; General Aptitude is common to all papers.
See also
Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks and are split between General Aptitude and the subject section.
Negative marking applies to MCQs only. MSQs and NATs do not carry negative marking.
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Recent updates for GATE 2026 include changes introduced by IIT Guwahati to boost candidate participation and expand subject choices.
These updates are intended to make the exam more inclusive and flexible for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Per the GATE rotational policy, IIT Guwahati will handle the notification, the exam administration, question paper preparation and the GOAPS process for GATE 2026.
GATE 2026 registration will be conducted online via the GOAPS portal. The application window opens on 28th August 2025 and closes on 28th September 2025.
Stage-wise registration process:
See also
GATE eligibility covers a wide range of candidates.
Students in their third year or higher of undergraduate programs can apply. Candidates from engineering, science, commerce and arts streams are eligible, and there is no age limit to appear for GATE.
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GATE 2026 includes 30 papers, each with its own syllabus and level of difficulty.
A good time to begin preparation is around mid-year. With the exam in February, you have roughly seven months to prepare.
If you plan well, you can use this period effectively. Below is a suggested 7-month roadmap:
Foundation Phase (First 5 Months)
Final Phase (Last 2 months)
Tips for effective study
Also check updates and highlights about GATE 2025 toppers.
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The GATE 2026 syllabus has been released by the conducting body and is expected to be largely similar to last year’s syllabus for most papers. Refer to the subject-wise syllabus below for preparation.
See also
Using recommended books for each paper provides focused references and supports effective preparation.
These reference texts usually include core topics, past year papers and mock tests.
Related reads
OBC-NCL/EWS candidates benefit from a relaxation of around 5–8% in qualifying marks compared to General category. Use this advantage to target PSU calls or M.Tech seats. SC/ST/PwD candidates have significantly lower qualifying thresholds, so concentrate on clearing essential topics confidently.
GATE 2026 cutoffs (discipline-wise)
See also
Understanding marks, ranks and percentiles is essential for candidates aiming for postgraduate admission or PSU recruitment.
GATE 2026 — scoring
Expected marks vs percentile:
Exact figures vary each year based on exam difficulty and candidate performance; historical data provides a reasonable benchmark.
Marks required for a specific percentile can differ across papers due to varying competition and difficulty. For example:
PSU cutoff marks depend on factors like vacancies, paper difficulty and the engineering discipline.
Expected GATE 2026 PSU cutoffs
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are government-owned companies that commonly shortlist candidates using GATE scores.
Related reads
More than 57 NITs participate in CCMT counselling. The set of participating institutes may vary by round depending on seat availability.
Top colleges participating in CCMT:
GATE COAP — participating IITs
The list below includes several IITs that take part in COAP:
See also
Ques. Who will conduct the 2026 GATE?
Ans. IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026 following the rotational policy. IIT Guwahati previously organized GATE in 2018.
Ques. When can I apply for GATE 2026?
Ans. The application window opens on 28th August and closes on 28th September 2025. The official notification was released on 5th August 2025.
Ques. Is the GATE 2026 syllabus released?
Ans. Yes — the GATE 2026 syllabus and the information bulletin were released on 21st August 2025. The syllabus remains similar to 2025 with two new subjects added.
Ques. Is the GATE 2026 tough?
Ans. Based on trends from GATE 2025, GATE 2026 is expected to have a moderate level of difficulty.
Ques. What is the syllabus of GATE BT 2026? (Biotechnology)
Ans. The Biotechnology syllabus for GATE 2026 is expected to mirror 2025’s structure. Key areas include biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology and process biotechnology.
Ques. How to prepare for GATE 2026?
Ans. To score well, follow a structured plan: build strong fundamentals, solve previous year papers, practice mock tests regularly and revise systematically.
Ques. Is the GATE score valid for 3 years?
Ans. Yes — the GATE score remains valid for three years from the date of result declaration and can be used for admissions and PSU recruitment in that period.
| Key summary: This article outlines important GATE 2026 details: exam dates, registration, eligibility, syllabus, preparation tips and institutions that accept GATE scores.
|
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification & Brochure | 5th August 2025 |
| GOAPS Portal (Apply Online) Opens |
28th August 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) |
28th September 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) |
9th October 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam | 7th & 8th February and 14th & 15th February |
| Response Sheet & Provisional Answer Key | February 2026 |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | Late February 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | First week of March 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Second week of March 2026 |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Total Questions | 65 (10 GA + 55 subject-specific) |
| Sections |
|
| Types of Questions |
|
| Negative Marking |
|
| Dual Paper Option | Yes — candidates may choose two papers from approved combinations |
| Question Type | Mark per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions | 1 mark or 2 marks | Yes
|
| Multiple-Select Questions | 1 mark or 2 marks | No negative marking |
| Numerical Answer Type | 1 mark or 2 marks | No negative marking |
| General Aptitude Section | Total 15 marks | Includes 1-mark & 2-mark MCQs/MSQs/NATs |
| Subject Section | Total 85 marks | Includes all three question types |
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| New Subjects Introduced | Two new papers:
|
| Dual Paper Option Continued | Candidates may select two papers from the approved combination list. |
| Eligibility Relaxation | 3rd-year undergraduate students (10+2+3 pattern) are now eligible to apply |
| No Major Exam Pattern Change | The objective format remains: MCQ, MSQ and NAT |
| Conducting Institute | GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati |
| Year | Conducting Institute |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 | IIT Guwahati (upcoming) |
| GATE 2025 | IISc Bangalore |
| GATE 2024 | IIT Kanpur |
| GATE 2023 | IIT Kanpur |
| GATE 2022 | IIT Kharagpur |
| GATE 2021 | IIT Bombay |
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration | Candidates must register on the GOAPS portal using their name, email ID, mobile number and a password. |
| Application Form | Fill in personal details, academic qualifications, chosen paper(s) and exam city preferences. |
| Document Upload | Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, proof of eligibility and category/PwD certificates as applicable. |
| Fee Payment | Pay the registration fee online via debit/credit card, UPI or net banking. |
| Submission | Review the application carefully before final submission and download the confirmation page for records. |
| Category | Normal Application Fee | Late Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Women | INR 1000 | INR 1500 |
| SC/ ST/ PwD | INR 1000 | INR 1500 |
| All Other Candidates (including international students) | INR 2000 | INR 2500 |
| Eligibility Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification |
|
| Eligible Courses | B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc. (Research), B.Arch, B.Pharm, B.S., M.Sc., M.A., MCA, or equivalent degrees. |
| Final Year Students | Final-year students are eligible to apply |
| Minimum Qualification Year | Degree should be completed or due to be completed by 2026–2027. |
| Nationality | Both Indian and foreign nationals are eligible |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited |
| Paper | High-weightage Topics | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (CS) |
| Moderate to difficult |
| Mechanical (ME) |
| Moderate |
| Electronics (EC) |
| Difficult |
| Electrical (EE) |
| Moderate to difficult |
| Civil (CE) |
| Moderate |
| Instrumentation (IN) |
| Moderate |
| Chemical (CH) |
| Difficult |
| General Aptitude (GA) |
| Easy to moderate |
| Engineering Mathematics |
| Moderate |
| Subject | Name and Author |
|---|---|
| Algorithm and DS | Introduction to Algorithms, by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest and Stein (CLRS, 3E) |
| Algorithm Design, Jon Kleinberg and Éva Tardos | |
| Discrete Mathematics | Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth H. Rosen (Indian 7E) |
| Discrete Mathematics with Applications by Susanna S. Epp (4E) | |
| Computer Networks | Data Communications and Networking by Behrouz A. Forouzan (5E) |
| Theory of Computation | An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata by Peter Linz (6E) |
| Digital Logic | Digital Logic and Computer Design by M. Morris Mano |
| Computer Organization | Computer Organisation by Carl Hamacher |
| Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy (5E) | |
| Operating System | Operating Systems by Avi Silberschatz, Greg Gagne and Peter B. Galvin (International 9E) |
| Databases | Fundamentals of Database Systems by Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant B. Navathe (7E) |
| Test Papers | Question Paper Set | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| GATE 2025 CS1 question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 AG question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 MA question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 CS2 question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 NM question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 MT question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 TF question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE 2025 IN question paper | Download PDF | Download PDF |
| GATE mock test |
| Paper Code | Discipline | General | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE | Civil Engineering | 29-31 | 26-28 | 19-21 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 28-30 | 25-27 | 18-20 |
| CS | Computer Science | 33-35 | 30-32 | 22-24 |
| EE | Electrical Engineering | 30-32 | 27-29 | 20-22 |
| EC | Electronics & Communication | 28-30 | 25-27 | 18-20 |
| IN | Instrumentation Engineering | 34-36 | 31-33 | 23-25 |
| CH | Chemical Engineering | 31-33 | 28-30 | 21-23 |
| BT | Biotechnology | 35-37 | 31-33 | 23-25 |
| CY | Chemistry | 25-27 | 22-24 | 16-18 |
| PH | Physics | 26-28 | 23-25 | 17-19 |
| MA | Mathematics | 26-28 | 23-25 | 17-19 |
| XL | Life Sciences | 35-37 | 31-33 | 23-25 |
| Marks Range (out of 100) | Expected Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| 90 - 100 | 99.9 - 100 |
| 80 - 89 | 99.5 - 99.9 |
| 70 - 79 | 99 - 99.5 |
| 60 - 69 | 95 - 99 |
| 50 - 59 | 90 - 95 |
| 40 - 49 | 80 - 90 |
| 30 - 39 | 70 - 80 |
| 20 - 29 | 60 - 70 |
| 10 - 19 | 40 - 60 |
| 0 - 9 | Below 40 |
| PSU Name | Branch | Expected GATE 2025 Cutoff (General) | Past Year Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Oil (IOCL) | ME, EE, EC, CE, CH | 65-75 marks | ME cutoffs in 2024 were around 67–72. |
| Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) | ME, CH | 68-74 marks | Cutoffs tend to be higher for core branches. |
| Oil and Natural Gas (ONGC) | ME, EE, EC, GG | 68-78 marks | GG cutoffs often exceed 72. |
| Power Grid (PGCIL) | EE, EC, IN | 72-80 marks | EE cutoffs are typically among the highest (76+). |
| Steel Authority (SAIL) | ME, MT, EE | 60-70 marks | Cutoffs vary widely depending on vacancies. |
| GAIL | ME, EE, IN, CH | 65-75 marks | Chemical branch cutoffs are generally higher. |
| Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) | ME, EE, EC, CE | 70-80 marks | GATE often serves as a qualifying criterion for interviews. |
| Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) | AE, ME, EE | 60-70 marks | Cutoffs are usually lower than IOCL and ONGC. |
| National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) | ME, EE, IN | 70-80 marks | ME cutoffs have remained high, around ~78. |
| Branch | General | OBC | SC/ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| ME | 72-78 | 68-73 | 58-65 |
| EE | 72-80 | 68-75 | 55-62 |
| CE | 65-72 | 60-68 | 50-58 |
| EC | 65-75 | 60-70 | 50-58 |
| GATE cutoff for IITs |
| GATE cutoff for NITs |
| GATE cutoff for PSUs |
| Name of PSUs | Sector | Status | Salary Structure | Salary CTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGCIL | Power | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 20,00,000 |
| NTPC | Power | Maharatna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 18,00,000 |
| ONGC | Petroleum & Natural Gas | Maharatna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 16,50,000 |
| IOCL | Maharatna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 16,00,000 | |
| GAIL | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 16,00,000 | |
| BPCL | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 16,00,000 | |
| HPCL | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 16,00,000 | |
| OIL | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 15,00,000 | |
| BHEL | Defense | Navratna | INR 60,000 – 1,80,000 | INR 13,00,000 |
| SAIL | Steel & Iron | Maharatna | INR 20,600 – 46,500 | INR 10,00,000 |
| IISc Bangalore | IIT Madras (Doms) |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | IIT Kanpur |
| IIT BHU | IIT Kharagpur |
| IIT Bombay | IIT Delhi |
| IIT Guwahati | IIT Hyderabad |
| IIT Roorkee | NIT Jalandhar |
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 5th August 2025 |
| Registration Begins | 28th August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28th September 2025 |
| With Late Fee (Extension) | pth October 2025 |
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Probability, Differential Equations, Calculus |
| General Biotechnology | Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology |
| Process Biotechnology | Bioprocess Engineering, Fermentation, Downstream Processing |
| Plant/Animal Systems | Plant and animal cell culture, genetic engineering, tissue engineering |
| General Aptitude | Common to all papers (15 marks) |
