Looking to crack GATE 2026? Organized by IIT Guwahati, this exam is scheduled across four days in February 2026, and it’s crucial to be well-prepared not just academically but also in terms of exam day protocols. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential details—from exam schedule and reporting timings to accepted documents, dress code, permissible items, and rules inside the examination hall. Proper understanding and adherence to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth exam experience, allowing you to focus on showcasing your true potential.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule, Dates, Shifts, and Reporting Timelines
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted over four days in February 2026, with each day featuring two shifts — forenoon and afternoon. The exams will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode, with specific papers scheduled for each time slot, and your reporting time is generally 60-90 minutes before your exam start time. Understanding the official schedule is essential for planning your travel and preparation.
Official Schedule of GATE 2026
| Date | Shift & Time (IST) | Papers (Sample) |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 07 February 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| Saturday, 07 February 2026 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH |
| Sunday, 08 February 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FN) | CS-1, ST |
| Sunday, 08 February 2026 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE |
| Saturday, 14 February 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| Saturday, 14 February 2026 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT |
| Sunday, 15 February 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (FN) | EC |
| Sunday, 15 February 2026 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (AN) | AR, DA |
Always verify your specific paper and shift on your admit card, as these details are clearly printed and are crucial for your exam day preparations.
Reporting and Entry Timings
To ensure a smooth start, arrive well in advance of your reporting time:
- For Forenoon Shift (9:30 AM): Reach the centre between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, ideally 90 minutes early.
- For Afternoon Shift (2:30 PM): Arrive between 1:00 and 1:30 PM.
Most centres Recommendations strongly suggest arriving at least 60 to 90 minutes early to facilitate biometric registration, frisking, and document verification without rush. Remember, entries close strictly 30 minutes before each exam shift — no late entries are permitted under any circumstances.
Essential Documents for GATE 2026 Exam Day
Carrying the correct and original documents is mandatory for entry into the examination hall. Ensure these are ready beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles.
Mandatory Documents to Carry
- Printed Admit Card: Download and print on A4 paper with your name, registration number, and exam details clearly visible.
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Original): Carry the same ID used during registration, such as Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
Note: Photocopies or digital copies on mobile devices are NOT acceptable. In case your ID photo is unclear, carry a recent passport-size photograph as backup.
Additional Supporting Documents
- Backup photograph (if needed).
- Any other documents specified by the exam authority.
Items Allowed and Prohibited Inside the Exam Hall
Familiarity with what you can carry and what is strictly forbidden will prevent disqualification or removal from the exam hall.
Items You Can Carry
- Printed admit card and original ID proof.
- Transparent blue or black ball-point pen (for signatures and rough work).
- Transparent water bottle (subject to centre rules).
- Small hand sanitizer (if permitted).
- Scribble pad or rough sheets provided inside the exam hall; do not bring your own.
Prohibited Items
- Mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, or any wearable electronics.
- Physical calculators, scientific or programmable.
- Earphones, headphones, Bluetooth devices, fitness bands, or similar gadgets.
- Books, notes, study material, charts, log tables, or any papers.
- Bags, purses, wallets, pencil boxes, geometry boxes, or clipboards.
- Heavy jewelry, metallic accessories, belts with large buckles, or footwear with thick soles.
Note: The examination centre is not responsible for the safekeeping of your belongings. Leave valuables at home or in a secure location outside the hall.
Dress Code and Security Protocols
The focus is on ensuring smooth security checks. Follow these clothing guidelines to avoid delays or disqualification:
Recommended Dress Code
- Wear simple, lightweight, and comfortable clothing.
- Avoid bulky jackets, hoodies, or layered clothes with multiple pockets.
- Skip heavy jewelry, metallic accessories, or belts with large buckles.
- Prefer slippers, sandals, or slip-ons that are easy to remove during frisking.
Inside the Examination Hall – Instructions for Candidates
Before the Exam
Once you enter the hall, adhere to the following steps:
- Verify that your name, registration number, and paper code displayed on your allocated computer screen match your admit card.
- Log in approximately 20 minutes early to thoroughly read all instructions displayed on the screen.
- Follow the announcements of the invigilator carefully and avoid side conversations.
During the Exam
- Answer questions only using the on-screen interface.
- Use the virtual scientific calculator integrated into the system — do not bring or use physical calculators.
- Perform rough work or calculations on the provided scribble pad. Remember to write your name and registration number on it first.
- No talking, signaling, or communicating with other candidates.
- Save your answers periodically to prevent loss due to technical glitches.
Post-Exam Protocol
- Do not leave before the full 3 hours are completed.
- Return the scribble pads issued by the invigilator at the end of the session.
- Follow the prescribed exit procedures and maintain order while leaving the hall.
Understanding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for GATE 2026 is designed to assess the candidate’s comprehensive understanding through a mix of question types:
| Section | Marks Allocated | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 | Basic English and Analytical Skills |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 | Mathematical concepts relevant to engineering papers |
| Core Subject Questions | 72 | Specialized questions based on the paper chosen |
Total duration is 3 hours, with 65 questions, and a total score of 100 marks. Questions may include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with negative marking, Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) without negative marking, and Numeric Answer Type (NAT) questions with no negative marking.
Final Tips for the GATE 2026 Exam Day
Do’s
- Arrive early to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Carry only essential documents and minimal items.
- Read all instructions on your screen and listen to the invigilator carefully.
- Stay calm, manage your time wisely, and attempt questions based on your confidence levels.
Don’ts
- Don’t carry forbidden items like phones, watches, or study materials.
- Don’t wear bulky or metallic clothing that could delay security checks.
- Don’t engage in unfair practices such as copying or communicating.
- Don’t leave the exam hall before completing the full duration.
By meticulously following these guidelines, you will maximize your chances of performing well and securing your desired score in GATE 2026. For detailed rules and updates, refer to the official GATE 2026 brochure available at GATE 2026 Official Brochure.