Vani Jha
Are you planning to appear for GATE 2026? Then here’s some exciting news – IIT Guwahati has officially announced that it will conduct the upcoming GATE exam. The much-awaited GATE 2026 registration is set to begin on August 25, and aspirants across the country are gearing up for one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about GATE 2026, from eligibility to exam pattern, registration process, and tips to crack it on your first attempt.
About GATE 2026
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level exam that serves as a gateway for admission into M.Tech, M.E, and Ph.D. programs in prestigious institutions like the IITs, NITs, and IISc, as well as recruitment by PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, and BHEL.
For GATE 2026, the organising institute is IIT Guwahati, which is known for its robust academic structure and technological excellence. The exam is expected to be held in February 2026 across multiple sessions.
GATE 2026 Organizing Institute: Why IIT Guwahati?
IIT Guwahati’s Role in GATE 2026
IIT Guwahati has been given the responsibility to organize GATE 2026. It previously conducted GATE in 2018 and is known for its transparent and efficient exam management. Aspirants can expect detailed notifications, mock tests, and official syllabus soon on the official GATE 2026 website.
GATE 2026 Registration Date – Mark Your Calendar!
The GATE 2026 registration will officially begin on August 25, 2025, via the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal. Here are some important deadlines to remember:
Important GATE 2026 Dates
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Registration Starts: August 25, 2025
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Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee): September 29, 2025 (Tentative)
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Admit Card Release: January 3, 2026
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Exam Dates: February 1–2 & February 8–9, 2026 (Expected)
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Result Announcement: March 16, 2026
Aspirants must complete their application before the last date to avoid late fees or rejection.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for GATE 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Academic Qualification
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Final year students or graduates in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science programs are eligible.
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Candidates pursuing their 3rd year (for 4-year UG programs) can also apply.
Nationality
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Candidates from India and selected international countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and UAE can apply.
Age Limit
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There is no age limit for appearing in GATE 2026.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial to plan your preparation strategy.
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Total Papers: 30 (including newly added Humanities & Social Science papers)
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Total Marks: 100
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Duration: 3 Hours
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Types of Questions:
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MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
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MSQ (Multiple Select Questions)
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NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
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GATE includes General Aptitude (15 marks) and the subject-specific section (85 marks).
GATE 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for GATE 2026 varies depending on the paper you choose. Candidates can select up to two papers, depending on their eligibility.
Each subject includes core topics, numerical ability, and engineering mathematics or relevant sections. For the latest syllabus and paper combination details, refer to the official GATE 2026 brochure released by IIT Guwahati.
How to Register for GATE 2026?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to register for GATE 2026 starting from August 25:
Step-by-Step GATE 2026 Registration Process
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Visit the GOAPS portal (to be activated on August 25).
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Register using your name, email ID, mobile number, and set a password.
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Fill in academic and personal details.
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Upload scanned photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
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Pay the application fee online using net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.
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Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Preparation Tips for GATE 2026
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Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6–8 months in advance.
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Solve PYQs: Previous Year Question Papers are the goldmine for understanding trends.
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Mock Tests: Practice using mock tests and official sample papers.
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Focus on Aptitude: Don’t ignore General Aptitude – it’s an easy scoring section.
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Stick to the Syllabus: Follow the official syllabus released by IIT Guwahati.
Additional Resources for GATE 2026 Preparation
If you’re looking for expert guidance, reliable materials, and mock test series, consider visiting CollegeChalo, a platform that offers verified educational resources and updates for competitive exams. Their GATE preparation section is especially helpful for engineering aspirants.
Check out: CollegeChalo’s GATE Page
Conclusion
To sum it up, GATE 2026 is your gateway to top engineering institutes and PSU jobs, and it’s just around the corner with registration starting on August 25, 2025. Organized by IIT Guwahati, this edition promises transparency, timely updates, and competitive standards. Whether you’re aiming for M.Tech admission, PSU recruitment, or further research, now is the time to prepare strategically.
Bookmark the important dates, complete your registration on time, and keep an eye on the official GATE 2026 website for real-time updates. With the right approach, cracking GATE 2026 is absolutely achievable.