The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious national-level entrance examinations in India, conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). For the academic year 2026, the GATE examination will be organized by one of the IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB). The online registration process for IIT GATE 2026 Admission will begin from 25 August 2025 and will continue until 25 September 2025.

This exam opens opportunities not only for admission into higher education programs such as M.Tech, M.E, and Ph.D. in reputed institutes but also for recruitment in several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and fellowships. Candidates aspiring to appear in GATE 2026 must carefully go through the details, eligibility requirements, application process, and examination guidelines before applying online.

Application Dates:

💰 Application Fee Details: For Phase I

💰 Application Fee Details: For Phase II

💳 Payment Methods

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking

Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the exam authorities.

1. Educational Qualification:

   • Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Science-related disciplines.

   • Postgraduate degree holders in relevant science subjects are also eligible.

2. Age Limit:

   • There is no upper age limit for appearing in GATE.

3. Nationality:

   • Both Indian and international candidates from countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and UAE can apply.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for GATE 2026

To ensure a smooth application process, candidates should follow the steps below:

Step 1: Online Registration

• Visit the official GATE 2026 website.

• Click on “New Registration” and enter basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.

• Create a strong password and note down the enrollment ID for future reference.

Step 2: Filling the Application Form

• Log in with your enrollment ID and password.

• Fill in personal details including name, date of birth, gender, category, and communication address.

• Enter academic qualifications and select the paper code (subject) you wish to appear for.

• Choose your preferred exam centers from the available options.

Step 3: Uploading Documents

• Upload a recent passport-sized photograph, scanned signature, and category/disability certificate (if applicable).

• Ensure the documents are clear and meet the size and format guidelines.

Step 4: Payment of Application Fee

• Pay the required application fee using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

• The fee amount varies based on gender, category, and nationality.

Step 5: Final Submission

• Review all details carefully before submitting the form.

• Download and print the confirmation page for future use.

Examination Pattern of GATE 2026

The GATE exam is designed to test candidates’ understanding of engineering and science subjects.

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)

• Number of Papers: 30+ papers (candidates can choose one or two papers)

• Duration: 3 hours

• Total Questions: 65 questions

• Marks Distribution: General Aptitude (15 marks) + Core Subject Questions (85 marks)

• Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

Important Points to Remember

• Candidates can apply for two different papers in GATE 2026, depending on their eligibility and interest.

• The admit card will be available online and must be downloaded from the official portal before the exam.

• A valid GATE scorecard will remain valid for three years from the date of result declaration.

• GATE scores are used for admissions as well as PSU recruitments, making it a dual-purpose exam.

Why GATE 2026 is Important?

• Higher Education: Top institutes like IITs, NITs, and IISc offer M.Tech, M.E, and Ph.D. admissions based on GATE scores.

• PSU Jobs: Many government organizations like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, and IOCL recruit candidates directly through GATE scores.

• International Opportunities: Several foreign universities also accept GATE scores for admissions to postgraduate programs.

• Scholarships & Fellowships: Candidates qualifying GATE with good ranks are eligible for scholarships and Junior Research Fellowships.

How to Prepare for GATE 2026?

1. Understand the Syllabus: Download the official syllabus for the selected paper.

2. Refer to Standard Books: Use recommended textbooks and study material for strong fundamentals.

3. Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past GATE question papers helps in understanding the difficulty level.

4. Take Mock Tests: Attempt online test series to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify topics where improvement is needed and work consistently on them.