The GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines have been officially issued by Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati for candidates appearing in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026. The examination is being conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026 in Computer Based Test (CPT) mode across various centres in India. Each exam day is divided into two shifts and candidates must strictly follow reporting time document verification rules and security procedures. This post contains all the verified information regarding GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines and the details related to it.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates, Shifts and Official Schedule
The GATE 2026 examination is conducted in two daily sessions forenoon session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
| Date | Shift | Papers |
|---|---|---|
| 07 February 2026 | FN | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 07 February 2026 | AN | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH |
| 08 February 2026 | FN | CS-1, ST |
| 08 February 2026 | AN | CS-2, EY, NM, PE |
| 14 February 2026 | FN | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 14 February 2026 | AN | BM, CE-2, ME, MT |
| 15 February 2026 | FN | EC |
| 15 February 2026 | AN | AR, DA |
Entry Timings and Gate Closure Rules
As per the GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines reaching the centre early is mandatory.
Forenoon Shift Reporting: Candidates should reach between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
Afternoon Shift Reporting: Candidates should reach between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM.
Entry gates close strictly 30 minutes before the exam begins. No candidate is allowed to enter after gate closure under any circumstances. Biometric verification, frisking and document checking take time so arriving at least 60 to 90 minutes before the start time is mandatory.
Important Documents
Candidates must bring printed copy of GATE 2026 Admit Card (A4 size with clear photo), original valid photo ID proof used during registration and recent passport size photograph (if ID photo is unclear). Accepted ID proofs include aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID and driving licence. Photocopies, scanned copies, or digital versions on mobile phones are not accepted.
Items Allowed Inside the GATE 2026 Centre
Candidates should carry only imporatnt items. The permitted items include printed admit card, original photo ID proof, transparent blue or black ball point pen, transparent water bottle (if permitted by centre authorities) and small hand sanitizer (if locally allowed).
Prohibited Items That Lead to Disqualification
Banned items include mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, fitness bands, physical calculators of any type, bluetooth devices, earphones, electronic gadgets, books, notes, loose papers, log tables, bags, wallets, purses, pencil boxes, heavy jewellery and metallic accessories.
Dress Code
There is no official uniform for GATE 2026 but candidates must wear simple and comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy jackets and layered outfits, clothes with multiple pockets, metal ornaments and bulky accessories and thick soled shoes or heavy footwear. Light clothing helps complete frisking quickly and prevents unnecessary delay during entry.
Overview Of Exam Pattern
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 |
| Core Subject | 72 |
| Total | 100 Marks |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ideal reporting time for GATE 2026?
Ans> Candidates should reach 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled exam time. For the forenoon session arrive by 8:00–8:30 AM and for the afternoon session reach by 1:00–1:30 PM.
2. Can I carry a scientific calculator to GATE 2026?
Ans> No. Only the on screen virtual calculator is allowed. Physical calculators are strictly prohibited.
3. Is there a strict dress code for GATE 2026?
Ans> There is no uniform but candidates should wear simple, light clothes without metal accessories to ensure smooth security checks.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Download Admit Card | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Official Website | Click Here |