GATE 2026 Exam Date: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The exam serves as a gateway for postgraduate admissions (M.Tech, M.E, Ph.D.) and for recruitment into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility norms.

Exam Dates

Conducted over four days in two sessions (Forenoon: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM; Afternoon: 2:30 PM–5:30 PM):

• February 7, 2026 (Saturday)
• February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
• February 14, 2026 (Saturday)
• February 15, 2026 (Sunday)

Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026

• Nationality:
• Indian nationals are eligible.
• Foreign nationals from countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and the UAE can also apply.
• Age Limit:
• No upper age limit for GATE 2026.
• Candidates of any age who meet educational qualifications can apply.
• Number of Attempts:
• No restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear multiple times.

Educational Qualification for GATE 2026

Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of their degree program. The eligible courses include:

1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• B.E./B.Tech/B.Pharm (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after Diploma)
• B.Arch (5 years course)
• B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. (4 years)
2. Postgraduate Degree Programs
• M.Sc./M.A./MCA or equivalent Master’s degree in relevant science or arts subjects.
• Integrated M.E./M.Tech (Post-B.Sc., 4 years or Post-10+2, 5 years).
• Integrated M.Sc./Integrated B.S.-M.S. (5 years program).
3. Professional Degrees
• MBBS, M.Pharm, or equivalent with relevant eligibility.

Note: Candidates currently in the final year (or pre-final year, wherever applicable) of the above programs are also eligible, provided they can submit proof of completion within the timeline set by the organizing institute.

Exam Pattern Highlights

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Number of Papers: 30 disciplines (candidates can choose up to 2 papers in some cases)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Questions: 65 (MCQ, MSQ, NAT)
• Total Marks: 100

Application Procedure

• Candidates must apply online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).
• Upload required documents: photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), and degree/provisional certificate.
• Pay the application fee via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.

Quick Reference Table

 Importance of GATE 2026

• Admission to M.Tech/M.E./Ph.D. programs at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other leading institutes.
• Recruitment in top PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, GAIL, IOCL, PowerGrid, etc.
• Opens opportunities for research and fellowship programs (e.g., CSIR, DRDO).
• International recognition: Some foreign universities also accept GATE scores.

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