The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organising authority for GATE 2026, is preparing to upload the hall tickets on the official website. While the exact release date has not yet been formally confirmed, strong indications suggest that the admit cards could be issued by January 16, 2026.
Earlier, the admit cards were scheduled to be released on January 2, but the timeline was later revised, resulting in anticipation among registered candidates. Once released, applicants who have successfully completed the registration process will be able to download their admit cards from the official portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
In the meantime, IIT Guwahati has enabled aspirants to become comfortable with the examination pattern by releasing the official GATE 2026 mock test link. This practice test simulates the real computer-based test (CBT) environment, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the interface, improve time management, and refine their exam strategy ahead of the final examination.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Mode
The GATE 2026 examinationwill be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. On each examination day, two sessions will be held:
- Morning session: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon session: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Each paper will have a total duration of three hours.
As per the GATE 2026 marking scheme, every paper will carry 100 marks. Out of these, 15 marks will be allocated to the General Aptitude section, while the remaining 85 marks will be assigned to the respective core subject paper, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of both analytical ability and subject knowledge.
Negative Marking Rules
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Negative marking is applicable for incorrect responses
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT): No negative marking
This evaluation pattern promotes accuracy while offering candidates greater flexibility in non-MCQ sections.
Who Conducts GATE 2026?
The GATE 2026 examinationis conducted on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB) under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
Why GATE Is Important: Academic and Career Prospects
GATE is a national-level competitive examination that significantly influences both academic advancement and professional growth in India.
A valid GATE score is used for admission to Master’s and PhD programmes in fields such as engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities. Additionally, several leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) consider GATE scores as a primary criterion for recruiting skilled technical professionals.
With only a few weeks remaining before the GATE 2026 examination, the release of admit cards marks the final preparatory stage for candidates.
Aspirants are strongly advised to regularly visit the official website for updates and download their hall tickets immediately after release. Timely access to the admit card, careful verification of exam-related details, and focused preparation will be crucial for success in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.