Students who have applied for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 can download their admit cards from January 2, 2026 . The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati will release the admit cards online. Candidates need these admit cards to take the GATE 2026 exam, which will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 .
The GATE exam is important for admission to postgraduate engineering programs and some public sector jobs in India. IIT Guwahati is the organizing institute for GATE 2026.
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card
Candidates must download their admit card online. No admit cards will be sent by post. Follow these steps to get your admit card:
- Go to the official GATE 2026 website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in .
- Look for the “application portal” link. Click on it to open the GOAPS portal.
- Enter your GATE enrollment ID and password . You will also need to type a captcha code shown on the screen.
- After logging in, you will see an option that says “download GATE admit card 2026” on your dashboard.
- Click this option. Your admit card will appear on the screen and will be saved.
- Check all the details on your admit card carefully. Make sure your name, photo, exam date, and centre are correct.
- Take a printout of the admit card. You must carry this printout to the exam centre.
If you find any mistakes on your admit card, contact the GATE exam authorities immediately. Do this before the exam date to fix any issues.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates and Timings
The GATE 2026 exam will take place on four different days in February. It will be conducted in two shifts each day.
| Exam Dates | Forenoon Shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) | Afternoon Shift (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm) |
| February 7, 2026 | Various papers | Various papers |
| February 8, 2026 | Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | Civil Engineering (CE) |
| February 14, 2026 | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
| February 15, 2026 | Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) | Various papers |
Please note that specific timings for other branch papers will be available on the official website. Check your admit card for your exact paper, date, and shift.
Documents to Carry to the Exam Centre
On the day of the exam, candidates must bring certain items to the exam centre. This is to ensure a smooth entry and examination process.
- GATE 2026 Admit Card: A clear printout of your downloaded admit card.
- Valid ID Proof: An original, government-issued photo identification card. Accepted ID proofs include your Aadhar card, Passport, Voter ID, or PAN Card . Photocopies are not allowed.
- Transparent Water Bottle: You can carry water in a clear bottle.
- Pen/Pencil: For rough work during the exam.
Candidates should reach the exam centre at least one hour before the exam starts . This will give you enough time for security checks and finding your seat. A scribble pad for rough work will be given inside the exam hall. Do not carry any other items like electronic gadgets, bags, or study material to the centre.
