IIT Guwahati has released important updates for the GATE 2026 Computer Science and Information Technology (CSE) exam. Students planning to take the GATE 2026 CSE paper can now check key dates, exam pattern, and syllabus details on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) helps students get admission into Master's programs like M.Tech and also secure jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
The admit card for GATE 2026 CSE will be available for download from January 2, 2026 . Students must download their admit card from the GOAPS portal. The GATE 2026 Computer Science exam is set for February 8, 2026 , and will be held in two shifts.
The first shift for the CS1 paper will be from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on February 8. The second shift for the CS2 paper will take place on the same day, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm . The overall GATE 2026 examinations are scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 .
GATE 2026 CSE Exam Pattern
Students should understand the exam pattern for the GATE 2026 CSE paper. The test will be a computer-based exam, lasting three hours. It will have two main sections: General Aptitude and Subject-specific questions. The total marks for the exam will be 100.
| Particulars | Details |
| Time duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Mode of exam | Computer-based test |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Number of sections | 2 (General Aptitude and Subject-specific) |
| Marks distribution | General Aptitude - 15 marks, Subject-specific - 85 marks |
Here is how the questions will be distributed in each section:
| Section | One-mark questions | Two-mark questions |
| General Aptitude | 5 | 5 |
| Subject-specific | 25 | 30 |
GATE 2026 CSE Syllabus
The syllabus for GATE 2026 Computer Science and Information Technology covers key areas of engineering. Students must prepare for these topics:
- Engineering Mathematics (Discrete mathematics, linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics)
- Digital Logic
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Programming and Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Compiler Design
- Operating Systems
- Databases
- Computer Networks
How to Download GATE 2026 CSE Admit Card
Once the admit card is released on January 2, 2026 , students can follow these steps to download it:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Look for the 'Admit Card Download' link on the homepage.
- Click on the link to go to the GOAPS portal.
- Enter your enrollment ID and password.
- Your GATE 2026 CSE admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download and print a copy for your records and for the exam day.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips for GATE CSE
The last two months before the exam are very important for revision. Students should focus on smart study to do well in the GATE CSE exam. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Focus on chapters and topics that have a high chance of scoring marks.
- Solve question papers from the last 15 years regularly. This helps you understand the exam pattern and important questions.
- Take mock tests often to get used to the exam format and manage your time better.
- Check your progress daily and learn from your mistakes in mock tests.
