IIT GATE Admission 2026 Subject Wise Exam Dates are released now which confirms that the national-level exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The exam remains a major point of entry to M.Tech and PhD admissions and PSU recruitment since 30 subject papers have been added to the exam, and a new section – Energy Science is introduced.
Key points of IIT GATE Admission 2026:
Applicants must understand the following highlights carefully before submitting the application form:
| Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE 2026) |
| Mode of Exam | CBT |
| Total Papers | 30 |
| New Addition | Energy Science section in XE paper. |
| Validity of Score | 3 years |
| Lessons | Morning and Afternoon |
| Official website | Check here |
Major dates to remember:
The important dates for application process are:
| Application starts | 25 August 2025 |
| Application last date | 25 September 2025 |
| Exam date | 7 February 2026 (AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL) 8 February 2026 (AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH), (CS-2, EY, NM, PE) 14 February 2026 (CS-1, ST), (BM, CE-2, ME, MT) 15 February 2026 (EC), (AR, DA) |
Who can apply for IIT GATE 2026 Exam?
The candidates who fulfill the following eligibility criteria can apply for GATE 2026 exam:
| EDUCATION | Are in 3rd year of UG degree OR Have already obtained any approved degree course of Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Arts/Commerce/Humanities. Additionally: Students of MBBS/BDS/B.V.Sc in 5th/6th/7th semester are also eligible. B.Sc/B.A/B.Com (3 years) – 3 rd year students are eligible to apply. Integrated programs (B.S-M.S, Int. M.Tech, Int. M.Sc) – eligible after 3rd year. International students who have 3 year degree are also eligible to apply. |
| AGE | Na |
How are the candidates are Selected for M.Tech/PhD through GATE?
Though there is only one exam- GATE, the selection procedure of M.Tech/PhD differs in each institute:
- GATE Score (must have minimum of 70% weightage according to MoE)
- Written Test/Interview (optional based on department at the institute level)
- Verification of documents
- Final list of merit in terms of GATE Score + institute.
For PSUs:
- Short listing of GATE Score.
- Group discussion (varies)
- Interview Medical fitness
What is the exam pattern of GATE 2026 Exam ?
| Mode | Online CBT |
| Total duration | 3 hours |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Sections | General Aptitude – 15 marks Subject Paper – 85 marks |
| Type of questions | MCQ (negative marking) MSQ (no negative marking) NAT (no negative marking) |
| Negative marking | 1-mark MCQ – 1/3 2-mark MCQ – 2/3 |
| Total question | 65 |
How to register for the GATE exam?
The steps to apply for the are as follows:
- Go to the official portal.
- Register with name, email, mobile.
- You will Receive Enrolment ID.
- Complete application form (Details, exam city, subject paper, etc).
- Upload required documents: Photo, Signature ID proof , Category/PwD certificates (where necessary).
- Pay fee (web based only – UPI/Net Banking/Card).
- Submit the form.
- Save and download the copy of application.
Important Links:
| Official website | Click here |
| Notification | Check here |
| Registration | Apply here |
Conclusion
Your head-start to studying is now flawless because the exam dates are announced early. GATE 2026 has new Energy Science paper and expanded PSU opportunities; thus, by cracking it, you would get access to several career options. Thus, the ability to keep up with the latest news, sign up, and plan with the correct strategy could ensure a high probability of admission.
FAQs- IIT GATE Admission 2026
No. Only those combinations that are approved in the brochure can be used.
No, any candidate can apply as long as he is eligible in terms of education.
No, GATE 2026 will be conducted in only Indian cities.
Yes, MBBS or BDS students in 5 th/6 th/7 th semester or graduated are eligible to apply.
No, it is just a voluntary part of the XE test paper.
