The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is all set to be conducted in February 2026 by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG). If you are planning for higher studies or aiming for a career in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), this is one of the most important exams for you.
The official exam portal – gate2026.iitg.ac.in – is now live, and the registration process has started on August 28, 2025.
What is GATE ?
GATE is a national-level computer-based examination jointly conducted by IISc and all IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
It tests the candidate’s knowledge of undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities.
The GATE score is valid for three years from the date of the result announcement. This score can be used for admissions to Master’s and PhD programmes and for recruitment in top PSUs.
GATE 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | August 28, 2025 |
| Last Date for Regular Registration | September 28, 2025 |
| Last Date with Late Fee | October 9, 2025 |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 19, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
To apply for GATE 2026, candidates must:
- Be in the third year or above of an undergraduate degree OR
- Have already completed a degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities from a recognised institution.
- Degrees must be approved by MoE, AICTE, UGC, or UPSC as equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch/BPlanning.
- Candidates with foreign qualifications are also eligible.
Application Fee
| Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
Why GATE is Important
1. Higher Education Opportunities
A valid GATE score can help you secure admission into M.Tech, M.E., or direct PhD programmes in top institutions like IITs, NITs, and IISc.
2. Financial Assistance
- M.Tech Students: ₹12,400 per month (typically for 22 months)
- Direct PhD Scholars: ₹37,000/month for first 2 years and ₹42,000/month for years 3–5
3. PSU Jobs
Many Public Sector Undertakings like BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, GAIL, HPCL, and IOCL recruit candidates directly based on their GATE score.
How to Apply for GATE 2026
- Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Register using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and exam details.
- Upload the required documents (photograph, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download the application confirmation.
Important Web-Links for GATE 2026
| Online Registration | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
FAQs about GATE 2026
When has GATE 2026 registration started?
GATE 2026 registration has started on August 28, 2025.
Who can apply for GATE 2026?
Any candidate in the third year or above of an undergraduate degree, or those who have already completed a degree in relevant fields, can apply.
Is GATE score useful for jobs?
Yes, several PSUs recruit candidates directly based on their GATE scores.
How long is the GATE score valid?
The GATE score is valid for three years from the date of result announcement.
DibyaJyoti Nath, founder of assamtopper.com, holds a B.Ed and a Master’s degree from Gauhati University. He works in the Education Department, Government of Assam, and has over 5 years of blogging experience, sharing helpful information with students.