GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Schedule Released – The GATE 2026 exam dates have been released subject-wise. All the details regarding when, how, and at what time the exam will be held have been released on the official website. Today, on November 17, 2025, you will find complete information about the GATE 2026 subject-wise schedule.
The tests are set for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, two weekends in a row.
Other Important Dates
- Registration (opening): 28 August 2025
- Application (without late fee) ends: 7 October 2025
- Registration with late fee ends: 13 October 2025
- Results announcement: 19 March 2026
GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Schedule
| Day, Date | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 07, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | |
| Sunday, February 08, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CS-1, ST |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | |
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Forenoon Session – FN) | EC |
| 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Afternoon Session – AN) | AR, DA |
Exam Pattern for GATE 2026
Gaining an understanding of the exam format is essential to passing the GATE.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Number of Questions | 65 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 marks) + Subject-Specific (85 marks) |
What the Admit Card Contains
When you download your admit card, it will display all of the following:
- Your name, registration/enrolment ID, photograph and signature.
- Paper code (the subject you are appearing for), exam date, session (forenoon/afternoon) and exam centre address.
- Exam day instructions, reporting time, what you must carry (valid ID etc).
How to Download the Admit Card
- Visit the official portal of GATE 2026: gate2026.iitg.ac.in GATE 2026+1
- Use your login credentials: enrolment ID (or GATE registration number) and password.
- Once logged in, find the “Download Admit Card” link (when active after release date) and save the PDF.
- Print a clear copy and carry it to the exam centre along with a valid photo ID. Digital-only copy may not be allowed.
GATE 2026: Counselling Date
Counselling Date for GATE 2026 – GOAP Schedule
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| GATE COAP registration 2026 start date | March 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round 1 | May 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round 2 | May 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round 3 | May 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round 4 | June 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round 5 | June 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round for additional round – rounds 6 | June 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round for the additional round – round 7 | June 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round for the additional round – round 8 | June 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round for additional round – round 9 | July 2026 |
| COAP Seat Allotment Round for additional round – round 10 | July 2026 |
Counselling Date for GATE 2026 – CCMT Schedule
| Events | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Online registration | May 2026 |
| Last date for Registration of CCMT 2026 | June 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment by UPI/Debit/Credit card/Net Banking | June 2026 |
| Last date for choice filling and locking | June 2026 |
| CCMT Round 1 | |
| Seat allotment | June 2026 |
| Payment of the seat acceptance fee followed by reporting at any RC | June 2026 |
| Document verification | June 2026 |
| Last date for the resolution of any queries | June 2026 |
| CCMT 2026 Round 2 | |
| CCMT seat allotment result | June 2026 |
| Payment of the seat acceptance fee followed by reporting at any RC | June 2026 |
| Online document verification | June 2026 |
| Last date for the resolution of any queries | June 2026 |
| CCMT 2026 Round 3 | |
| CCMT Seat allotment result | June 2026 |
| Payment of the seat acceptance fee followed by reporting at any RC | June 2026 |
| Verification of documents | June 2026 |
| Last date for the resolution of any queries | July 2026 |
| Payment of Partial Admission Fee online (all rounds) | July 2026 |
| Withdrawal from the admitted institute | July 2026 |
GATE 2026 Score Utilisation (Full Information)
1. Admission to Postgraduate Programs
GATE 2026 score is used for admission into:
- M.Tech / ME
- MS / M.Sc. (Research)
- PhD / Direct PhD
in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering institutes.
Many institutes also provide scholarship / assistantship based on a valid GATE score.
2. Recruitment in PSUs
Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) consider GATE scores for recruitment of engineers and technical executives.
Common sectors where GATE scores are used:
- Power
- Oil & Gas
- Steel
- Telecom
- Coal & Mining
- Heavy Engineering
GATE score is used for shortlisting, followed by interview or group discussion by the PSU.
3. Validity of GATE 2026 Score
- GATE 2026 score is valid for 3 years from the date of result announcement.
- For PSU recruitment, validity may vary depending on the organisation (commonly 1 year).
4. Opportunity for Higher Studies Abroad
Some foreign universities (in countries like Singapore and Germany) may accept GATE scores for postgraduate admissions.
5. Research & Fellowship Opportunities
GATE-qualified candidates can apply for:
- Junior Research Fellowships
- Research projects
- Fellowship-based programs
6. Institute Cut-offs and Seat Allocation
- Each institute sets its own cut-off score for admission.
- Higher GATE score increases chances of getting into top institutes and PSUs.
7. Score as a Merit Indicator
GATE score is considered a strong indicator of:
- Technical knowledge
- Engineering aptitude
- Analytical skills
GATE 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Category-Wise)
Computer Science (CS)
- General: 25 – 28
- OBC: 22 – 25
- SC/ST: 16 – 18
Electronics & Communication (EC)
- General: 24 – 27
- OBC: 21 – 24
- SC/ST: 15 – 17
Electrical Engineering (EE)
- General: 27 – 31
- OBC: 24 – 28
- SC/ST: 18 – 21
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- General: 28 – 32
- OBC: 25 – 29
- SC/ST: 18 – 20
Civil Engineering (CE)
- General: 25 – 30
- OBC: 22 – 26
- SC/ST: 17 – 20
Instrumentation (IN)
- General: 33 – 37
- OBC: 29 – 33
- SC/ST: 21 – 24
Chemical Engineering (CH)
- General: 32 – 36
- OBC: 28 – 32
- SC/ST: 20 – 22
PSUs Accepting GATE 2026 Score
Maharatna Companies
- BHEL
- ONGC
- NTPC
- HPCL
- IOCL
- BPCL
- GAIL
- Coal India Limited
Navratna PSUs
- Power Grid Corporation
- Oil India Limited
- NALCO
- BEL
- NBCC
- EIL
Miniratna and Other PSUs
- DMRC
- AAI
- NLC India
- THDC
- SAIL
- RITES
- IRCON
- Vizag Steel
- GRSE
GATE 2026 Admission Process
Step 1: Appear for GATE Exam
- Attempt your chosen paper.
- Receive your GATE scorecard on the result date.
Step 2: Apply for M.Tech / MS / PhD
You can apply for:
- IITs (via COAP portal)
- NITs, IIITs, GFTIs (via CCMT portal)
- Deemed and private universities
Each institute releases its own admission forms and cut-offs.
Step 3: Participate in Counselling
- IITs use COAP (seat allotment is based on GATE score).
- NITs and IIITs use CCMT for centralised counselling.
- Choose institute + specialization based on your rank.
Step 4: Seat Allotment
- Seats are allotted based on GATE score, preferences, and category.
- After allotment, complete document verification and fee payment.
GATE 2026 EXAMINATION SCHEDULE – CHECK HERE
GATE 2026 Exam Date & Time Out Syllabus 2026 – CHECK HERE
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