GATE 2026 Admit Card Available — Download Hall Ticket for Ongoing Exam

The admit card contains: (1) Your photograph and signature, (2) name and registration details, (3) exam date, shift, and time, (4) test center address with map/directions, (5) roll number and application ID, (6) exam paper name, (7) important exam instructions and guidelines, (8) scribe/assistant details (if applicable), (9) PwD compensations details (if applicable)

GATE 2026 has four exam shifts: Shift 1 on February 7, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM), Shift 2 on February 8, 2026 (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM), Shift 3 on February 14, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM), and Shift 4 on February 15, 2026 (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM). Your specific shift is mentioned in the admit card.

Carry: (1) Original admit card (printed copy), (2) Valid government ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, Driver's License, Pan Card), (3) Glasses/contact lenses (if required)*, (4) PwD certificate (if claiming compensations), (5) Scribe meeting authorization (if applicable). Do NOT carry: electronics, phones, calculators, smartwatches, bags, pens/pencils (provided at center)

Reach the exam center 30 minutes before your shift start time. Gate closure is 5 minutes after shift start. Once gates close, no candidate is allowed inside the exam center. Plan your journey considering traffic and unexpected delays to avoid missing the exam. Late arrival will not be accommodated.

GATE 2026 has 30 papers: 21 engineering papers (AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, DA, EC, EE, ES, GE, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF, XE, XL), 5 science papers (GG, PH, CY, MA, BL), 1 architecture paper (AR), and 3 humanities papers (XH, XG, XS). You must choose one paper as per your educational background and career goals.

GATE 2026 has a total of 65 questions worth 120 marks: (1) 10 one-mark MCQ questions, (2) 25 two-mark MCQ questions, (3) 30 two-mark NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. All questions are objective-based with no subjective/essay questions.

Yes, negative marking applies to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) only: (1) For 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer, (2) For 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark deducted for incorrect answer, (3) NAT questions: NO negative marking (if not attempted, zero marks awarded). Unanswered MCQ questions get zero marks (no negative marking).

No physical calculator is allowed in the exam. GATE 2026 provides a virtual on-screen calculator within the exam interface that candidates can use during the test. You can practice this virtual calculator before the exam by visiting gate2026.iitg.ac.in and downloading the calculator software.

Preliminary answer key is expected to be released on 17-19 February 2026 after all exam shifts complete. Candidates can challenge the answer key with supporting documents. Final answer key will be released after evaluation of challenges. Final results (scorecard) are expected on 16 March 2026. Check the official website for exact dates.