
The GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Window is opening soon, and candidates must act quickly if they wish to raise objections. The GATE Provisional Answer Key 2026 has been officially released on February 22, 2026, and the objection process will remain active only for a limited time before the final key is prepared.
The answer key and GATE 2026 Response Sheet have been uploaded by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati on the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Since the result is scheduled for March 19, 2026, candidates must carefully review their answers now.
All you get to know here is what you should do immediately, why the challenge window matters, and how to avoid common mistakes while submitting objections.
Many candidates ignore the provisional key, assuming the evaluation will be correct. However, reviewing the answer key is important because:
Even minor errors can affect your final score.
GATE scores determine admission to M.Tech, M.E., and PhD programs.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also consider GATE scores for recruitment.
If you believe any answer is incorrect, this is your only chance to request correction before the final key is released.
Also Read, How to Raise Objections to GATE 2026 Answer Key
Here are the important updates:
GATE Exam Dates 2026: February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026
Provisional Answer Key Release: February 22, 2026
Response Sheet Release: February 2026
Objection Window: February to early March 2026
Final Answer Key: Before result declaration
Result Date: March 19, 2026
Missing the objection deadline means you lose the opportunity to challenge any error.
Any candidate who appeared for the GATE 2026 exam and finds discrepancies in:
Answer options
Correct answer marked
Question framing
can raise objections through the official portal.
Before submitting objections, note the fee structure:
₹500 per question (Indian candidates)
$10 per question (NRI candidates)
Payment must be made online through:
Credit card
Debit card
Internet banking
The fee is non-refundable, even if your objection is rejected.
Follow this carefully to avoid errors during submission:
Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Login using your Enrollment ID/Email ID and Password.
Click on the “Contest Answer Key” link.
Select the question you want to challenge.
Upload supporting documents in PDF format.
Pay the required fee online.
Review and submit your objection.
Always download and save the confirmation receipt after payment.
Submitting objections without valid reference proof.
Waiting until the last day to apply.
Uploading unclear or incomplete documents.
Challenging questions without verifying from standard textbooks.
Careless submissions may lead to rejection.
Once the challenge window closes:
Subject experts review all objections.
Corrections are made if valid.
GATE 2026 Final answer key is released.
Results are declared on March 19, 2026.
The final key is binding and cannot be challenged further.