GATE 2026 Exam Starts Tomorrow: Essential Guidelines, Schedule, and Documents
IIT Guwahati starts GATE 2026 tomorrow, Feb 7. Candidates must carry a printed A4 admit card and original photo ID. Report 60-90 minutes early for biometric verification. The exam runs across Feb 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. Prohibited items include all electronics and personal calculators.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is set to commence the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 tomorrow, February 7, 2026. As one of India's most critical entrance exams for M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitment, candidates must adhere to the official protocols for a seamless experience.
Also Read: GATE 2026 Exam Day Checklist: What to Carry, What to Avoid, Dress Code and Reporting Time
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode over four days. Each day is split into two sessions: Forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
| GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Shift Timings | ||
| Date | Forenoon (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) | Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM) |
| Feb 7, 2026 | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH |
| Feb 8, 2026 | CS-1, ST | CS-2, EY, NM, PE |
| Feb 14, 2026 | CE-1, EE, PI | BM, CE-2, ME, MT |
| Feb 15, 2026 | EC | AR, DA |
Mandatory Documents to Carry
Security at the GATE exam center is stringent. Candidates must present the following physical documents to enter the hall:
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GATE 2026 Admit Card: A clear printout on A4-size paper. Download it from the GOAPS portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
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Original Photo ID Proof: Use the same ID used during the application process (Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License).
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Photographs: It is recommended to keep two passport-size photos handy for identity verification.
Important: Digital copies on mobile phones or photocopies of ID proofs will not be accepted.
Exam Day Guidelines and Prohibited Items
To maintain the integrity of the national-level exam, IIT Guwahati has issued strict instructions:
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Reporting Time: Arrive at the venue 60 to 90 minutes before the session starts. This allows time for mandatory biometric verification (fingerprint and photo capture).
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Gate Closing: No entry is permitted after the gate closing time. Late logins (up to 30 minutes) are only allowed under exceptional circumstances.
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Prohibited Items: * Mobile phones, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices.
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Personal calculators (a virtual scientific calculator is provided on the exam screen).
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Wallets, bags, books, and loose sheets of paper.
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Scribble Pads: One scribble pad for rough work will be provided. Candidates must write their name and registration number on it and return it to the invigilator after the exam.