GATE 2026 Exam Shift Timings: Official Branch-Wise Schedule and Reporting Rules
GATE 2026 exam will be held in multiple shifts with branch-wise schedules released officially. Check paper-wise exam dates, shift timings, reporting rules, and important instructions to avoid last-minute confusion on exam day.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is right around the corner. Conducted by IIT Guwahati, this national-level examination is the gateway for many into premier M.Tech programs and lucrative PSU careers.
To help you stay on track, we have compiled the official shift timings, paper-wise schedule, and essential exam-day protocols.
GATE 2026 Shift Timings
The exam is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format across two distinct sessions each day. Every paper has a total duration of 3 hours (180 minutes).
| GATE 2026 Shift Timings | |||
| Session | Exam Time (IST) | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time |
| Forenoon (FN) | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| Afternoon (AN) | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
Pro Tip: Aim to reach the center at least 90 minutes before your shift starts. Late entry is strictly prohibited once the exam begins.
Branch-Wise Exam Schedule
The exams are spread over two weekends in February. Below is the breakdown of which branches fall into which slots.
| Branch-Wise Exam 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 | |
Mandatory Checklist for Exam Day
To avoid any last-minute stress or disqualification, ensure you have the following ready:
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Admit Card: A clear, color-printed document on A4-size paper is recommended.
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Valid Photo ID: Bring the original ID (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, etc.) that you used during registration. Photocopies are not accepted.
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Stationery: You are generally allowed to carry a pen and a transparent water bottle. The center will provide rough sheets.
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Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, physical calculators (a virtual one is provided on-screen), and any electronic gadgets are strictly banned.
Strategic Timeline: What’s Next?
Once the exam concludes, the process moves quickly toward results and admissions.
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Response Sheets: Expected mid-February 2026.
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Official Answer Key: Expected late February 2026.
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Results Declaration: March 19, 2026.
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Scorecard Download: Available from March 27, 2026