IIT Guwahati has postponed the registration process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026). Applications for the GATE exam will now start from August 28, instead of August 25 as scheduled
earlier. According to the new schedule, candidates can apply without a late fee until September 28. Applications with a late fee can be submitted until October 9. The exam will be conducted in February next year.
The GATE exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 with the results set to be announced on March 19.
Major Changes In The GATE Exam
Three important changes have been made in GATE 2026. First, the option for the combination of two papers has been further updated. A section named Energy Science has been added to the Engineering Science paper. Second, the eligibility criteria for foreign degree holders have been clarified.
1. New paper: Energy Science (XE-I)
A new section called Energy Science (XE-I) has been added to the Engineering Sciences (XE) category. It will consists of Engineering Mathematics section which is compulsory and will carry 15 marks. There will also be two optional sections to be chosen by the candidates carrying 35 marks each. Furthermore, the exam fees has been increased.
2. Two-paper option
Candidates can now appear for two papers, provided they are in the approved paper combination. The list of these combinations will be available on the official website. For example, the AE paper can only be combined with CE, ME, or XE (Engineering Sciences).
3. Registration Fees
IIT Guwahati has increased the application fee for the GATE 2026 exam. In GATE 2025, the application fee per paper for the general category was Rs 1800 (Rs 2300 with late fee). In GATE 2026, the application fee without a late fee has become Rs 2000 and with a late fee, it has become Rs 2500.
The application fee for GATE 2026 is Rs 1000 for female, SC, ST, and Persons with Disabilities candidates during the regular period and Rs 1500 per paper during the extended period.
GATE 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should be currently in the 3rd year of a degree programme or have completed a degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities from a recognized institute. The degree course should be approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch/BPlanning, etc. Candidates who have obtained or are pursuing these qualifying degree programmes abroad can also apply for this examination.
