GATE 2026 Hall Tickets Released: Steps to Download and Exam Schedule
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has officially released the admit cards for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. Candidates who have registered for the examination can now visit the official GOAPS portal to download their hall tickets. The exam is scheduled to take place across multiple sessions in February 2026.
Important Exam Dates and Timings
GATE 2026 will be conducted over four days, with two shifts each day. The morning session will run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Below is the complete schedule:
- February 1, 2026: Morning and afternoon shifts as per the timetable
- February 2, 2026: Morning and afternoon shifts as per the timetable
- February 7, 2026: Morning session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- February 8, 2026: Morning session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- February 14, 2026: Morning session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
- February 15, 2026: Morning session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) and afternoon session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
New Addition to the Exam Pattern
This year, the organizing institute has introduced a fresh sectional paper under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category. The newly added paper is Energy Science (XE-1), offering candidates an additional subject choice. The examination will feature a total of 30 question papers, comprising both full-length and sectional formats, giving aspirants greater flexibility in selecting papers aligned with their academic backgrounds and career goals.
Essential Documents for Exam Day
On the day of the examination, candidates must carry a printed copy of their admit card along with a valid photo identification document. Without these mandatory items, entry to the examination center will not be permitted. It is advisable to keep multiple printed copies of the hall ticket as a precautionary measure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Admit Card
Follow these simple instructions to obtain your GATE 2026 hall ticket from the official portal:
- Navigate to the official GATE 2026 website using your preferred web browser.
- Locate and select the admit card download link on the homepage.
- You will be redirected to a login page where you must enter your credentials, including your registration number and password.
- After submitting the required details, your hall ticket will appear on the screen.
- Carefully review all the information printed on the admit card, such as your name, photograph, signature, exam center, and scheduled timings.
- Download the document and take a printout for future reference.
Key Points to Remember
Candidates are advised to verify all personal details on the admit card immediately after downloading. Any discrepancies should be reported to the examination authorities without delay. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the examination center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location and route, ensuring a smooth experience on the day of the test.
With the admit cards now available, aspirants should focus on their preparation strategy and ensure they are well-versed with the exam pattern and syllabus. The introduction of the new Energy Science paper broadens the scope for candidates interested in interdisciplinary fields. Make sure to complete all necessary formalities well in advance and keep your documents organized for the examination days.
