GATE 2026 Exam Schedule Announced by IIT Guwahati
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially released the examination schedule for GATE 2026. As per the newly published timetable, this year’s Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering will be conducted entirely in a computer-based format, starting on February 7, 2026. The examination will be held across multiple test centers throughout the country, with candidates appearing in two separate shifts each day.
Exam Timings and Shift Details
GATE 2026 will follow a two-shift pattern on each examination day. The morning session is scheduled to run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session will take place from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This structured timetable allows candidates to plan their preparation and travel accordingly.
Mock Tests Now Available
Aspiring candidates who wish to secure admission into MTech, MS, and PhD programs through GATE 2026 can now access mock tests on the official website. IIT Guwahati has made these practice tests available to help applicants familiarize themselves with the exam interface, question formats, and overall screen layout before the actual test day.
However, the institute has issued an important clarification regarding these mock tests. The features displayed in the practice sessions may not exactly match those in the real examination. Additionally, candidates should not attempt to predict actual exam topics based on the questions appearing in the mock tests. These practice papers are not evaluated, and no scorecards will be issued for them.
Question Paper Composition
The GATE 2026 question papers will include three distinct types of questions. Candidates can expect Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions across all papers. This diverse question format tests both conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities.
Complete Subject-Wise Schedule for GATE 2026
The examination will be spread over four days, with different subjects assigned to specific shifts. Here is the detailed breakdown:
February 7, 2026 (Saturday)
- Morning Shift: AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL
- Afternoon Shift: AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH
February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
- Morning Shift: CS-1, ST
- Afternoon Shift: CS-2, EY, NM, PE
February 14, 2026 (Saturday)
- Morning Shift: CE-1, EE, PI
- Afternoon Shift: BM, CE-2, ME, MT
February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Morning Shift: EC
- Afternoon Shift: AR, DA
Preparation Advice for Candidates
Since all GATE 2026 sessions are scheduled on weekends, candidates have ample time to review the complete schedule well in advance. It is strongly recommended that applicants visit the official website before the examination to verify their specific paper dates and shift timings. Taking advantage of the available mock tests can significantly strengthen preparation by providing valuable exposure to the digital testing environment and helping candidates build confidence for the main examination.
