FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
- I am currently studying in 3rd year B.A./B.Com./B.Sc. Am I eligible to appear for GATE-2026?
YES, any undergraduate student currently in 3rd year or higher years of any government approved program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities is eligible to appear for GATE 2026. - I am currently studying in 3rd year B.E., but through parallel entry in the 2nd year after finishing Diploma, am I eligible to appear for GATE 2026?
YES, any undergraduate student currently in 3rd year or higher years of any government approved program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities is eligible to appear for GATE 2026. - Is there any age limit to appear for GATE 2026?
NO. There is NO age limit to appear for GATE 2026. - Are there any restrictions on the number of times one can appear for GATE?
NO. One can appear for the GATE examination any number of times. - Can I appear in any of the GATE 2026 papers?
Although the candidate is free to choose any of the papers (up to two from the given combinations), candidate should select paper appropriate to the discipline of qualifying degree. - How do I apply ONLINE?
Visit Application Portal link at the official website. It will become active once GATE 2026 registration opens. - Can I use one email address to fill multiple application forms?
NO. One email address can be used to submit only ONE application form. - Do I need to fill two forms to appear in two papers?
NO. The two papers option must be selected based on the given set of combinations in a SINGLE form only. - Why should I choose THREE examination cities?
The candidates will most likely be allotted a centre in the examination city of their first choice. Only in cases, where there are too many candidates opting for a certain city as their first choice, the other two choices become relevant. The candidates are required to fill their choices of cities to appear in the examination, but should remember that because of operational constraints, the GATE committee reserves the right to add a new city or remove an existing one, and allot a city that may not be any of the choices of a candidate. - What do I do, if the power/internet connection failed during the submission of application process?
Please login to your account at the Application Portal again and continue the application process. - Does the OBC (non-creamy layer) or EWS candidate need to upload the category certificate?
NO. - Does the SC/ST/PwD candidate need to upload the category certificate?
YES, category certificate is required to avail the concession in application fee. - How do I make the fee payment for GATE 2026 examination?
The payment option will appear after filling the online application form at GATE 2026 Application Portal. The candidate can opt for any of the listed payment options. The additional charges such as service charges, processing fees or bank charges, have to be borne by the candidate. - How much fee should I pay to appear in Two papers of GATE 2026 examination?
For Application Fee structure, please check: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/application-fees.html - What is the fee for candidates with foreign nationality/NRIs?
The fee for foreign nationals is the full Application Fee. See https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/application-fees.html for more information. - What is the fee for candidates with Indian nationality appearing at International centres?
GATE 2026 will be conducted only in centres within India. It will not be conducted in centres outside India. Foreign nationals and Indian citizens residing abroad may appear for GATE 2026 by paying the full application fee, but they must choose examination cities within India. They must make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation to appear for the exam at an assigned centre within India. See https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/application-fees.html for more information. - What do I do, if power/Internet connection failed during an online payment?
When you can get back online, login again to GATE 2026 Application Portal and check the status of the payment. If the payment was received by GATE, you can continue the process of printing the application form. If the payment was not received by GATE 2026, you may initiate a fresh payment. In case, any fee amount that has been debited (deducted) from your bank account, but you have not received any acknowledgement for fee payment from GATE 2026, then the money will be credited back to your account. However, this may take about fifteen working days. - Money has been debited from my account more than once. How do I get the money back?
Any extra payments received by GATE 2026 from your account for one application, will automatically be returned (credited) to the same bank account. However, this may take about fifteen working days. - Do I have to send the print out of the application form?
NO. The print out of the application form is not required to be sent to the Organizing Institute or any other GATE zonal offices. - When and how will I know the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application by logging into GATE 2026 Application Portal from time to time. - After completing the ONLINE application process and generating a PDF file, will I be able to change my application data?
NO. After completing all the steps up to PDF application form generation in the ONLINE application process, you can only download the application form and CANNOT modify the data. Hence, you need to be very careful while entering the data. - I have missed to take a print out of my ONLINE application at the end of my application process. How will I get access to it?
You can login using Enrolment ID and password and take a print out for your own reference.The print out must not be sent to GATE Organizing Institute or Zonal Office. - If I have not uploaded photograph as per the specifications mentioned, will my application be rejected?
Your application will be marked DEFECTIVE. You will be intimated by email, SMS, or phone call from your respective Zone to RECTIFY your DEFECT (by uploading a new photograph). You will be given chances for rectification up to a deadline, beyond which your application will either be considered as PROVISIONAL or REJECTED. - If I have not uploaded signature as per the specifications mentioned, will my application be rejected?
Your application will be marked DEFECTIVE. You will be intimated by email, SMS, or phone call from your respective Zone to RECTIFY your DEFECT (by uploading a new signature image). You will be given chances for rectification up to a deadline, beyond which your application will either be considered as PROVISIONAL or REJECTED. - Which Identity Document (ID) will be accepted in the application form?
For Indian candidates, the following valid photo identification documents/cards will be accepted: Aadhaar-UID (preferable), Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, and Driving License. For foreign nationals, documents like valid Passport, any other valid photo ID issued by their government, Driving License is acceptable. - Is there a relaxation in qualifying mark and fee for the EWS (Economically weaker section) candidates?
The application fee for EWS candidates will be same as that of General candidates, however, the qualifying mark is 90% as that of the General candidates. - What will happen if I am not able to produce EWS certificate at the time of admission/counselling etc.?
GATE has nothing to do with subsequent admission or recruitment process. - Do I have to upload my EWS certificate during the application process?
NO - I want to take TWO papers from the two papers combination. However, while filling online form I have added only one paper and made the payment. Can I add the second paper to the same enrolment ID?
Yes, you can add second paper from the allowed two paper combinations after payment.
- I want to take TWO papers from the two papers combination. However, while filling online form I have added only one paper and made the payment. Can I create a new enrolment ID for TWO papers?
You should not create another enrolment ID. Instead follow FAQ No. 29. - My photograph and Photo ID are exchanged in the application while registering online. Will my application be REJECTED?
Your application will be marked DEFECTIVE. You will be intimated by email, SMS or phone call from your respective Zone to RECTIFY your DEFECT (by uploading the correct images). You will be given chances for rectification up to a deadline, beyond which your application will either be considered as PROVISIONAL or REJECTED. - What part of the photo ID should be uploaded?
The part of the photo ID with your photo and your details like name, date of birth (DOB), and ID number should be uploaded. If the details are spread over two pages (that is, backside of the Photo ID) then both (front and backside) pages in a single PDF must be uploaded. - I want to withdraw my application. Will my application fee be refunded?
NO. - I have more than 12-15 years older Aadhar card as my photo ID. Can I use it to complete the application registration?
The photo ID is supposed to have the recent photo so that the identity of the candidate can be matched against the photo ID card during the examination. If your facial features are difficult to match with your photo ID, then your candidature may be marked as DOUBTFUL IDENTITY during the examination. Hence, the candidate must upload the photo ID which bears the recent photo. - I have uploaded Aadhar Card as my photo ID but entered the PAN Card number in place of ID Number (or vice-a-versa). Will my application be REJECTED?
Your application will be marked DEFECTIVE. You will be intimated by e-mail, SMS or phone call from your respective Zone to RECTIFY your DEFECT by either uploading the correct image of the photo ID or making the correction in ID Number field. You will be given chances for rectification up to a deadline, beyond which your application will either be considered as PROVISIONAL or REJECTED. - I have chosen a wrong paper. Can I make correction to the application form to the paper?
Immediately after completion of the application form you will not be able to make any changes to it. However, you can change the paper in a given time duration at later stage by paying additional fee per change in your application. See important dates for GATE 2026. - There is a spelling mistake in my name and my application has been marked as DEFECTIVE. Can I make corrections in my name spelling?
Immediately after completion of the application form you will not be able to make any changes to it. However, you can make corrections in a given time duration at later stage by furnishing supporting documents. - I want to use my new name taken after the marriage. I have photo ID with older name. Will my application be REJECTED?
You can upload the photo ID with old name along with an affidavit. Otherwise, your application will either be considered as PROVISIONAL or REJECTED. Also, you SHOULD carry affidavit along with the photo ID in the examination hall.
- For how many GATE papers can I apply?
A candidate can apply for ONE or TWO papers (from the given set of combinations as per Two Paper Combinations) out of the 30 papers listed in the GATE 2026 INFORMATION BROCHURE or GATE 2026 website. The choice of the appropriate paper is the responsibility of the candidate. Some guidelines in this respect are suggested below:- The candidates are expected to appear in paper(s) [up to two as per the given set of combinations in Two Paper Combinations] appropriate to the discipline of their qualifying degree.
- The candidates are however, free to choose any other paper according to their admission plan, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions in which they wish to seek admission.
- If a paper is being held in more than one session, can I appear in any of the sessions of that particular paper?
NO. Each candidate will be assigned to ONLY ONE of the multiple sessions of a particular paper. The assigned session will be mentioned in the admit card. - After submission of application, am I permitted to change my GATE Examination Paper?
YES. ONLY after the last date for application submission, a request for the change of GATE Examination Paper will be entertained against additional payment. Dates for the same will be announced later. Any request after that date will NOT be considered. - After submission of application, am I permitted to change my GATE Examination City?
YES. ONLY after the last date for application submission, a request for the change of examination city will be entertained against additional payment. Dates for the same will be announced later. Any request after that date will NOT be considered. - After submission of application, am I permitted to change my Category?
YES. ONLY after the last date for application submission, category change request will be entertained against additional payment. Dates for the same will be announced later. Any request after that date will NOT be considered. - Will I be provided with any white paper for rough work and calculations during the examination?
Only one scribble pad at any point of time will be provided to the candidate that can be used to do the rough work. To obtain a second scribble pad, the candidate MUST return the first scribble pad. The candidates have to return any scribble pad in their possession at the end of the examination. The virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen. - Am I allowed to enter the examination hall at any time during the examination?
NO. Candidates MUST enter before the starting time of the examination. However, delayed entry is permitted such that a candidate is able to login NOT later than 30 minutes from the starting time of the examination. NO relaxation is given under any circumstances. - In case of permitted delayed entry in the examination hall, will I get extra time corresponding to my delayed entry?
NO. The candidate with permitted delayed entry will NOT get any extra time. - Am I allowed to leave the examination hall during the examination?
NO. Candidates will NOT be allowed to leave the examination hall for any reason during the examination. Candidates are allowed to leave the examination hall only after the scheduled end of examination. - What items are not permitted to be brought with me inside the examination venue?
Mobile phones, physical calculators, wallets, watches of any type, any electronic/communicating devices, books, papers, loose sheets, pen/pencil box/pouch and any other similar items are NOT PERMITTED inside the examination hall. - Can I use a physical calculator during the examination?
NO. Candidates are not allowed to bring a physical calculator inside the examination hall. During the online GATE 2026 examination, all candidates will be provided with a virtual scientific calculator which has to be used to answer the questions. The virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen. - Will there be any arrangement at the examination centre for the safe keeping of my personal items such as my mobile phone?
NO. Such arrangements will not be made at the examination centre. If a candidate brings personal belongings including mobile phones, they have to be kept outside the examination hall at the candidate’s own risk. The GATE officials are not responsible for safe keeping of your personal items. - What happens if a physical calculator (even on an electronic watch) or a mobile phone (even in switched off mode) is found in my possession in the examination hall?
Such cases are in violation of GATE 2026 code of conduct and will lead to disqualification of the candidature. - Is there a separate rank/paper for Architecture and Planning (AR) candidates in GATE 2026?
NO separate scores and ranks will be provided for candidates attempting either Part B1 (Architecture) or Part B2 (Planning). - Is there a separate rank/paper for Geomatics Engineering (GE) candidates in GATE 2026?
NO separate scores and ranks will be provided for candidates attempting either Part B (Section I – Surveying and Mapping) or Part B (Section II – Image Processing and Analysis). - Is there a separate rank/paper for Geology and Geophysics (GG) candidates in GATE 2026?
Separate scores and ranks will be provided for the candidates based on the Part B section in GG paper.
For this, separate cut-off marks will be obtained as per the common procedure but by considering the following sections of GG paper:- For Geology (GL) candidates: GA Section + Part A: Common Section + Part B (Section -1): Geology
- For Geophysics (GP) candidates: GA Section + Part A: Common Section + Part B (Section-2): Geophysics
- What are the details of the guidelines that will be followed about PwD candidates writing GATE 2026 examination?
GATE 2026 will follow the guidelines as mentioned in the O.M. F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025 - Will the facility of scribe be given to all PwD candidates?
Following the O.M. F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025, a PwD candidate, in the category of blindness, locomotor disability (both arms only) and cerebral palsy, can request for the facility of scribe upon production of valid disability certificate/UDID card.In case of all other specified disabilities the facility of scribe will be allowed on production of a certificate to the effect that the person concerned has a functional limitation to write, caused by the specified disability and, therefore, a scribe is essential to write the examination on his/her behalf. The certificate is to be issued, after due medical examination by a multi-member medical authority chaired by Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer/Medical Superintendent of a Government healthcare institution as per the proforma at Appendix-B1.
- Will there be a “magnified question paper” for visually challenged PwD candidates?
YES. Before beginning of the examination, please contact the GATE Institute Representative through the invigilator in your examination hall and they will do the needful. - Will the facility of scribe and/or compensatory (extra) time be given to dyslexic candidates?
Yes, dyslexic candidates can avail the services of scribe and/or compensatory time. Such candidates need to submit two certificates: a proper dyslexic certificate issued by the competent authorities (see GATE 2026 information brochure) and a certificate mentioning that the person concerned has a functional limitation to write, caused by the specified disability and, therefore, a scribe is essential to write the examination on his/her behalf. The certificate is to be issued, after due medical examination by a multi-member medical authority chaired by Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer/Medical Superintendent of a Government healthcare institution as per the proforma at Appendix-B1. The scribe will be provided by the GATE 2026. The compensatory (extra) time of one hour would be applicable to such dyslexic candidates availing the scribe facility. - Is there a provision of getting compensatory (extra) time for a PwD/dyslexic candidate?
PwD candidates with disabilities (including candidates with Dyslexic or similar learning disabilities), having functional limitations in writing, even if they are not using the services of a scribe can request for compensatory time during application. On-spot requests for compensatory time at the examination hall will not be entertained. Please refer to the O.M. F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025 - Can I request for a scribe at the examination centre on the day of examination?
NO. On-the-spot request for scribe at the examination hall will NOT be entertained.
- PwD-A : Person with disabilities in the category of blindness, locomotor disability (both arms only) and cerebral palsy, thereby preventing them from properly taking the Computer Based Test may avail the services of a scribe in accordance with the Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025).
- PwD-B : In case of all other specified disabilities the facility of scribe will be allowed on production of a certificate to the effect that the person concerned has a functional limitation to write, caused by the specified disability and, therefore, a scribe is essential to write the examination on his/her behalf. The certificate is to be issued, after due medical examination by a multi-member medical authority chaired by Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer/Medical Superintendent of a Government healthcare institution as per the proforma at Appendix-B1.
- If the eligible candidates (as described in 1, and 2) choose to utilize the services of a scribe, scribe will be provided by the examination body GATE 2026.
- The assistance that the scribe can render to the candidate is limited to ONLY reading the instructions and test paper displayed on the computer screen verbatim and in assisting with the mouse-clicks, if the candidate is not able to do so. The scribe shall NOT translate/interpret/emphasize the Test Paper Contents to the Candidate.
- PwD candidates having disability in terms of vision will be given an option to view the Test Paper on the computer screen in a magnified font.
Scribes arranged by Examination Body
- Scribes will be arranged for those PwD candidates who have requested for a scribe at the time of application along with the supporting documents as described in Appendix-B.
- Qualification of the scribe arranged by test center will follow the Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (F. No. P-13013/75/2023-Policy-DD-III dated August 01, 2025).
NOTE: If it is discovered at any stage that a candidate has used the services of a scribe, but does not possess the extent of disability that warrants the use of a scribe, then his/her GATE 2026 candidature will stand disqualified.