GATE 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Top Colleges

IIT Guwahati closed GATE 2026 registration on October 13, 2025, with late fees. Registered candidates can download the GATE 2026 admit card from gate2026.iitg.ac.in tentatively by the second week of January 2026. GATE results 2026 will be declared on March 19, 2026. The scorecard is valid for 3 years and is accepted for M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D admissions at IITs, IISc, and top universities across India. The GATE 2026 exam is conducted by IITs and IISc on a rotational basis on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. The main highlights of the GATE 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme and purpose of the test are mentioned below:

IIT Guwahati has released the important dates for the GATE 2026 paper-wise, including time slots. Registered candidates can refer to the table to find their test timing based on the paper they opt for in the GATE 2026 exam. 

To apply for GATE 2026, applicants need to fulfil the eligibility requirements. GATE exam eligibility is that the candidate has passed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities or is in the third year of graduation. There is no age limit for applying to the GATE 2026 exam. Students aiming for higher studies at top institutes, including MTech colleges in Delhi, can apply for GATE 2026 to secure admission.

GATE 2026 registration comprises registration, form filling, uploading of documents and payment of application fees. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the GATE application form 2026.

• Visit the GATE 2026 official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
• Eligible candidates have to provide name, email address and contact number to register in the portal.
• After the GATE registration, sign in to the GOAPS portal and fill out the form by entering your personal and academic details.
• Upload the required documents to prove your eligibility to apply for GATE 2026.
• Make the payment of the GATE exam fees of Rs. 2500 for general candidates and Rs. 1500 for female and reserved candidates. 
• Finally, ensure all the details entered are correct before the final submission of GATE application form.

• Class 10, 12 and bachelor’s degree marksheets and certificates.
• Valid ID proof
• Passport-size photograph 
• Scanned image of the candidate’s signature
• Scanned copy of SC/ST certificate

The list of top M.Tech colleges in India accept GATE scores is mentioned in the table below, along with the minimum cutoff required for M.Tech admission in IITs / NITs and course fees. For aspirants particularly targeting MTech colleges in Delhi, GATE 2026 will serve as the gateway to some of the best academic and research opportunities.

Some of the best MTech colleges in Bangalore are mentioned in the table below.