GATE Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule & City — Explained

GATE 2026 is scheduled to take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. Organized by one of the premier IITs, this national-level examination serves as the gateway for Master’s programs (M.Tech, M.S., Ph.D.) and recruitment in top-tier Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Candidates appearing for any of the 30 test papers must track the release of the City Intimation Slip and the final Admit Card to ensure they reach their designated centers on time.

GATE 2026: Quick Overview

When is the GATE Exam Date 2026?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be conducted across two weekends in February. The examination is held in two shifts daily: the Forenoon session (09:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and the Afternoon session (02:30 PM to 05:30 PM). Candidates can appear for one or up to two papers from the prescribed combinations. The specific date for each paper depends on the number of applicants and the logistics of the Computer Based Test (CBT) centers.

Historically, core engineering branches like Civil Engineering (CE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Computer Science (CS) are conducted over multiple sessions or on the first weekend due to the high volume of candidates. Specialized papers like Aerospace Engineering (AE) or Textile Engineering (TF) usually conclude in a single session. You must check your specific paper code against the final timetable released by the organizing IIT in November 2025.

GATE 2026 City Intimation Slip: Release Date and Purpose

The GATE 2026 City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released before the actual admit card. Its primary purpose is to inform candidates about the specific city where their exam center is located. This allows outstation candidates to book trains, buses, or flights well in advance, avoiding last-minute price hikes or unavailability of transport. The slip is expected to be available on the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal by the first week of January 2026.

Note that the City Intimation Slip is not the Admit Card. It does not contain the name of the specific exam venue or the reporting time. It only lists the Candidate Name, Enrollment ID, and the Exam City. Candidates must download the final Admit Card separately in late January to gain entry into the examination hall. If you find an error in the city mentioned on the slip compared to your preference list, you must contact the GATE zonal office immediately.

Complete GATE 2026 Schedule and Paper Codes

The GATE 2026 examination covers 30 different subjects. Each subject has a specific paper code that candidates must use during the application and on the day of the exam. The distribution of these papers across the four days (Feb 7, 8, 14, 15) follows a strict logistical plan to manage server load at CBT centers.

Candidates opting for the 'Two Paper' combination must ensure their selected papers are from the permitted list. For example, a candidate appearing for Mechanical Engineering (ME) might also choose to appear for Engineering Sciences (XE) or Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM). The schedule is designed to ensure no two papers in a valid combination overlap in the same session.

How to Download the GATE 2026 City Intimation Slip?

Accessing the city intimation slip requires your GOAPS credentials. Follow these steps to retrieve your details once the official link is active:

1. Visit the official GATE 2026 website (e.g., gate2026.iitg.ac.in).
2. Click on the 'GOAPS Portal' or 'Login' link on the homepage.
3. Enter your Enrollment ID / Email Address and your password.
4. Complete the Captcha verification and click 'Submit'.
5. On the candidate dashboard, look for the 'Download City Intimation Slip' button.
6. Save the PDF file for your travel planning and reference.

If you have forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot Enrollment ID or Password' link to reset it via your registered mobile number or email. It is advisable to download this slip early to avoid potential server downtime during the final days before the exam.

GATE 2026 Exam Centers and City Selection

GATE 2026 is conducted in over 200 cities across India, divided into eight zones. These zones are managed by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, and IISc Bangalore. During the application process, candidates select three cities in order of preference. The first two choices must be from the same GATE zone, while the third choice can be from any zone.

The organizing institute makes every effort to allot the first choice city. However, in cases of extreme candidate density, the second or third choice may be assigned. The City Intimation Slip will confirm which of these preferences has been finalized. For students in remote areas of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Rajasthan, checking the city early is vital as exam centers are often located in major hubs like Patna, Lucknow, or Jaipur. /gate-syllabus

GATE 2026 Important Dates and Deadlines

Missing a deadline in the GATE cycle can lead to disqualification or heavy late fees. Mark these projected dates in your calendar to stay ahead of the recruitment cycle:

• Online Application Start: Last week of August 2025.
• Closing Date (Regular Fee): First week of October 2025.
• Closing Date (With Late Fee): Mid-October 2025.
• Application Correction Window: November 2025 (for changing category, paper, or city).
• Release of Admit Card: January 2026.
• GATE 2026 Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026.
• Candidate Response Sheet: Third week of February 202

  GATE 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

  What are the exam dates for GATE 2026?

  GATE 2026 will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

  When will the GATE 2026 City Intimation Slip be released?

  The City Intimation Slip is expected in the first week of January 2026.

  How many papers are there in GATE 2026?

  There are 30 test papers, including Data Science and AI.

  What is the validity of the GATE 2026 score?

  The GATE score is valid for 3 years from the date of the result declaration.

  Related Resources

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  • NEET UG 2026 Result
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  • RRB ALP Admit Card 2026
  • IBPS PO 2026 Notification