GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Window & Objection Fee, GOAPS Steps

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has published the GATE 2026 provisional answer key, response sheet, and question paper for all papers on the official portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates who appeared in the exam can use these resources to estimate their performance before the final results.

GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Dates and Objection Window

The answer key challenge window for GATE 2026 is expected to open in the last week of February, typically between 25 February and 28 February 2026. Aspirants must raise any objections within this limited timeframe.

This challenge facility allows students to dispute any discrepancies in the provisional key, but the window stays open only for a few days, so aspirants are advised to act promptly once the link is live.

How to Raise Objections at the GATE 2026 GOAPS Portal?

Candidates must follow these steps to submit an objection on the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal:

1. Visit the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in and click on GOAPS Login.
2. Enter Enrollment ID/Email ID and Password to sign in.
3. Select the Answer Key Challenge / Objection option once available.
4. Choose the Question ID you want to challenge.
5. Upload a valid justification PDF or supporting evidence.
6. Pay the objection fee and submit the request.
7. Save the confirmation or acknowledgement for future reference.

GATE 2026 Challenge Fee and Payment Details

Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable fee of INR 500 per question for each objection raised. The payment can be made online using Net-banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI methods. This fee is typically refunded only if the challenge is upheld by subject matter experts after review. It is important to ensure the justification is technically sound and supported by standard references to increase the chances of the objection being accepted.

What Happens After GATE 2026 Objection Submission?

Once the objection window closes, a panel of experts appointed by IIT Guwahati will review all submitted challenges. Valid objections will be considered while preparing the final answer key, which will be used to calculate GATE 2026 scores and prepare the result. The final key cannot be challenged further once published.

Next Steps After GATE 2026 Final Answer Key

After finalising the answer key and scores, candidates will receive their GATE 2026 results on 19 March 2026. Qualified aspirants can use their scores for MTech, PhD admissions through COAP or CCMT portals, and many PSUs will begin recruitment processes based on valid GATE scores soon after the results.