GATE 2026 answer key challenge process has officially begun, allowing candidates to raise objections against provisional answers. The facility is available for those who appeared in the examination conducted earlier this month across multiple sessions. Candidates must submit objections within the prescribed deadline, as no requests will be accepted after the window closes.
GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Dates and Schedule
The examination authority has released the answer key along with response sheets and question papers before opening the objection window. The key dates related to the challenge process are outlined below.
- GATE answer key, response sheet release: 22 February 2026
- GATE 2026 answer key challenge window: 25 February 2026 to 28 February 2026
- GATE 2026 result declaration: 19 March 2026
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering was conducted on 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026 in multiple shifts.
Who Can Challenge GATE 2026 Answer Key?
Only candidates who appeared in the GATE 2026 examination are eligible to challenge the provisional answer key. Objections can be raised if candidates identify discrepancies in the official responses published for their respective papers. The process is being conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, the organising institute for GATE 2026.
How to Raise Objections on GOAPS Portal?
Candidates must follow the official process to submit challenges against the answer key. The objection window is accessible through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).] The step-by-step process is given below.
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website
- Log in using Enrollment ID and password
- Select the question to be challenged
- Upload supporting documents with proper justification
- Pay the prescribed objection fee
- Submit the challenge and save the confirmation receipt
GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Fee
The objection fee for GATE 2026 is INR 500 per question.Candidates may challenge multiple questions by paying the fee separately for each one. The fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome.
What Happens After the Objection Window Closes?
Once the challenge period ends on 28 February 2026, all objections will be reviewed by subject experts. If a challenge is found valid, necessary revisions will be made in the final answer key, which cannot be challenged further. The GATE 2026 result will be prepared based on the final answer key and is scheduled to be announced on 19 March 2026. Candidates are advised to track official updates closely and complete the objection process well before the deadline.