The organising institute for GATE 2026 has released detailed exam day guidelines for candidates appearing in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering this year. The instructions outline important rules related to admit card download, reporting time, shift schedule, and conduct inside the examination centre. GATE 2026 will be conducted on multiple dates in February, and candidates are advised to carefully read all instructions mentioned on the hall ticket before the exam day.
GATE 2026 Admit Card Availability and Download Process
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 admit card on 13 January 2026 through the official application portal. Only candidates who have successfully registered for the examination are eligible to download the hall ticket. To access the admit card, candidates must log in using their enrolment ID and password. The hall ticket contains crucial details such as candidate name, registration number, roll number, photograph, signature, paper code, exam centre address, and exam day instructions.
Mandatory Documents and Reporting Instructions
Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must strictly adhere to the reporting and verification guidelines issued by the authorities. Entry to the examination centre will be permitted only after proper verification. Candidates are required to carry:
- A printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card
- A valid original photo identity proof
Candidates are advised to reach the examination centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the examination for verification procedures. Login access to the test system will be enabled 20 minutes before the exam commencement.
GATE 2026 Exam Day Rules Inside the Exam Hall
The examination authority has issued specific instructions to maintain fairness and discipline during the test. A virtual calculator will be available on the computer screen, and no personal calculators or electronic devices are permitted. A scribble pad will be provided inside the exam hall, and candidates must write their name and registration number on it. Candidates are not allowed to leave the exam hall before the examination concludes. PwD candidates will be provided one-hour compensatory time as per norms and are permitted to carry approved assistive devices. Candidates with medical conditions must bring their required medication, as no external assistance will be allowed during the exam.
GATE 2026 Shift Timings and Exam Schedule
GATE 2026 will be conducted in two shifts each day. Candidates must report according to the shift mentioned on their admit card.
- Forenoon Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The examination will be held on 07 February 2026, 08 February 2026, 14 February 2026, and 15 February 2026 for different subject papers.
Subject-Wise GATE 2026 Exam Dates
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 subject papers, and each paper has been assigned a specific exam date and shift. Candidates must check the subject-wise schedule mentioned on their admit card to avoid confusion. Candidates are strongly advised to strictly follow all exam day guidelines, as failure to comply may lead to disqualification from the examination.