GATE 2026 Feb 7: Shift 1 Concludes at 12.30 PM, Shift 2 Exam Timings and Papers

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is being conducted on 7 February by IIT Guwahati. The Day 1 examination is organised in two shifts, with the forenoon session now concluded and the afternoon session set to begin later today. Candidates appearing in the remaining papers are advised to adhere strictly to the exam-day instructions and reporting timelines issued by the authorities.

GATE 2026 Feb 7 Shift-Wise Exam Schedule and Papers

The GATE 2026 Day 1 examination is divided into two sessions of three hours each. The first shift concluded at 12:30 PM, while the second shift will commence at 2:30 PM.

Shift 1 (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM)AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL

Shift 2 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM)AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH

Candidates scheduled for the second shift are allowed to log in around 20 minutes before the exam start time to read on-screen instructions.

GATE 2026 Feb 7 Paper Analysis and Student Reactions

Following the completion of the first shift, an overview paper analysis for subjects such as IN, XE, XL, MA, and other morning-session papers will be updated. The analysis will help candidates understand the overall difficulty level and section-wise trends. Memory-based questions and unofficial answer key solutions will be released after the exam, enabling candidates to estimate their probable scores using the GATE 2026 exam pattern. Student reactions related to exam difficulty and centre experience will also be compiled shift-wise.

Documents Required at GATE 2026 Exam Centre

Candidates appearing for the examination must carry the mandatory documents for verification. Entry to the exam centre is permitted only after successful document scrutiny.

• GATE 2026 hall ticket
• Valid photo identity proof
• Recent passport-size photograph, if required

GATE 2026 Question Paper Strategy and Safe Attempts

GATE is a computer-based test conducted for three hours without any breaks. Candidates are advised to follow a structured approach while attempting the paper.

• Start with questions that are familiar and less time-consuming
• Attempt moderate and difficult questions later
• Keep 20 to 30 minutes for revision
• Avoid blind guessing due to negative marking
• Use rough sheets carefully and fill in details correctly
• Click the Submit button only in the presence of the invigilator

GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

The exam authorities have laid down specific rules that candidates must follow at the centre to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination.

• Reach the exam centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled time
• Electronic gadgets, bags, and study material are prohibited
• Avoid clothing or accessories with metallic components
• A scribble pad will be provided inside the exam hall
• An online calculator will be available on the system
• Only a pen, pencil, and transparent water bottle are allowed
• Candidates cannot leave the exam hall before the exam ends

Further updates on Shift 2 paper analysis and student feedback will be released after the completion of the afternoon session.