The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 provisional answer key and candidate response sheet are expected to be released shortly on the official portal, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The conducting body, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, has not yet published the official key but updates are anticipated in the coming days. GATE 2026 examinations were held on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 across various test centres for multiple subjects. Post-exam activities such as answer key release and result declaration are part of the standard GATE process.
When Will the GATE 2026 Answer Key Be Released?
Following the completion of the examination, the provisional answer key and response sheet are usually released within a few weeks. Based on past trends and expert estimates, the answer key and response sheet are likely to be available by the fourth week of February 2026. Once published, candidates will be able to access these documents through their GOAPS (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Online Application Processing System) accounts by entering their enrollment ID and password. The provisional answer key allows students to match their answers with official responses and calculate tentative scores before the final results are announced. A challenge or objection window will be provided after the provisional key release, enabling candidates to raise questions on specific answers within a limited timeframe.
How to Download GATE 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet?
Once the provisional answer key is released, candidates should follow these general steps to download the documents:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website — gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Login to the GOAPS portal using the enrollment ID and password.
- Navigate to the Response Sheet and Answer Key section.
- Select the relevant paper code and download the provisional answer key PDF and question paper if available.
These documents help candidates review their marked responses against official solutions and estimate their performance ahead of the final result announcement.
Next Steps After Answer Key Release
After challenging answers if necessary, the GATE authority will review objections submitted by candidates and prepare the final answer key. The final key serves as the basis for calculating official scores. Candidates should note that once the final answer key is published, no further challenges are accepted. The GATE 2026 result is scheduled to be declared on 19 March 2026, following the final answer key and scoring process. Successful candidates can use their GATE scores for postgraduate admissions and PSU recruitment opportunities. Aspirants are advised to stay regularly updated via the official GATE 2026 website and their GOAPS account for precise release dates and notifications related to answer key and result publications.