The organising authority has officially released the GATE Exam Centre List 2026 for candidates appearing in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. The examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across multiple cities in India. Candidates must carefully review the zone-wise exam city list before finalising their preferences during the application process.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates and Admit Card Details
The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 7 February 2026, 8 February 2026, 14 February 2026, and 15 February 2026. The admit card is expected to be released in January 2026. Details related to the exam venue, reporting time, exam shift, and centre address will be mentioned on the GATE 2026 admit card.
GATE Exam Centre Allotment Rules 2026
GATE exam centres are organised into eight zones, each managed by an IIT or IISc. During the application process, candidates are required to select three preferred exam cities, all of which must belong to the same GATE zone. The final exam city is allotted based on candidate preference and centre availability. If the first-choice city is unavailable, a centre may be allotted in another city within the same zone.
Zone-Wise GATE Exam Centre List 2026
The released list includes exam cities across all major states and union territories. Each zone covers specific regions and is administered by a designated coordinating institute. The authorities have clarified that the current exam city list is tentative and subject to change based on administrative requirements.
What Is a GATE Zone and Why It Matters
A GATE zone is an administrative region assigned to manage exam operations. Each exam city is linked to a specific zone, and candidates are not permitted to choose cities from multiple zones. Zone selection is crucial because exam city changes across zones are not allowed, even during correction windows.
How to Choose the Best GATE Exam Cities?
Candidates are advised to plan exam city preferences carefully to avoid travel-related difficulties. Selecting a nearby primary city with good transport connectivity is recommended, along with two backup cities within reasonable distance. All selected cities must belong to the same GATE zone to ensure valid submission of the application form.
Can GATE Exam City Be Changed Later?
Candidates may modify their exam city preferences only during the official correction window, subject to availability of centres and payment of applicable fees. Once the correction window closes, the allotted exam city becomes final. Candidates are advised to regularly check official updates for changes related to exam centres, admit cards, and instructions for GATE 2026.