GATE 2026 Assam: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Application & Details
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, the organizing institute for GATE 2026, has officially announced the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. This prestigious national-level examination serves as a crucial gateway for aspiring engineers and scientists seeking admission to postgraduate programs and for recruitment in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) across India, including those in Assam.
GATE 2026 will be conducted across 30 diverse subject papers, providing a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's understanding in their chosen engineering or science discipline. The examination is scheduled to be held on February 07th, 8th, 14th, and 15th, 2026. This examination will be conducted purely as a Computer Based Test (CBT), ensuring a standardized and efficient assessment process.
What is GATE?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly respected national examination. It is jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB) under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. GATE assesses the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science.
Why is GATE Important for Assam Students?
For students in Assam and across India, qualifying in GATE opens up numerous opportunities:
- Admissions to Postgraduate Programs: GATE is a mandatory requirement for admission and/or financial assistance to Master’s programs and direct Doctoral programs in Engineering/Technology/Architecture. It is also essential for Doctoral programs in relevant branches of Arts and Science in institutions supported by the MoE and other government agencies. Many private institutions also consider GATE scores for admissions.
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Recruitment: Several leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) utilize GATE scores for shortlisting candidates for employment. This includes prominent organizations like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). These PSUs are significant employers for engineering graduates in Assam.
- Central Government Jobs: Direct recruitment to Group 'A' level posts in the Central Government, such as Senior Field Officer (Tele), Senior Research Officer (Crypto), and Senior Research Officer (S&T) in the Cabinet Secretariat, is now conducted based on GATE scores.
GATE 2026 Exam Details
Here's a comprehensive overview of the GATE 2026 examination:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Examination | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Organizing Institute | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati |
| Type of Test | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Validity of GATE Score | Three (3) years from the date of result announcement |
| Number of Subject Papers | 30 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Examination Dates | February 07, 08, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| Help Desk Phone | +91 361 258 6500 |
| Help Desk Email | helpdesk.gate@iitg.ac.in |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
Candidates seeking to appear for the GATE 2026 examination must meet the following educational qualifications:
- Students currently studying in the 3rd year or any higher year of an undergraduate degree program.
- Candidates who have completed any government-approved degree program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities.
For detailed and specific eligibility criteria, please refer to the official GATE 2026 website.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the GATE 2026 examination.
GATE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for GATE 2026 varies based on the category and application period:
| Category/Paper | Regular Period | Extended Period (with late fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹ 1000 | ₹ 1500 |
| Others | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 2500 |
GATE Examination Centres Under IIT Guwahati Zone
IIT Guwahati will be overseeing examination centers in various states, including those in the Northeast region:
| State | City/Town |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur |
| Bihar | Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea |
| Jharkhand | Bokaro Steel City, Dhanbad |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Nagaland | Dimapur, Kohima |
| Sikkim | Gangtok |
| Tripura | Agartala |
| West Bengal | Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Kalyani, Siliguri |
How to Apply for GATE Exam 2026?
Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the GATE 2026 examination by following these steps:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Locate and click on the 'Online Application Form' link, usually found in the 'Important Web-Links' section.
- Register by providing your personal and educational details.
- Upload the required documents, such as photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Pay the prescribed application fee online through the available payment gateways.
- Carefully review all the entered information before final submission.
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the starting date to apply online for GATE 2026?
A1: The starting date to apply online for GATE 2026 is August 28, 2025.
Q2: What is the last date to apply online for GATE 2026?
A2: The last date to apply online without a late fee is September 28, 2025. You can apply with a late fee until October 09, 2025.
Q3: What does GATE stand for?
A3: GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering.