GATE 2026 Admit Card will be released online by IIT Guwahati, the official conducting authority of the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026.
The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination and must be carried to the test centre along with a valid photo identity proof. Candidates are also advised to preserve the admit card even after the exam, as it may be required during admissions or recruitment processes based on GATE scores.
GATE 2026 Admit Card: Official Update
IIT Guwahati will issue the GATE 2026 admit card only in online mode. No hard copy will be sent to candidates by post, courier, or email. The admit card can be downloaded exclusively from the official GATE 2026 website through the GOAPS portal.
All announcements, notices, and updates related to the admit card will be published only on the official websites. Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial sources for updates.
Official website :
GATE 2026 Admit Card Release Date
As per the official examination schedule released by IIT Guwahati, the GATE 2026 admit card is expected to be released in January 2026, a few weeks before the examination. The exact date and time of release will be announced on the official website.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official portal and download the admit card as soon as it becomes available to avoid last-minute technical issues.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
The table below highlights the key events related to the GATE 2026 examination cycle.
| GATE 2026 Registration Begins | August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (without late fee) | September 2025 |
| Extended Application Deadline | October 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | November 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examination | February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 |
| Scorecard Availability | March 2026 onwards |
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card
Once released, candidates can download the admit card by following these steps:
- Visit the official GOAPS portal ( Link given below )
- Log in using your Enrollment ID or registered email address and password
- Click on the option labelled “Download Admit Card”
- Verify all details displayed on the screen
- Download the admit card PDF
- Take two or more clear printouts for exam day and future reference
Candidates should ensure that the photograph and signature on the admit card are clearly visible on the printed copy.
Details Mentioned on GATE 2026 Admit Card
After downloading the admit card, candidates must carefully verify all details printed on it. The admit card will contain:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Information | Name, enrollment ID, photograph, signature |
| Exam Information | Paper code, paper name, exam date |
| Session Details | Shift timing, reporting time, exam duration |
| Test Centre | Name and complete address of the centre |
| Instructions | Important exam day guidelines |
If any discrepancy is found, candidates must immediately contact the GATE authorities through the official website.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
GATE 2026 will be conducted over multiple days in February 2026, across two weekends. The examination will be held in two sessions per day for different papers.
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Forenoon Session | 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Session | 02:30 PM – 05:30 PM |
The exact exam date and shift allotted to each candidate will be mentioned on the admit card.
GATE 2026 Test Centre Allotment
Test centres are allotted based on the preferences selected by candidates during the application process and the availability of seats. Once allotted, the test centre cannot be changed under normal circumstances.
Candidates are advised to:
- Carefully note the complete test centre address
- Visit the centre location at least one day before the exam
- Plan travel and accommodation well in advance if required
Documents Required at the Examination Centre
Candidates must carry the following documents on the day of the examination:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Printed GATE 2026 Admit Card | Mandatory |
| Aadhaar Card | Accepted |
| Passport | Accepted |
| Voter ID | Accepted |
| Driving Licence | Accepted |
| PAN Card | Accepted |
Only original photo ID proofs are accepted. Entry will be denied without valid documents.
Important Instructions for GATE 2026 Exam Day
IIT Guwahati has issued strict instructions that candidates must follow on the examination day:
- Reach the examination centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited
- Carry only permitted items mentioned on the admit card
- Biometric verification and frisking are mandatory
- Any unfair practice may lead to immediate disqualification
Candidates must read all instructions printed on the admit card carefully before the exam.
What to Do If There Is an Error in the Admit Card
If a candidate finds any incorrect information on the admit card—such as name, photograph, paper code, or test centre—they must contact the GATE 2026 authorities immediately through the official website.
All corrections and queries are handled only via official communication channels.
Why GATE 2026 Admit Card Is Important
The admit card is required not only for entry into the examination hall but also for:
- Identity verification during the exam
- Attendance and record maintenance
- Admissions to MTech and PhD programmes
- PSU recruitment processes
Candidates should preserve the admit card until the entire admission or recruitment process is completed.
For complete details, candidates can also check the (GATE 2026 Notification).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the GATE 2026 admit card be released?
The GATE 2026 admit card is expected to be released in January 2026 on the official GATE website.
Where can I download the GATE 2026 admit card?
Candidates can download the admit card from the official GOAPS portal at
( GOAPS )
Is it mandatory to carry a printed admit card?
Yes, candidates must carry a printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card to the examination centre.
Can I change my exam centre after the admit card is released?
No, once the test centre is allotted and mentioned on the admit card, it cannot be changed.
What should I do if I forget my GOAPS login credentials?
Candidates can recover their password using the password recovery option available on the GOAPS portal.
Is the admit card required after the exam?
Yes, candidates should preserve the admit card as it may be required during counselling, admissions, or PSU recruitment.
Final Advisory
Candidates are advised to download the GATE 2026 admit card as soon as it is released and carefully read all instructions mentioned on it. For accurate and verified updates, rely only on the official GATE 2026 website maintained by IIT Guwahati.
