The GATE 2026 Admit Card has been officially released by IIT Guwahati, which is the conducting authority for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. All registered candidates can now download their GATE 2026 hall ticket from the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in through the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal.
The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination. Without a valid admit card and approved photo identity proof, candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre under any circumstances.
GATE 2026 Admit Card Download Link (Official)
Candidates can download the hall ticket only through the official portals mentioned below:
The GATE admit card is available only in online mode. No physical copy will be sent by post or email.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
Candidates appearing for the examination should keep track of the following key dates:
| GATE 2026 Admit Card Release | January 13, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examination Dates | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Declaration | March 2026 (Tentative) |
The admit card was released after a brief delay and is now live for all eligible candidates.
Details Mentioned on GATE 2026 Admit Card
After downloading the hall ticket, candidates must carefully check all the information printed on it. The admit card contains the following details:
- Candidate’s Full Name
- Photograph and Signature
- Enrollment ID / Registration Number
- Date of Birth
- GATE Paper Code and Paper Name
- Examination Date and Shift Timing
- Reporting Time
- Complete Address of Exam Centre
- Exam Day Guidelines and Instructions
| Issue Faced | Possible Reason | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to download admit card | Server load / login error | Try again during non-peak hours |
| Incorrect exam centre | Allocation error | Contact GATE authorities via GOAPS |
| Blurred photograph | Upload issue during registration | Download again or report via GOAPS |
| Name mismatch with ID | Typographical error | Carry valid ID and report immediately |
| Forgot login credentials | Password/email issue | Use “Forgot Password” option |
Any discrepancy in personal details or exam information should be immediately reported through the GOAPS portal.
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card – Step-by-Step Process
Candidates can follow the steps given below to download their admit card:
- Visit the official website GATE 2026
- Click on the link “GATE 2026 Admit Card Download”
- You will be redirected to the GOAPS login page
- Enter your Enrollment ID / Registered Email ID and Password
- Fill in the captcha code and submit
- The GATE 2026 admit card will appear on the screen
- Download the PDF file and take multiple printouts for future use
It is strongly advised to download the admit card well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various exam centres in India and abroad.
Exam Shifts
- Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Candidates must reach their allotted exam centre at least 60 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
Documents Required at GATE 2026 Exam Centre
On the day of the examination, candidates must carry the following documents:
✔ Printed copy of GATE 2026 Admit Card
✔ Original and valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence)
✔ One recent passport-size photograph (recommended for safety)
❌ Items such as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, notes, or any electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Candidates must strictly follow all instructions issued by the GATE authorities. Key guidelines include:
| Item | Mandatory / Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Admit Card (Printed) | Mandatory | Must be clearly printed; digital copy not allowed |
| Valid Photo ID Proof | Mandatory | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence |
| Passport-size Photograph | Optional | Recommended as a backup |
| Blue/Black Ball Point Pen | Mandatory | For rough work and signing attendance |
| Face Mask (if required) | Optional | As per exam centre instructions |
Failure to comply with the rules can result in cancellation of candidature.
Why GATE 2026 Is Important
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is one of the most important national-level examinations in India. A valid GATE score is used for:
- Admission to M.Tech, M.E, and PhD programs at IITs, NITs, and other top institutes
- Recruitment by leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, and GAIL
- Eligibility for research fellowships and higher studies in India and abroad
The GATE score remains valid for three years from the date of result declaration.
FAQs – GATE 2026 Admit Card
Is the GATE 2026 admit card released?
Yes. The GATE 2026 admit card has been officially released by IIT Guwahati on the official website GATE 2026 .
Where can I download the GATE 2026 admit card?
Candidates can download the admit card through the official GOAPS portal using their enrollment ID and password.
Is it mandatory to carry a printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card?
Yes. A printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card is mandatory. Digital copies on mobile phones are not accepted at the exam centre.
What documents are required along with the GATE 2026 hall ticket?
Candidates must carry a valid original photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence along with the admit card.
What should I do if there is an error in my GATE 2026 admit card?
In case of any discrepancy in details, candidates should immediately contact the GATE authorities through the GOAPS portal.
Can I change my GATE 2026 exam centre after admit card release?
No. Once the admit card is released, the exam centre cannot be changed under any circumstances.
What are the GATE 2026 exam dates?
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in multiple shifts.
Is biometric verification done at the GATE exam centre?
Yes. Biometric authentication and identity verification may be conducted at the exam centre as per GATE guidelines.
What items are prohibited inside the GATE 2026 exam hall?
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, notes, and study materials are strictly prohibited.
Who is conducting the GATE 2026 examination?
GATE 2026 is being conducted by IIT Guwahati as the organising institute.
Conclusion
The release of the GATE 2026 Admit Card is a crucial milestone for candidates preparing for one of India’s most competitive engineering examinations. Aspirants should download their hall ticket without delay, verify all the details carefully, and strictly follow the exam day guidelines mentioned on the admit card. With the GATE 2026 exam scheduled in February, proper planning, discipline, and adherence to instructions will ensure a smooth and stress-free examination experience.
Candidates can also check the GATE 2026 exam date and complete schedule here.
