GATE 2026 Answer Key OUT, Download Response Sheet & Answer Key PDF at gate2026.iitg.ac.in

GATE Answer Key 2026 has been released by IIT Guwahati, the organising institute of GATE Exam, on February 22, 2026. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 have been conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The official GATE Answer Key 2026 has been shared along with the candidate’s GATE 2026 Response Sheet. Candidates are then allowed to raise objections by paying an amount of ₹500 per Question for Indian residents and USD 10 per question for Foreign candidates. IIT Guwahati will release a final GATE Answer Key 2026 once the Objection window is closed, and based on the final GATE Answer Key 2026, GATE 2026 Result will be released. Candidates can refer to the table below for the different shifts and Test Paper details of GATE 2026 Exam-

What is GATE 2026 Exam?

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam held annually for admission into top IITs, NITs, and IIITs for M.Tech and other postgraduate programs for the academic year 2026. Additionally, over 50 PSUs use GATE scores for recruitment into technical, research, and management roles.

Check Here for GATE 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key

GATE 2026 Notification

GATE Notification 2026 and information brochure have been released on August 20, 2025. It provides critical information about the examination structure, eligibility, and syllabus. Candidates are advised to thoroughly read the brochure to understand the registration process, fees, exam patterns, and prepare accordingly.

Download GATE 2026 Notification PDF

GATE 2026 Application Process

GATE Application 2026 was conducted entirely online through the official GOAPS portal (GATE Online Application Processing System). The application window opened on August 28, 2025, and remained active until October 9, 2025, the last date to submit GATE 2026 Application Form with late fees and October 6, 2025, as the last date to submit an application without late fees. Candidates planning to appear for the exam must complete the registration process within this timeline by following a few simple steps. Here’s a stage-wise breakdown of GATE 2026 Application Process-

1. Registration: Visit the official GOAPS website and register using your name, a valid email ID, mobile number, and a secure password to create your candidate login.

2. Filling the Application Form: Log in to your account and fill in all required details such as personal information, educational qualifications, preferred subject paper, and exam city choices.

3. Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, including a passport-size photograph, signature, eligibility proof, and applicable category or PwD certificates in the specified format.

4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking. Make sure the transaction is successful and save the payment confirmation.

5. Final Submission: Review all the entered details carefully. After verification, submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

GATE Application Fee 2026

GATE 2026 Application Fee details are mentioned in the table below-

Candidates can check the table below for GATE Application Correction fee 2026-

GATE Marking Scheme 2026

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme has been structured to fairly evaluate candidates based on accuracy and conceptual clarity. The question paper will carry a mix of 1-mark and 2-mark questions, spread across two main sections, General Aptitude and Subject-specific. It's important for candidates to understand the marking rules, especially the provisions for negative marking, which apply selectively. Here’s a breakdown of GATE 2026 Marking Scheme-

• General Aptitude Section: Carries 15 marks in total, consisting of a mix of MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
• Subject-specific Section: Accounts for 85 marks, also including all three types of questions.

Click Here for GATE 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key

Essential Tips to Prepare for GATE Exam 2026

Preparing for GATE 2026 Exam requires a well-rounded strategy and dedicated effort. Here are some GATE 2026 Essential Tips to help you streamline your preparation and maximise your chances of success-

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Begin by familiarising yourself with GATE 2026 syllabus for your chosen subject. Knowing what topics are covered allows you to allocate time effectively. Equally important is understanding the exam pattern, as it includes both multiple-choice and numerical answer-type questions.

2. Structured Study Plan: Create a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Break down the subjects into manageable sections, maximise time to difficult areas. Incorporate time for revision and mock tests to gauge your progress.

3. Practice Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: GATE requires both speed and accuracy. Regularly solving mock tests and previous year papers will help you improve time management, familiarise yourself with the question format, and identify your weak areas. You can download these resources from GATE official website or other educational platforms.

4. Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Some subjects have topics that carry more weightage in the exam. Identify these topics early on and ensure you are thorough with them, as they can significantly impact your overall score.

5. Revision is Key: Consistent revision is crucial for retaining complex concepts. Make short notes for quick revisions closer to the exam date. Flashcards, summaries, and mind maps can be excellent revision tools.

6. Stay Healthy and Positive: Don’t forget to prioritise your physical and mental health. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and regular breaks during study sessions are essential for maintaining focus and reducing stress.

Candidates are advised to check GATE 2026 Answer Key and compare the given answer with their GATE 2026 Response Sheet. Before checking and matching your responses, candidates make sure to check the Test Series number.