The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most significant examinations for engineering and science graduates in India. Conducted this year by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the exam serves as a gateway for master’s programs and lucrative recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). While thousands of aspirants were expecting the release of the GATE 2026 admit card on January 2, a sudden update has shifted the timeline, leaving many students checking the portal for the latest news.
GATE 2026 Admit Card Postponement and New Expected Date
IIT Guwahati recently issued a notice stating that the release date for the GATE 2026 admit card has been postponed. Originally scheduled for the first week of January, the official website now indicates that the revised release date will be announced soon.
Despite the delay in the hall ticket, the authorities have confirmed that the GATE 2026 exam schedule remains unchanged. According to current media reports and previous trends, the download link is widely expected to be activated on January 7, 2026. Candidates are advised not to panic and to rely only on the official portal, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, for the finalized announcement.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Shifts
The examination is set to take place over two weekends in February 2026. This year, the test covers 30 different subjects, including new additions to accommodate evolving engineering disciplines. The confirmed dates for the exam are February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
The papers will be conducted in two distinct sessions each day to manage the large volume of candidates across the country. The Forenoon (FN) session is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the Afternoon (AN) session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Each candidate’s specific date and shift will be clearly mentioned on their individual admit card once it is released.
How to Download the GATE 2026 Admit Card
Once the link is live on the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal, downloading the hall ticket is a straightforward process. Candidates must have their enrollment ID and password ready, as these were created during the initial registration phase.
To download the document, visit the official website and look for the “Login” or “Admit Card” link. After entering your credentials and a simple captcha, your hall ticket will appear on the screen. It is vital to download this as a PDF and take a high-quality printout. The exam centers do not accept digital copies on mobile phones; a physical copy is mandatory for entry.
Important Details to Check on Your Hall Ticket
After downloading, every aspirant should carefully verify the personal and exam-related details printed on the document. Any mismatch could lead to difficulties on the day of the test. Key information to check includes:
- Your full name and clear photograph.
- The exact address and code of the allotted exam center.
- The paper code (e.g., CS for Computer Science, ME for Mechanical Engineering).
- Specific instructions regarding what to carry and what to avoid.
If you find an error in your name or registration details, you must contact the GATE helpdesk at IIT Guwahati immediately. Correcting these errors early ensures that your identity verification at the test center goes smoothly.
What Happens Next?
With the admit cards coming out soon, the focus now shifts entirely to the final phase of preparation. IIT Guwahati has already provided mock test links on its portal to help students get used to the computer-based testing interface. These mocks are essential for understanding how to navigate between questions and use the virtual calculator. Following the exam in February, the results are tentatively scheduled to be declared on March 19, 2026, marking the beginning of the counseling and recruitment season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the official website to download the GATE 2026 admit card?
The only official website for all updates and downloads is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Avoid using third-party links to protect your personal data.
2. What documents should I carry along with the admit card?
You must carry a printed copy of your admit card and an original, valid photo ID (such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID). The ID should be the same one you mentioned in your application form.
3. What should I do if I forget my GATE 2026 login password?
Go to the GOAPS login page on the official website and click on the “Forgot Enrollment ID or Password” link. You can reset it using your registered email ID and mobile number.
4. Will I receive a physical copy of the admit card by post?
No, the organizing institute does not send physical admit cards by mail. All candidates must download and print their hall tickets from the online portal.
5. Is the GATE 2026 exam postponed?
No, only the release of the admit card was delayed. The examination will proceed as planned on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.