GATE 2026 LIVE: MTech entrance exam over; Feb 15 shift 1, 2 question paper, answer key updates

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati conducted the remaining Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 on February 14 and 15 for 10 subjects. Several coaching institutions and subject experts will issue the unofficial answer key, using which students can evaluate their responses and calculate their expected GATE scores 2026.

GATE exams 2026 were held in two sessions each day—morning and afternoon—at centres across the country. GATE 2026 serves as the entry pathway to MTech programmes at premier engineering institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), and is also used for recruitment in certain job sectors.

IIT Guwahati conducted the first rounds of the GATE examination on February 7 and 8. The test is being organised in computer-based mode for 30 different papers, including a newly introduced Energy Science section under Engineering Sciences (XE).

Each paper will have a duration of three hours. The GATE 2026 exam guidelines require candidates to report at their allotted centres well before time. Entry gates will open 40 minutes before the start of the exam, while GATE login 2026 access and reading of instructions will begin 20 minutes prior to the test. Candidates arriving more than 30 minutes after the exam starts will not be permitted entry, and leaving the hall before completion of the GATE exam will not be allowed.

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GATE 2026: Exam guidelines

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 should keep the below key guidelines in mind before going for the exam;

• Carry mandatory documents: Bring all the mandatory documents with yourself in hard copies only; digital copies are not accepted.
• Report early: Reach the centre at least 60–90 minutes before the exam as entry closes before the start time.
• Avoid prohibited items: Candidates must avoid prohibited items like mobile phones, smartwatches, personal calculators, bags, and papers.
• Use provided materials only: Candidates must use the provided materials only like on screen calculators etc
• Follow dress code norms: Candidates must wear simple clothes and avoid metallic accessories.
• Stay till the end: Candidates cannot leave the exam hall before the three-hour duration is completed.

GATE 2026: Documents to carry

Candidates must bring the following items to the examination centre:

• Printed copy of the GATE 2026 admit card
• Valid government photo ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence or passport
• Disability certificate, wherever applicable

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GATE Exam Schedule 2026: February 14, 15

The table below shows when exams for specific engineering branches will be held, the GATE exam 2026 timings, date and shifts.

GATE 2026 question paper pattern

Candidates may choose either one or two papers. Every paper will consist of three objective-type question formats:

• Multiple choice Question (MCQs): These questions have four options out of which only one is correct. In case a candidate chooses the wrong answer, it will attract negative marking.
• Multiple selection Questions (MSQs): These questions have one or more correct answers. There will be no negative marking for these questions.
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT): For these questions candidates are required to enter a numeric value using an on screen calculator. These questions do not carry any negative marking.

The provisional answer key of GATE 2026 February 2026 question paper will be released by IIT Guwahati in the last week of February.