PSU & Engineering

GATE 2026

GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for 1, 2, 8, 9 Feb 2026 with Score-based (No fixed seats; PSU intake varies yearly, typically 1,000+ combined across recruiting PSUs) vacancies.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) / IITs (rotating host institute)

Mode

Online

Level

Graduate

Vacancies

Score-based (No fixed seats; PSU intake varies yearly, typically 1,000+ combined across recruiting PSUs)

Fee

₹900 – ₹1,800 (varies by category and gender; women/SC/ST/PwD pay lower fee)

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Key dates

GATE 2026 Exam (Completed)

1, 2, 8, 9 Feb 2026

Result Declaration

19 Mar 2026

Scorecard Download

From 21 Mar 2026 (score valid till Mar 2029)

PSU Recruitment via GATE Score

Apr–Sep 2026 (Ongoing across various PSUs)

GATE 2027 Application (Expected)

Aug–Sep 2026

Quick Summary

GATE 2026 was conducted on 1, 2, 8 and 9 February 2026 as a Computer Based Test across 30 discipline papers, with results declared on 19 March 2026. The exam consists of General Aptitude plus a core subject paper, 100 marks over 3 hours, with MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions and negative marking (1/3 and 2/3) applicable only to MCQs. GATE scores remain valid for three years and are used both for M.Tech/M.E./PhD admission at IITs, NITs and IISc, and for direct recruitment of Engineer/Management Trainees by PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, BARC, DRDO and Coal India, each applying its own score cutoff post-result. Eligibility covers final-year or completed Bachelor's degree holders in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy as well as Master's degree holders in Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Applications, with no upper age limit.

Eligibility

Final-year students or degree holders in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy (4-year program after 10+2)
Final-year students or degree holders in a Master's program in any branch of Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Applications
Candidates who have completed a professional society examination equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech (e.g., AMIE)
No upper age limit to appear for GATE
Open to Indian nationals and candidates from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ethiopia, UAE and Singapore

Syllabus

General Aptitude — Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability (compulsory in all 30 papers, ~15% weightage)
Engineering Mathematics (significant weightage in most engineering papers)
Computer Science & IT: Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, DBMS, Computer Networks, Theory of Computation
Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Electrical/Electronics: Circuit Theory, Control Systems, Power Systems, Signals & Systems, Electrical Machines
Civil Engineering: Structural Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation, Environmental Engineering
30 papers in total spanning Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, and select Humanities & Social Science subjects

Exam Pattern

Computer Based Test (CBT), 3-hour duration, 100 marks, 65 questions
Question types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Marking scheme: 1/3 negative marking for 1-mark MCQs, 2/3 for 2-mark MCQs; no negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions
Marks split roughly as General Aptitude (15), Engineering Mathematics (~13, where applicable), and remaining core subject questions
Candidates select one primary paper; a limited set of two-paper combinations is allowed for select disciplines

Exam overview

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level entrance exam jointly conducted by IISc Bangalore and the seven IITs on a rotational basis to test the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture and science. It is the primary gateway for admission to M.Tech, M.E., direct PhD and other postgraduate programs at IITs, NITs, IIITs and IISc, with many institutes also offering fellowship stipends to GATE-qualified candidates.

Beyond academics, GATE has become a major recruitment tool for India's Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), with companies like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, BARC, DRDO and Coal India hiring Engineer/Management Trainees directly on the basis of GATE scores instead of conducting their own separate written exams. This dual utility makes GATE one of the most attempted and high-stakes exams for engineering graduates in the country, with the exam spanning 30 discipline papers held over multiple shifts across two weekends.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GATE exam used for besides M.Tech admission?▼

Apart from securing admission to M.Tech/M.E./PhD programs at IITs, NITs and IISc, GATE scores are widely used by central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, BARC and DRDO to directly recruit Engineer Trainees and Management Trainees, bypassing separate written exams.

How long is a GATE score valid?▼

A GATE score is valid for three years from the date of result declaration. This validity period covers both PG admissions and PSU recruitment applications that ask for a valid GATE score.

Which PSUs recruit through GATE?▼

Major PSUs recruiting through GATE scores include ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL, BARC, DRDO, Coal India, PGCIL, NHPC and NALCO, among others. Each PSU sets its own minimum GATE score/percentile cutoff, paper eligibility and separate application process after the GATE result is declared.

Is GATE only for engineers?▼

No, GATE is also open to candidates pursuing or holding a Master's degree in Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Applications. GATE now also includes papers in Humanities and Social Sciences, broadening eligibility beyond traditional engineering disciplines.

Is there negative marking in GATE?▼

Yes, negative marking applies only to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) — 1/3 mark is deducted for a wrong answer to a 1-mark MCQ and 2/3 mark for a 2-mark MCQ. There is no negative marking for Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

Can final-year students apply for GATE?▼

Yes, students currently in their final year of a qualifying Bachelor's or Master's program are eligible to appear for GATE, provided they complete their degree requirements by the specified deadline. There is no age limit for appearing in the exam.

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Official Website

https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in

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