GATE 2026 update: Exam date, preparation tips, and more!

Candidates, pay attention! The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has announced that the GATE 2026 is going to happen on February 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th in two shifts. Before it gets difficult to cover all the subjects, it is advised to the candidates that they should start preparing for the exam, it is high time because the exam will be going to happen for 30 subjects. 

In 2025, IIT Guwahati introduced students with a new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-1) in the engineering science (XE) paper. According to the ‍‍‍‍‍‍GATE 2026 exam pattern, it is informed by the sources that computer science will be of 100 marks. It will be a combination of questions from mathematics, general aptitude, and other subjects. However, candidates must note that each question will be of one or two marks.

Note: The GATE 2026 admit card will be alive on March 19, as per schedule.

Preparation Tips for GATE 2026

Candidates who are planning to clear GATE 2026 for MTech entrance test can take help from the useful tips for a better grade. 

1. Start preparing early 

MTech students, who wish to clear the GATE exam should definitely start preparing, so that they have enough time to complete the entire syllabus. Early preparation helps students to revise the topics multiple times before the exam. Moreover, candidates must go for study material that is easy and easy to understand by the learner.

2. Stick to the study schedule

It is crucial for the candidates to stick to their study schedule. A proper timetable will help the candidate in staying consistent and organised, allowing them to focus on topics they might need more time to cover.

3. Clear Doubts

Doubts are pretty common when you are preparing for a competitive exam, be it GATE, CAT, XAT, or any other exam. Discussing concepts and clearing doubts will strengthen clarity and boost confidence of the candidate. 

4. Manage Time Effectively

GATE is a three hour long exam, candidates need to manage time accordingly because poop time management can lead to problems. It may happen that the candidate did not get the chance to complete all the questions. Also, if candidates practise previous year question paper, they can improve their speed and accuracy.