The wait is nearly over for lakhs of engineering aspirants across India. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organising institute for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, is set to release the crucial hall tickets for the examination. As per the tentative schedule, the GATE 2026 admit cards will be made available for download on January 2, 2026. This document is the mandatory gateway for candidates to enter the examination hall.
How to Download Your GATE 2026 Admit Card
Registered candidates will need to access their admit card exclusively through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Candidates must use their enrolment ID or registered email ID along with their password to log in.
Here is a step-by-step guide to follow once the admit cards go live:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Locate and click on the link for the 'GOAPS Application Portal' on the homepage.
- Enter your login credentials (Enrolment ID/Email and Password) to access your candidate dashboard.
- Find and click on the link specifically for 'GATE 2026 Admit Card' or 'Hall Ticket'.
- Meticulously verify all the details displayed on the admit card, including your name, photograph, and exam centre.
- Finally, download the PDF file and take a clear printout for exam day use.
It is imperative for candidates to carry a physical printout of the admit card along with an original, valid photo identity proof to their allotted exam centre. Digital copies on mobile phones will not be accepted for entry.
Key Details on the GATE 2026 Admit Card and Exam Schedule
The admit card is more than just an entry pass; it is an information sheet containing vital data for the examination day. Candidates must check for their registration number, paper code, examination centre address with reporting time, and the exact date and time of their shift. Any discrepancy must be reported to the authorities immediately.
The GATE 2026 examination itself is scheduled to be conducted over two weekends: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The test will be held in numerous exam centres across the country. Following the established pattern, the exam will be conducted in two shifts each day. Each paper will have a duration of three hours (180 minutes).
The tentative shift timings are:
- Forenoon Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The precise shift allotted to a candidate will be clearly mentioned on their individual admit card. Candidates are advised to report well before the reporting time to complete security and frisking procedures smoothly.
Final Preparations and Instructions for Candidates
With the admit card release imminent, candidates should ensure their login credentials for the GOAPS portal are handy. A stable internet connection and a functioning printer should be arranged in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
After downloading, the admit card must be preserved carefully until the entire admission process is over, as it may be required during subsequent counselling and admission stages for postgraduate programs and public sector unit (PSU) recruitments. IIT Guwahati has advised all candidates to regularly check the official GATE 2026 website for any updates or changes to the schedule.
This marks the final administrative step before the main examination, allowing candidates to finalise their travel and accommodation plans for the exam centre city. Best of luck to all the aspirants!
