GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings – Check Official Paper-Wise Schedule
- Divya Shinde
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings – All You Need to Know
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most crucial competitive exams for engineering and science aspirants aiming for postgraduate admissions (like M.Tech, MS, PhD) or PSU recruitments across India. The GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings have been officially announced by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing institute for this year’s exam. This comprehensive blog post will guide you through the detailed paper-wise schedule, session timings, important dates, and other key information that will help you stay well-prepared and organized.
GATE 2026 is scheduled to be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode on four days in February 2026, spread across multiple shifts for various subjects. Understanding the branch-wise dates and timings is critical to ensure accurate preparation and planning.
What Is GATE 2026? Official Overview
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted annually on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE under the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. The scores are accepted by top institutes such as IITs, NITs, IISc, and various PSUs for admissions or recruitment. In 2026, IIT Guwahati has the responsibility of organizing the exam and releasing the official schedule.
Here’s what candidates should know:
Exam Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
Total Test Papers: 30
Conducting Body: IIT Guwahati
Official Website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Admit Card Availability: Usually released a few weeks before the exam date (check official portal)
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule: Key Dates
The GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings are spread over four days in February 2026. The schedule is segmented into two daily session slots:
Exam Dates:
Saturday, 07 February 2026
Sunday, 08 February 2026
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Sunday, 15 February 2026
Session Timings:
Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM IST
Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM IST
A clear understanding of these session timings will help candidates plan their preparation and logistics accordingly.
Paper-Wise GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings
Below is the official GATE 2026 paper-wise schedule with detailed GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings for every test paper:
Saturday, 07 February 2026
Session | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
Forenoon | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | AG (Agricultural), ES (Environmental Science), GG (Geology & Geophysics), IN (Instrumentation), MA (Mathematics), MN (Mining), TF (Textile), XE (Engineering Sciences), XL (Life Sciences) |
Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | AE (Aerospace), BT (Biotechnology), CH (Chemical), CY (Chemistry), GE (Geomatics), PH (Physics), XH (Humanities) |
Sunday, 08 February 2026
Session | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
Forenoon | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | CS-1 (Computer Science Set 1), ST (Statistics) |
Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | CS-2 (Computer Science Set 2), EY (Environmental Science & Engineering), NM (Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering), PE (Petroleum Engineering) |
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Session | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
Forenoon | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | CE-1 (Civil – Set 1), EE (Electrical), PI (Production & Industrial) |
Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | BM (Biomedical), CE-2 (Civil – Set 2), ME (Mechanical), MT (Materials Science) |
Sunday, 15 February 2026
Session | Time (IST) | Test Papers |
Forenoon | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | EC (Electronics & Communication) |
Afternoon | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | AR (Architecture), DA (Design) |
Why the GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings Matter
Understanding the GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings is critical for several reasons:
Focused Preparation: Students can tailor their revision schedule based on their specific subject date and session.
Avoiding Conflicts: Some disciplines like Computer Science (CS) have two slots (CS-1 and CS-2), and candidates must know which session they’re assigned.
Logistics Planning: Travel to exam centers, stay arrangements, and time management are crucial, especially for aspirants traveling from distant locations.
Day-of Requirements: Knowing your exact session time ensures you arrive early and are prepared for check-in procedures.
Top Tips to Prepare Using GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings
Create a Personalized Study Plan: With the exact dates known, allocate revision blocks backward from your test date.
Session REST Consideration: Afternoon sessions can be tiring; practice full-length mock tests at similar timings.
Check Admit Card Details: Always cross-verify your session and date on the admit card when released.
Focus on High-Weight Topics: Branch specific schedules help you prioritize topics for each paper.
Mock Tests & Previous Papers: Train under exact forenoon and afternoon timings to build time-management skills.
FAQ – GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings
Q1: What is the official schedule for GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings?
A: The official GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings are published by IIT Guwahati and include exam dates on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 with session timings of 9:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:30 PM–5:30 PM IST for all papers.
Q2: How many papers are included in GATE 2026 and how are dates assigned?
A: GATE 2026 includes 30 test papers across disciplines, and dates are spread across two sessions on each of the four exam dates.
Q3: Can students appearing in two papers have conflicts in schedule?
A: Generally, the schedule avoids conflicts, but if a clash occurs, check official instructions or contact helpdesk for clarification.
Q4: What should I do if the schedule changes after announcement?
A: Always follow the official portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in for real-time updates and notifications.
Conclusion
The official release of the GATE 2026 Branch Wise Exam Dates & Timings marks a crucial milestone for aspirants preparing for one of India’s most competitive exams. With the exact paper-wise schedule now available, candidates can strategize their preparation effectively and reduce exam-day stress. Remember, knowing when you’re appearing is as important as how you prepare.
Stay updated through the official GATE portal, and ensure you download your admit card once available.
Comments