GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 for Male and Female Candidates - Documents, Banned Items, Things to Carry

GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 for Male and Female Candidates - Documents, Banned Items, Things to Carry

Maniprabha SinghUpdated on 07 Feb 2026, 08:40 AM IST

GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 - Aspirants gearing up for the GATE exam must be familiar with the GATE dress code. IIT Guwahati does not pinpoint the dress code for GATE 2026 in particular. However, candidates should follow certain dos and don'ts to ensure a hassle-free frisking and security check process. Candidates should ensure they wear light clothing and avoid any metallic buttons or such while attending the exam. It is important to be aware of other GATE exam day guidelines along with the dress code. The GATE dress code 2026 highlights what is allowed and what to avoid wearing when appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Candidates who fail to comply with the dress code will not be allowed to enter the GATE exam centre. The GATE 2026 exam is being held on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.
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This Story also Contains

  1. GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 - What not to wear
  2. GATE Exam 2026 Dress Code for Male Candidates
  3. GATE Exam 2026 Dress Code for Female Candidates
  4. List of Banned Items in the GATE 2026 Exam
  5. GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 for Male and Female Candidates - Documents, Banned Items, Things to Carry
GATE Exam Dress Code 2026

GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 - What not to wear

The details on what is allowed and what is prohibited in the exam centre is provided in the admit card of GATE 2026. Along with the dress code, the exam day guidelines also include the things that can be carried and items that are prohibited inside the test centre. Below is the GATE dress code advisory while appearing for the exam.

GATE Exam 2026 Dress Code for Male Candidates

Male candidates who will be appearing for the exam are advised to follow the below-mentioned instructions. Candidates can check the GATE exam dress code for males on the day of the exam-

  • The male candidates are advised not to wear any clothes made of metallic items, or buttons.

  • Candidates must avoid wearing such clothing containing too many pockets.

  • As per the GATE exam dress code for males, candidates will not be allowed to wear a cap/ muffler or any cloth to cover their heads.

  • Candidates must wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort during the exam.

  • Candidates must not be wearing any kind of jewellery or ornaments such as rings, watches, and belts. These types of items will be strictly prohibited in the examination centre.

  • Candidates are advised to wear Flip-flops or sandals. Avoid shoes or any other footwear covering feet.

  • Candidates must not wear goggles, rings, bracelets, or any of such items.

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GATE Exam 2026 Dress Code for Female Candidates

Candidates can check the GATE exam dress code for females below.

  • Candidates should avoid wearing any kind of shrug/stole/ dupatta or scarf.

  • Candidates must not wear any kind of jewellery or ornaments. These items will be strictly restricted inside the examination hall.

  • Candidates must avoid wearing any kind of metallic items or any cloth/items containing metal.

  • Candidates are advised to wear light and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort on the day of the exam.

  • As per the GATE exam dress code for females, candidates are advised to wear Flip-flops or sandals. Avoid shoes or any other footwear covering feet.

  • Candidates must not wear goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, or any such items.

GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
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Read Also: GATE complete exam schedule

List of Banned Items in the GATE 2026 Exam

Items that are prohibited must not be carried out on the day of the exam else the candidates shall be debarred from the exam. Below is the list of prohibited items

  • Electronic devices include phones, calculators, log tables, pagers, tablets, and laptops.

  • Books, notebooks, and paper will not be allowed.

  • Pen or pencil, pencil box, geometry set.

  • Bags or backpacks.

  • Any other documents other than a GATE Admit card, ID proof and photo.

  • Eatables and water.

  • Any metallic item.

  • Earphone, microphone, camera, recorder, etc.

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Also Read: How to crack GATE exam?

GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates can refer to their admit card for the exam day guidelines. Here, we have mentioned a few exam day guidelines.

  • Students are advised to visit the GATE exam centre a day before the exam so that they have a clear idea of the route.

  • Candidates must follow the COVID-19 guidelines inside the exam hall. All candidates must wear a face mask at all times and follow social distancing.

  • Students are advised to reach the exam venue at least 30 minutes before to avoid the last-minute hassle.

  • Students must carry their print copy of the GATE admit card along with one passport-size coloured photograph and a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar-UID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID and Driving License.

  • No candidates will be allowed to appear in the exam without the admit card, photograph, or photo ID proof.

  • Students are advised not to carry any prohibited items like mobile phones, study materials, electronic items, or any such item to the exam venue.

  • Students must follow the code of conduct during the exam and must not indulge in any malpractice.

  • Candidates will not be allowed to leave the exam hall until the test is over.

  • Candidates with any disability must have to carry their valid certificate/proof to the examination centre.

  • A scribble pad will be provided to the candidates for rough work during the examination. However, candidates must not carry any writing pad.

  • Candidates looking for "Is calculator allowed in gate exam" should note that Physical calculators, mobile phones, electronic/communication devices, tables, pen/pencil boxes/pouch, watches, wallets, books, papers, loose sheets, data or handbooks, or any such items will be strictly prohibited in exam halls, and if any candidates found with any such items will be disqualified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the dress code of GATE 2026?
A:

IIT Guwahati has not prescribed any specific dress code for GATE exam day. However, candidates are advised to avoid wearing watches, electronic items, caps, scarfs/stoles or jewelry, metallic items, and other ornaments for the GATE exam 2025.

Q: What are the things required for GATE exam 2026?
A:

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 will be allowed to carry, GATE admit cards, face masks, and ID proof inside the exam hall.

Q: Are calculators allowed in GATE?
A:

No, calculators will not be allowed in the online exam. However, a virtual calculator will be provided on the computer screen of candidates which has to be used to answer the questions.

Q: Which photo ID proof will be accepted in GATE 2026?
A:

Candidates can bring Aadhaar-UID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, and Driving License.

Q: Are pens allowed in the GATE exam?
A:

Yes, pens are allowed in the GATE exam.

Q: Can I wear jeans in the GATE exam?
A:

Candidates should prefer lightweight clothes to avoid discomfort.

Q: What is the GATE exam guideline?
A:

Candidates need to check the GATE admit card for exam day guidelines.

Q: What to wear to the GATE exam?
A:

Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing to ensure ease and avoid any discomfort during the exam.

Q: Does GATE have any dress code?
A:

There is no strict dress code for GATE. But, candidates must wear comfortable and decent clothes that do not hamper the security check process. 

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Questions related to GATE

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Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time effectively in preparartion.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-metallurgical-question-papers

Thank you

Hello,

Yes, you can get admission in M.Tech CSE without GATE .

  1. Through university entrance exams
    Many universities conduct their own M.Tech entrance exams. You have to qualify the test and sometimes attend an interview.

  2. Through JET for M.Tech
    JET (JAIN Entrance Test) is conducted by Jain University.
    It is

Hii

No  you cannot get admission to IIT for M Tech if your B Tech is not completed at the time of admission, even if you clear the GATE cutoff but Yes, you can appear for GATE 2028 in your 3rd year of B Tech even if your degree is

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can access the question papers along with the answer key on the careers360 website. Careers360 also provides students with preparation tips that will help them in preparing and the mock test and analyse their in-depth performance.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/last-15-years-gate-papers-solutions

Thank you.