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

GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 - What not to wear

IIT Guwahati will provide the details on what is allowed and what is prohibited in the exam centre through the admit card of GATE 2026. 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.

Also Read: What is new in the GATE exam pattern?

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.

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.

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.

Also read: GATE exam day guidelines and last minute tips