How Many Attempts for GATE 2026 - IIT Guwahati is responsible for conducting the GATE 2026 exam this year. The exam will be conducted in online mode through a computer-based test(CBT). According to the official notification, there are no restrictions on the number of attempts as per the official notification; candidates appear in as many attempts as they wish. The General Aptitude Test for Engineering(GATE) is a post-graduation entrance exam, which offers admission into M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D programs in top IITs, IISCs, and other reputed institutes. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 on February 7,8, 14 & 15, 2026.
IIT Guwahati will issue the GATE 2026 admit cards tomorrow for MTech admissions. Here are the details for GATE 2026 exam.
GATE 2026 exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) [will be conducted at select centres in select cities] |
GATE 2026 exam duration | 3 Hours* |
Number of Subjects (Papers) | 30 test papers |
Sections |
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Type of Questions |
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Questions for testing these abilities |
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Number of Questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (subject) = 65 Questions |
Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL |
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Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL |
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Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 mark and 2 marks |
Negative Marking |
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GATE exam is only conducted once in a year, for candidates who want to pursue M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D may appear for this examination. Unlike other competitive exams, there are no limited attempts to appear in GATE; candidates may appear in as many as attempts they want. Read this complete article to know more about “How Many Attempts for GATE 2026”
Also Check: GATE 2026 Syllabus, GATE 2025 Cutoff
As per the official information, there is no age limit or a limited number of attempts for GATE 2026. Candidates may write as many attempts as per their choice, However, it is advised to use each attempt with sincerity. The authority shared the GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria on their official website.
To appear for GATE 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
Criteria | Details |
Educational | Completed or in final year of UG degree in Engineering/Technology |
Age Limit | No age limit |
Attempt Limit | Unlimited attempts allowed |
Nationality | Indian citizens and certain international candidates are eligible |
Note : Students from any age group or academic background (as long as it aligns with approved programs) can register.
The GATE scorecard is valid for 3 years from the date of the result declaration. This is important if you plan to apply for:
M.Tech/ME programs
Ph.D. admissions
Public Sector Unit (PSU) recruitment
Higher studies abroad (some universities accept GATE scores)
Example: If you clear GATE 2026, your score remains valid till March 2029.
There is no upper or lower age limit to appear in GATE 2026. Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional in your 30s or 40s, you are eligible to appear if you meet the academic criteria. This flexibility makes GATE one of the most accessible exams for engineering aspirants and professionals alike.
There are around 985 colleges offering post graduation admission through GATE Examination, including IITs, NITs, IISERs and some reputed private institutions. Here is a list of a few top engineering colleges participating in GATE 2026.
Participating IITs in GATE 2026
Institute Name | NIRF Rank (2025) |
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 | |
6 | |
| 7 | |
8 | |
10 | |
| IIT Indore | 12 |
15 | |
19 | |
25 | |
| 26 | |
| IIT Jodhpur | 27 |
32 | |
| 39 | |
| IIT Jammu | 56 |
| 57 | |
64 | |
72 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, there is no limit. You can attempt GATE as many times as you want, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, failing or not qualifying in earlier attempts does not affect your eligibility for GATE 2026.
No. PSUs only consider your GATE score for the current recruitment year, not your number of attempts.
IIT Guwahati has announced the GATE 2026 exam dates as February 7,8, 14 & 15, 2026.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Here is a link for the sample papers for GATE Exam with DA subjects. Tap on the link given below to open it:
Thankyou.
Hello aspirant,
If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or
Hi Aanchal,
Balancing Engineering semester exams with competitive exam preparation can feel confusing but with right and realistic routine makes it very achievable.
Start by dividing your day into two parts: use college hours and afternoons for semester prep and keep early mornings or late evenings for GATE prep.
Make
If you are interested in Development Studies and planning to appear for GATE XH C6 (Sociology), then you are already moving in the right direction. Having a backlog does not disqualify you from pursuing higher studies, as long as you clear it before the admission process begins. Since you mentioned
Hello,
You can change your category in the GATE application by logging into the GOAPS portal during the correction window and using the "Edit GATE Application Form" option to make the change. You will likely need to pay an additional fee for the change and may need to provide a
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