Is Calculator Allowed in GATE 2026 - IIT Gwahati has provided details about GATE 2026 calculator on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. According to the notification, candidates are not allowed to bring a physical calculator into the GATE 2026 exam hall. The authority will not permit applicants to carry a calculator within the exam hall. However, GATE exam aspirants need not worry. Candidates will have the option to use the virtual GATE calculator. The authority will use a GATE 2026 exam interface that has an in-built calculator. The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in CBT mode. Read the article below completely to know more about a calculator is allowed in the GATE 2026 examination or not.
The GATE exam is conducted for a total of 100 marks, with 15 marks allotted to the General Aptitude (GA) section and 85 marks to the core engineering subject. The GATE paper includes 65 questions in total—10 from GA and 55 from the subject—covering MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.
This Story also Contains
Is Calculator Allowed in GATE 2026?
The aspirants will not be allowed to carry any instruments, like a calculator, inside the exam hall. All the calculations must be done using the virtual calculator. Moreover, a scramble pad will be provided to the candidates for rough work. Candidates must focus on their problem-solving skills and remember the formulas.
To maintain the authenticity of the exam.
Checking the problem-solving skills of the candidates
Candidates will focus on the concepts and formulas. Also, they will find the best possible way to answer the questions.
Yes, virtual calculators are allowed in the exam. GATE virtual calculator will display on the monitor screen. Candidates can use the calculator whenever required. It is important to be familiar with the virtual calculator for GATE for quick calculation to save time. At the same time, candidates must memorize the formulas for solving the mathematical problems.
Candidates appearing for the exam must be aware of prohibited items. Carrying the prohibited items may lead to disqualification. Below is the list of items prohibited in the GATE exam 2026.
Calculators
Electronic Devices
Books, study materials, paper (written or blank)
Smart watch
Geometry box
Metal object
Jewellery
Candidates who are appearing for the exam must follow the GATE exam day guidelines. The guidelines are mentioned in the GATE admit card 2026. Below are a few of the important guidelines.
Report to the test centre 90 minutes before the exam commencement.
Candidates will be allowed to occupy their seats before the commencement of the exam. Candidates can log in and start reading the instructions 20 minutes early before the exam begins.
Personal calculators, mobile phones, watches (any kind), charts, tables, papers, books, sheets, and heavy ornaments are prohibited.
A Scribble pad will be provided for rough work.
Carry a pen and pencil. A transparent water bottle is allowed.
Carry a hard copy of the GATE admit card and a valid photo id.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, calculators are not allowed in the GATE 2026 exam.
Virtual calculators will be provided for the GATE 2026 exam.
The virtual calculator will be displayed on the monitor screen as per the requirement.
On Question asked by student community
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.
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
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters
NAAC A+ Accredited | Among top 2% Universities Globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Apply for Online MBA from UPES
Asia’s only university to be awarded the highest accreditation by WASC, USA and by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), UK
Online PG programs from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
