The IIT Guwahati has introduced some major changes in the GATE 2026 examination. The GATE 2026 fees have been revised and now students need to pay Rs. 2000 if they belong to General category and INR 1000 if they’re from reserved category (SC/ST). The GATE 2026 session will also contain an Engineering Sciences (XE) paper, with the inclusion of Energy Science (XE-I) as a new sectional paper.
The GATE Energy Science sectional paper 2026 is a new addition and students can opt for the same while filling out their application form for the exam. The IIT Guwahati has also released a fresh GATE two paper combination list for the academic year and students can now opt for two or more papers if they want to appear in interdisciplinary exams. To learn more about all the new changes in the GATE 2026 exam, students may refer to the following.
Key Changes in GATE 2026
Students may check out the following table to learn about all the new changes introduced to GATE 2026 session.
Category | Change Details |
Organizing Institute & Exam Dates | IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026. The exam is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. |
New Subject Introduced | A new sectional paper Energy Science (XE-I) has been added under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category. |
Two-Paper Combination | Expanded flexibility with officially released permissible two-paper combinations for dual-subject candidates. |
Registration Period | Revised registration window: August 28 – September 28, 2025 (extended from the original August 25 – September 25). |
Official Website Launched | The dedicated portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in is now live, offering all crucial updates, syllabus, and application procedures. |
Adjusted Fees (SC/ST Candidates) | Application fee is reduced for SC/ST candidates to ₹1,000 (from previous ₹2,000 for others). |
Extended Eligibility | Candidates in the 3rd year of their UG program are now eligible to apply. |
New Changes in GATE 2026 Explained
To get comprehensive details on all the changes in GATE, students may refer to the following.
Introduced New Subject in GATE 2026
A new paper has been introduced this year under Engineering Sciences: Energy Science (XE-I). This paper will give students who have an interdisciplinary background as well as those who want to pursue research or a career related to energy, promising opportunities.
GATE Two Papers Combination List
GATE allows candidates to select two subject papers in specific permitted combinations. In 2026 session, the list of GATE two-paper combinations will be much broader enabling aspirants to demonstrate their knowledge of multiple domains and enhance their chances of their admissions.
GATE 2026 Revised Dates for Registration
The registration dates for GATE 2026 will be from August 28 - September 28, 2025. Aspirants should complete the registration process as early as possible to avoid last-minute rush and increased late fees. Online applications should be filled only through the given portal with correct details and scanned documents.
Adjusted Fees for GATE Registration (SC/ST Candidates)
The application fee rules have been changed to benefit reserved category candidates. The application fee for SC/ST category candidates is INR 1,000 for the GATE examination, which will enhance accessibility to the exam as well as motivate registration and participation amongst the candidates.
Extended Eligibility to Fill GATE Application Form
Candidates in the third year of their undergraduate program will also be eligible to apply from GATE 2026. The goal of this change in GATE Eligibility Criteria is for the candidates to attempt the exam before their final year, giving them valuable experience and greater chances in the next attempt.
GATE Exam Pattern 2026
- The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test mode.
- The duration of the exam is 3 hours.
- There will be 30 papers including the newly introduced Energy Science paper.
- Each paper will have 65 questions.
- The total marks for each paper are 100.
- Question types include MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.
- General Aptitude is common in all papers and carries 15 marks.
- The remaining 85 marks are from the subject-specific section.
- Negative marking applies only to MCQs.
- The language of the paper is English.
Also Read → Popular GATE Branches 2026: Top Choices for a Bright Career
