GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Reporting Time, Documents, Dress Code, Allowed Items & CBT Rules

GATE 2026, organized by IIT Guwahati, is happening over four days, February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in computer-based test (CBT) mode across multiple shifts.

With the exam underway or just around the corner for many, sticking to the GATE 2026 exam day guidelines is crucial.

From reporting time and mandatory documents to dress code, what you can carry (and what you definitely can't), scribble pad rules, virtual calculator usage, and hall instructions, getting these right helps you stay calm and focused instead of dealing with last-minute stress or disqualification.

GATE 2026 Exam Dates, Shifts and Reporting Time

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule (Dates & Shifts)

The exam runs in two shifts each day: Forenoon (FN) from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Afternoon (AN) from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Here's the official branch-wise schedule from IIT Guwahati:

Your specific paper and shift are printed on your admit card; double-check it!

Reporting Time & Entry Rules for GATE 2026

• Forenoon shift (9:30 AM start): Reach by 8:00–8:30 AM (aim for at least 90 minutes early).

• Afternoon shift (2:30 PM start): Reach by 1:00–1:30 PM.

Most guidelines recommend arriving 60–90 minutes (some say up to 3 hours) before your exam time for smooth biometric registration, frisking, and document checks.

Gates close strictly 30 minutes before the exam, no late entry allowed, no exceptions. Plan your travel, traffic, and any unexpected delays to avoid missing out.

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Documents Required on GATE 2026 Exam Day

Mandatory Documents

Bring these originals, no photocopies or digital versions on your phone:

• Printed GATE 2026 Admit Card (clear A4 print with your photo and details visible).

• Original valid photo ID proof (the same one used during registration): Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.

If your ID photo is unclear, carry one recent passport-size photograph as backup. Without these, entry is denied, simple as that.

GATE 2026 Exam Day – Items Allowed and Prohibited

What You Should Carry to the GATE 2026 Centre

Keep it minimal:

• Printed admit card.

• Original photo ID proof.

• Transparent blue/black ball-point pen (for signing or scribble pad notes if needed).

• Transparent water bottle (check your centre's rules, some allow, others may not).

• Small hand sanitizer (if permitted locally).

Scribble pad/rough sheets are provided inside the hall; don't bring your own.

Prohibited Items in the GATE 2026 Exam Hall

These will get you disqualified immediately, even if you don't use them:

• Mobile phones, smartphones, smartwatches, any watches (analog/digital).

• Physical calculators (basic, scientific, programmable, none allowed).

• Earphones, headphones, Bluetooth devices, fitness bands, or any electronic gadgets.

• Books, notes, papers, charts, log tables, or study material.

• Bags, purses, wallets, pencil boxes, geometry boxes, clipboards.

• Heavy jewellery, metallic ornaments, belts with big buckles, or anything that could complicate frisking.

The exam centre isn't responsible for your belongings, leave valuables at home.

GATE 2026 Dress Code Guidelines

There's no strict uniform, but the focus is on smooth security checks:

• Wear simple, light, comfortable clothes, avoid bulky jackets, hoodies, full-sleeve outfits with lots of pockets, or anything layered that needs extra checking.

• Skip heavy jewellery, metal accessories, belts with large buckles, or shoes with thick soles.

• Opt for slippers or sandals if your centre allows (easier for frisking); avoid covered heavy footwear.

The goal is quick entry, dress to make that happen.

Inside the GATE 2026 Examination Hall – Instructions to Follow

Before the Exam Starts

• Sit only at your assigned computer, verify your name, registration number, and paper code on screen.

• Log in 20 minutes early to read the on-screen instructions carefully.

• Follow the invigilator announcements, no arguments or side talks.

During the Exam

• It's fully CBT, answer everything on the computer interface.

• Use only the on-screen virtual scientific calculator—no physical ones.

• Do all rough work on the provided scribble pad (write your name and registration number on it first).

• No talking, signalling, or communicating with others.

• Save/submit periodically to avoid any glitches.

Exit Rules

• No leaving before the full 3 hours, stay seated until the invigilator allows.

• Return the scribble pad(s) before exiting.

• Follow orderly exit instructions.

GATE 2026 Scribble Pad and Virtual Calculator Rules

• Scribble pad: Provided by the invigilator, one at a time. Write your name and registration number on it. Return used ones to get a new one; return all at the end.

• Virtual calculator: A scientific one appears on your screen, practice with the official mock tests on gate2026.iitg.ac.in to get comfortable. No need to bring anything.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Snapshot (For Last-Minute Strategy)

The 3-hour CBT has 65 questions worth 100 marks: General Aptitude (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (around 13 marks in relevant papers), and core subject questions.

Types include MCQs (negative marking for wrong answers), MSQs (no negative if partially correct), and NATs (no negative). Use your time wisely, practice mocks to nail the interface.

GATE 2026 Exam Day Do’s and Don’ts

GATE 2026 Exam Day Do’s

• Reach 60–90 minutes early for hassle-free verification.

• Carry only the admit card, ID, and minimal allowed items.

• Read the admit card and screen instructions thoroughly.

• Stay calm, manage time, skip tough questions initially, and review if possible.

GATE 2026 Exam Day Don’ts

• Don’t bring phones, watches, calculators, or study material.

• Don’t wear bulky clothes or heavy metal accessories.

• Don’t talk, copy, or engage in unfair practices.

• Don’t leave early, full session required.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern