GATE 2026 Answer Key Released: How to Download and Challenge

IIT Guwahati has released the provisional answer keys for GATE 2026. If you appeared for the exam on February 7, 8, 14, or 15, you can now check how you performed. The answer keys and response sheets are live on the official portal.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering covered 30 subjects this year. The exam tested students through multiple choice questions, multiple select questions, and numerical answer type questions. Now comes the part where you get to see if your preparation paid off.

How to Download Your Answer Key

Getting your hands on the answer key is simple. Here's what you need to do:

Go to gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Click on the GATE 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet link
Enter your application number, registered email, and password
Download the provisional answer key
Save and print your response sheet

Keep both documents handy. You'll need them to calculate your estimated score.

Found a Mistake? Here's What to Do

IIT Guwahati knows that errors can happen. That's why they've opened a challenge window. If you spot a problem with any answer, you can raise an objection on the official portal.

This isn't just for show. Subject experts will review every valid challenge. The final answer key will only be published after they examine all objections. Your GATE result will be based entirely on that final version.

Make sure you submit your objections with solid evidence. And do it before the deadline passes.

Understanding the Marking Scheme

Before you start calculating your score, understand how marks are distributed. Most papers like AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, and ME carry 100 marks in total.

The split works like this:

15 marks for General Aptitude
85 marks for your core subject

Some papers like GG, AR, and GE follow a different pattern. They have two parts: a compulsory section and an optional section. But General Aptitude still carries 15 marks across all papers.

Here's something important about negative marking. Multiple choice questions can cost you marks if you get them wrong. But multiple select questions and numerical answer type questions don't have negative marking.

Calculating Your Score

With the provisional key and your response sheet, you can estimate your score. Take your time with this. Check each answer against the key. Count the marks for correct answers. Subtract marks for wrong MCQs.

Remember that Engineering Mathematics is part of many papers. It contributes to your overall score, so don't ignore it in your calculations.

Your estimated score gives you an idea of where you stand. It helps you plan your next steps, whether that's preparing for interviews or looking at other options.

What Happens Next

After the objection window closes, IIT Guwahati will review all challenges. They'll release the final answer key based on expert feedback. Then comes the actual result declaration.

The result will use only the final answer key. So if your objection gets accepted, it could change your score. That's why raising valid challenges matters.

Stay connected to the official website for updates. IIT Guwahati will announce important dates and information there first.

Making the Most of This Waiting Period

You have your response sheet and the provisional answer key. Use them well. Calculate your score honestly. Don't just count the questions you got right. Account for negative marking too.

If your estimated score looks good, start preparing for what comes after GATE. Research colleges, look at admission criteria, and understand the counselling process.

If your score isn't what you hoped for, you still have options. GATE isn't the only path forward. But first, make sure you've checked the answer key properly and raised any valid objections.

The provisional answer key is your first real feedback on exam day performance. Use it to understand where you stood strong and where you could have done better. That knowledge helps, regardless of the final result.

Keep checking gate2026.iitg.ac.in for the latest updates. The final answer key and results will be announced on the same portal. Until then, you've done your part. The wait begins now.