GATE 2026 Exam Begins Tomorrow: Documents Required and Important Guidelines for Candidates

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 kicks off tomorrow, February 7, 2026. IIT Guwahati is conducting this national-level examination across India in computer-based mode. The exam will run on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

If you're appearing for GATE 2026, now is the time to double-check everything. Download your admit card, verify your documents, and make sure you understand all the rules. Let's walk through what you need to know.

Exam Schedule and Timing

GATE 2026 runs in two shifts each day. The forenoon shift starts at 9:30 am and ends at 12:30 pm. The afternoon shift runs from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Check your admit card to find out your exact exam date, shift timing, and centre address.

When Should You Reach the Exam Centre?

Plan to reach the exam centre at least 60 to 90 minutes before the reporting time printed on your admit card. This buffer is not optional. The authorities need time to complete biometric verification and document checking before you enter.

Late entry is not permitted after the gate closing time. If you miss this window, you might not be allowed in. Traffic jams, public transport delays, and other unexpected issues can throw off your schedule. Give yourself extra time to handle any surprises.

Documents You Must Carry

You need these documents on exam day:

A hard copy of your GATE 2026 admit card printed on A4-size paper. Make sure the photograph and details are clearly visible.
One original and valid photo identity proof. You can use your Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence, or PAN card.

The photo ID must match the one you used during registration. Photocopies will not work. Digital copies on your phone will not work either. Bring the physical document.

Some admit cards might ask you to carry a passport-size photograph. Read the guidelines on your admit card to confirm this requirement.

What You Cannot Bring Inside

Leave these items at home or in your vehicle:

Mobile phones
Smart watches
Personal calculators
Books and notes
Bags
Any electronic devices

You cannot carry study material of any kind into the exam hall. A virtual calculator will appear on your computer screen during the exam. The centre will provide rough sheets for calculations. Write your name and registration number on these sheets before you start using them.

What to Wear and How to Behave

Wear simple and comfortable clothing. Follow all instructions from the invigilators. If you violate rules or show misconduct, you risk disqualification. The exam hall is not the place to test boundaries or argue with officials.

Stay calm. Arriving early helps reduce stress. When you rush, you make mistakes. When you panic, you forget things. Give yourself the gift of time and preparation.

A Quick Checklist

Before you leave home tomorrow, run through this list:

Admit card printed clearly
Original photo ID that matches your registration
Comfortable clothes selected
Travel route planned
Extra time built into your schedule
No prohibited items in your pockets or bag

GATE 2026 is an important exam. It opens doors to postgraduate programmes and public sector jobs. But the exam itself is just one part of the process. Getting there on time with the right documents is equally important.

Thousands of students appear for GATE every year. The ones who succeed are often the ones who pay attention to details. They read instructions carefully. They arrive early. They follow rules without complaint.

You have prepared for months. Don't let a missing document or a late arrival derail your effort. Take this information, prepare your documents tonight, and set multiple alarms for tomorrow morning. The exam hall will be there. Your seat will be there. Make sure you are there too, on time, with everything you need.