GATE CY
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 - Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreKey terms
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ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreCase studies
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ExploreExam-day guide
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ExploreAbout this exam
GATE 2026 is a national-level examination that assesses candidates on undergraduate-level subjects across Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, Architecture and Humanities. It is conducted by IIT Guwahati in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru and the other 22 IITs, on behalf of the National Coordination Board, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. IIT Guwahati is the Organizing Institute. This page supports the Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) test paper. The CS paper is a full paper and is one of 30 test papers offered; a candidate may appear for one or two test papers, and only selected two-paper combinations are permitted. The exam is intended for candidates seeking admission with possible financial assistance to Master's, Direct Doctoral and Doctoral programmes in MoE-supported institutions and other government agencies; some institutions also use the score for postgraduate admission without MoE scholarship, and several Public Sector Undertakings use it for recruitment. For GATE 2026, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) will use CS, EC and DA results for recruitment. A GATE score remains valid for three years from the date of announcement of results. Preparation should be built around the official syllabus and paper pattern for the CS paper, worked practice on numerical-answer and multiple-select question styles, and timed mock practice using the mock test links published on the official portal. Note that this page is independent study material and is not affiliated with IIT Guwahati or the GATE organising body.
What you'll study
About GATE CY preparation
Who conducts GATE 2026 and which institute organises it?
GATE 2026 is conducted by IIT Guwahati in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru and all other 22 IITs, on behalf of the National Coordination Board, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. IIT Guwahati is the Organizing Institute for GATE 2026.
On which dates is the GATE 2026 examination held?
The examinations are scheduled for February 07, 2026 (Saturday), February 08, 2026 (Sunday), February 14, 2026 (Saturday) and February 15, 2026 (Sunday). Your exact date and session depend on the paper you registered for; check the Examination Schedule and your admit card. Dates are liable to change.
How many papers can I register for, and is the CS paper combined with others?
A candidate can appear for one or two test papers, and only selected two-paper combinations are allowed. GATE 2026 has 30 test papers comprising full and sectional papers. The CS paper is a full paper. Confirm your intended combination against the official Two-Paper Combinations page before applying.
How long is a GATE score valid?
A GATE score remains valid for three years from the date of announcement of results. Results for GATE 2026 are scheduled to be announced on March 19, 2026, so plan admissions and recruitment applications within that window.
When do registration and late registration close?
Online registration opened on August 28, 2025. Registration without late fee closed on October 07, 2025, and registration with late fee closed on October 13, 2025, after extensions announced on the portal. These windows have passed; watch the official site for any further notifications.
When is the admit card released and what do I need to carry?
Admit cards are scheduled to be available for download from the GOAPS Portal on January 13, 2026. Download and check yours early: the portal has previously notified centre name and address changes for specific centres, requiring a fresh download. Also check the Required Documents page before the exam.
Does qualifying in GATE guarantee admission, a scholarship or a PSU job?
No. Qualifying in GATE does not guarantee admission, scholarship or a job, and GATE qualification does not assure a PSU job. Admission depends fully on the admitting institute's criteria for educational qualification. PSUs that use GATE 2026 results, such as NIC for CS, set their own recruitment requirements.
Are there exam centres outside India?
No. The official site states there are no international centres for the GATE 2026 examination. Candidates must appear at an allotted centre within India; a tentative list of examination cities is published on the portal.
How should I plan preparation for the CS paper?
Start from the official CS syllabus and question paper pattern, then build subject-wise notes and practice sets. Use the mock test links on the official portal to get familiar with the interface and timing. Track weak areas with timed sectional practice, and reserve the final weeks for full-length revision and previous-style problem solving.
What are common failure modes in GATE preparation?
Typical mistakes are skipping the official syllabus and pattern, ignoring numerical-answer questions that carry no negative-marking safety net for guessing, and never practising under timed conditions. Others are over-relying on a single resource and neglecting revision. Also verify all dates and rules on the official portal, since announcements and schedules change.