GATE 2026 Answer Key Released โ Download Response Sheet & Raise Objections
GATE 2026 provisional answer key released by IIT Guwahati on Feb 22. Download response sheet from GOAPS portal. Result on March 19, 2026.
๐ Important Dates
Official Links
What is GATE 2026?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by IIT Guwahati. GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate programmes (M.Tech, M.E., PhD) at IITs, NITs, and other institutions, as well as recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
GATE 2026 Answer Key โ Key Details
IIT Guwahati released the GATE 2026 provisional answer key and candidate response sheet on February 22, 2026, through the GOAPS portal. The exam was held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 across multiple centres nationwide.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | February 22, 2026 |
| Objection Window | Check official website for deadline |
| Final Answer Key | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | March 19, 2026 |
How to Download GATE 2026 Answer Key
- Visit the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Click on the "GOAPS Portal" link
- Log in using your Enrollment ID and Password
- Select your respective subject paper
- Download the provisional answer key PDF
- Download your response sheet to compare answers
How to Raise Objections
Candidates who believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect can submit objections through the GOAPS portal within the prescribed timeline. A fee may be applicable per objection. The authorities will review all challenges and publish the final answer key accordingly.
Expected Cut-Off Marks (Estimated)
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
| Category | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| General | 36โ38 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 32โ34 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 24โ26 |
Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC)
| Category | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| General | 25โ27 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 22โ24 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 16โ18 |
Note: These are estimated ranges based on previous trends. Official qualifying marks will be released with the result.
What Happens After the Answer Key?
After the objection window closes, IIT Guwahati will:
- Review all objections submitted by candidates
- Release the final answer key
- Declare the GATE 2026 result on March 19, 2026
Uses of GATE Score
- M.Tech / M.E. Admissions at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other CFTI institutions
- PhD Admissions at top research institutions
- PSU Recruitment โ organisations like BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, GAIL, ONGC use GATE scores for hiring
- GATE Scholarship โ qualified candidates in M.Tech programmes receive MHRD scholarship
Preparation Tips for Future GATE Aspirants
- Start with NCERT basics and standard textbooks for your branch
- Focus on previous year question papers โ patterns often repeat
- Practice numerical answer type (NAT) questions regularly
- Take mock tests on the GOAPS practice portal
- Revise formulas and key concepts in the last month before the exam
FAQs
Q: When was the GATE 2026 answer key released?
The provisional answer key was released on February 22, 2026, by IIT Guwahati.
Q: How can I download my GATE 2026 response sheet?
Log in to the GOAPS portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in using your Enrollment ID and Password to access your response sheet.
Q: When will the GATE 2026 result be declared?
The GATE 2026 result will be declared on March 19, 2026.
Q: Can I challenge the GATE 2026 provisional answer key?
Yes, candidates can raise objections through the GOAPS portal within the prescribed timeline.
Q: What is the validity of the GATE scorecard?
The GATE scorecard is valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration.
Q: Which IIT is conducting GATE 2026?
IIT Guwahati is the organising institute for GATE 2026.