Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is scheduled to be conducted soon across multiple examination centers in India and abroad. With lakhs of candidates appearing for this prestigious exam, it’s crucial to be well-prepared not just academically but also in terms of exam day requirements.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about what to carry, what to avoid, and the dress code for GATE 2026 examination day.
Latest Update (February 2026)
5th February 2026: GATE 2026 examinations are scheduled to be held in February 2026 across various dates for different papers. Candidates must strictly follow the exam day guidelines issued by IIT (organizing institute) to ensure smooth entry and examination experience.
The Indian Institute of Technology has released detailed instructions regarding permissible items, prohibited materials, and dress code regulations to maintain examination integrity and prevent malpractice.
GATE 2026 Examination Overview
| Exam Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | IIT (Organizing Institute for 2026) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Papers | 30 (including new papers) |
| Exam Dates | February 2026 (Multiple dates) |
| Reporting Time | As per admit card (usually 2 hours before) |
| Official Website | gate2026.iitkgp.ac.in (or respective IIT) |
Important Exam Day Timings
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Gate Opening Time | 8:00 AM (for morning session) / 1:30 PM (for afternoon session) |
| Reporting Time | 8:30 AM (FN) / 2:00 PM (AN) – Check admit card |
| Entry Gate Closure | 9:30 AM (FN) / 3:00 PM (AN) |
| Biometric Verification | 30 minutes before exam |
| Instructions & Login | 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM (FN) / 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM (AN) |
| Exam Start Time | 9:30 AM (FN) / 2:30 PM (AN) |
| Exam End Time | 12:30 PM (FN) / 5:30 PM (AN) |
CRITICAL: No candidate will be allowed after gate closure time under any circumstances.
✅ WHAT TO CARRY – Mandatory Items
1. GATE 2026 Admit Card (ESSENTIAL)
Requirements:
- ✅ Colored printout of admit card (preferred)
- ✅ Black & white printout acceptable
- ✅ Clear photograph visible
- ✅ All details legible
- ❌ No hand-written/edited/laminated admit card
Important Points:
- Print on A4 size paper
- Take 2-3 extra copies as backup
- Keep in a transparent folder
- Do not fold or damage
- Verify all details match your ID proof
What’s on Admit Card:
- Candidate name, photo, signature
- Registration number
- Exam paper code
- Exam date and session
- Exam center name and address
- Reporting time
- Important instructions
2. Valid Photo ID Proof (ORIGINAL + PHOTOCOPY)
Any ONE of the following (ORIGINAL mandatory):
✅ Acceptable Photo ID Proofs:
- Aadhar Card (with photograph)
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- College/University ID Card (with photograph and signature)
- Employee ID Card (government/PSU/recognized private organization)
- Notarized Affidavit with photograph (if no other ID available)
CRITICAL Requirements:
- ✅ Name on ID MUST MATCH name on admit card
- ✅ Photograph must be clearly visible
- ✅ ID should not be expired
- ✅ Carry photocopy of the same ID proof
- ❌ Photocopy alone is NOT acceptable
- ❌ Different name will lead to denial of entry
Special Cases:
- If name mismatch: Carry additional supporting documents
- Married candidates: Carry marriage certificate if surname changed
- Name correction pending: Carry affidavit/gazette notification
3. Personal Transparent Water Bottle
✅ Allowed:
- Transparent water bottle (label removed)
- Small/medium size bottle
- Plain water only
❌ NOT Allowed:
- Opaque/colored bottles
- Labeled bottles
- Any other beverage
- Food items
Tips:
- Remove all labels before entering
- Keep it in transparent bag
- Place under desk during exam
4. Personal Medical Items (If Required)
✅ Allowed with Prior Permission:
- Essential medicines with doctor’s prescription
- Glucose tablets (for diabetic candidates)
- Insulin/injections (with medical certificate)
- Inhaler (for asthma patients)
Procedure:
- Inform invigilator before exam
- Show medical certificate/prescription
- Items will be checked
- May be kept with invigilator and accessed when needed
5. PWD Candidates – Additional Items
✅ Allowed for PWD Candidates:
- Scribe/reader (if approved)
- Assistive devices (as per disability certificate)
- Wheelchair
- Special seating arrangements
- Compensatory time (if approved)
Requirements:
- Carry PWD certificate
- Scribe authorization (if applicable)
- Medical documents
- Inform exam authorities in advance
❌ WHAT NOT TO CARRY – Prohibited Items
Electronic & Communication Devices
STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
❌ Mobile phones or smartphones ❌ Bluetooth devices (earphones, headphones, speakers) ❌ Smartwatches or fitness bands ❌ Tablets, iPads, or electronic reading devices ❌ Calculators (electronic or scientific) ❌ Cameras or recording devices ❌ Pen drives or USB devices ❌ Microphones or audio recorders ❌ Any wireless or communication device
Consequences:
- Immediate expulsion from exam
- Cancellation of candidature
- Debarment from future GATE exams
- No refund of application fee
Study Materials & Stationery
STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
❌ Books, notes, or printed material ❌ Textbooks or reference guides ❌ Formula sheets or hand-written notes ❌ Question banks or previous papers ❌ Pencils, pens, or erasers (provided at center) ❌ Rough sheets or blank papers ❌ Log tables or data books ❌ Graph paper or drawing instruments
Note:
- All writing material provided at exam center
- Rough work to be done on provided sheets only
- No personal stationery allowed
Personal Belongings
STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
❌ Bags, purses, or backpacks ❌ Wallets or pouches (except small transparent) ❌ Jewelry or ornaments (except minimal) ❌ Belts with metal buckles ❌ Caps, hats, or head covers (except religious) ❌ Wristwatches (any type) ❌ Sunglasses or dark glasses ❌ Keys or keychains ❌ Coins or cash (except minimal for emergency) ❌ Food items or eatables ❌ Cigarettes, lighters, matches ❌ Any metallic item
What to Do:
- Leave all prohibited items at home
- Don’t bring valuables to exam center
- Exam center is NOT responsible for lost items
- No storage/cloakroom facility available
👔 GATE 2026 Dress Code Guidelines
General Dress Code Requirements
Basic Principles: ✅ Wear light-colored clothing (white, cream, light colors preferred) ✅ Full sleeves NOT recommended (to show arms for biometric) ✅ Clothing with minimal metal (buttons, zippers) ✅ Simple, modest attire ✅ Comfortable clothing (you’ll sit for 3+ hours)
For Male Candidates
Recommended Attire: ✅ Light-colored shirt or T-shirt (half sleeves preferred) ✅ Trousers or jeans (without heavy metal zippers/studs) ✅ Simple footwear (slippers/sandals without metal)
To Avoid: ❌ Full sleeve jackets or blazers ❌ Clothing with large pockets ❌ Heavy metal accessories ❌ Caps or hats ❌ Suits with metal buttons
For Female Candidates
Recommended Attire: ✅ Light-colored salwar kameez (half sleeves) ✅ Saree with simple blouse (half sleeves) ✅ Kurti with leggings/churidar ✅ Simple dress or formal wear ✅ Dupatta (light, transparent if needed)
To Avoid: ❌ Full sleeve suits or heavy clothing ❌ Sarees with heavy embellishments/work ❌ Clothing with metallic threads ❌ Heavy jewelry ❌ Burkha or full face covering (face must be visible)
Religious/Cultural Clothing
Allowed with Conditions: ✅ Religious head coverings (turban, hijab, scarf) ✅ BUT face must be clearly visible for identification ✅ Subject to security check ✅ May be asked to adjust for photograph verification
Requirements:
- Inform invigilator before biometric verification
- May need to show ears and forehead for identification
- Clothing will be physically checked
- Transparent/light material preferred
Footwear Guidelines
Recommended: ✅ Simple slippers or sandals ✅ Shoes without metal (sports shoes acceptable) ✅ Chappals or flip-flops
To Avoid: ❌ Shoes with heavy metal ❌ Boots with metallic parts ❌ Footwear with thick soles (may be asked to remove)
Jewelry & Accessories
Minimal Jewelry Allowed: ✅ Small earrings (studs) ✅ Mangalsutra or sacred threads ✅ Simple ring (non-metallic preferred) ✅ Small bindi
NOT Allowed: ❌ Heavy necklaces ❌ Bangles (multiple) ❌ Nose pins (large/metallic) ❌ Bracelets or watches ❌ Hair clips or pins (large metal) ❌ Belts with large metal buckles
🔒 Security Procedures at Exam Center
Entry & Frisking Process
Step-by-Step Process:
- Document Verification:
- Show admit card and ID proof at gate
- Initial verification by security personnel
- Name matching confirmation
- Physical Frisking:
- Mandatory for all candidates
- Metal detector scanning
- Physical checking of pockets
- Removal of shoes/belts if required
- Biometric Verification:
- Photograph capture
- Fingerprint/thumb impression
- Signature verification
- Multiple verification points
- Final Entry:
- Seat number allotment confirmation
- Entry into examination hall
- Locating assigned computer
What Happens During Frisking
Female Candidates:
- Frisked by female security personnel only
- In separate enclosure/area
- Privacy maintained
Male Candidates:
- Frisked by male security personnel
- Metal detector scanning
- Physical checking
For All:
- Cooperative behavior expected
- Follow instructions promptly
- Any suspicious item leads to detailed checking
- Refusal to cooperate = denial of entry
📋 GATE 2026 Exam Day Checklist
One Day Before Exam
Preparation Checklist:
- [ ] Download and print 3 copies of admit card
- [ ] Verify exam center location on Google Maps
- [ ] Arrange photo ID proof (original + photocopy)
- [ ] Plan travel route and mode of transport
- [ ] Keep transparent water bottle ready
- [ ] Select appropriate light-colored clothing
- [ ] Remove all prohibited items from pockets
- [ ] Keep minimal money for transport (no wallet)
- [ ] Set multiple alarms for morning
- [ ] Read admit card instructions thoroughly
- [ ] Check weather forecast, plan accordingly
- [ ] Arrange accommodation if exam in different city
- [ ] Keep emergency contact numbers noted down
- [ ] Charge mobile (to be left outside/at home)
Morning of Exam Day
Final Checklist:
- [ ] Wake up 3-4 hours before reporting time
- [ ] Light breakfast (avoid heavy food)
- [ ] Wear light-colored, comfortable clothes
- [ ] Remove all jewelry/accessories (except minimal)
- [ ] Carry only: Admit card + ID + water bottle
- [ ] Leave home 2-3 hours before reporting time
- [ ] Reach exam center 1 hour before reporting time
- [ ] Use washroom before entry (limited access inside)
- [ ] Stay calm and composed
- [ ] Don’t discuss exam with others
At Exam Center
Upon Arrival:
- [ ] Join the queue for your paper/session
- [ ] Keep admit card and ID ready in hand
- [ ] Remove all metallic items beforehand
- [ ] Cooperate with frisking process
- [ ] Complete biometric verification
- [ ] Locate your assigned seat/computer
- [ ] Wait for instructions from invigilator
- [ ] Don’t touch computer until instructed
⚠️ Critical Do’s and Don’ts
DO’s ✅
- ✅ Reach exam center at least 1 hour before reporting time
- ✅ Carry multiple copies of admit card
- ✅ Wear light-colored, simple clothing
- ✅ Keep ID proof name matching with admit card
- ✅ Remove all metallic items before frisking
- ✅ Follow all instructions of invigilators promptly
- ✅ Stay calm and patient during security checks
- ✅ Use washroom before entering exam hall
- ✅ Inform invigilator about medical needs in advance
- ✅ Keep emergency contact number memorized
DON’Ts ❌
- ❌ Don’t carry mobile phone or any electronic device
- ❌ Don’t wear smartwatch or fitness band
- ❌ Don’t bring bags or backpacks
- ❌ Don’t wear heavy jewelry or accessories
- ❌ Don’t carry study material or notes
- ❌ Don’t argue with security personnel
- ❌ Don’t leave exam center during exam (except emergency)
- ❌ Don’t discuss answers during exam
- ❌ Don’t try to use unfair means
- ❌ Don’t panic if you encounter technical issues
🚨 What If You Forget Something?
Forgot Admit Card
Solutions:
- Download on mobile and take printout at nearby cyber cafe
- Contact exam center coordinator
- Carry ID proof and explain situation
- Entry may not be permitted without admit card
Prevention:
- Keep digital copy in email/cloud
- Take multiple printouts
- Keep PDF in mobile (though mobile not allowed inside)
Forgot ID Proof
Solutions:
- Rush back home if time permits
- Arrange from family member
- Entry will be denied without valid ID
Prevention:
- Keep ID with admit card day before exam
- Double-check before leaving home
Name Mismatch on ID
Solutions:
- Carry supporting documents (marriage certificate, affidavit)
- Explain to exam coordinator
- May require additional verification
- Entry at discretion of authorities
Reached Late
Reality:
- NO ENTRY after gate closure time
- No exceptions under any circumstances
- Exam attempt will be forfeited
Prevention:
- Leave home 2-3 hours in advance
- Account for traffic and delays
- Visit center location day before if possible
📞 Important Contact Information
GATE 2026 Organizing Institute
Official Website: gate2026.iitkgp.ac.in (check current year organizing IIT)
Helpline:
- Email: gate2026@iitkgp.ac.in
- Phone: +91-XXXX-XXXXXX (as per website)
Timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For Exam Day Emergencies:
- Contact exam center coordinator
- Reach exam center well in advance
- Keep organizing institute helpline noted
FAQs – GATE 2026 Exam Day
Q1: What should I carry on GATE 2026 exam day?
You must carry: (1) GATE admit card (colored/black-white printout), (2) Valid original photo ID proof with photocopy (Aadhar/Passport/PAN/Driving License/Voter ID), (3) Transparent water bottle (label removed). These are the only mandatory items.
Q2: Can I carry mobile phone to GATE exam center?
No, mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the exam center. If found, your candidature will be cancelled and you may be debarred from future exams. It’s best to leave mobile at home or in vehicle outside the center.
Q3: What is the dress code for GATE 2026?
Wear light-colored, simple clothing with minimal metal (buttons, zippers). Half-sleeved or sleeveless preferred for easy biometric verification. Avoid heavy jewelry, watches, caps, full sleeves, and clothing with large pockets. Face must be clearly visible.
Q4: Can I wear a watch to the GATE exam?
No, wristwatches of any type (analog, digital, or smart) are strictly prohibited. A timer will be displayed on the computer screen during the exam to help you manage time.
Q5: Will I be frisked at the GATE exam center?
Yes, all candidates undergo mandatory physical frisking and metal detector scanning before entry. Female candidates are frisked by female personnel in a separate area. Cooperate fully with security procedures.
Q6: Can I carry a calculator to GATE exam?
No, calculators are strictly prohibited. However, a virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen for papers that require it. Practice using the on-screen calculator before the exam.
Q7: What happens if I reach late to the GATE exam center?
Entry gates close 30 minutes before exam start time (9:30 AM for FN session, 3:00 PM for AN session). No candidate will be allowed entry after gate closure under any circumstances, regardless of reason.
Q8: Can I carry my own pen and rough sheets?
No, personal stationery is not allowed. You will be provided with a scribble pad and pen at the exam center for rough work. These must be returned after the exam.
Q9: Is there any provision to keep bags or belongings at the exam center?
No, most exam centers do not have cloakroom or storage facilities. The exam authority is not responsible for lost items. It’s strongly advised to not bring any prohibited items or valuables to the exam center.
Q10: What if there is a name mismatch between my admit card and ID proof?
Minor spelling differences may be condoned with supporting documents (marriage certificate, name change affidavit). However, significant name mismatches may lead to denial of entry. Carry all supporting documents and arrive early to explain your case.
Final Exam Day Reminders
Golden Rules:
- 🕐 Early = Safe: Reach 1 hour before reporting time
- 📄 Triple Check: Admit card + ID + Water bottle
- 👔 Dress Smart: Light colors, minimal metal, comfortable
- 📵 Leave Mobile: Best to keep at home
- 🙏 Stay Calm: Cooperate with all procedures
- ⏰ Time Management: Plan travel accounting for delays
- 💡 Read Instructions: On admit card and at center
- 🚫 No Prohibited Items: When in doubt, leave it out
- 📝 Focus: You’ve prepared well, now execute
- ✨ Stay Confident: You’ve got this!
Conclusion
GATE 2026 is a crucial exam that can shape your future. While your preparation is important, equally critical is following all exam day guidelines to ensure smooth entry and examination experience. A single prohibited item or dress code violation can lead to denial of entry and forfeiture of your exam attempt.
Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare thoroughly for exam day. Print this guide, follow it meticulously, and arrive at the exam center with confidence. Remember: When in doubt about any item, leave it at home.
Stay updated with FreeSarkariJobAlert.com for more GATE 2026 updates, answer keys, result notifications, and counselling information.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on general GATE examination guidelines. Candidates must refer to the official GATE 2026 website and their admit card for the most current and authoritative information. Rules may vary slightly by organizing institute. FreeSarkariJobAlert.com is not responsible for any changes or updates made by the organizing authority.
All the Best for GATE 2026! 🎯📚✨
