GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Dress Code, Do's & Don'ts, Last-Minute Tips

The GATE 2026 exam is starting from February 7, 2026. If you're appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering this year, it's important to know all the exam day rules before you reach the centre. IIT Roorkee is conducting GATE 2026 across multiple dates — February 7, 8, 14, and 15. There are 30 test papers in total, but candidates can appear for a maximum of 1 or 2 papers only.

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Before the exam day, make sure you download your GATE 2026 admit card and check all the details carefully. Read through the exam day instructions mentioned in the information brochure. Following the dress code and carrying the right documents will help you avoid unnecessary trouble at the exam centre.

In this article, we've covered everything you need to know — exam day guidelines, dress code for male and female candidates, banned items, documents checklist, and last-minute preparation tips.

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule & Timings

Here's the complete schedule for GATE 2026. Check your test paper and note the date and shift carefully.

Make sure you remember your exam date and shift. Reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute rush.

GATE 2026 Exam Day Instructions: Do's & Don'ts

Here are the important guidelines every candidate must follow on the GATE 2026 exam day.

Do's – What You Must Do:

• Carry your GATE 2026 admit card (coloured printout) along with an original photo ID proof. No entry will be allowed without these documents.
• Bring a passport-sized photograph that matches the one on your admit card.
• Carry a transparent water bottle only. Coloured or labelled bottles aren't allowed.
• Bring a transparent pencil kit with your own pens or pencils. Stationery won't be provided at the centre.
• Wear simple and comfortable clothes without any metallic items.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals instead of shoes.
• Reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the exam starts.
• Cooperate with the exam centre staff and go directly to your allotted room.
• Read the instructions on the question paper carefully before starting.
• A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. You must return it after the exam.

Don'ts – What You Must Avoid:

• Don't carry calculators, mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, or any electronic gadgets.
• Don't wear belts, jewellery, rings, bracelets, watches, or goggles.
• Don't bring any study material, notes, or extra papers to the exam hall.
• Don't carry personal items like wallets, handbags, or pouches.
• Don't wear shoes or socks. Remove them outside before entering the hall.
• Don't wear caps, mufflers, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).
• Don't leave the exam hall before the exam ends. The exam is 3 hours long, and you must stay for the entire duration.
• Don't cheat or violate the exam code of conduct.

GATE 2026 Dress Code for Male Candidates

Male candidates must follow these dress code guidelines to ensure a smooth exam experience.

• Wear simple, lightweight, and comfortable clothing.
• Avoid clothes with metallic buttons, zippers, or extra pockets.
• Don't wear caps, mufflers, or any head coverings.
• Don't wear jewellery, rings, watches, bracelets, or belts.
• Avoid wearing goggles or sunglasses.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals. Shoes and socks aren't allowed inside the exam hall.

GATE 2026 Dress Code for Female Candidates

Female candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must follow these dress code rules.

• Wear light and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort during the 3-hour exam.
• Avoid wearing shrugs, stoles, dupattas, or scarves.
• Don't wear any jewellery or ornaments. They're strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
• Avoid clothing with metallic items like zippers, buttons, or hooks.
• Don't wear goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, or belts.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals. Shoes or any covered footwear aren't allowed.

GATE 2026: Special Guidelines for Candidates with Disabilities (PwD)

Candidates with physical disabilities must follow these additional guidelines.

• Carry and show your disability certificate at the exam centre.
• Candidates with 40% or above benchmark disability will be given relaxation as per rules.
• If you're not using a scribe, you'll be granted 1 extra hour for the 3-hour paper.
• If you're using a scribe, the scribe must have a minimum qualification of Class 10 pass.
• Carry the mark sheet and identity proof of your scribe.
• Candidates may use more than one scribe for language papers if needed.

GATE 2026: List of Banned Items

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the GATE 2026 examination hall.

• Mobile phones, smartphones, and any electronic devices
• Calculators, electronic pens, scanners, and pen drives
• Smartwatches, fitness bands, and health bands
• Earphones, microphones, Bluetooth devices, and pagers
• Wallets, handbags, pouches, and belts
• Jewellery, ornaments, rings, bracelets, and watches
• Goggles, sunglasses, and caps
• Shoes and socks
• Coloured or labelled water bottles (only transparent bottles allowed)
• Study material, notes, books, or any paper (except admit card)

GATE 2026: Documents Checklist – What to Carry

Here's the list of documents you must carry on the GATE 2026 exam day.

GATE 2026: Last-Minute Preparation Tips

Here are some helpful last-minute tips to boost your performance in GATE 2026.

1. Revise the Exam Pattern: Go through the GATE 2026 exam pattern one more time. Understand the marking scheme, question types, and sectional weightage. This will help you plan your time better during the exam.

2. Practice with the Virtual Calculator: GATE provides an on-screen virtual calculator during the exam. Make sure you're familiar with how it works. Practice using it so you don't waste time figuring it out during the actual exam.

3. Solve Previous Year Papers: Dedicate time to solving GATE previous year question papers, sample papers, and mock tests. This will help you identify weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.

4. Don't Start New Topics: Avoid learning new topics at the last minute. It might confuse you and affect your confidence. Focus on revising topics you already know well.

5. Revise from Your Notes: Go through the personal notes you made during your preparation. Quick revision from your own notes is the most effective way to recall important concepts.

6. Stay Calm and Relaxed: Don't stress too much. An anxious mind makes more mistakes. Listen to music, take short breaks, and stay positive. A calm mind performs better in exams.

7. Get Proper Sleep: Don't sacrifice sleep for last-minute studying. A well-rested mind is sharper and more focused. Sleep for at least 7-8 hours the night before the exam.

8. Keep Everything Ready the Night Before: Pack your admit card, ID proof, photograph, pens, and water bottle the night before. Don't leave anything for the morning. This will help you avoid panic on exam day.

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