GATE Exam Guidelines 2026 - Dress Code, Documents Checklist PDF Download

The upcoming GATE exam is fast approaching, and candidates must ensure that they are well-informed about the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the instructions provided by the exam conducting authorities regarding the dress code, items that are prohibited, and necessary documents to carry. These guidelines are outlined in the information brochure, and candidates must follow them carefully.

To avoid any last-minute confusion, candidates should be aware of the dress code prescribed for the GATE exam. The information brochure provides detailed instructions on what to wear and what to avoid during the exam. By adhering to the guidelines, candidates can ensure a smooth and hassle-free exam experience.

This EduRev article provides important information on what to wear and what not to wear on exam day, along with the necessary documents to carry.

GATE Exam Guidelines 2026 - Dress Code

It is essential for candidates appearing for the GATE 2026 exam to carefully review their admit card and familiarize themselves with the guidelines regarding permissible and prohibited items at the examination center. In addition, it is advisable to follow the prescribed GATE dress code advisory to avoid any last-minute confusion or inconvenience.

Dress Code for Male Candidates

To ensure a hassle-free GATE 2026 exam experience, male candidates must carefully follow the prescribed guidelines for the exam day dress code. Here are some essential instructions and tips to help male candidates dress appropriately for the exam:

• Do not wear clothes made of metallic items, or buttons.
• Avoid wearing clothes with too many pockets.
• Do not wear a cap, muffler, or any cloth to cover your head.
• Wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort during the exam.
• Do not wear any kind of jewelry or ornaments such as rings, watches, and belts. These items are strictly prohibited in the examination center.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals instead of shoes or any other footwear that covers your feet.
• Do not wear goggles, rings, bracelets, or any other such items during the exam.

Dress Code for Female Candidates

Female candidates appearing for the GATE exam 2026 must follow the dress code guidelines mentioned on their admit card.

• Candidates must avoid wearing any kind of shrug, stole, dupatta, or scarf.
• Candidates must not wear any kind of jewellery or ornaments, as they will be strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
• Clothing containing metallic items or any other items made of metal should also be avoided.
• Candidates are advised to wear light and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort during the exam.
• Flip-flops or sandals are recommended footwear, while shoes or any other footwear covering feet should be avoided.
• Goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, or any other such items should not be worn during the exam.

Special Cases for Candidates in GATE 2026 Exam

Exceptions for candidates with physical disabilities:

• Candidates must carry and show their disability certificate while appearing for the GATE exam.
• There will be no separate criteria for candidates with disabilities.
• Candidates with 40% and above the benchmark of disability will be given some relaxation, provided they produce their latest certificates.
• A scribe can be arranged for candidates with disabilities. The scribe should have a minimum qualification of a Class 10 pass.
• Candidates with disabilities who are not availing of any scribe will be granted an hour extra for three hours of the paper.
• The mark sheet and identity proof of the scribe should be carried.
• Candidates may also benefit from more than one scribe for papers in language.

List of Banned items for GATE 2026

The GATE 2026 examination hall prohibits certain items, thus candidates must refrain from carrying the items mentioned in the following list

• Candidates must only carry their admit cards and nothing else on paper is permitted inside the examination hall.
• Transparent water bottles are allowed, but coloured or labelled bottles are not permitted.
• Ornaments, caps, goggles, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited.
• Shoes and socks are not allowed inside the exam hall, and candidates have to remove them outside.
• Electronic items such as pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, mobile devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, and related accessories are strictly banned inside the examination hall.
• Candidates are not allowed to bring personal belongings such as handbags, wallets, and belts.

GATE Exam Guidelines 2026 - Documents Checklist

Here is the list of documents that a candidate must carry on the GATE Exam Day:

• Colored Print Copy of GATE Admit Card 2026: It is mandatory to carry a colored print copy of the GATE Admit Card 2026. Candidates should ensure that the photograph and the ID used at the time of filling out the form match their appearance.
• Original Copy of Valid Photo Identity: Along with the admit card, candidates must also carry an original copy of a valid photo identity proof. For Indian candidates, documents like Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, College ID, Employee ID or Driving License can be used. International candidates can carry documents like Passport, Government issued ID, College ID or Employee ID.
• Pen: Candidates are allowed to carry a pen to the exam hall.

Here are some documents that should not be carried:

• Watches, Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices: Candidates should not carry any watches, mobile phones or electronic devices like calculators, electronic pens, scanners, etc.
• Bags and Valuables: Candidates should avoid carrying bags and valuable items as there is no provision for safekeeping at the GATE exam centre.

Exam Day Guidelines for GATE 2026

Here are some tips and guidelines that GATE 2026 candidates should keep in mind for the exam day:

• Candidates must reach the examination centre at least one hour before the exam commencement.
• They must carry the GATE 2026 admit card and a valid identity proof with them to the exam centre.
• The exam authorities will provide a scribble pad to each candidate for rough work during the examination. Candidates must submit the scribbled paper back to the invigilator after the exam.
• Candidates must not carry any paper other than the admit card and valid ID proof.
• Pens or pencils will not be provided at the GATE 2026 exam centres. Candidates must bring their own.
• Ornaments, goggles, and smartwatches are not allowed inside the examination hall.
• Candidates can carry only transparent water bottles inside the exam centres.
• Personal belongings such as wallets, handbags, and belts are not allowed inside the exam hall.
• Candidates should not carry any electronic items, such as mobile phones, pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, and related accessories, as they are strictly banned inside the examination hall.
• Candidates must follow the COVID-19 guidelines inside the examination hall, wear a face mask at all times, and maintain social distancing.
• Students must not indulge in any malpractice and must follow the code of conduct during the exam.
• Candidates with disabilities must carry valid certificates/proof to the examination centre.

This article comprehensively covers all the necessary information regarding the dress code and mandatory documents that candidates are required to carry on the day of the GATE exam. It is highly recommended that candidates pay attention to these details as even a small mistake can lead to significant trouble. Being well-prepared and well-informed is the key to a smooth and hassle-free experience during the GATE exam.

Last-Minute Tips for GATE 2024

Here are some last-minute tips to succeed in the GATE 2023 -

• To prepare a best exam day strategy, the candidates must thoroughly go through the GATE 2023 exam pattern which will give them a fair bit of idea regarding the type of questions that will form the backbone of the question paper
• The candidates must acquaint themselves with the functioning of the virtual calculator so they are not lost if the need to use the same arises during the exam
• The candidates must dedicate maximum time to practise as many as possible numbers of GATE previous year questions papers, sample test papers and GATE mock test papers as these will help the candidates identify the “Holes in the Ship” and plug them
• It is understandable that the candidates must be already feeling anxious as a little more than a fortnight remains for the D-Day. CollegeDekho experts suggest that the candidates must not take too much stress regarding the exam as it has been noticed in the past that an anxious mind is the most vulnerable mind which stutters at the end. Listening to good music or taking refreshing breaks can work wonders, suggest the experts and previous year rank holders, to keep the stress factor at bay
• The candidates are suggested to avoid going through new topics as it might lead to confusion with only a few days to go for the examination. The best suggestion is they should focus more on strengthening their hold over those topics of which they already have a good understanding
• It is expected from the candidates that they must have been thorough with their syllabus during the undergrad years and thus much of their success will depend on how well they revise the same
• The best way to revise the entire GATE syllabus 2023 at the last moment is to go through the personal notes which the candidates must have prepared during the early days of the preparatory stages

Exam Day Instructions for GATE 2024

The following pointers deal exclusively with the GATE 2023 exam day instructions, i.e it is the list of “To-Dos” for the candidates on the exam dates:

• The candidates will be allowed to log into the GATE 2023 exam portal at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the exam which the candidates must utilise to read all the important instructions
• The candidates must only use the scribble pad provided to them at the exam centre for rough work and calculation. After the exam, the candidates must return the scribble pad to the invigilator. It is mandatory for the candidates to write their GATE 2024 registration number on the scribble pad before beginning to scribble on it
• Before starting to attempt the questions, it is advised that the candidates should click on the tab - View All Questions to glance through all the questions. It will help them identify those questions or sections that can be attempted first
• Sections like Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude are easy scoring sections which means the candidates can attempt these two sections before turning towards the subject-specific section
• Candidates should attempt the questions that they find easier to answer in the first half
• The candidates must not forget to click on the “Save” button to submit their response. If the candidates proceed to the next question without clicking on the “Save” button, their response will not be submitted and they have to come back later to submit their response again which can be time-consuming
• The candidates can note down those question numbers which will include the use of scribble pads to help them get on with it easily as soon as the question pops up on the screen
• If the candidates come across a question which seems difficult, they should move towards the next question. In the end, if time is left, they can come back and try to attempt the same
• The candidates must remain calm and composed and precisely undertake the calculation part to ensure they arrive at the correct solution
• Candidates need not attempt unsure questions  as it is a better alternative than to lose out on precious marks
• The candidates must chalk out their question attempting strategy carefully that should include a “revision time” towards the near end of the session to check whether all the attempted questions carry the correct response or not

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to GATE Exam Guidelines 2024

Is there any dress code for GATE exam?

Although authorities has not mandated any particular dress code for the GATE exam, candidates are recommended to refrain from wearing items such as watches, electronic devices, caps, jewellery, metallic objects, scarfs/stoles, or other adornments for GATE 2026.

What documents should I carry for GATE exam?

Candidates must carry the GATE 2026 admit card along with one passport-size photograph and a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar-UID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, or Driving License to the examination centre. No candidate will be allowed to appear in the exam without these documents. It is advised to visit the exam centre a day before the exam to avoid any issues on the exam day. Candidates with physical disabilities must also carry their valid certificate/proof to the examination centre.

Can I carry pen in GATE exam?

Yes, you can carry a transparent pen.

Can I wear full sleeves in GATE exam?

Yes, you can wear full sleeves in the GATE exam as there is no specific dress code prescribed by the conducting authority. However, it is advised to avoid wearing any clothing items with too many pockets, metal items, or any other accessories that may cause any inconvenience during the exam.

Is mobile phone allowed in GATE exam?

No, mobile phones or any other electronic gadgets are not allowed in GATE Exam Hall. But there are counters made where you can submit your belongings if it is necessary to bring it.

Which photo ID proof will be accepted in GATE 2026?

Acceptable forms of identification that candidates can bring include Aadhaar-UID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID and Driving License.

Are calculators allowed in GATE?

The use of physical calculators will not be permitted during the online GATE exam. Instead, a virtual calculator will be available on the computer screen for candidates to utilize for solving problems.