What has changed
The admit cards, which were expected to be released as per the earlier examination timeline, will now be issued on a revised date yet to be confirmed. IIT Guwahati has not specified the duration of the delay but clarified that the examination schedule remains unchanged unless stated otherwise in a separate notification.
Who is affected
The postponement impacts lakhs of engineering, science, and architecture graduates who have registered for GATE 2026. The admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination centre and contains critical details such as the candidate’s roll number, exam date and time, reporting instructions, and centre address.
Why the release was postponed
Officials familiar with the process indicated that routine technical and verification-related procedures prompted the deferment. Organisers said the delay is intended to ensure accuracy in candidate details and smooth conduct of the national-level examination.
How candidates can access the admit card
Once released, candidates will be able to download their admit cards by logging in with their enrollment ID or registered email address and password on the official GATE 2026 portal. IIT Guwahati has reiterated that no hard copies of the admit card will be sent by post.
Context and importance of GATE
GATE is one of India’s most competitive examinations and serves as a gateway for admission to postgraduate programmes (MTech, ME, and PhD) at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other leading institutions. Several public sector undertakings (PSUs) also use GATE scores for recruitment. The exam is conducted jointly by the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on a rotational basis.
What candidates should do next
Aspirants are advised not to panic and to continue with their preparation as scheduled. They should ensure that their login credentials are active and check personal details once the admit card is released. In case of discrepancies, candidates will be required to contact the GATE 2026 helpdesk within the stipulated correction window.
IIT Guwahati is expected to issue a formal notice announcing the revised admit card release date in the coming days. Until then, candidates are urged to rely only on official updates and avoid unverified information circulating on social media.
