It is expected that the GATE Answer Key for 2026 will be made available following the finalization of Graduate Aptitude Testing in Engineering (GATE 2026) conducted by IIT Guwahati. Candidates who take the test on 7, 8, 14 and 15 of February in 2026 will be eligible access GATE 2026 answer key, response sheet as well as Paper-wise solutions PDFs on GATE’s website.
Answer key is an essential document for applicants aiming at M.Tech, ME, PhD admissions or PSU selection in that it permits candidates to review their answers, estimate expected marks, and voice concerns before the final score will be announced.
GATE Answer Key 2026 Release Date (Expected)
Based on the trends of previous years Based on the previous year’s trends, the GATE 2026 pro form answers is scheduled to be published in the months of February and March 2026 just a few weeks after the test has concluded.
Expected Timeline
- Prompt Answer Key The month of February/early March in 2026
- Objection Window: 3-5 days
- Final Answer Key: After objection review
- Result Declaration: March 2026
Candidates are advised to visit for updates on the official GATE website frequently for genuine updates.
GATE Answer Key 2026: Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) |
| Conducting Institute | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Dates | 7 & 8 Feb, 14 & 15 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Answer Key Type | Provisional & Final |
| Response Sheet | Released with a provisional key |
| Objection Facility | Available |
| Final Answer Key | After review of objections |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
GATE Answer Key 2026 PDF (Paper-Wise)
Alongside the preliminary answers, IIT Guwahati will release the GATE response sheet that includes:
- Responses of candidates recorded
- Correct and official answers
- Question-wise marking scheme
Answer keys will be made available on a separate basis for each session and paper.
GATE Answer Key 2026 PDF Links (To Be Updated)
| Paper Code | Discipline | Status |
| CS | Computer Science & IT | Soon |
| EE | Electrical Engineering | Soon |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | Soon |
| EC | Electronics & Communication | Soon |
| CE | Civil Engineering | Soon |
| DA | Data Science & AI | Soon |
| XE / XH / XL | Multi-disciplinary Papers | Soon |
| All Other Papers | As per GATE list | Soon |
Steps to Download GATE Answer Key 2026
- Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Click on “GATE Answer Key 2026”
- Log in by using Enrollment ID/Email Identification as well as Password
- Check your sheet of responses and answers key
- Download the PDF to download for scoring calculation
How to Challenge GATE Answer Key 2026
If candidates notice any discrepancies in the proforma answer key candidates can make objections via an online portal called the Portal of GOAPS.
Objection Process
- Log in to GO APS
- Choose the question you want to challenge
- Upload any supporting documentation (standard textbooks/journals)
- Pay the fee for objections as prescribed.
- Deadline for submission
After examining the objections IIT Guwahati will release the final GATE 2026 answer key that will be legally binding for final exam preparation.
How to Calculate Your Marks Using GATE Answer Key 2026
Candidates can calculate their GATE scores by using the official marking scheme.
Marking Scheme
- One-mark MCQ 1 for right or incorrect – 1/3 for a mistake
- Two-mark MCQ 2 for correct and – 2/3 for incorrect
- NAT Questions: No negative marking
Calculation Steps
- Make sure to mark all correct answers
- Negative marks are subtracted for MCQs that are incorrect
- Complete marks are awarded for NAT questions
- Sum total to calculate raw score
Note: The final GATE score could differ because of the normalization process.
GATE Score Normalization Process Explained
For papers that have multiple sessions, GATE uses a normalization formula to ensure fairness throughout different shifts of the exam.
Why Normalization Is Important
- Different sessions could have different difficulty levels
- Make sure that all candidates are evaluated equally. candidates
- Normalized marks are used in ranking calculation.
This is the reason raw is the most important factor in determining GATE’s final score.
What Happens After the Final GATE 2026 Answer Key?
After the final answer key is published:
- There are no further objections to be made.
- Normalization is the process used to apply it
- GATE score (out of a total of 1000) are determined
- All-India ranks are created
The final answer key determines the results and cut-offs.
Importance of GATE Answer Key 2026
Answer key for GATE
- It ensures that evaluations are transparent.
- Helps estimate qualifying chances early
- Corrects errors by submitting objections
- Assists in PSU and counselling plans
- Helps repeaters analyze the performance of repeaters
How GATE Answer Key Helps in PSU Recruitment
Numerous Public Sector Companies (PSUs) shortlist candidates on the basis of GATE scores.
Utilizing the answer key, candidates are able to:
- Estimate PSU cut-off date for eligibility
- Choose which PSUs you’d like to submit an application for.
- Begin preparation for interviews in the early hours of the morning.
- Prepare backup options ahead of time
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the Answer Key
- Negative marking applied to NAT questions
- Using unofficial coaching keys
- Insisting on normalization of session
- Assuming that the provisional score is definitive
- Refusing to file weak objections in the absence of any evidence
Always use GATE official document only.
GATE 2026 Counselling & Admission Process
Following the results:
- COAP: IIT admissions
- CCMT: NITs, IIITs, GFTIs
- Specific to the institute PhD admissions
- PSU recruitment portals
GATE score Validity: 3 years
What If You Don’t Qualify GATE 2026?
In the absence of qualifying, it’s not the end of the world. Alternatives include:
- Reattempt GATE 2027
- Apply for private universities
- Make sure you are prepared for other tests.
- Certifications for industry
- Non-GATE PSU tasks
Many top performers qualify for later contests.
GATE Answer Key 2026 GATE Answer Key 2026 is a crucial moment between the exam and the final results. Candidates should make use of it to calculate scores, file valid objections and prepare the admission process or PSU applications carefully.
FAQ’s
Q1. When will GATE Answer Key 2026 be released?
The preliminary answer key is scheduled for the months of February-March 2026 after the exam has concluded.
Q2. Can I challenge the GATE 2026 answer key?
Yes, you can do this through the Go APS Portal with the payment of an objection fee and providing an acceptable proof.
Q3. Is the final answer key different from the provisional one?
Yes. The answer key for the final exam is made available after reviewing the objections and used to calculate outcomes.
