Check the official GATE 2026 dress code guidelines for male and female candidates, including what to wear, items to avoid, and rules for PwD candidates on exam day.
GATE exam dress code 2026 will be set by IIT Guwahati for male and female candidates. It is recommended to wear comfortable and modest clothing, as the students may be seated for a long period of time during the GATE 2026 exam.
Candidates must also ensure that they do not wear goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, or other similar items in the GATE 2026 exam hall. Moreover, they must mandatorily carry their admit card, identity proof and other required documents when reporting to the exam centre.
The authorities emphasise that candidates strictly follow the GATE 2026 exam dress code. Thus, learning about the dress code and other GATE exam day guidelines 2026 is crucial to ensure no last-minute hassle.
Is There an Official Dress Code for GATE 2026?
Yes, the GATE 2026 dress code will be set by the conducting authorities. These guidelines are set to prevent any malpractices, smooth frisking and verification and to maintain the decorum of the exam center.
So, while there's no rigid dress code, the authorities may deny entry to candidates if their attire includes prohibited items or causes security concerns. Apart from this, you will be required to carry the GATE important documents to the exam center such as your GATE admit card, identification proof, passport-size photograph, etc.
GATE Dress Code 2026 New Guidelines: What to Wear and What to Avoid
It is important for you to know what kind of attire is permissible to wear in GATE 2026 and what should be avoided to save time during the frisking and verification process. The table below shows the GATE dress code 2026 as per the latest notification by the authorities:
|
What to Wear |
What to Avoid |
|
Simple, light-weight clothes without too many pockets or layers |
Jackets, hoodies, coats, or scarves |
|
Plain T-shirts, shirts, or kurtas |
Shoes, sneakers, boots, or heels |
|
Full-length pants, trousers, or jeans (preferably without cargo pockets) |
Watches (digital or analog), Jewelry or metallic accessories (chains, bangles, earrings, etc.) |
|
Flat sandals or slippers |
Caps, hats, or sunglasses |
|
Clothes made of light fabric with minimal embellishments |
Clothes with excessive pockets or zippers |
GATE Main Dress Code 2026 Guidelines for Male and Female Candidates
To ensure clarity, here are the specific dress code recommendations for male and female candidates appearing for GATE 2026:
GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 for Male Candidates
All the male candidates can check the GATE dress code given by the authority, and you need to meet the given rules to enter the examination hall.
- You should not wear clothing with too many pockets.
- You will not be permitted to cover their heads with a cap, muffler, or other covering item.
- Rings, watches, and belts are examples of jewellery that you are not permitted to wear. The examination centre will strictly forbid the possession of items of this kind.
- Goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, and other similar items are not permitted on you.
- Sandals or flip-flops are recommended for you. However, shoes and other footwear that cover the feet should be avoided.
- Male candidates should wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to avoid any discomfort during the exam.
- Also Check: Impact of Negative Marking in GATE
GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 for Female Candidates
You need to meet the given rules to enter the examination hall. All the female candidates can check the GATE dress code given by the authority:
- Goggles, rings, bracelets, watches, belts, and other similar items are not permitted on you.
- Sandals or flip-flops are recommended for you. Shoes and other footwear that cover the feet should be avoided.
- You must refrain from wearing any metal-containing clothing or items.
- No ornaments or jewellery may be worn by you. These items will be strictly restricted inside the exam room.
- You must not wear a scarf, shrug, stole, or dupatta.
- Female candidates are advised to wear light, modest and comfortable clothes to the exam hall.
GATE Dress Code 2026: Do’s and Don’ts
The candidates must also ensure that they are not carrying any prohibited items in to the examination center that might lead to disqualification. Here are the list of items that you should carry and avoid to the GATE exam center 2026:
|
Category |
Details |
|
Paper |
No papers allowed except the GATE 2026 admit card |
|
Water Bottles |
Only transparent bottles allowed; colored or labelled bottles are prohibited |
|
Accessories |
Ornaments, goggles, caps, smartwatches are strictly not allowed |
|
Footwear |
Shoes and socks are not permitted; candidates must remove them outside the exam hall |
|
Electronic Devices |
Pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, mobile phones, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, and similar items are banned |
|
Personal Belongings |
Handbags, wallets, belts, etc., are not allowed |
GATE Dress Code 2026: Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
The authorities have made few relaxation in the GATE dress code and exam day guidelines for students with disabilities. The table below shows the details of GATE dress code for PwD:
|
Condition |
Details |
|
Disability Certificate |
Must carry and present a valid government-issued disability certificate |
|
Benchmark Disability (≥40%) |
Eligible for relaxations on producing updated certificate |
|
Use of Scribe |
Allowed; scribe must have a minimum qualification of Class 10 |
|
Scribe Documents |
Must carry mark sheet and identity proof of the scribe |
|
Multiple Scribes |
Permitted for subjects like language-based papers |
|
No Scribe (PwD Candidates) |
Will be granted extra time (1 hour for a 3-hour paper) |
Relevant articles related to GATE
| GATE Previous Year Question Papers | GATE 2025 Question Paper |
| GATE Exam Centres 2026 | |
| GATE Exam Day Guidelines 2026 | |
| GATE Exam Date 2026 | GATE Eligibility Criteria |
| GATE Syllabus 2026 | GATE Mock Test |
Conclusion
While the GATE 2026 dress code may not seem as critical as the syllabus or preparation strategy, it plays an important role in ensuring a smooth, secure, and stress-free exam experience. The guidelines laid out by IIT Guwahati aim to streamline the frisking and verification process and prevent any unfair practices during the examination.
Whether you're a male or female candidate, it's essential to wear simple, non-restrictive clothing, avoid prohibited items like jewelry, watches, and shoes, and comply fully with the regulations of the examination center. For candidates with disabilities, appropriate accommodations are provided, but only upon submission of valid documentation.
