GATE Answer Key 2026:Download PDF, Challenge Process

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most important entrance exams in India, opening doors to postgraduate programs in top institutes and many opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Every year, lakhs of engineering and science students appear for the exam with aspirations of growing in their careers.

One of the most important post-exam events in the whole GATE exam is the GATE Answer Key. The GATE 2026 answer key will be released online by the organizing institute a few days after the exam. It provides you with the official solutions to all the questions asked in the paper. Using the answer key, aspirants can:

• Cross-check their responses
• Estimate their probable score
• Identify errors in the provisional key
• Challenge incorrect answers within the given time frame

In this article, we will be discussing the  GATE 2026 Answer Key release date, challenge steps, required documents, etc. 

When Will the GATE 2026 Answer Key be Released?

The GATE 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released in the third week of February 2026. Before this, you will be able to download your GATE response sheets, which are usually released 2–3 days after the exam.

The final GATE 2026 answer key will be published in the first week of March 2026. The provisional answer key will be released by the authorities, on which you can raise objections, if any. After reviewing the objections to the provisional answer keys, the final answer key will be released.

How to Download the GATE 2026 Answer Key?

The GATE 2026 answer key will be released by the authorities on IIT Guwahati’s website and the GOAPS portal. Follow these steps to download the GATE 2026 answer key.

1. Go to the official website of GATE 2026.
2. Find the “GATE 2026 Answer Key” option.
3. Select your subjects from the list of PDFs.
4. Download the PDF file.
5. Save it for comparison with your response sheet.

GATE Answer Key 2026 PDF

The answer key is released in PDF format for all 30+ subject papers. Each GATE 2026 answer key PDF contains:

• The question number for which the answer will be given in front of it.
• Correct answer 
• References for NAT and MSQ questions

How to Calculate the GATE Score Using the Final Answer Key 2026?

Verifying the answer keys with your response sheet will help you to get the final raw score estimate. You can follow these instructions thoroughly to calculate your GATE 2026 score: 

1. The answer key needs to be matched with the response sheet to know your estimated score.
2. Add Mark for Correct Answers:

• 1 mark for each correct 1-mark question.
• 2 marks for each correct 2-mark question.

• −1/3 mark for each incorrect 1-mark MCQ.
• −2/3 mark for each incorrect 2-mark MCQ.

Steps to Challenge GATE Provisional Answer Key 2026

To challenge the GATE provisional answer key 2026, you need to object to the question you doubt and add proof in the form of reference material to verify your claim. Follow the steps to challenge a question.

1. Log in to the GOAPS official website.
2. Click on the “Contest Answer Key” option.
3. Select the question you want to object to.
4. Provide proper reasoning and reference material to support your claim.
5. Upload supporting documents.
6. Pay the challenge fee online.
7. Submit your objection before the deadline.

GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge Fee

To object to the answer key, you need to pay a fee of INR 500 per question. If the objection is valid and accepted, the fee may be refunded. If rejected, the fee is non-refundable.

Documents Required to Support GATE Answer Key Challenge

When objecting to a question, you must provide some verified proof. Documents required to support the GATE answer key challenge are as follows:

• Textbook references.
• Research papers.
• Detailed explanations.
• Screenshots from authentic academic sources.

What is the Process after the Final Answer Key is Released?

Once the GATE 2026 final answer key is out, the following steps take place:

1. All responses are re-checked for the release of the final answer key.
2. For papers with multiple sessions, raw marks are normalized.
3. GATE 2026 results are then released.
4. After that, you can download your official scorecard, valid for three years.

By downloading the GATE 2026 answer key PDF and getting an estimated score, you can smartly and timely plan the next steps, whether it’s for higher studies or PSU recruitment. Remember, while the provisional answer key allows you to raise objections, the final answer depicts your final GATE 2026 score. Staying updated and making informed decisions will help you maximize your chances of success.

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