GATE Exam Dress Code: for Male and Female Candidates, Documents, Banned Items

Kriti Jain

Updated on - Oct 10, 2025

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.

GATE Exam Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates

Every exam has its own set of guidelines and instructions to be followed. Similarly, GATE has its own set of dress codes that need to be followed while appearing for the examination.

The GATE applicants can check the GATE 2026 dress code given by the authority for male and female candidates:

GATE Exam Dress Code 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 Exam Dress Code 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 Day Banned Items and Exceptions

There are some prohibited items that you can not bring to the examination. We have listed all those items for your convenience in the article below:

List of Banned Items for GATE 

Certain items are prohibited in the examination hall for GATE 2026. Therefore, you should not carry the items specified in the list below:

• You cannot carry any paper except for their GATE 2026 admit cards, without which they are not allowed inside the examination hall.
• Water bottles should be transparent; coloured or labelled bottles are not permitted.
• Ornaments, goggles, caps, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited.
• If you are wearing shoes and socks, they will not be allowed. They have to remove them outside the exam hall.
• Electronic items like pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, mobile devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, and related accessories are strictly banned inside the examination hall.
• Your personal belongings like handbags, wallets, belts, etc., are not allowed.

Exceptions for Students in GATE

There are a few exceptions for candidates with physical disabilities. You have to carry and show the disability certificate along with them while appearing for the GATE. However, there will be no separate criteria for candidates with a disability.

• Candidates with 40% and above the benchmark of disability will be given some relaxation, provided they produce their latest certificates.
• The scribe should have a minimum qualification of a Class 10 pass. The mark sheet and identity proof of the scribe should be carried.
• You may also get the benefit of more than one scribe for papers like language.
• You with disabilities who are not availing of any scribe will be granted an extra hour for three hours of paper.

Important Documents for GATE Exam

You must ensure that they carry all the necessary documents listed below while appearing for the GATE exam:

• The foremost important document to carry is the GATE admit card 2026.
• You must carry any valid ID card, such as a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, College ID, Employee ID, Driving License, etc.
• Additionally, you are advised to follow the COVID protocol. Wear a mask, and use hand sanitiser.
• You are allowed to carry a pen, pencil, and transparent water bottle.

Also Read: GATE Exam Attempt Limit 2026

GATE Exam Day Instructions

The authorities have released some important instructions that you must follow on the GATE 2026 exam day. The following practices must be followed:

• You are requested to reach the examination centre one hour before the tentative examination time.
• The GATE examination will be conducted for three hours. no one will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the end of the time.
• Scribble pads will be supplied from the examination centre. You have to mention the registration number and name mentioned on the admit card and submit it before leaving the examination hall.
• You must not tamper with the computer or any items that do not belong to them.

GATE Exam Preparation Tips

For your benifit, we have prepared a few tips while planning for the examination. It will ensure that you are completely prepared for the examination. Here are some common GATE 2026 preparation tips:

• You are advised to go through the GATE exam pattern and syllabus 2026 carefully before applying for the GATE exam.
• Division of time is very important. You are suggested to focus on the areas that they need to concentrate on and work on more.
• You can be admitted to any coaching institute as per their needs.
• Following the GAT,E previous years' question papers are a mandate for you.
• Moreover, you can take mock tests at regular intervals to check your preparation.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also necessary to increase productivity. You are advised not to burn yourself out in this whole process.

Also Read: What is a Good GATE Score 2026?