Can I wear jewelry or accessories during the GATE exam?

It is best to avoid wearing jewelry, metal bangles, earrings, watches, or any other accessories, as these may lead to delays during frisking or may not be allowed inside the exam hall.

Are digital or analog watches allowed in the exam hall?

No, watches of any kind (analog or digital) are strictly prohibited inside the GATE 2026 exam hall. A clock will be provided on the computer screen for time tracking.

Can I wear traditional or religious attire for the GATE exam?

Yes, you can wear religious or cultural attire like turbans, hijabs, etc, but you may be asked to undergo additional frisking. Arrive early if wearing such attire to allow time for security checks.

Are shoes allowed in GATE 2026 exam or should I wear slippers or sandals?

There is no restriction on footwear, but it is advisable to wear open footwear like slippers or sandals to avoid delays during security checks. Avoid shoes with metal components.

GATE Exam Dress Code 2026: New Guidelines for Male and Female Candidates

Q: Is there an official dress code for GATE 2026?

No, GATE does not enforce a strict dress code, it is recommended to wear simple and comfortable clothing without unnecessary accessories or metallic items to avoid issues during security checks.

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: New Guidelines for Male and Female Candidates

Table of Contents

Is There an Official Dress Code for GATE 2026?
GATE Dress Code 2026 New Guidelines: What to Wear and What to Avoid
GATE Main Dress Code 2026 Guidelines for Male and Female Candidates
GATE Dress Code 2026: Do’s and Don’ts
Relevant articles related to GATE

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)

GATE Previous Year Question Papers	GATE 2025 Question Paper
GATE Exam Centres 2026	GATE Exam Preparation Tips
GATE Exam Day Guidelines 2026	GATE Reference Books
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.