The GATE 2026 Computer Science & Information Technology (CSE/CS) paper was conducted on February 8, 2026 by IIT Guwahati in two shifts:
- Shift 1 (CS-1) → Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Shift 2 (CS-2) → Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Both shifts are now complete, and memory-based question papers, unofficial answer keys, detailed solutions, and exam analysis are widely available from coaching institutes and education platforms. The official question papers and provisional answer key will be released later on the GOAPS portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in), expected around mid-February 2026.
Overall Difficulty & Student Reactions (Combined Shifts)
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (most students found it balanced but lengthy and conceptual)
- General Aptitude (GA): Easy to Moderate (doable, good scoring section)
- Engineering Mathematics: Moderate (some calculative questions)
- Core CS Subjects: Moderate to Tough (emphasis on conceptual understanding, algorithms, OS, DBMS, Networks, TOC, Compiler Design, and some tricky MSQs/NATs)
- Time Management: Many reported lengthy questions → time pressure in both shifts
- Good Attempts: 45–55+ marks considered safe for a decent score (depending on accuracy)
- Expected Cutoff (General Category): 28–32 marks (unofficial estimates; may vary based on normalisation)
Shift-wise quick snapshot:
- Shift 1 (Morning): Slightly easier than Shift 2 for many; moderate overall, with more focus on Data Structures, Algorithms, and OS. Some lengthy NATs.
- Shift 2 (Afternoon): Perceived as slightly tougher; more conceptual and calculative questions, tricky MSQs in TOC, Networks, and DBMS.
Next Important Steps for Candidates
- Calculate tentative score using memory-based answer keys (remember GATE has negative marking for MCQs)
- Wait for official response sheet (expected soon after exam) → compare with unofficial keys
- Official provisional answer key → Release expected in mid-February 2026 on gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Raise objections (if any) during the challenge window
- Final answer key & result → Expected in March 2026