The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially opened the objection window for the GATE 2026 provisional answer key. Candidates who appeared for the graduate aptitude test in engineering can now review their responses and submit any discrepancies through the official GOAPS portal.
This stage is an important part of the examination process, ensuring transparency and accuracy before the final results are compiled.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The challenge window is strictly time-bound. Candidates are encouraged to act quickly to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
- Window Opens: 25th February 2026
- Deadline to Challenge: 28th February 2026
- Result Declaration: 19th March 2026
Note: While all candidates can view their response sheets on the portal, provisional candidates are not permitted to contest or challenge the answer key.
How to Challenge the GATE 2026 Answer Key
If you find an error in the provisional key, candidates can submit an objection by following the below steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Site gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Step 2: Click on the link for the GATE 2026 Online Application Processing System.
Step 3: Enter your enrollment ID and password.
Step 4: Click on the contest answer key or challenge link.
Step 5: Select the specific Question ID and Answer ID you wish to contest.
Step 6: Upload clear, supporting documents such as textbook references or solved proofs to justify your challenge.
Step 7: Pay the requisite challenge fee for each question contested.
Understanding the Challenge Fee
Every challenge requires a processing fee. If the subject experts find the candidate’s objection to be valid, the fee for that specific question is typically refunded. If your challenge is rejected, you lose your money and won’t get it back. This rule is in place to make sure students only send in real, well researched complaints.
What Happens Next?
Once the deadline passes on February 28, all submitted challenges will be reviewed by a panel of experts from the IITs. If any objections are accepted, a final answer key will be prepared.
The GATE 2026 Results will be calculated based on this final key and are scheduled to be released on 19th March 2026. Candidates will be able to download their scorecards shortly after the result announcement to use for M.Tech admissions or PSU recruitment.
