The GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Answer Key has been released in an unofficial memory-based format , helping candidates estimate their performance before the official response sheet is published . The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is conducted under the supervision of the Indian Institute of Technology system and is one of the most important national-level engineering entrance examinations . Candidates who appeared for Electronics & Communication ( EC ) , Architecture & Planning ( AR ) , and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence ( DA ) papers can now check memory-based solutions prepared by subject experts .
The unofficial memory-based answer keys are prepared using candidate feedback and question recall methods . These keys help aspirants calculate their expected scores and predict admission or PSU recruitment chances . Candidates are advised to treat these answer keys as reference only and wait for the official answer key for accurate score calculation .
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Answer Key Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | GATE 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | IIT System |
| Papers Covered | EC, AR, DA |
| Answer Key Status | Unofficial Memory-Based Released |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Category | Answer Key |
| Official Website | Click here |
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Answer Key Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| GATE 2026 Exam Date | February 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Date (Second Shift) | February 08, 2026 |
| Unofficial Memory-Based Answer Key Release | February 08, 2026 |
| Official Answer Key Release | February 25, 2026 |
| Answer Key Challenge Window Start | February 26, 2026 |
| Answer Key Challenge Last Date | February 28, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Date | March 19, 2026 |
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Vacancy Opportunities
The GATE examination does not directly offer vacancies , but it opens opportunities for admission into postgraduate programs and PSU recruitment . Many government organizations and research institutes consider GATE scores for recruitment .
| Opportunity Type | Details |
| M.Tech Admission | IITs, NITs, IIITs |
| PSU Recruitment | Engineering Posts |
| Research Fellowships | Government Research Institutes |
| Higher Education | PhD Programs |
GATE 2026 Application Fee Details
Candidates were required to pay the examination fee while applying for GATE 2026 . The fee structure varies depending on category and gender .
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | ₹1,800 |
| OBC | ₹1,800 |
| EWS | ₹1,800 |
| SC | ₹900 |
| ST | ₹900 |
| Female Candidates | ₹900 |
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Eligibility Criteria
Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must satisfy academic eligibility requirements . The eligibility criteria ensure candidates possess appropriate technical qualifications .
Eligibility Criteria Table
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Indian & International Candidates Eligible |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology |
| Final Year Students | Eligible |
| Age Limit | No Age Restriction |
GATE 2026 Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed or be currently pursuing a Bachelor ’ s degree in Engineering , Technology , Architecture , or Science . The degree must be from a recognized university or institution .
Students in the final year of their qualifying degree were also eligible to appear for GATE 2026 . Candidates must submit proof of qualification during admission or recruitment stages .
GATE 2026 Age Limit
GATE does not impose any upper or lower age restrictions , allowing candidates of all age groups to appear in the examination .
| Criteria | Age Limit |
| Minimum Age | No Limit |
| Maximum Age | No Limit |
How to Check GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Answer Key
Candidates can check unofficial memory-based answer keys and later verify official answer keys from the GATE portal . The checking process is simple and requires login credentials for official responses .
- Visit the official GATE website and open the answer key section . Ensure you are accessing the correct examination portal .
- Click on the EC , AR , or DA answer key link based on your exam paper . Select the correct session and subject paper .
- For official answer keys , login using enrollment ID and password . Ensure credentials are entered correctly .
- Download the answer key and response sheet in PDF format . Avoid refreshing the page during download .
- Compare your recorded answers with the answer key carefully . Use the official marking scheme for score estimation .
- Calculate expected marks by adding correct answers and subtracting negative marking where applicable . Double-check calculations .
- If discrepancies are found in the official answer key , candidates can submit objections through the challenge portal .
- Save and print the answer key and response sheet for future reference and result comparison .
GATE 2026 Selection Process
GATE is used for admissions and recruitment , and selection depends on score and merit ranking . The selection process varies according to the admission institute or recruiting PSU .
Selection Process Table
| Stage | Details |
| GATE Examination | Computer-Based Test |
| Score Calculation | Based on Normalized Marks |
| Institute Counselling | Admission Process |
| PSU Shortlisting | Based on GATE Score |
| Interview / GD | PSU Recruitment Stage |
GATE 2026 Salary Opportunities Through PSU Recruitment
Candidates qualifying GATE often secure engineering jobs in PSUs with attractive salary packages . Salary varies based on organization and post .
Salary Structure Table
| Organization Type | Salary Range |
| Entry Level PSU Engineer | ₹40,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
| Research Fellowships | ₹37,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Senior PSU Positions | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Additional Benefits
- Dearness Allowance
- Medical Insurance
- Housing Benefits
- Travel Allowance
- Pension and Retirement Benefits
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Syllabus Overview
The GATE EC syllabus covers electronics , communication systems , and signal processing . The AR syllabus includes architecture design , planning , and construction management . The DA syllabus focuses on data science , artificial intelligence , machine learning , and programming concepts . Candidates should prepare according to official syllabus guidelines and exam pattern .
Best Books for GATE 2026 EC / AR / DA Preparation
Selecting proper reference books helps candidates strengthen conceptual understanding and improve numerical problem-solving skills. The following books are widely recommended for GATE preparation.
| Subject | Book Name | Author / Publication |
| Electronics & Communication | Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory | Robert L. Boylestad |
| Architecture & Planning | GATE Architecture and Planning Guide | Arihant Publications |
| Data Science & AI | Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning | Christopher M. Bishop |
| Engineering Mathematics | Higher Engineering Mathematics | B.S. Grewal |
| General Aptitude | GATE General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics | Made Easy Publications |
GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA Answer Key Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Official GATE Portal | Click here |
| Candidate Login | Login here |
| Official Answer Key | Click here |
| Response Sheet Download | Download Response Sheet |
| Answer Key Challenge | Click here |
| Examination Notification | Click here |
| Result Portal | Check here |
| For more information | Visit here |
Conclusion
The release of the GATE 2026 EC/AR/DA unofficial memory-based answer keys helps candidates evaluate their performance and predict expected scores . While these keys provide early analysis , candidates should rely on official answer keys for accurate marking and score calculation .
GATE remains one of the most prestigious engineering examinations in India , opening doors to higher education and PSU recruitment . Candidates should regularly monitor the official GATE portal for updates regarding answer key challenges and result announcements .
FAQs
No , they are unofficial and prepared based on candidate recall .
The official answer key will be released on February 25 , 2026 .
Yes , candidates can challenge within the specified objection window .
Yes , many PSUs recruit engineers through GATE scores .
No , there is no age restriction for appearing in GATE .
Scores are calculated based on normalized marks and exam difficulty .
The result will be announced on March 19 , 2026 .
