This article will focus on the GOAPS Opens GATE 2026 Question & Answer Key Challenge Window: Feb 25–28, 2026. The formal objection window was opened today by IIT Guwahati, allowing applicants to use their technical objections as a means of boosting their scores. Follow Only Education News for frequent updates on PSU recruitment cutoffs and final score normalisation.
Also know about: GATE Score vs Marks vs Rank 2026
GOAPS Opens GATE 2026 Question & Answer Key Challenge Window: Feb 25-28, 2026
IIT Guwahati has informed that the GATE 2026 Answer Key Challenge window is now officially open as of today, February 25, following the successful distribution of candidate response sheets and preliminary answer keys on February 21. Candidates have one last chance to challenge any inconsistencies in the preliminary keys given for the thirty papers completed earlier this month during this three-day timeframe. The challenge is fully online and must be finished by February 28 via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
GOAPS Opens GATE 2026 Question & Answer Key Challenge: Overview
Objecting is a risky process that calls for both technical and financial dedication. This window is your single chance to challenge the official answers if you find an error in the provisional key. To assist you get through this crucial time, below is the updated information and confirmed procedure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Window Dates | February 25, 2026 to February 28, 2026 |
| Challenge Fee | INR 500 per question |
| Refund Policy | Fee is refunded only if the challenge is upheld by experts |
| Mode of Submission | Online via GOAPS (No emails or hard copies accepted) |
Step by Step Guide to Raising an Objection on GOAPS
To guarantee that the IIT Guwahati expert panel considers their objection, candidates need adhere to this strict procedure:
- Log in: Go to https://goaps.iitg.ac.in/ and enter your password and enrollment ID or email.
- Determine the Question ID: Locate the precise Question ID—not the serial number—that you want to contest on your response sheet.
- Justification for Upload: This is the most important stage. A clean PDF document with the evidence of the right response must be uploaded. Over local coaching notes, standard textbook references are strongly advised (e.g., Korth for DBMS, Grewal for Engineering Math).
- Payment: Use Net Banking or a credit/debit card to pay the INR 500 charge. Keep in mind that the transaction needs to be completed before the February 28 deadline.
- Final Submission: For every question that is contested, make sure you get an email confirming it.
The ‘No Penalty’ Rule: An expert strategy
Aspirants frequently wonder if contesting an answer will result in a lower grade. No, is the response. Your score is still based on the provisional key if your challenge is denied. Nonetheless, the advantage is frequently increased in two ways if the challenge is accepted:
- MTA (Marks to All): All candidates in that session receive marks if the question is determined to be unclear or technically incorrect.
- Revised Key: Only those who marked option B will profit if the answer is modified from option A to option B.
What Takes Place Next?
The subject matter experts from IIT Guwahati will examine each and every objection once the window ends on February 28. After that, a Final Answer Key will be created that cannot be challenged. The GATE 2026 Results will be determined using this last key and will be announced on March 19, 2026.
Key Guidelines & Information You Need to Know
- Non-Refundable Processing price: The INR 500 processing price per question for GATE 2026 is non-refundable, in contrast to certain other years. Regardless of whether the subject matter experts approve or reject your challenge, it will not be refunded.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and NAT Marking: A lot of applicants try to contest MSQs on the grounds of partial accuracy. Be advised that there is no partial grading for MSQs; in order to receive marks, you must choose all of the right answers and none of the wrong ones. Partial mark challenges will be automatically rejected.
- Marks to All (MTA): The topic expert committee may designate a question as Marks to All (MTA) if they determine that it is technically incorrect (e.g., there is no right answer among the possibilities). In these situations, all candidates who showed up for that particular session will be given marks for that question, guaranteeing equity for all.
- The Finality of the Key: IIT Guwahati will make the Final Answer Key available after every challenge has been examined. This final version will be the only basis for calculating the results announced on March 19. After the final key is released, no more objections or correspondence will be accepted.
Advice for a Successful Challenge
- Work together: Arrange with classmates on student discussion boards. It is always preferable for a group to make sure that at least one person submits a “perfect” challenge with the strongest available evidence because the cost is non-refundable.
- Master Paper Reference: Make sure you are utilizing the right Question ID from the official Master Question Paper. Your challenge will be canceled if you make a mistake here.
FAQs on the GATE 2026 Question & Answer Key Challenge
Who is able to contest the GATE 2026 Answer Key?
The preliminary GATE answer key 2026 can be challenged by candidates who took the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering this year.
Which papers have undergone GATE normalization?
Because computer science, engineering, and civil engineering papers are completed in several shifts, the GATE normalization technique is used to them.
How many points are needed to be admitted to IIIT Hyderabad?
GATE scores between 45 and 60 are often sufficient for admission to IIIT Hyderabad’s MTech program. Depending on a number of variables, including category, registered applicants, exam performance, etc., the anticipated GATE cutoff score could be anywhere from 400 to 600 points.
Can candidates voice concerns in the GATE 2026 answer key?
Yes, Candidates can raise concerns in the answer key.
What is the date of the 2026 GATE results?
On March 19, the GATE 2026 result will be made public on the official website.
