An exam-day checklist and instructions guide for GATE 2021 candidates

According to IIT Bombay, it will conduct GATE 2021 exam in two shifts. The first shift starts from 9:30 am and ends at 12:30 am. The afternoon shift starts from 3 pm and ends at 6 pm. But, ahead of nationwide 'Chakka Jam' (road blockade) protest called by the farmer unions on February 6, IIT Bombay has issued special passes to candidates appearing for GATE 2021. This will help them reach to their examination centre without any obstruction.

Apart from that, here is a final instruction guide students should follow on all days.

Important instructions for GATE 2021 candidates

As stated by IIT Bombay, candidates must reach their GATE exam centres one hour before the commencement of exam. That is 8:30 AM for the morning session and 2 PM for the afternoon session. They must carry their paper/physical admit card at all times. The centre will not allow the admit cards on phone.  So, make sure you have your admit card in print.

During the entry, you have to follow the instructions of entry such as checking body temperature and following rope queues and floor marks. If a candidate’s body temperature is above 99.4 degrees Fahrenheit, he or she will have to take the exam at an isolation area within the GATE exam centre.

Apart from the admit card, you can only carry masks, gloves, personal hand sanitiser, a pen, and a transparent bottle. For identification, you can carry one government provided ID Card. If you are from areas where there is Chakka Jam due to the Farmer's protests, you can carry a special certificate. The GATE 2021 office has sent the special certificate to all candidates via mail.

After the exam, you have to drop the admit card, rough pad or scribble pad in a dropbox and not carry it back home.

What should you NOT carry at any costs?

The GATE 2021 office has stated that students will get a virtual calculator on their exam screen. Thus, they have been advised not to carry a physical calculator. Students will also receive rough sheets, thus, they should not carry any paper other than their admit card. Further, candidates should not wear dresses which have any metallic items which may disallow them at checking.

Do not carry items like a pouch, wallet or electronic devices (like watches, mobile phones) in the GATE 2021 exam hall.