The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, the organizing body for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025, has made an important announcement regarding a change in examination centres. Due to the Mahakumbh celebrations, which are expected to attract a massive congregation in Prayagraj, the institute has decided to shift the examination centres originally allocated in Prayagraj to Lucknow. The exams scheduled for February 15 and 16 will now be conducted in Lucknow, affecting several candidates who had been assigned centres in Prayagraj.

This decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the examinations, given the anticipated surge in pilgrims and the logistical challenges posed by the large-scale event. Mahakumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, draws millions of devotees to Prayagraj, making it difficult to maintain order and manage transportation and infrastructure during that period. Recognizing these challenges, IIT Roorkee opted to relocate the exam centres to ensure that candidates could appear for their examinations without disruptions.

In response to this decision, IIT Roorkee has issued fresh admit cards for all affected candidates. The official notification from the institute advises candidates to download their updated admit cards from the official GATE 2025 portal. The notification clearly states, “GATE-2025 exam centres changed to Lucknow for candidates who were earlier allotted Prayagraj for 15th and 16th February 2025 amid Mahakumbh. The candidates are advised to download the freshly released admit cards from the GOAPS portal.”

To access the revised admit cards, candidates need to visit the official GATE 2025 website at gate2025.iitr.ac.in. After navigating to the homepage, they are required to log in to their applicant accounts and download the updated admit card. It is essential for candidates to print a copy of the admit card and carry it to the examination centre on the day of the exam. This document is mandatory for entry to the examination hall.

The examination for GATE 2025 is being conducted by IIT Roorkee on four dates: February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. The results of the examination are expected to be announced in March. Notably, this is not the first instance of examination centre changes due to Mahakumbh. The institute had earlier made a similar decision for candidates scheduled to appear for the exams on February 1 and 2 in Prayagraj, shifting their centres to Lucknow as well.

The swift issuance of fresh admit cards and the prompt communication of these changes by IIT Roorkee reflect the institute’s proactive approach in managing unforeseen circumstances. Candidates have been urged to stay updated by frequently visiting the official GATE 2025 website and reading any new notifications issued by the institute.

The GATE exam holds significant importance for engineering graduates and postgraduates across India, as it serves as a gateway for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs in engineering and technology and for recruitment into various public sector undertakings (PSUs). With thousands of aspirants preparing rigorously for the examination, any disruption in the schedule or logistics could lead to complications. Therefore, the timely decision to shift centres and communicate the change to candidates is a commendable step.

The Mahakumbh, held every 12 years, is a highly revered religious and cultural event that brings millions of people together at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The preparations for this grand event are extensive, with authorities focusing on security, transportation, and crowd management. Given the scale of the gathering and the infrastructure challenges it presents, IIT Roorkee’s decision to relocate examination centres is both practical and necessary.

Candidates are now advised to make appropriate travel and accommodation arrangements for their new examination venue in Lucknow. IIT Roorkee’s timely intervention and detailed instructions have provided clarity and reassurance to students amid the logistical challenges posed by the Mahakumbh. Candidates are reminded to keep their admit cards safe and double-check their new examination centre details to avoid any last-minute confusion.

The decision to shift GATE 2025 centres underscores the importance of adaptability in managing large-scale examinations during national events. As candidates prepare for their examinations in the coming days, the efforts of IIT Roorkee to facilitate a smooth examination process amid these challenges are expected to ensure a seamless and fair assessment for all aspirants.