GATE 2026 Registration: Apply Online, Fees, Eligibility
Gate Registration 2026: GATE 2026 registration has started from 28 August 2025 on the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The last date to fill the form without late fee is 28 September 2025. Eligible students can apply online only through the GOAPS portal. The registration process is open for candidates from all streams who meet the required eligibility.
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026. The registration fee is ₹2,000 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, while Female, SC, ST and PwD candidates need to pay ₹1,000. A late fee option will be available until 9 October 2025 for those who miss the regular deadline.
Table of Contents
What is GATE 2026
GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. It is a national-level exam conducted to test the knowledge and understanding of subjects in engineering, technology, architecture, and science. The exam is organized every year by one of the IITs or IISc on a rotation basis.
This year, GATE 2026 will be organized by IIT Guwahati. The exam is used for admission into postgraduate programs like M.Tech, M.E., and PhD in top institutes across India. Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also consider the GATE score for recruitment. Students in the third year of a degree program or graduates are eligible to appear, making it an important step toward higher studies and career opportunities.
GATE 2026 Overview
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) is one of the most important exams for engineering and science students in India. It is conducted every year to provide admission into postgraduate programs and also to open opportunities for jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This year the exam will be organized by IIT Guwahati. Registration, eligibility, exam fee, and other details are officially released on the GATE website.
Here is a quick overview of GATE 2026 Registration:
| GATE 2026 Registration | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) |
| Exam Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Online Form Start Date | 28 August 2025 |
| Last Date | 28 September 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) | 9 October 2025 |
| Fees | ₹2,000 for General/OBC/EWS; ₹1,000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD |
| Eligibility | 3rd year students or graduates in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Science |
| Registration Link | Click Here |
| Official Website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
Registration Fees
The GATE 2026 registration fees are set according to candidate categories. For General, OBC, and EWS candidates, the exam fee is ₹2,000. For Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is ₹1,000.
If the form is submitted after the last date, a late fee will be charged. In that case, the fee is ₹2,500 for General, OBC, EWS and ₹1,500 for Female, SC, ST, PwD candidates. Candidates must pay the fees only through the official GATE online application portal (GOAPS).
Applying before the last date will save money and confirm your seat for the exam.
| Category | GATE 2026 Registration Fees | With Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Female Candidates | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| SC / ST | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for GATE 2026 registration, candidates must check the eligibility criteria carefully. The main requirements are listed below:
- Minimum qualification: 10+2+3 or current graduation (flexible for ongoing students).
- Candidates with higher qualifications such as M.Sc., M.A., MCA, or Integrated M.Tech./M.E. are also eligible.
- Students in the 3rd year or above of any undergraduate degree program.
- Candidates who have completed a degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts.
- Applicants with professional society certifications (IE, ICE, IETE, AeSI, IIChE, IIM, IIIE) approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC.
- International candidates with a Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration in a relevant field.
How to Apply for GATE 2026 (step-by-step guide)
The GATE 2026 registration process is conducted online through the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal managed by IIT Guwahati. Candidates must carefully follow each step to avoid mistakes during the application process. Below is the complete step-by-step guide to fill the GATE 2026 application form:
Step 1: Visit the GATE 2026 Registration Portal
Go to the official website GOAPS Portal – gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Click on “New User? Register Here” to begin the application.
Step 2: Create a GOAPS Account
Enter your name, email ID, and mobile number to generate your Enrollment ID. This ID and password will be used for all GATE 2026 login activities.
Step 3: Fill the GATE 2026 Application Form
Log in and provide personal details, academic qualifications, GATE paper code, and exam city preferences. Make sure all entries match your documents.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned images of your passport-size photograph, signature, degree certificate/provisional certificate, and category certificate (if applicable) in the given format.
Step 5: Pay the GATE 2026 Application Fee
Pay the registration fee online using UPI, net banking, debit/credit card. The fee amount varies by category (₹2,000 for General/OBC, ₹1,000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Step 6: Submit and Download Confirmation Page
Review all details before submitting. Once submitted, download the confirmation page and keep it safe for future use.
Required Documents for GATE 2026 Application
Before starting the GATE 2026 registration process, candidates must keep certain details and documents ready. Providing accurate information and uploading valid certificates is mandatory for successful application submission.
Data Required for Filling the Application Form
To avoid mistakes while registering for GATE 2026, candidates must fill in accurate personal, academic, and exam preference details. Keeping this information ready helps in faster and error-free application.
- Full name (as per valid photo ID, without prefixes)
- Date of Birth (must match ID proof)
- Mobile number (personal) & parent/guardian’s mobile number
- Address for communication with PIN code
- Degree details (institute name, address, PIN code)
- Choice of GATE test paper(s)
- Choice of three exam cities (same zone)
- Payment details (Net banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Wallet)
Documents Required for Upload
Applicants must upload scanned copies of essential documents while applying for GATE 2026. All uploads must be clear, readable, and in the prescribed format to ensure successful verification.
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per specs)
- Candidate’s signature (as per specs)
- Valid photo ID (same to be carried on exam day)
- SC/ST category certificate (if applicable, PDF format)
- PwD/UDID certificate (if applicable, PDF format)
- Dyslexia certificate (if applicable, PDF format)
- Relevant annexures, if applicable (PDF format)
- Certificate for compensatory time/scribe (if applicable)
Note: Upload only clear and readable documents. Blurred or invalid uploads may result in rejection of the GATE 2026 application.
Photograph Requirements for GATE 2026
Candidates must upload a recent passport-size color photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm) with 60–70% face coverage, white background, and a clear frontal view. No caps, sunglasses, or shadows are allowed. JPEG/JPG format only, size 5–600 kB, resolution between 200×260 to 530×690 pixels. Non-compliant photos may lead to rejection of the GATE 2026 application.
Signature Specifications for GATE 2026
Applicants must upload their own signature in black or dark blue ink, on white paper, scanned in JPEG/JPG format. Aspect ratio should be 1:R (R between 2.75–3.75), covering 70–80% of the image. File size 3–300 kB, resolution 250×80 to 580×180 pixels. The signature must match during the exam, or disqualification may occur.
GATE Syllabus 2026
The GATE 2026 syllabus, released by IIT Guwahati, includes 30 subject papers. Each paper has three major parts – General Aptitude (GA), Engineering Mathematics (for most technical papers), and Core Subject/Discipline. Some papers such as Humanities (XH) and Life Sciences (XL) do not have the Engineering Mathematics section.
Gate 2026 Syllabus PDF Download : Download Here
Key Syllabus Highlights
- General Aptitude (15 marks): Covers verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning.
- Engineering Mathematics (13–15 marks): Compulsory for most technical papers but not for streams like XH and XL.
- Core Subject/Discipline (72%–85% weightage): Main part of the exam based on the candidate’s chosen branch.
The exam carries a total of 100 marks with 65 questions (10 from GA and 55 from subject-specific topics). The syllabus covers all major areas such as Engineering, Science, Architecture, Humanities, and new interdisciplinary fields.
| Gate Syllabus 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Test Papers | 30 |
| General Aptitude (GA) | Compulsory, 15 marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | ~13–15 marks (common in most papers, omitted in XH/XL cases) |
| Core Subjects | Subject-specific, ~70–85 marks |
| Questions per Paper | 65 (10 GA + 55 technical/core) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| New Addition | Energy Science (XE-I) section under Engineering Sciences |
| Official Syllabus PDF | Downloadable from the GATE 2026 website |
Exam Pattern
The GATE 2026 exam pattern is officially set by IIT Guwahati. The test will be held in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Each candidate can choose from 30 subject papers, and the exam is conducted in English only. The total exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes). Every paper carries a maximum of 100 marks and contains 65 questions, including 10 questions from General Aptitude and 55 questions from the chosen subject.
Key Features of GATE 2026
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (online)
- Language: English
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Papers: 30 disciplines
- Total Questions: 65 (10 GA + 55 subject-specific)
- Maximum Marks: 100
Marks Distribution
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks (compulsory in all papers)
- Engineering Mathematics: 13–15 marks (included in most papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL)
- Subject/Discipline Questions: 70–72 marks for most papers, 85 marks for papers without Engineering Mathematics
Types of Questions in GATE 2026
The exam includes three types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Carry 1 or 2 marks each. Negative marking applies — one-third mark is deducted for a wrong 1-mark question and two-thirds mark for a wrong 2-mark question.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): Carry 1 or 2 marks each. More than one option may be correct. There is no negative marking.
- Numerical Answer Type (NATs): Carry 1 or 2 marks each. Candidates enter the answer using a virtual keyboard. There is no negative marking.
Structure of the Paper
- General Aptitude Section: 10 questions (5 of 1 mark and 5 of 2 marks)
- Subject Section: 55 questions, which include MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
- Assessment Areas: Recall, comprehension, application, analysis, and problem-solving ability
GATE 2026 Important Dates
The official schedule for GATE 2026 has been released by IIT Guwahati. Candidates must keep track of the registration, exam, and result dates to avoid missing any deadlines.
GATE 2026 Schedule
- Application Form Start Date: August 25, 2025 / August 28, 2025
- Last Date to Apply (without late fee): September 25, 2025 / September 28, 2025
- Last Date to Apply (with late fee): October 6, 2025 / October 9, 2025
- GATE 2026 Exam Dates: February 7, 2026 / February 8, 2026 / February 14, 2026 / February 15, 2026
- Result Declaration: March 19, 2026
Candidates should complete the application process before the deadline and download their admit cards in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Admit Card
The GATE 2026 admit card will be released soon on the official website. Candidates will be able to download it online using their enrollment ID and password. The admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall, and it will contain details such as exam date, time, venue, and important instructions.
Conclusion
The GATE 2026 registration process will be conducted fully online through the official portal GATE 2026 Apply Online. Candidates must complete their applications carefully before the last date without late fee, which is September 25, 2025. After this date, an extended period with a late fee will be available. To avoid extra charges and errors, it is highly recommended to apply early and keep documents ready.
The GATE 2026 exam opens valuable opportunities for higher education in IITs, NITs, and leading institutes, along with career prospects in PSUs and research organizations. Staying updated with official notifications, downloading the correct syllabus, and following the exam pattern are crucial for success. Begin preparation early and use authentic resources to achieve your goals.