GATE 2026 Registration: Check Official Dates, Steps & Key Details
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 registration has officially opened as of August 28, 2025, on the IIT Guwahati-hosted portal—gate2026.iitg.ac.in—marking the launch of the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Aspirants can begin their application process immediately via the GOAPS platform.
Revised Dates and Deadlines
The original schedule (August 25–September 25) has been revised. The registration window now runs from August 28, 2025, to September 28, 2025, without late fees. Additionally, candidates can apply with late fees until October 9, 2025.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Registration Live | From August 28, 2025, on GOAPS via gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Last Date (Regular) | September 28, 2025 |
| Last Date (Late) | October 9, 2025 |
| Fee (Regular) | ₹1,000 (Reserved), ₹2,000 (Others) |
| Fee (Late) | ₹1,500 (Reserved), ₹2,500 (Others) |
GATE Exam 2026: Latest Updates
Registration Window Now Open
- The GATE 2026 registration has officially begun on August 28, 2025, via the official portal, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, managed by IIT Guwahati.
- The registration window has been revised: it will now close on September 28, 2025, replacing the earlier end date of September 25.
- There is an extended registration period where candidates can still apply with a late fee until October 9, 2025.
Fees and Who’s Exempt
- Without late fee (Aug 28 – Sept 28):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,000 per paper
- Other candidates (including general, OBC, foreign nationals): ₹2,000 per paper
- With late fee (Sept 29 – Oct 9):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,500 per paper
- Other candidates: ₹2,500 per paper
What’s New This Year
- A new paper, Energy Science (XE-I), has been added under the Engineering Sciences (XE) group to bring more flexibility in paper combinations.
- IIT Guwahati released the official information brochure and other updates, such as two-paper combinations, detailed exam patterns, and downloadable materials.
Syllabus & Examination Schedule
- The GATE 2026 syllabus PDF is available for all 30 papers and can be downloaded from the official portal.
- The exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts per day (forenoon and afternoon).
GATE Exam 2026: Registration Steps
Candidates can register using the Application Portal provided on the official site. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Visit the GATE 2026 Portal – Click on the Application Portal link.
- Sign Up – Create your credentials on GOAPS.
- Fill in the Form – Provide your personal, academic, and paper details.
- Upload Documents – Passport-sized photo, signature, qualifying degree certificate or details.
- Pay Application Fee – Transaction via online modes.
- Submit and Save – Download and retain a copy of your submitted form.
GATE 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹900 | ₹1,400 |
| All the other candidates | ₹1,800 | ₹2,300 |
Key Details
- Organising Institute: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, under the coordination of IISc and all IITs.
- Papers Offered: GATE 2026 will have 30 papers, including a new sectional paper on Energy Science (XE-I).
- Dual Paper Option: Candidates may appear in one or two papers, but only from permitted combinations.
- Score Validity: GATE scores remain valid for three years from the date of result announcement.
- Opportunities:
- Postgraduate programs (M.Tech, MSc, PhD)
- PSU recruitment
- Non-scholarship-based admissions
Conclusion
The GATE 2026 exam is one of the most important national-level tests for engineering, science, and technology aspirants seeking higher studies or PSU career opportunities. With IIT Guwahati hosting this year’s edition, the registration process is now live on the GOAPS portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates must carefully complete their applications before September 28, 2025 (without late fee) or October 9, 2025 (with late fee). With a new paper introduced (Energy Science) and flexible two-paper combinations, GATE 2026 promises to offer aspirants wider academic and career pathways. Early preparation, timely registration, and familiarity with the syllabus will be key to success.
FAQs
Q1. When does GATE 2026 registration close?
Ans: The registration without a late fee closes on September 28, 2025, and with late fee on October 9, 2025.
Q2. What is the official website for GATE 2026 registration?
Ans: Candidates must apply at gate2026.iitg.ac.in through the GOAPS portal.
Q3. What are the GATE 2026 exam dates?
Ans: The exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two shifts each day.
Q3. What is the application fee for GATE 2026?
Ans: The GATE 2026 application fee is ₹1,000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD) and ₹2,000 (Others); with a late fee, it becomes ₹1,500 and ₹2,500, respectively.
Q5. Who is eligible for GATE 2026?
Ans: Final-year students and graduates in engineering, technology, science, architecture, commerce, and arts can apply.
Q6. When will the GATE 2026 result be declared?
Ans: The results will be announced on March 19, 2026.
