GATE 2026 Registration: Check Official Dates, Steps & Key Details
IIT Guwahati has officially launched the GATE 2026 portal, inviting applications for the prestigious national-level examination, which serves as a gateway to postgraduate programmes and PSU recruitment.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Start of Registration (GOAPS opens) | August 25, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | September 25, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | October 2, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 3, 2026 |
| Exam Dates | February 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2026 |
GATE Exam 2026: Latest Updates
Here are the latest updates on GATE 2026:
- Organising Institute & Website Launched
- IIT Guwahati has been appointed as the organising institute for GATE 2026.
- The official exam portal, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, is now live.
- Registration & Application Deadlines
- Start Date: Registration opens on August 25, 2025.
- Without Late Fee: Apply by September 25, 2025.
- With Late Fee: The Extended deadline is October 6, 2025.
- Exam Dates
- GATE 2026 will be conducted in a computer-based format on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
- Exam Pattern Updates
- The exam will include 30 test papers, and a new "Energy Science" (XE-I) sectional paper has been introduced under the Engineering Sciences category.
- Candidates may appear for one or two papers, based on approved combinations. All examinations will be conducted in English.
- Usage of GATE Scores
- GATE 2026 scores will facilitate admission to postgraduate programs (M.E./M.Tech./Ph.D.) and are applicable for PSU recruitment opportunities
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 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
With the GATE 2026 registration process set to open on August 25, aspiring candidates should prepare their documents, verify the eligibility criteria, and closely monitor the official website to avoid last-minute delays. Timely registration and accurate application submission will be crucial for a smooth examination process.
FAQs
Q1. When will the GATE 2026 registration start?
Ans: The registration will begin on August 25, 2025.
Q2. What is the last date to apply without a late fee?
Ans: September 25, 2025.
Q3. Can I apply after the last date?
Ans: Yes, with a late fee, you can apply until October 2, 2025.
Q4. What is the GATE 2026 application fee for female candidates?
Ans: ₹900 (regular) and ₹1,400 (late).
Q5. How can I apply for GATE 2026?
Ans: You need to register and fill out the application form on the official GATE 2026 GOAPS portal, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit your application.
Q6. What is the mode of the GATE 2026 exam?
Ans: The exam will be conducted online in a computer-based format.
