The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, conducted by IIT Guwahati, is one of the most awaited competitive exams for engineering and science graduates. It serves as a gateway for admissions to M.Tech, Ph.D. programs, and recruitment into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). With the application deadline approaching soon, candidates must complete the process on time to avoid last-minute issues.
According to the official schedule, the last date to apply for GATE 2026 without late fee is September 28, 2025, while the extended deadline with late fee is October 9, 2025. The computer-based exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, across multiple test centers.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
- Application window opened: August 28, 2025
- Last date without late fee: September 28, 2025
- Extended deadline with late fee: October 9, 2025
- Admit card release: January 2026
- Exam dates: February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026
- Result declaration: March 2026
GATE 2026 Application Fee
The fee structure varies based on category and application timing:
Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates
Regular fee: ₹900
Late fee: ₹1,400
All other candidates
Regular fee: ₹1,800
Late fee: ₹2,300
International candidates
Regular fee: US $100
Late fee: US $150
Payment must be made online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking through the official GOAPS portal.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1) Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or a Master’s degree in Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications. Final-year students are also eligible.
2) Age Limit: No upper age restriction.
3) Attempts: No limit on the number of attempts.
4) Paper Choice: Candidates can appear for one or two papers (as per approved combinations).
Documents Required for GATE 2026 Application
Applicants need to keep scanned copies ready in the prescribed format:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature in required dimensions
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License)
- Degree/provisional certificate for graduates
- Certificate from Head of Department for final-year students
Step-by-Step GATE 2026 Application Process
1. Visit the official GATE 2026 website https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ and open the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal.
2. Register as a new user with name, valid email ID, and mobile number. Create a password for login.
3. Fill in the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, communication address, and choice of exam paper(s) and city preference.
4. Upload scanned documents including photograph, signature, eligibility, and category certificates. Ensure the files match the prescribed size and format.
5. Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. The system will calculate regular or late fees based on the submission date.
6. Preview the application form carefully to check for spelling errors or mismatches.
7. Submit the application and download the PDF copy along with the payment receipt for future reference.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 3 hours
Total Papers: 30 subjects (choose 1 or 2 papers)
Questions: 65 questions (MCQ, MSQ, NAT)
Marks: 100
Sections:
General Aptitude (15 marks)
Core Subject (85 marks)
Negative Marking:
1-mark MCQ → ⅓ mark deducted for wrong answer
2-mark MCQ → ⅔ mark deducted for wrong answer
No negative marking for NAT and MSQ questions
Why Early Application is Important
Avoid late fee charges by applying before September 28, 2025.
Early applicants get sufficient time for document verification and corrections.
Ensures hassle-free preparation for mock tests and admit card verification in January 2026.
Final Word
The GATE 2026 application process is live now, and with the last date approaching, aspirants should not delay their submissions. From eligibility and fee payment to uploading documents, every step must be carefully followed to ensure a valid application.
For official updates and registration, candidates must visit the GATE 2026 portal hosted by IIT Guwahati.
👉 Don’t wait until the last minute — complete your GATE 2026 application before September 28, 2025.
Ambika Krishnamurthy is an education news writer dedicated to covering academic updates, exam alerts, policy changes, and student-centric stories. With a focus on clarity and reliability, she aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the education sector, helping students and educators stay ahead in their academic journeys.