GATE 2026 Registration Date, Application Form, Document Required

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted in India that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture, sciences, commerce and arts. GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Roorkee, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Bombay. The organizing institute for GATE 2026 is IIT Guwahati.

A good score in GATE is a prerequisite for postgraduate admissions (M.E., M.Tech, Ph.D.) at premier Indian higher education institutes, including IITs, IISc, NITs, and other universities. Furthermore, many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India use GATE scores for their recruitment processes for entry-level engineering positions.

Important Dates for GATE 2026 Registration

Keeping track of the important dates is crucial for all GATE aspirants. Based on the trends and available information, the tentative schedule for GATE 2026 registration is as follows:

Note: These dates are tentative and based on previous years’ schedules. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official GATE 2026 website (https://www.iitg.ac.in) for the most up-to-date information.

Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026

To be eligible to appear for GATE 2026, candidates must fulfill certain criteria, primarily related to their academic qualifications. There is no age limit to appear for the GATE exam. The educational qualification criteria are as follows:

Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts.

Candidates who are currently in the third year or higher of any undergraduate degree program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts.

Candidates who have completed a Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent.

Candidates in the first year or higher of a Master’s degree program in Science/Arts/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent.

Candidates pursuing an integrated Master’s program or dual degree program in Engineering/Technology can apply if they are in their 3rd, 4th, or 5th year.

Candidates with professional society examinations equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE are also eligible upon completion of Section A or equivalent.

Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of India. However, NRIs who meet the eligibility criteria can also appear for the exam. Candidates who have obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India must have completed at least 3 years of their Bachelor’s degree in the relevant fields.

GATE 2026 Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The GATE 2026 registration process will be entirely online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal, which will be activated on the official website. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Registration on GOAPS Portal

• Visit the official GATE 2026 website (https://www.iitg.ac.in).
• Click on the “New User Registration” link.
• Provide the required basic information, including your name, email ID, mobile number, and choose a password.
• Ensure you provide a valid and active email ID and mobile number as all communication will be sent to these credentials.
• After successful registration, you will receive an Enrollment ID and password on your registered email ID and via SMS.

Step 2: Login to GOAPS

• Go to the GOAPS portal.
• Enter your Enrollment ID and password to log in.

Step 3: Filling the Application Form

Once logged in, you will see the GATE 2026 application form.

Fill in all the required details accurately, including:

• Personal Details: Name, parents’ names, date of birth, gender, category, etc. Ensure your name matches the one on your valid photo ID.
• Contact Details: Permanent and correspondence address, including PIN code.
• Eligibility Degree Details: Name of the degree, discipline, year of passing/appearing, name and location of the college/institute, and aggregate marks/percentage.
• GATE Paper Selection: Choose the GATE paper(s) you wish to appear for. You can select up to two papers from the prescribed combinations. Ensure the chosen paper aligns with your qualifying degree.
• Choice of Examination Cities: Select three preferred examination cities. It is generally advised to choose the first two cities from the same GATE zone.
• Details of ID Proof: Select a valid photo ID (Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhaar UID, Driving License, College ID, Employee ID) and enter its number. You will need to carry the original ID to the examination hall.

Step 4: Uploading Documents

You will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:

Photograph: Recent colored passport-size photograph with a white or light-colored background. The dimensions and file format should adhere to the specifications mentioned in the official brochure. Ensure at least 50% of the photo area is your face with a full-face view.

Signature: Scanned image of your signature on white paper with black or blue ink.

Category Certificate (if applicable): Scanned copy of SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate in PDF format, issued by the competent authority.

PwD/Dyslexia Certificate (if applicable): Scanned copy of the relevant certificate in PDF format.

Valid Photo ID: You may need to upload a scanned copy of the ID proof you selected.

Ensure all uploaded documents are as per the prescribed format and size to avoid rejection of your application.

Step 5: Paying the Registration Fee

After filling in all the details and uploading the documents, you will be directed to the payment gateway.

Pay the GATE 2026 registration fee online using various modes like credit card, debit card, or net banking.

The registration fee varies based on the category and the number of papers selected. Tentative fee structure:

• Female candidates & SC/ST/PwD category candidates: INR 900 (for one paper)
• All other candidates: INR 1800 (for one paper)

Applying for two papers will require paying twice the application fee.

Step 6: Confirmation and Printout

Upon successful payment, you will receive a confirmation message and the application form will be generated with your details.

Download and take a printout of the filled application form for your records. You may not need to send the physical copy to the authorities.

Application Form Correction

After the last date of registration, IIT Guwahati will likely provide a window for candidates to make corrections to certain details in their submitted application form. This will be done online through the GOAPS portal. Candidates will be able to edit specific fields like category, paper, exam city preferences, and some personal details within the stipulated time. It is crucial to utilize this window carefully if any mistakes were made during the initial application process.

Exam Pattern of GATE 2026

The GATE 2026 exam will be a computer-based test (CBT) with a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). The question paper will consist of a total of 65 questions, carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The paper will have three types of questions:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Each MCQ will have four options, out of which only one is the correct answer. There will be negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): Each MSQ will have four or more options, out of which one or more options may be correct. There is no negative marking for MSQs.
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: For these questions, the answer is a real number that needs to be entered using a virtual keypad. There is no negative marking for NAT questions.

The question paper will consist of two sections:

• General Aptitude (GA): This section is common for all the GATE papers and carries 15% weightage (15 marks). It assesses the candidate’s verbal and quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical abilities.
• Subject-Specific Section: This section is based on the subject chosen by the candidate and carries 85% weightage (85 marks). It covers the syllabus relevant to the specific engineering or science discipline.

GATE 2026 is expected to be conducted for 30 different subjects. The syllabus for each subject will be released along with the official notification on the GATE 2026 website.

Preparing for GATE 2026

Effective preparation is key to scoring well in GATE. Candidates should:

1. Thoroughly understand the syllabus for their chosen subject(s).
2. Refer to standard textbooks and study materials.
3. Solve previous years’ GATE question papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
4. Take mock tests to assess their preparation level and improve time management skills.
5. Focus on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
6. Pay adequate attention to the General Aptitude section as it contributes significantly to the overall score.

In conclusion, the GATE 2026 registration process is a crucial first step for aspirants aiming for postgraduate education in top Indian institutes or seeking PSU jobs. By staying informed by AUBSP.com about the important dates, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step registration process, you can ensure a smooth and successful application.

Dedicated preparation and a strategic approach will pave the way for a good score in the examination. Remember to always refer to the official GATE 2026 website gate.iitg.ac.in for the latest and most accurate information.