Last Call to Aspiration: GATE 2026 Late Fee Registration Window Closing Soon! 🚨

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, the premier examination for admission to M.Tech/Ph.D. programs in IISc and IITs, as well as for PSU recruitment, has entered its final registration phase. Aspirants who missed the regular application deadline must take immediate action to complete their registration under the Late Fee window.

Key Dates and Final Deadline

The GATE 2026 organizing institute, IIT Guwahati, has set a strict final deadline for applications submitted with a late fee. This extended period is the last chance for candidates to secure their spot for the February 2026 examination.

Note: Since the current date is October 10, 2025, the late fee registration window has already closed. Candidates who have not registered may have missed the final opportunity. They should immediately check the official GATE 2026 website for any last-minute extensions or announcements, though it is highly unlikely.

Revised Application Fee Structure (With Late Fee)

Candidates who utilized the extended registration window are required to pay an additional amount over the regular application fee. This late fee is factored into the total registration cost during the final application process on the official portal (GOAPS).

The late fee essentially adds ₹ 500 to the original application cost for all categories. This fee must be paid online through Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.

Essential Steps for Late Registration

For those who may have been in the process of applying during the late fee window, the steps remain largely the same as the regular registration process. However, the time-sensitive nature demands immediate attention.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official GATE 2026 website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
2. Login/Register (GOAPS): Log in to the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) using your Enrolment ID and Password. New users must complete the one-time registration first.
3. Complete Application Form: Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
4. Select Paper(s) and Centre: Choose your preferred GATE paper(s) (up to two papers are allowed, subject to approved combinations) and three choices for the exam centre.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent Photograph, Signature, and Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, etc.), along with any applicable Category/PwD Certificates, adhering strictly to the specified format and size.
6. Pay the Late Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the revised, higher application fee online.
7. Submit and Download: Review the entire form one last time for any errors, then submit the application. Download and print the Confirmation Page for future reference.

Why GATE 2026 is Crucial

Missing the GATE application deadline means losing a year’s opportunity for numerous benefits. The GATE score is vital for:

• Higher Education: Admission to postgraduate engineering, technology, and science programs (M.Tech, M.S., Ph.D.) at top institutions like the IITs, NITs, and other government-funded technical institutions.
• Scholarships/Assistantships: Eligibility for financial assistance (M.Tech/Ph.D. scholarships) provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Direct recruitment or interview shortlisting for coveted jobs in India’s leading PSUs.

Candidates are strongly advised to check the official portal immediately for their application status. If you completed the late fee payment by the deadline, ensure your application status is ‘Accepted’ and there are no defects to be corrected. For any technical or payment-related queries, reach out to the GATE 2026 Helpdesk numbers or email addresses provided on the official website. Do not delay your final check!