Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is scheduled to open for registration on 25 August 2025, with IIT Guwahati serving as the Organizing Institute
Key Dates at a Glance
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 25 August 2025 |
| Last date to apply (without late fee) | 25 September 2025 |
| Late registration closes | 6 October 2025 (with late fee) |
| GATE 2026 Exam | 7–8 & 14–15 February 2026 weekends |
| Result declaration | 19 March 2026 |
Who Can Apply? GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility mirrors past years with slight expansion:
Third-year or final-year students—or graduates—of Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, ANY undergraduate program in a government‑recognized institute are eligible.
No upper age limit.
International applicants from select countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Ethiopia, Singapore) are permitted to apply .
Professional certifications (like AMIE, IETE, IIChE, ICE) are considered equivalent if approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC
Documents Required for GATE 2026 Registration
Before starting the application, keep these scanned copies ready:
Passport‑size photo (as per GOAPS specifications)
Signature (black/blue ink)
Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID or Passport)
Category (SC/ST) certificate, PwD certificate if applicable
Make sure your digital files meet the resolution requirements to avoid rejection.
GATE 2026 Exam Structure & Papers
Thirty test papers across engineering, science, architecture, humanities, and emerging areas like Data Science & AI .
New sectional paper XE‑I (Energy Science) introduced under Engineering Sciences .
Each paper is 100 marks: General Aptitude (15 marks) + Subject section (85 marks) .
You may select one or two valid paper combinations per application (subject codes listed on GOAPS portal).
GATE score is valid for 3 years
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Register on GOAPS portal (gate2026.iitg.ac.in).
Enter personal, academic, and communication details.
Choose exam subject(s) and test city.
Upload photograph, signature, ID proof, and relevant certificates.
Pay application fee (₹1800 for General/OBC, ₹900 for SC/ST/PwD/Female).
Submit and download confirmation receipt.
Use correction window if needed after submission.
Pro tip: Register early to avoid login delays and server overload on final days.
Final Checklist: Before You Hit Apply
Are you eligible (third‑year/final-year student or graduate)?
Do you have all required documents (photo, signature, ID)?
Are you clear on the correct paper codes and combos?
Is your prep strategy set—with PYQs, mocks, and timely revision?
Come 25 August 2025, visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in to begin your application. With careful planning and consistent preparation, you’ll be poised to ace GATE 2026.
FAQs
The last date to apply without a late fee is September 25, 2025. Applications with a late fee will be accepted till October 6, 2025.
You are eligible if you are:
In the 3rd year, final year, or have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Architecture, Commerce, or Humanities.
From a recognized institution (India or abroad).
There is no age limit to apply for GATE.
No, diploma holders are not eligible unless they are enrolled in or have completed a qualifying Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc./B.Arch., etc.).
You can appear for one or two papers, provided the paper combination is allowed by the organizing institute.