📌 Important Dates for GATE 2026
Aspirants must keep track of the official schedule released by IIT Guwahati:
Start of Application Process: August 30, 2025
Last Date to Apply without Late Fee: September 25, 2025
Application with Late Fee: September 26 – October 2, 2025
Application Correction Window: October 7 – October 11, 2025
Admit Card Release Date: January 3, 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Dates: February 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2026
Result Announcement: March 16, 2026
👉 Candidates applying today can save themselves from paying the additional ₹500 late fee that will be charged from tomorrow onwards.
📝 How to Apply for GATE 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for GATE 2026 is a completely online process. Follow these steps carefully:
Visit the Official Website
Go to gate2026.iitg.ac.in.Register through GOAPS
Use the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) to register by providing your name, email ID, and mobile number. You will receive an Enrollment ID and password.Fill Application Form
Log in with your Enrollment ID and password. Enter details such as educational qualifications, subject paper, category, and exam city preferences.Upload Documents
Recent passport-size photograph
Signature in the prescribed format
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwD certificate (if applicable)
Pay Application Fee
Make the payment using debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.Submit & Download Confirmation Page
After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for reference.
💰 GATE 2026 Application Fee (Without Late Fee)
The application fee depends on the candidate’s category and nationality.
| Category | Fee (Regular) | Fee (With Late Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates | ₹900 | ₹1,400 |
| All Other Candidates (India) | ₹1,800 | ₹2,300 |
| Candidates Outside India (Dhaka, Kathmandu, etc.) | US$ 100 | US$ 150 |
| Candidates Outside India (Dubai, Singapore, etc.) | US$ 200 | US$ 250 |
👉 Applying today ensures candidates pay only the regular fee without extra charges.
📚 GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Before applying, candidates should know the exam structure:
Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 3 hours
Total Questions: 65
Maximum Marks: 100
Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
Sections:
General Aptitude (15 marks)
Engineering Mathematics (15 marks, for most papers)
Subject-Specific Questions (70 marks)
🌍 Why is GATE Important?
GATE is more than just an entrance exam — it opens multiple career paths:
Postgraduate Admissions
Qualifying GATE makes candidates eligible for M.Tech / M.E. / MS / Ph.D. programs at IITs, IISc, NITs, and many reputed universities.PSU Recruitment
Several Public Sector Undertakings such as ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, HPCL, BHEL, and GAIL recruit engineers directly through GATE scores.Scholarships & Fellowships
GATE qualifiers receive a stipend of ₹12,400 per month for postgraduate studies funded by MHRD.Overseas Opportunities
Universities in Singapore and Germany (such as NUS, NTU, and RWTH Aachen) accept GATE scores for higher studies.Career Growth in Private Sector
Many private companies prefer GATE-qualified candidates for research and development roles.
🔎 Key Changes in GATE 2026
IIT Guwahati has introduced several improvements for GATE 2026:
No clash with UPSC ESE Exam Dates: Ensures candidates can attempt both exams.
New Two-Paper Combination Option: Students can select up to two papers from the allowed combinations.
Increased Digital Support: Simplified application process with AI-based photo/signature verification.
Expanded Subject List: New interdisciplinary papers have been added to meet industry demands.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Submitting blurred photograph or signature.
Entering incorrect category details (SC/ST/OBC).
Choosing wrong exam paper code.
Missing today’s deadline and paying an extra ₹500 late fee.
Not saving the confirmation page for future use.
📌 Final Reminder
Today is the last day to apply for GATE 2026 without late fee. Candidates must ensure that their application form is correctly filled, documents are uploaded in the right format, and payment is successfully completed.
From tomorrow, applicants will still be able to register, but they will have to pay an additional late fee. Hence, those who want to save time and money should complete their application by September 25, 2025 at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
🔔 Conclusion
The GATE 2026 application deadline without late fee ends today, and this is a golden chance for aspirants to register without extra charges. With IIT Guwahati as the organizing institute, the exam promises better transparency, fair evaluation, and opportunities for lakhs of candidates across India.
If you are serious about higher education, PSU jobs, or a strong technical career, don’t delay. Apply online for GATE 2026 today and secure your future.
