The GATE 2026 exam is for students who want admission to postgraduate programs like M.Tech, ME, or direct PhD in engineering, technology, and science. Students who have completed or are in the final years of their degree can apply. The exam is conducted online, and candidates must register on the GOAPS portal, fill the application form, upload documents, pay the fee, and choose their exam city. After submission, the form is checked, and candidates can make corrections during the correction window. GATE scores are used by IITs, NITs, and other institutes for admission. Good scores can also help in jobs in public sector companies. The process is straightforward, but all details and documents must be correct to avoid issues.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The GATE 2026 eligibility criteria outline who can apply for the exam. It covers nationality, educational qualifications, age limit, and number of attempts. Candidates must meet these requirements to register successfully. The table below summarizes the key eligibility points for quick reference.
| Criteria | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens and foreign nationals are eligible |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or Master’s in Science. Final and pre-final year students can apply. Foreign students must be in 3rd year or beyond of qualifying degree. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Attempt Limit | No limit on the number of attempts |
GATE 2026 Application Dates (Revised)
The GATE 2026 application dates provide all important deadlines, including registration, form correction, and admit card release. Knowing these dates helps candidates complete their application on time. The table below lists key events and their corresponding dates for easy reference.
| Upcoming Exam Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Application Form Starting Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Registration without a late fee | October 06, 2025 (re-extended) |
| Registration with late fee | October 13, 2025 (re-extended) |
| Form Correction Window Open | October 28, 2025 |
| Last Date for Form Correction | November 03, 2025 |
| Release of GATE 2026 Admit Card | January 07, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates (Out) | February 7, 8, 14, & 15, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Application Fees (Revised)
The GATE 2026 application fees vary based on category and registration period. Candidates must pay the correct fee to complete their application successfully. The table below provides a clear breakdown of fees for different categories during regular and extended registration periods.
| Category | Regular Period Fee (Single Paper) | Extended Period Fee (Single Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates | INR 1000 | INR 1500 |
| All Other Candidates (incl. Foreign Nationals) | INR 2000 | INR 2500 |
GATE 2026 Application Process
The GATE 2026 registration was conducted online through the official GOAPS portal. Candidates had to log in, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. Aspirants were also required to meet the eligibility criteria before applying. The GATE 2026 application form was released by IIT Guwahati on August 28, 2025. Follow the steps below to complete the application process.
Step I: GATE 2026 Registration
- Candidates had to visit the GOAPS portal at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- They needed to register using their full name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- After registration, they received a GATE Enrollment ID.
- Candidates created a password of 8–15 characters during this step.
- The Enrollment ID and password were required to log in and access the application form.
Step II: Filling the GATE 2026 Application Form
- After registration, candidates needed to enter all personal, academic, and exam-related details.
- Details like parents’ names, contact numbers, educational background, choice of paper, and exam city had to be filled carefully.
Step III: Uploading Required Documents
- Candidates were required to upload scanned copies of photo, signature, valid ID, certificates, and category or PwD/Dyslexia certificates if applicable.
- All documents had to follow the specified format, size, and resolution.
Step IV: Payment of Revised GATE 2026 Application Fees
- After completing the form, the application fee had to be paid online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- On successful payment, a Fee Payment Number was generated. Candidates should note it down for future reference.
Step V: Submission of GATE 2026 Application Form
- Candidates had to confirm the declaration and submit the application.
- No changes could be made after submission until the correction window opened.
- The completed form had to be downloaded and saved as a PDF for future use.
Details To Be Filled in GATE 2026 Application Form
Candidates filling the GATE 2026 application form must provide accurate personal, educational, and exam-related information. The details help in verifying eligibility and processing the application. The table below summarizes the key sections and the specific information required in each.
| Category | Information to be Filled |
|---|---|
| Applicant's Details | Full Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Category, Nationality, Parent's Name & Contact Info |
| Communication Details | Address, Pincode, State, Email ID, Mobile Number |
| Educational Details | Degree, Discipline, Year of Graduation, University Name & Address |
| Exam Details | GATE Paper Code, Subject Paper Name, Choice of Exam Cities (up to 3) |
| Payment Details | Mode of Payment, Transaction ID, Fee Amount, Payment Date |
| Other Information | Declaration, e-Signature, Digital Fingerprint |
Required Documents for GATE 2026 Application Process
Candidates must keep all necessary documents ready before filling out the GATE 2026 form. The scanned copies must be clear, properly cropped, and in the correct format and size. Check the following table for the required documents for the GATE 2026 Application Process.
| Document | Specification/Format |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Colour photo with white background, JPG/JPEG, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, size: 5 KB – 1 MB |
| Signature | Black/Blue ink, JPG/JPEG, size: 3 KB – 1 MB, covering 70–80% of the image |
| Educational Documents | Degree certificate or final year certificate, PDF, 10–300 KB |
| Photo ID Proof | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License – clearly showing DOB, name |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | SC/ST certificate, PDF format, issued by competent authority |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | Must show disability >40%, issued by a govt-authorised medical officer, in PDF format |
| Dyslexia Certificate (if applicable) | PDF from authorised centres like MDA or Dyslexia Association |
| Scribe Requirements (if applicable) | To be submitted if candidate opts for a scribe |
GATE 2026 Application Form: Photograph & Signature Specifications
While uploading the photograph and signature of the candidate, it is important to follow the guidelines. Check the following table for the specifications and guidelines for uploading the candidates’ photograph & signature for GATE 2026 Application Process.
| Requirement | Photograph | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Color & Background | A recent color photo with a white background | Must be in black or dark blue ink |
| Face Visibility | Face must cover 60-70% of the image; frontal face view looking directly into the camera | The signature must cover 70-80% of the image after cropping |
| Size (Dimensions) | 3.5 cm (width) × 4.5 cm (height) | 1 cm (width) × 2.75 cm (height) to 1 cm (width) × 3.75 cm (height) |
| File Size | 5 KB to 1 MB | 3 KB to 1 MB |
| Resolution | 200 × 260 pixels to 530 × 690 pixels | 250 × 80 pixels to 580 × 180 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | Minimum: 0.66, Maximum: 0.89 | Height-to-width ratio of 1:R, where R is between 2.75 and 3.75 |
| Format | JPG/JPEG | JPG/JPEG |
| Acceptable Conditions | No caps, hats, sunglasses, or colored glasses; normal spectacles allowed but must avoid glare | Must be signed only by the applicant |
| Restrictions | No shadows, head coverings (except for religious reasons), or obstructions | If the signature does not match at the exam center, the candidate may be disqualified |
GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combinations (New)
For GATE 2026, candidates opting for two papers must carefully choose compatible combinations as per the guidelines. Selecting the correct pair ensures eligibility and smooth scheduling. The table below lists all first and second paper options for various disciplines in GATE 2026.
| First Paper Code (Paper I) | Second Paper Code (Paper II) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering (AE) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) |
| Agricultural Engineering (AG) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Architecture and Planning (AR) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Biotechnology (BT) | Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) | Electrical Engineering (EE) |
| Chemical Engineering (CH) | Chemistry (CY) | Life Sciences (XL) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
| Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Biotechnology (BT) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
| Chemistry (CY) | Chemical Engineering (CH) | Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Civil Engineering (CE) | Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Chemical Engineering (CE) | Metallurgical Engineering (MT) | Biotechnology (BT) | Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) |
| Electronics and Communication (EC) | Life Sciences |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Life Sciences (XL) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Civil Engineering (CE) |
| Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) | Biotechnology (BT) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) |
| Ecology and Evolution (EY) | Biotechnology (BT) | Mathematics (MA) | Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) |
| Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Mining Engineering (MN) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Aerospace Engineering (AE) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
| Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Architecture and Planning (AR) | Mining Engineering (MN) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
| Mathematics (MA) | Ecology and Evolution (EY) |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) |
| Mining Engineering (MN) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) |
| Metallurgical Engineering (MT) | Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Petroleum Engineering (PE) | Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Physics (PH) | Life Sciences (XL) |
| Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) | Metallurgical Engineering (MT) |
| Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) | Engineering Sciences (XE) | Civil Engineering (CE) |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | Agricultural Engineering (AG) | Architecture and Planning (AR) | Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) | Geomatics Engineering (GE) | Geology and Geophysics (GG) | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | Petroleum Engineering (PE) | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) |
| Humanities and Social Science (XH) | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Chemistry (CY) |
| Life Sciences (XL) | Chemical Engineering (CH) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Physics (PH) | Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) |
How to Retrieve Forgotten GATE 2026 Enrollment ID or Password?
If a candidate forgets their GATE 2026 Enrollment ID or password, they can easily recover it through the GOAPS portal. The Enrollment ID is sent to the registered email and mobile number after registration. The password can be reset using OTP verification. Make sure to keep access to your registered email and mobile number. It is important to keep your GATE 2026 login details safe for checking application status, making corrections, and downloading the admit card.
How to Retrieve GATE 2026 Enrollment ID?
Follow the steps below to retrieve the GATE 2026 Enrollment ID. The steps are as follows-
- Visit the GATE GOAPS 2026 portal.
- Click on the “Forgot Enrollment ID” link.
- Enter the registered mobile number and email ID.
- An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- After verifying the OTP, the Enrollment ID will be sent to the candidates’ mobile number and email.
How to Retrieve GATE 2026 Password?
Follow the steps below to retrieve GATE 2026 Password. The steps are as given below-
- Go to the GATE 2026 official website or the GOAPS candidate login page.
- Click on the “Forgot Password” link.
- Enter the registered email ID or mobile number.
- Verify the OTP sent to the registered contact.
- A password reset link will be shared.
- Enter the new password twice and confirm it.
GATE 2026 Application Form Status
The GATE 2026 application form status shows if your application has been successfully submitted or is under review. After submitting, check your status regularly on the GOAPS portal. If there are any issues, it will show "Application Under Scrutiny", and you will get an email or SMS alert if corrections are needed. To check your application status:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website.
- Click on the GATE application link.
- Log in using your Enrollment ID and password.
- After logging in, your application status will be displayed along with your name and Enrollment ID.
GATE 2026 Application Form Correction
After the application form is checked, IIT Guwahati opens the GATE 2026 correction window. Candidates can edit certain details by logging in to the GOAPS portal. Some changes, like name, gender, or category, may require an additional correction fee. Steps to correct the GATE 2026 application form:
- Visit the GATE 2026 official website.
- Click on the ‘GATE 2026 Online Application Processing System (GOAPS)’ link.
- Log in using your Enrollment ID and password.
- Select the edit application form option.
- Make the necessary corrections as instructed.
- Submit the corrected form.
- Download and print the updated application for future reference.
GATE 2026 Application Correction Fees
Candidates will need to pay additional fees per change they make in the GATE 2026 Application Form. Check the following table for GATE 2026 Application Correction Fees.
| Type of Changes/Modification | Fee Charges (Per Paper) |
|---|---|
| Change in Name | INR 500 |
| Change in Date of Birth | INR 500 |
| Change in Choice of Exam Cities | INR 500 |
| Change in Existing Exam Cities | INR 500 |
| Adding a Second Paper | INR 500 + additional application fee |
| Change of Gender to Female | INR 500 |
| Change of Gender from Female to Others | INR 1400 (INR 500 + INR 900) |
| Change of Category from SC/ST to Others | INR 500 (or INR 1400 for general candidates) |
| Change from Non-PwD/Dyslexic to PwD/Dyslexic | INR 500 |
| Change from PwD/Dyslexic to Non-PwD/Dyslexic | INR 500 (or INR 1400 for general candidates) |
| Any Other Category Change | INR 500 |
| Details of Parents/Guardian/Correspondence Address | No Fee |
| College Name and Location, Roll Number, Registration Number | No Fee |
GATE 2026 FAQs
What is the eligibility criteria for GATE 2026?
Candidates must be Indian or foreign nationals with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or a master’s in Science. Final and pre-final year students can also apply. There is no age limit or attempt restriction.
When did the GATE 2026 application form release?
The GATE 2026 application form was released by IIT Guwahati on August 28, 2025.
What is the last date to submit the GATE 2026 application form with a late fee?
The last date for GATE 2026 registration with a late fee was October 13, 2025 (re-extended).
How can candidates pay the GATE 2026 application fee?
The application fee for GATE 2026 can be paid online using credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Fee varies by category and registration period.
What are the required documents for GATE 2026 application?
Candidates must upload a photo, signature, ID proof, educational certificates, and category/PwD/Dyslexia certificates (if applicable) in the prescribed format and size.
How can a candidate retrieve a forgotten GATE 2026 Enrollment ID?
Visit the GOAPS portal, click “Forgot Enrollment ID,” enter registered email and mobile number, verify OTP, and the Enrollment ID will be sent via email and SMS.
How can a candidate reset a forgotten GATE 2026 password?
Go to the GOAPS login page, click “Forgot Password,” enter registered email/mobile, verify OTP, and use the password reset link to set a new password.
How can candidates check their GATE 2026 application status?
Log in to the GOAPS portal using Enrollment ID and password. The application status will show as submitted or “Under Scrutiny,” and email/SMS alerts are sent if corrections are needed.
What changes can be made during the GATE 2026 application correction window?
Candidates can edit details like name, gender, category, exam cities, and choice of papers. Some changes may require an additional correction fee.
How much is the correction fee for changing the gender from female to others in GATE 2026?
The fee for changing gender from female to others in GATE 2026 is INR 1400 (INR 500 + INR 900).