IIT Guwahati has announced an extension for the **Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026** registration deadline. Aspiring engineers and scientists can now apply with a late fee until **October 13**. The examination remains scheduled for **February 7, 8, 14, and 15**.
GATE is a national-level entrance examination. It tests understanding in various undergraduate engineering and science subjects. A strong GATE score helps candidates gain admission to Master’s programs (M.Tech, M.E.) and Ph.D. programs at top institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). Some public sector companies also use GATE scores for recruitment.
The late application fee is **INR 1500** for female, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates. All other applicants must pay a late fee of **INR 2500**.
How to Apply for GATE 2026 with Late Fees
Candidates wishing to register during the extended period must follow these steps:
- Visit the official GATE website.
- Access the application portal and register for an account.
- Log in using your new credentials.
- Complete the application form with all required details.
- Upload necessary documents, ensuring they meet specified guidelines.
- Proceed to pay the applicable late fees online.
- Carefully review all entries, confirm the declaration, and submit the form.
Understanding GATE 2026 Application Status
After submitting the application and payment, candidates must regularly check their application status on the GOAPS portal. The status indicators guide applicants through the verification process:
- Under scrutiny: The application is currently under review and verification. This status indicates the authorities are checking details for accuracy.
- Application accepted: The form has passed scrutiny and is accepted. No further action is required from the candidate.
- Application submitted: The application form has been submitted, but the required payment is still pending. Complete payment to proceed.
- Your application is submitted and payment received successfully: Both the form and payment are successfully processed. The application will now move to the scrutiny phase.
- Under scrutiny: defect rectification done: The application initially had defects which the candidate rectified. It is now undergoing re-scrutiny.
- Your application is defective or incomplete: The application contains errors or missing information. Candidates must follow specific instructions to correct these issues.
Rectifying Application Defects
If your GATE 2026 application status indicates a defect or incompleteness, access your GOAPS account immediately. Review the detailed instructions provided on the portal to identify and correct the errors. Ensure all necessary changes are made and the updated form is resubmitted before the rectification deadline. Correcting defects is free of charge. Candidates receive notifications regarding application defects via their registered email ID and on the GOAPS portal.
Authorities typically take 3 to 4 days to process and approve application forms. For example, an application submitted on October 7 might receive a defect notification as early as the next day.
Important Dates and Correction Window
Following the close of the late registration period, a dedicated **GATE 2026 correction window** will open. During this period, applicants can amend certain details in their submitted forms. The last date to submit changes through this facility is **November 6**. Specific examination dates for each branch or subject will be announced closer to the main exam dates in February.