Students aspiring for higher education in engineering and science are urged to take note of a crucial update regarding the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing institute for GATE 2026, has extended the registration deadline without a late fee. Prospective candidates now have until October 6, 2025 , to complete their applications, providing a valuable extra window to secure their spot for this pivotal examination.
Initially, the deadline for regular registration was set for September 28, 2025. This extension offers a timely opportunity for those who may have missed the previous cutoff or require more time to finalize their application details. Missing the new regular deadline isn’t the end, but it comes with an additional cost: the window to register with a late fee has also been extended until October 9, 2025 .
Understanding GATE: Your Gateway to Higher Studies
For high school students currently planning their future, understanding GATE is essential. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted in India primarily for admission to postgraduate programs (like M.Tech, M.E., M.S., and direct Ph.D.) in engineering, technology, architecture, and science at various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other prestigious institutions. Beyond academics, a good GATE score is also a requirement for securing direct recruitment to certain public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India.
It’s a challenging but highly rewarding examination that assesses a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture, and science. Performing well in GATE can unlock numerous opportunities for advanced studies and career progression in these fields.
Key Dates You Need to Know for GATE 2026
The revised schedule for GATE 2026 registration is crucial for all applicants. Mark these dates carefully:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Date of GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) | August 28, 2025 |
| Closing Date of REGULAR online registration/application process (Without Late Fee) | October 6, 2025 |
| Closing Date of EXTENDED online registration/application process (With Late Fee) | October 9, 2025 |
The application portal, known as GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System), opened on August 28, 2025. This system is your one-stop platform for all registration activities.
How to Register for GATE 2026
The registration process for GATE 2026 is entirely online. Follow these clear steps to complete your application:
- Step 1: Visit the official GATE 2026 website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in .
- Step 2: Look for and click on the ‘Application Portal’ or ‘Registration’ link.
- Step 3: Register by providing basic details such as your name, email ID, and mobile number to create your login credentials.
- Step 4: Log in to the application portal using your new credentials and fill out the detailed application form with all required personal, academic, and contact information.
- Step 5: Upload the necessary documents, ensuring they meet the specified format and quality guidelines.
- Step 6: Proceed to pay the application fee online through the available payment gateways.
- Step 7: Review your entire application form carefully before final submission. Once satisfied, click ‘Submit’ and remember to save a copy of your submitted application for future reference.
Documents Required for Your Application
To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following documents in advance. Make sure they are scanned clearly and conform to the specified dimensions and file sizes:
- A good quality, recent photograph of yourself, adhering to the specified format.
- A clear image of your signature , also conforming to the size and quality specifications.
- A scanned copy of a valid photo ID document (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driver’s License, PAN Card). Remember, you MUST carry the original of this exact ID to the examination center on the day of the GATE 2026 exam.
- If applicable, a scanned copy of your Category Certificate (for SC/ST candidates) in PDF format.
- If applicable, a scanned copy of your UDID (Unique Disability ID) / PwD Certificate (for Persons with Disabilities) in PDF format.
- If applicable, a scanned copy of your Dyslexic Certificate in PDF format.
- Any other relevant Annexure(s) or certificates required for compensatory time or a scribe, if applicable, in PDF format.
Understanding the Application Fee
The GATE 2026 application fee structure varies based on the candidate’s category and whether they apply during the regular or extended period. It is crucial to pay attention to these details to avoid unexpected charges.
| Category | Regular Period (August 28 to October 06, 2025) | Extended Period (October 07 to October 09, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates (per test paper) | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All other candidates including foreign nationals (per test paper) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
*PwD stands for Persons with Disabilities.
As you can see, applying during the extended period incurs a significant late fee. For instance, candidates who are not female, SC/ST, or PwD will pay an additional ₹500 if they register after October 6. This highlights the importance of completing your registration well before the regular deadline.
The extension of the GATE 2026 registration deadline is a golden opportunity for all aspiring engineers and scientists. Utilize this additional time wisely to gather all necessary documents, complete your application accurately, and submit it before October 6, 2025 , to avoid late fees. Remember, your future academic and professional journey could depend on this crucial step. Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in today to start your application.