The registration deadline for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, including a late fee, has been extended. Candidates now have until October 13, 2025 , to complete their applications. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing institute, confirmed the revised schedule. The GATE 2026 examinations are set for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 . All registrations must be completed through the official website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Key Dates and Organizing Body
The extended registration window with a late fee closes on October 13, 2025 . This provides a final opportunity for prospective candidates. IIT Guwahati is responsible for conducting the GATE 2026 exams. Examination dates are scheduled for February 7, 2026 , February 8, 2026 , February 14, 2026 , and February 15, 2026 . Candidates must adhere to these dates for application and examination.
GATE 2026 Application Process
The application portal is accessible via gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates must follow a clear submission process. First, visit the official GATE 2026 website. Second, locate and click the application portal link. Third, accurately enter all required personal and academic details into the registration form. Fourth, upload all necessary documents as specified in the guidelines. Finally, submit the application fee, which will include the late fee, and then finalize the submission. Applicants should save their application confirmation for future reference.
Understanding GATE 2026 Application Fees
The application fees differ based on the candidate’s category and the period of registration. During the extended registration phase, specific charges apply. Below is a breakdown of the fee structure for GATE 2026 per test paper:
| Category | Regular Period Fee | Extended Period Fee (with late fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All other candidates (including foreign nationals) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
*PwD: Persons with Disabilities
Monitoring Your Application Status
After submitting the application, candidates can track its progress by logging into the official GATE 2026 portal. The status indicates the current stage of the application review. Applicants should regularly check their status for updates or required actions. Here are the various application statuses and their meanings:
| Status Number | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Under Scrutiny | Your application is currently being reviewed and verified. |
| 2. | Application accepted | Your application has passed scrutiny and is accepted. No further action is required. |
| 3. | Application submitted | Your application form has been submitted, but payment is pending. |
| 4. | Your application is submitted, and payment received successfully | Both application and payment are successfully completed. It will now move to the “Scrutiny” phase. |
| 5. | Under Scrutiny: Defect Rectification Done | Previously identified defects in your application have been corrected. It is again under “Scrutiny”. |
| 6. | Your application is incomplete or defective. Read the instructions below and take action accordingly | Defects are present in your application and require immediate rectification. Consult the Information Brochure. |
Action Required for Defective Applications
Candidates whose applications show an “incomplete or defective” status must take prompt action. Review the specific message received through the portal and consult the GATE 2026 Information Brochure. Timely rectification of defects is crucial for successful application processing. The deadline for all submissions, including corrections, remains October 13, 2025 .