Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive entrance examination in India among students who want to take up higher education or get employment opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The GATE 2026 registration is closing at a rapid rate, and the candidates should put in their applications before the deadline. The test will be done by IIT Guwahati in February 2026 in four days.
Applications opened on 28 August 2025, and the final date of applying without a late fee is 28 September 2025. Those candidates who do not do so by 1 September 2025 may do so by 9 October 2025 with a late fee. As the time has become clear, aspirants can spend their free time preparing their strategy.
GATE 2026 Key Highlights & Important Dates
| Registration Date | 28 August 2025 |
| Final Time without late fee | 28 September 2025 |
| Last Date (incurred late fee) | 9 October 2025 |
| Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 |
| Announcement of results (Expected) | 19 March 2026 |
| Location | Conducting Body IIT Guwahati |
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements of GATE 2026 are friendly to students and have provided flexibility to a broad section of students.
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must also have attained 3rd year or above of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Science. Applications may also be done by those already in possession of their degree.
- Age Limit: No age limit is imposed on appearing in the exam.
- Limit of Attempts: Take as many attempts as one wishes, provided that the candidate qualifies education-wise.
Application Fee Structure for GATE 2026
| Female candidates: | SC / ST / PwD candidates: | Any other candidate (including General / OBC / Foreign Nationals): |
| 1000 (without late fee) 1500 (with late fee) | 1000 (without late fee) 1500 (with late fee) | 2000 (without late fee) 2500 (with late fee) |
Documents Required for Registration for GATE 2026
The following documents are to be prepared before the application process starts in the necessary format:
- Instant photographs have been taken recently.
- Digital copy of signature
- Legal authoritarian proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, and so on)
- Educational diplomas( newest or earned degree)
- Category or PwD certificate (where necessary)
The files should be of the recommended size and format; otherwise, the application is rejected.
How to Apply for GATE 2026
The following are the steps to be adhered to by the candidates to apply to GATE 2026:
- Check the official site of the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).
- Create a new account using a true email address and mobile phone number.
- Complete personal and academic information.
- Select the test papers and the city of choice.
- Post scanned photo, signature, and other documents.
- Make an online payment of the application fee.
- Enter the form and save the confirmation page.
One should look through the application thoroughly and submit it. When it is submitted, it is only possible to edit within the correction period, if it is provided, but in a very limited number of fields.
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule & Timings
GATE 2026 will be undertaken on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026 in several sessions.
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
- Working hours: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) (two shifts a day)
- Exam Form: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Important Guidelines for Candidates
- The application needs to be completed by 28 September 2025 to avoid a late fee.
- Do not do submissions at the last minute because there is a risk of errors, and the portal can be very busy.
- Make sure that any personal and academic information is consistent with an official document.
- Register using one email and mobile number.
- Bring along the admit card and a valid ID to the exam centre.
- Cell phones, smartwatches, electronic gadgets, and calculators will be strictly forbidden in the examination hall.
- Arrive at the centre early enough (at least 30 minutes before reporting time).
Preparation Tips for GATE 2026 Aspirants
- Arrange the Schedule: Be on time and have time per subject. Make sure to do enough revision before the exam.
- Concentrate on Essential Topics: Enhance your theoretical knowledge of technical articles.
- Solve Previous Papers: There should be at least 10 years of previous papers that the candidate has to attempt to know the exam pattern.
- Mock Tests: Do online mock exams so that you can feel what it is like to take the exam.
- Preparation of Notes: Prepare formula sheets, summary notes, and flash cards to revise fast.
- Balance Subjects: Do not ignore General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics, that has a considerable weightage.
- Strategy on revision: You should revise regularly rather than revising at the last minute before the exam.
- Stay Healthy: Get good sleep, exercise, and eat well to remain psychologically and physically healthy.
Important Links for GATE 2026
| GATE 2026 Website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Registration Link | Click here |
| Homepage | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the final date of application for GATE 2026?
The final date will be a late fee-free date of 28 September 2025. The date is 9 October 2025 with a late fee.
Q2. When will GATE 2026 be conducted?
The test will take place on 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026.
Q3. Who can apply for GATE 2026?
The applicants should have 3 years or more of their undergraduate degree, or those who have graduated in the engineering, science, and technology subjects.
Q4. How much is the application fee for GATE 2026?
This is 1000 to female/SC/ST/PwD applicants and 2000 to the rest. These rise to 1500 and 2500 with a late fee, respectively.
Q5. Is it possible to make changes to my application once it is submitted?
Yes, a correction window can be offered; however, only to a few fields. Submissions should always be checked twice.
