The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). GATE serves as a gateway for admission to M.Tech, MS, PhD, and direct PSU recruitment in top engineering and science institutions.
GATE 2026 will likely be conducted in February 2026, and the online application process is expected to begin in August-September 2025. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on filling out the GATE 2026 online form, eligibility, important dates, and preparation tips.
2. GATE 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Notification Release | August 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | November 2025 |
| Correction Window Opens | November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | March 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 |
(Note: Exact dates will be updated once the official notification is released.)
3. Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
A. Academic Qualification
- Engineering/Technology Graduates (B.E./B.Tech/4-year B.S.)
- Master’s Degree in Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications
- Final-year students can also apply.
B. Age Limit
- There is no age limit for appearing in GATE.
C. Number of Attempts
- Candidates can appear any number of times in GATE.
D. International Candidates
- Foreign nationals can apply, but eligibility for M.Tech admissions depends on individual institutes.
4. List of GATE 2026 Papers (Disciplines)
GATE 2026 will likely offer 30 papers, including:
- Aerospace Engineering (AE)
- Agricultural Engineering (AG)
- Architecture and Planning (AR)
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Chemical Engineering (CH)
- Computer Science & IT (CS)
- Electronics & Communication (EC)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
… (and more)
(Full list will be available in the official brochure.)
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the GATE 2026 Online Form
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website gate.iit.ac.in
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter details: Name, Email, Mobile Number, and Password
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Log in using credentials
- Enter personal, academic, and contact details
- Select GATE paper(s) (Max 2 papers allowed)
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Photograph (10-200 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Signature (10-200 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Category Certificate (if applicable, PDF, 300 KB max)
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
- Pay via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Wallet
- Fee varies for General, OBC, SC/ST, PwD, and Female candidates
Step 5: Submit & Download Confirmation
- Verify all details before submission
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference
6. Documents Required for GATE 2026 Registration
- Scanned Passport-size Photo (White background)
- Scanned Signature (Black ink on white paper)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Qualifying Degree Certificate/Mark Sheet
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) (if applicable)
7. GATE 2026 Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee (1 Paper) | Fee (2 Papers) |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC (Male) | ₹1800 | ₹2300 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Female | ₹900 | ₹1300 |
| International Candidates | $100 | $150 |
(Fees are tentative and subject to change.)
8. Exam Pattern and Syllabus for GATE 2026
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Sections:
- General Aptitude (15 Marks)
- Technical Section (85 Marks)
(Detailed syllabus will be available in the official GATE 2026 brochure.)
9. Best Preparation Strategies for GATE 2026
A. Understand Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Download the official syllabus from the GATE website.
B. Create a Study Plan
- Allocate time for concept revision, practice, and mock tests.
C. Solve Previous Year Papers
- Analyze trends and frequently asked topics.
D. Take Online Mock Tests
- Improve speed and accuracy with timed tests.
E. Focus on Weak Areas
- Strengthen weak topics through targeted study.
10. FAQs on GATE 2026 Online Form
Q1. Can I apply for two papers in GATE 2026?
- Yes, candidates can select maximum two papers if their exam schedules do not clash.
Q2. Is there any negative marking in GATE?
- Yes, for MCQs: -1/3 for 1-mark questions, -2/3 for 2-mark questions.
Q3. Can final-year students apply for GATE 2026?
- Yes, but they must submit their degree certificate before admission.
Q4. How can I correct errors in my GATE form?
- A correction window will open after the application deadline.
11. Conclusion
The GATE 2026 online form is a crucial step for aspirants aiming for higher education or PSU jobs. By following this guide, candidates can ensure a smooth registration process and focus on their preparation. Stay updated with the official GATE website for the latest notifications.
Best of luck for GATE 2026! 🚀
| Activity | Day | Date* |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Date of GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) | Monday | August 25, 2025 |
| Closing Date of REGULAR online registration/application process (Without Late Fee) | Thursday | September 25, 2025 |
| Closing Date of EXTENDED online registration/application process (With Late Fee) | Monday | October 06, 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Examinations | Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday | February 07, 2026 February 08, 2026 February 14, 2026 February 15, 2026 |