The GATE registration process is conducted every year by one of the IITs on a rotational basis. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is India’s most popular national-level exam for M.Tech, Ph.D. admissions, and PSU recruitment.
In this article, you’ll get a complete guide on the GATE application form, eligibility criteria, registration fees, important dates, exam pattern, and step-by-step process to apply online for GATE admission 2026.
Table of Contents
GATE Admission 2026 overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GATE 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based (CBT) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Courses Offered | M.Tech, ME, M.Sc, Ph.D, PSU Jobs |
| Participating Institutes | IITs, NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, PSUs |
| gate 2026 Exam Dates | Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
Important Dates
Find all key dates and deadlines at a glance so you don’t miss anything for GATE 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 28 August 2025 |
| Last Date for Regular Registration | 28 September 2025 |
| Extended Registration (with late fee) | 29 September – 9 October 2025 |
| Admit Card Available | 3 January 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | 7, 8, 14, 15 February 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 19 March 2026 |
| Download Scorecard (no extra fee) | 27 March – 31 May 2026 |
Application Fee
Here is a quick look at the fee details for GATE 2026 registration.
| Category | Regular Period | Extended Period |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD (per subject) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| Others incl. Foreign Nationals | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
- The fee is per test paper. For two papers, pay double.
- Payment via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Make sure you fulfil these conditions before applying for GATE 2026.
- No age limit and unlimited attempts.
- Indian and foreign nationals are eligible.
- Educational Qualification:
- Final year or completed graduation in Engineering/ Technology/ Architecture/ Science/ Commerce/ Arts/ Humanities from a recognized institute.
- Academic qualifications recognised by MoE, AICTE, UGC, or UPSC.
- Candidates in the third year or higher of a qualifying degree can apply.
- For international candidates: Minimum 3 years in a relevant bachelor’s program.
How to Apply for the GATE 2026 Application Form
Easy steps to fill the GATE 2026 Application Form.
- Visit gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Complete “New Registration”
- Fill in personal, academic and contact details
- Choose your GATE test papers & exam city preferences
- Upload photo, signature & required documents
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit and download the confirmation page
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Registration Portal | GATE 2026 Application Form |
| Information Brochure | Download PDF |
| Official Website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
Participating Institutes
GATE 2026 score is accepted by all IITs, NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and several PSUs.
- IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee, and more
- NITs, IIITs, CFTIs under MHRD
- Public Sector Units like ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, DRDO, ISRO, etc.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Engineering Subject | 55 | 85 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
- Computer-Based Test (Online), Duration: 3 hours
- Types: MCQs & Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Medium: English only
- Negative marking for MCQs, & no negative for NAT
GATE Admission Process
After GATE 2026, score-based shortlisting for M.Tech/ Ph.D./ jobs in PSUs starts. Institutes may conduct further interviews, counselling or tests as per their own admission criteria.
FAQs: GATE registration 2026
When does GATE 2026 registration start and end?
Registration starts August 28, 2025 and ends September 28, 2025 (without a late fee). The extended period is till 9 October 2025.
Who is eligible to apply for GATE 2026?
Final year or completed graduates in Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts and Architecture can apply. 3rd-year students are also eligible.
What is the GATE 2026 exam date?
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on four days, which are 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026 (Saturday and Sunday). IIT Guwahati is organising the exam this year, and the test will be held in two shifts each day (forenoon and afternoon) at various centres across India.
Is there any age limit or attempt limit for GATE?
No, there’s no age or attempt limit for GATE 2026.
How many papers can I select?
You can select up to two papers (subject combinations allowed as per the brochure).
What is the application fee for GATE 2026?
It’s ₹1,000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD and ₹2,000 for all other categories (regular period).
Where can I check my GATE 2026 result and download the scorecard?
Results will be available on gate2026.iitg.ac.in from 19 March 2026, and scorecards can be downloaded from 27 March onwards.
Conclusion
GATE 2026 offers engineering and science graduates a direct pathway to top M.Tech, Ph.D. programs and PSU careers. Check all details before applying, stay updated on official timelines, and start your preparation early.
If you want to explore more similar opportunities, visit our entrance exam page and also check out the details of the CAT 2025 Registration or CLAT Admission Form 2026 for upcoming exams.
