GATE 2026 Registration Begins at gate2026.iitg.ac.in; Apply Before September 25

The wait for engineering graduates and aspirants is finally over. GATE 2026 Registration has officially started today, August 28, 2025. This year, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2026) will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.

The application process will remain open until September 25, 2025, without a late fee. For those who miss the deadline, the extended window with an additional late fee will be available until October 6, 2025. Interested candidates can complete their GATE 2026 Registration on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in.

In this detailed article, you will find all the key information about GATE 2026, including important dates, application fees, eligibility requirements, the registration process, required documents, new updates, and preparation tips.

What is GATE 2026?

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level entrance examination conducted every year by the IITs and IISc on a rotational basis. It is one of the most important exams for engineering graduates as it opens multiple career opportunities.

The exam is not only required for pursuing higher education such as M.Tech, M.E., or PhD at prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, and IIITs but is also a gateway for recruitment into leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, and BHEL. Additionally, some foreign universities in Germany and Singapore also accept GATE scores for admission.

For GATE 2026, the organizing institute is IIT Guwahati. Every year, nearly 7–8 lakh candidates appear for this competitive exam, making the GATE 2026 Registration process a crucial first step.

GATE 2026 Important Dates

Here is the complete schedule for GATE 2026:

Candidates are advised to complete their GATE 2026 Registration as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues or payment errors.

GATE 2026 Application Fee

The application fee has been revised for GATE 2026. The category-wise details are as follows:

• Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates: ₹1000
• All Other Candidates: ₹2000
• Late Fee (Additional): ₹500

For example, if a general category candidate applies during the extended registration period, the total fee payable will be ₹2500.

Documents Required for GATE 2026 Registration

Candidates must keep the following documents ready before starting the GATE 2026 Registration process:

• Recent passport-size photograph (colored, preferably on a white background)
• Candidate’s signature (scanned copy, black ink on white paper)
• Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/PwD), if applicable
• Degree/Provisional Certificate or Final Year Marksheet

It is important to upload these documents in the correct format and size; otherwise, the application form may be rejected.

How to Apply for GATE 2026 Online?

The GATE 2026 Registration process will be carried out online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Visit the official website – gate2026.iitg.ac.in
2. On the homepage, click on the “Application Portal” link
3. Complete the new candidate registration by entering your name, email ID, mobile number, and creating a password
4. Log in using the credentials and fill in the application form with details such as educational qualification, category, and preferred exam cities
5. Upload the required documents in the prescribed format
6. Pay the application fee online using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
7. Submit the application form and download a copy for future reference

It is strongly recommended that candidates review all the details before final submission.

What’s New in GATE 2026?

Every year, GATE introduces certain changes to improve the exam structure. For 2026:

• A new sectional paper has been added under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category: Energy Science (XE-I).
• The exam pattern remains unchanged – 65 questions carrying 100 marks to be solved in 3 hours.

This addition provides candidates interested in interdisciplinary and energy-related fields an exciting new opportunity.

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule

The exam will be conducted over four days in two shifts each day.

• Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

The examination dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

Why is GATE 2026 Important?

The significance of GATE 2026 goes beyond just higher education:

1. Higher Studies – Admission to M.Tech, M.E., and PhD programs at IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top universities.
2. PSU Recruitment – Leading PSUs such as IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, and BHEL hire directly through GATE scores.
3. Research Opportunities – Organizations like CSIR, DRDO, and ISRO provide fellowship-based research positions to GATE-qualified candidates.
4. International Opportunities – Several universities abroad, particularly in Germany and Singapore, consider GATE scores for admission.

Clearly, GATE 2026 Registration is not just about applying for an exam—it is about opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

Preparation Tips for GATE 2026 Aspirants

1. Analyze the Syllabus – Download the official syllabus and identify the most important topics.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers – This helps in understanding the question pattern and difficulty level.
3. Take Mock Tests – Regular practice tests improve time management and accuracy.
4. Make Short Notes – These are extremely helpful for last-minute revision.
5. Stay Consistent – Dedicate 4–5 hours daily to preparation for steady progress.

FAQs on GATE 2026 Registration

Q1. When did GATE 2026 Registration start?
It started on August 28, 2025.

Q2. What is the last date to register?
September 25, 2025 (without late fee), October 6, 2025 (with late fee).

Q3. How much is the application fee?
₹1000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates, ₹2000 for others, and an additional ₹500 for late registration.

Q4. When will GATE 2026 be conducted?
On February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

Q5. When will the GATE 2026 Result be announced?
On March 19, 2026.

Q6. What is new in GATE 2026?
The Energy Science (XE-I) paper has been introduced under Engineering Sciences.

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Final Words

For engineering students and PSU job aspirants, GATE remains one of the most important exams. The GATE 2026 Registration process has officially begun, and candidates should complete their applications before the deadline of September 25, 2025. For those applying late, the extended deadline with an additional fee is October 6, 2025.

The official registration portal is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Once registered, students should focus entirely on preparation, as consistent effort is the key to achieving a high score.

Best wishes to all aspirants preparing for GATE 2026.