GATE 2027 Registration Begins Today: Revised Dates, Eligibility, Fees, DigiLocker, Exam Pattern and How to Apply

GATE 2027 Registration Begins Today: The registration process for GATE 2027 has officially been rescheduled to August 27, 2026, with the application window now open through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). The Indian Institute of Technology Madras, which is organizing GATE 2027, has also revised the closing dates of the application process.

One of the biggest changes this year is that registration through a verified DigiLocker account is mandatory for all Indian nationals. Candidates should therefore make sure their DigiLocker information is updated before starting the GATE application.

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GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers, including the newly introduced Robotics and Automation (RA) paper. The syllabus has also been revised for the 2027 examination.

GATE Online application registration has been rescheduled to 27^th August 2026.

GATE 2027 Registration 2026: Latest Important Dates

The original registration schedule had GATE 2027 applications opening on August 14, 2026. IIT Madras subsequently rescheduled the opening date to August 27 and changed the closing dates as well.

The latest official schedule is:

The official website states that the dates are subject to change.

The GATE 2027 Information Brochure Version 1.2 also records the revised registration schedule and confirms that the examination will be held over six dates in February 2027.

GATE 2027 Registration Begins Today: DigiLocker Is Mandatory

Candidates should pay special attention to the new registration requirement.

For Indian nationals, registration through a verified DigiLocker account is mandatory for GATE 2027. The official portal says that information such as the candidate’s name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, profile picture, address and verified ID card number will be fetched from DigiLocker during registration.

The GATE 2027 website is currently displaying a registration notice stating:

• Registration has been rescheduled to August 27, 2026.
• Verified DigiLocker registration is mandatory for Indian nationals.
• Candidates should create or update their verified DigiLocker account before registration.

This requirement is also clearly mentioned in the official Information Brochure.

What information will be fetched from DigiLocker?

The GATE 2027 portal lists the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Mobile number
• Email ID
• Profile picture
• Address
• Verified ID card number

Candidates should carefully check their information before starting the application.

Importantly, the official FAQ says that candidates do not need to upload their 10th, 12th, UG or PG marksheets to DigiLocker for GATE registration.

Who Can Apply for GATE 2027?

GATE 2027 has a broad eligibility structure.

Candidates who are currently studying in the third year or higher of an undergraduate degree programme or who have already completed a government-approved degree programme in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities can appear for GATE 2027.

The official eligibility table includes the following major categories:

The detailed eligibility table is provided on page 10 of the official Information Brochure.

Is there an age limit for GATE 2027?

No. There is no age limit for GATE 2027.

There is also no restriction on the number of attempts. A candidate can appear for GATE multiple times, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

GATE 2027 Application Fee

The application fee is charged per test paper.

For the regular registration period:

• Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates: 1,000 per paper
• All other candidates: 2,000 per paper

During the extended registration period with late fee:

• Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates: 1,500 per paper
• All other candidates: 2,500 per paper

For candidates appearing in two papers, the applicable fee is charged twice. The official brochure states that bank/service/processing charges, if applicable, are additional.

The brochure specifies that the PwD concession applies to Persons with Benchmark Disability of 40% or higher.

GATE 2027 Exam Pattern

GATE 2027 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The examination will be:

• Mode: Computer-Based Test
• Language: English
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total test papers: 30
• Questions: 65
• Total marks: 100
• Question types: MCQ, MSQ and NAT

The paper consists of General Aptitude (GA) and questions from the candidate’s selected subject.

Distribution of Questions and Marks

For most papers:

• General Aptitude: 15 marks
• Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks
• Subject Questions: 72 marks
• Total: 100 marks

For certain papers, including AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH and XL:

• General Aptitude: 15 marks
• Subject Questions: 85 marks
• Total: 100 marks

There are 65 questions in total, comprising 10 General Aptitude questions and 55 subject questions.

GATE 2027 Negative Marking

Negative marking applies only to MCQ questions.

For a wrong answer:

• 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark deducted
• 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark deducted

There is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions.

There is also no partial marking for MSQ questions.

Candidates must use the on-screen virtual calculator provided during the examination. The official brochure specifically states that candidates must use only this calculator for calculations.

New Robotics and Automation Paper in GATE 2027

One of the most important changes in GATE 2027 is the introduction of a dedicated Robotics and Automation (RA) test paper.

The RA paper has:

• Part A: Common section
• Part B1: Electrical
• Part B2: Mechanical

Candidates can select the applicable section during the examination as specified by the paper pattern.

The Information Brochure confirms that Robotics and Automation has been introduced as a new GATE paper from 2027.

Changes in Textile Engineering and Sectional Papers

GATE 2027 also introduces changes to some sectional papers.

The Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) paper is now included as XE9 under the Engineering Sciences (XE) sectional paper.

The paper codes for the sectional papers XE, XH and XL have also been changed.

The official brochure lists the updated sectional structure, including:

XE Sections

• XE0: Engineering Mathematics
• XE1: Fluid Mechanics
• XE2: Materials Science
• XE3: Solid Mechanics
• XE4: Thermodynamics
• XE5: Polymer Science and Engineering
• XE6: Food Technology
• XE7: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
• XE8: Energy Science
• XE9: Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

Candidates appearing for XE must select two optional sections in addition to the common Engineering Mathematics section.

GATE 2027 Has 30 Test Papers

GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers.

The list includes major disciplines such as:

• Aerospace Engineering (AE)
• Agricultural Engineering (AG)
• Architecture and Planning (AR)
• Biomedical Engineering (BM)
• Biotechnology (BT)
• Civil Engineering (CE)
• Chemical Engineering (CH)
• Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
• Chemistry (CY)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)
• Environmental Science and Engineering (ES)
• Geomatics Engineering (GE)
• Geology and Geophysics (GG)
• Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
• Mathematics (MA)
• Mechanical Engineering (ME)
• Metallurgical Engineering (MT)
• Mining Engineering (MN)
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM)
• Petroleum Engineering (PE)
• Physics (PH)
• Production and Industrial Engineering (PI)
• Robotics and Automation (RA)
• Statistics (ST)
• Engineering Sciences (XE)
• Humanities and Social Sciences (XH)
• Life Sciences (XL)

The official Information Brochure provides the complete paper-code list on page 12.

Can Candidates Choose Two GATE Papers?

Yes. Candidates can appear for one or two test papers.

However, if a candidate chooses two papers, the combination must be selected from the combinations permitted by the GATE 2027 authorities. Candidates cannot arbitrarily select any two papers.

Candidates should also note that IIT Madras advises applicants to submit only one application. If a second paper is required, it should be added to the original application rather than creating another application. Multiple applications can result in rejection of the additional applications without refund.

GATE 2027 Examination Cities

GATE 2027 will be conducted across examination centres in India.

For GATE 2027, candidates can provide six examination-city choices from the same GATE zone. The official FAQ explains that the first choice is generally the most likely to be considered, but the GATE Committee reserves the right to allot a different city because of operational constraints.

There will be no international examination centres for GATE 2027. Foreign nationals and Indian citizens living abroad must travel to India to appear for the examination.

Documents Required for GATE 2027 Registration

Candidates should keep the following information and documents ready:

• Verified DigiLocker account
• Personal details
• Date of birth
• Mobile number
• Parent/guardian details
• Communication address
• Degree details
• College/institute details
• Selected GATE paper
• Six examination-city choices
• Photograph
• Signature
• Valid photo ID
• Category certificate, where applicable
• PwD/Dyslexia certificate, where applicable

The official GATE 2027 website says the candidate’s name should match the valid photo ID, and the date of birth should also match the ID details.

A live photograph may also be captured during registration. The official portal advises candidates to use a computer with a webcam or a phone with a 5 MP camera for this purpose.

Which Photo ID Can Be Used?

The GATE 2027 Information Brochure lists acceptable photo IDs including:

• Aadhaar-UID
• Aadhaar Virtual ID
• Passport
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Driving Licence
• Any valid photo ID issued by the Central or State Government

Candidates must carry the same original valid photo ID to the examination centre for verification.

How to Apply for GATE 2027 Online

Eligible candidates can complete the application process through the official GATE 2027 portal.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official GATE 2027 website: GATE 2027 Official Website

Step 2: Prepare DigiLocker

Indian nationals must use a verified DigiLocker account for registration.

Check your name, date of birth, and other identity information before proceeding.

Step 3: Register Through GOAPS

Use the GATE Online Application Processing System and complete the registration process.

A unique Enrolment ID will be generated after successful registration. The ID will be used for future communication related to GATE 2027.

Step 4: Fill in the Application Form

Enter the required:

• Personal information
• Academic information
• Degree details
• Test paper choice
• Examination-city preferences
• Parent/guardian information

Step 5: Upload Photograph, Signature and Other Documents

Upload the required photograph, signature, photo ID and applicable category/disability documents.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the applicable fee through the available electronic payment methods such as UPI, debit card, credit card, wallet or internet banking.

Step 7: Submit and Save the Application

After checking all details, submit the application and save a copy of the submitted form and payment confirmation for future reference.

Important Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid

Candidates should be particularly careful about the following:

1. Do not wait until the last date

The regular application deadline is September 27, 2026. Waiting until the final day can create problems if there are issues with DigiLocker verification, document uploads or payment.

2. Check your name and date of birth

The name entered in the application must match the valid photo ID. The date of birth should also match the ID record.

3. Do not create multiple applications

If you want to appear for two papers, use the same application and select an approved two-paper combination. Do not create a second application simply to add another paper.

4. Choose the paper carefully

Although candidates have flexibility in choosing papers, IIT Madras advises candidates to select a paper appropriate to their qualifying-degree discipline.

5. Check the revised syllabus

The syllabus for GATE 2027 has been revised. Candidates preparing from previous-year material should compare it with the official GATE 2027 syllabus before beginning their preparation.

GATE 2027 Result Date

The GATE 2027 result is scheduled to be announced on March 19, 2027.

The GATE score remains valid for three years from the date of announcement of the results.

What Can You Do After Qualifying GATE 2027?

GATE is not limited to engineering jobs.

A valid GATE score can be useful for:

• M.Tech and other postgraduate programmes
• Direct doctoral programmes
• PhD programmes in relevant disciplines
• Financial assistance or assistantship, subject to the rules of the admitting institute
• Postgraduate admission in several institutions
• Recruitment processes of some Public Sector Undertakings

The official Information Brochure notes that several PSUs have used GATE scores in recruitment, while also stressing that a GATE qualification itself does not guarantee a PSU job.

The brochure also lists organizations that have used GATE scores in recruitment in previous years, including BHEL, BSNL, Coal India, DVC, GAIL, IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, POWERGRID, SAIL and others. These should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every organization will recruit through GATE 2027.

GATE Score and Postgraduate Scholarships

Qualifying GATE can be a route to postgraduate admission with possible financial assistance in centrally funded institutions.

However, the actual admission and scholarship process depends on the rules of the concerned institute or department. The GATE brochure notes that admission may depend on GATE performance alone or on a combination of GATE score, admission tests, interviews and academic records, depending on the institution.

Therefore, candidates should always check the admission notification of the particular IIT, IISc, NIT or other institution they want to join.