GATE 2026 Registration Begins: Complete Guide to Dates, Eligibility, Fees & Application Process

Published: 28 August 2025By: Muskan

Overview

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level exam that evaluates comprehensive understanding of undergraduate-level subjects across Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities. IIT Guwahati is the organizing institute for GATE 2026 on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across designated centres in India.

Important Dates

Event	Date	Notes
Online Registration Starts	August 25, 2025	Apply via official website
Regular Registration Ends	September 25, 2025	No late fee during this period
Late-Fee Registration Window	Till October 06, 2025	Additional fee applicable
Exam Dates*	February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026	Multiple sessions across days
Result Announcement*	March 19, 2026	GATE score validity: 3 years

*Dates may be revised by the organizing institute; always verify on the official portal.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply: Candidates currently in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree, or those who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Architecture/Commerce/Arts/Humanities.
Number of papers: Candidates can appear in one or two papers (only from approved combinations).
Language: Test papers will be in English.
Score validity: GATE 2026 score is valid for three years from the date of result.

Application Fee (per test paper)

Category	Regular Period	Extended (Late) Period	Notes
Female / SC / ST / PwD	₹ 1000	₹ 1500	Per paper
All Other Candidates	₹ 2000	₹ 2500	For two papers, fee is twice the single-paper fee

Fee structure is as per the official GATE 2026 poster and may be updated by the organizing institute.

Documents & Details Required

Valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID/Driving Licence/PAN as permitted on the portal)
Recent photograph & signature in prescribed format and size
Degree/College details (program, year/semester, institute, university)
Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS (if applicable)
PwD/Other certificates (if applicable)
Payment method for online fee (card/net banking/UPI)

How to Apply Online

Step-by-Step Process

Visit the official portal and create a candidate account (first-time users) or log in.
Fill the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
Select your paper(s) and preferred exam cities.
Upload a passport-size photo, signature, and relevant certificates in the prescribed formats.
Pay the application fee online and verify the transaction status.
Preview all details and submit the application.
Download and save the final application PDF for future reference.

Pro Tips

Apply within the regular window to avoid late fees.
Ensure your name and date of birth match the ID proof.
Choose exam cities you can realistically travel to; slots fill fast.
Use a high-contrast photo & clear signature to prevent rejection.
Keep a copy of payment receipt and application PDF.

Quick Links

Official Website	Visit GATE 2026 Portal
Registration / Login	Apply / Sign In
Official Poster (Dates, Fees)	Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does GATE 2026 registration start and end?

Registration opens on August 25, 2025 and closes on September 25, 2025. A late-fee window is available till October 06, 2025.

What are the GATE 2026 exam dates and result date?

Tentative exam dates are February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026. Results are scheduled for March 19, 2026. Dates are subject to change; check the official site for updates.

Who is eligible to appear for GATE 2026?

Candidates in the 3rd year or higher of any UG degree or those who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Architecture/Commerce/Arts/Humanities are eligible.

Can I choose two papers in GATE 2026?

Yes, you may choose one or two papers from approved combinations. Additional combinations may be introduced later, depending on infrastructure and scheduling feasibility.

Is a GATE score mandatory for PSU jobs or PG admissions?

Many PSUs use GATE scores for recruitment and several institutes use it for PG admissions (with/without scholarship). However, qualifying GATE does not guarantee admission, scholarship, or a job—final decisions rest with the admitting institute or employer.

Get Started

Apply Online

Create your account and submit the application within the deadline.

Go to Portal

Download Official Poster

Check dates, fees, eligibility, and other highlights in one page.

Download PDF

About the Author

Muskan

Hi, I’m Muskan — a writer at Students Alert, deeply passionate about helping students and job seekers navigate their paths with confidence. I specialize in researching and simplifying complex information, whether it's the latest job notifications, exam updates, or result announcements. My aim is to provide clear, reliable, and timely content that makes a real difference. From detailed guides on exam preparation to breaking news and analysis, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I truly value your feedback, and I'm always looking to improve—so feel free to reach out anytime!