GATE 2026 Registration Opens: Check Key Dates, Eligibility, Fees and Application Process

GATE 2026 Registration: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 registration has finally opened today, August 28, 2025. The test will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati). This country-wide exam is one of the most crucial gateways for postgraduate admissions as well as public sector recruitment in India.

If you are going to appear for GATE 2026, you have here a complete guide with all the necessary details such as important dates, eligibility, application process, fee pattern, and the new updates brought this year.

Important Dates of GATE 2026

1. Date of registration commencement: August 28, 2025

2. Last date for registration without late fee: September 28, 2025

3. Last date for registration with late fee: October 9, 2025

4. Dates of examinations: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026

Contenders are requested to submit the application process much in advance of the deadline to prevent any technical glitches at the last moment. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Applicants should be in their final year of study or have already completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Science. Students pursuing studies from Arts, Commerce, and Humanities who fall under particular subjects can also apply.

• Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in GATE.

• Number of Attempts: There are no limits on the number of attempts. Candidates can take the test as many times as they want.

Application Procedure for GATE 2026

The process is online. Candidates have to apply online via the official GATE 2026 website.

Step-by-step application procedure:

• Step 1: Go to the official GATE 2026 portal and click on "Register."

• Step 2: Register as a new user to get an enrollment ID and password.

• Step 3: Login with credentials and enter personal, educational, and examination information.

• Step 4: Select your choice of paper(s) and examination city.

• Step 5: Upload scan copies of compulsory documents such as photograph, signature, and identification proof.

• Step 6: Pay the fee online using debit card, credit card, or net banking.

• Step 7: Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Application Fee for GATE 2026

The fee structure is divided based on gender, category, and registration period.

For the regular period (August 28 – September 28):

1. Rs. 1,000 for Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates

2. Rs. 2,000 for all other candidates

For the extended duration (September 29 – October 9):

1. Rs. 1,500 for Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates

2. Rs. 2,500 for all other candidates

The fee will be separately charged for each paper if a candidate selects two papers.

Important Changes in GATE 2026

• New Subject Introduced: A new subject, Energy Science (XE-I), has been added in the category of Engineering Sciences (XE). The number of subjects available for GATE 2026 stands at 30 now.

• Two-Paper Option: There is an option for candidates now to appear for two papers if the combination is permissible for them as determined by the test body. This option allows aspirants to increase their chances in more than one discipline. 

• Exam Schedule: The examination will take place on four days in two sittings (forenoon and afternoon).

• Score Validity: GATE 2026 scores will be valid for three years from the date of announcement of the results. This gives candidates a chance to utilize their scores for admissions or recruitment over a long period.

Why GATE 2026 is Important

• Higher Education: GATE scores are used by premier institutes in India for admissions to M.Tech, M.E., and PhD programmes.

• Career Opportunities: Various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, etc. hire candidates based on GATE scores.

• Research and International Options: Certain international institutions also consider GATE scores for postgraduate admissions.