GATE 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) is set to begin the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 registration on August 28, 2025. This marks a change from the earlier announced date of August 25, 2025. Interested candidates are required to apply online through the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, before the deadline.
The GATE 2026 examination will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode across four days—February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The examination is jointly administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and the IITs under the Ministry of Education.
Registration deadline and late fee window
Eligible candidates must complete their applications by September 28, 2025. An extended window will remain open until October 9, 2025, during which candidates can apply by paying a late fee.
The application fee varies based on candidate category and the date of submission. The details are as follows:
For Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates:
• Regular fee (August 28 – September 28, 2025): Rs. 1,000 per test paper
• Late fee (September 29 – October 9, 2025): Rs. 1,500 per test paper
For all other candidates (including foreign nationals):
• Regular fee (August 28 – September 28, 2025): Rs. 2,000 per test paper
• Late fee (September 29 – October 9, 2025): Rs. 2,500 per test paper
Step-by-step application process for GATE 2026
Candidates applying for GATE 2026 can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Step 2: Click on the 'New Registration' or ' GATE 2026 Registration ' link
Step 3: Register and generate login credentials
Step 4: Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and communication details
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents including photograph, signature, and degree certificate as per format and size guidelines
Step 6: Pay the application fee using the available online payment options
Step 7: Verify all information, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future use
GATE 2026 exam pattern and structure
The GATE 2026 exam will be three hours long and conducted entirely in English. Each paper will include:
• General Aptitude section: 15 marks
• Subject-specific section: 85 marks
• Total: 100 marks
Question types will include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Negative marking will apply only to MCQs—1/3 mark will be deducted for incorrect 1-mark questions, and 2/3 mark for incorrect 2-mark questions. No negative marking applies to MSQs and NAT questions.
Importance of GATE qualification
A high GATE score is used for admission to postgraduate programmes (Master’s and direct Ph.D.) in IITs, IISc, NITs, and other institutions with financial assistance. It is also a criterion for recruitment in several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
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The GATE 2026 examination will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode across four days—February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The examination is jointly administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and the IITs under the Ministry of Education.
Registration deadline and late fee window
Eligible candidates must complete their applications by September 28, 2025. An extended window will remain open until October 9, 2025, during which candidates can apply by paying a late fee.
The application fee varies based on candidate category and the date of submission. The details are as follows:
For Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates:
• Regular fee (August 28 – September 28, 2025): Rs. 1,000 per test paper
• Late fee (September 29 – October 9, 2025): Rs. 1,500 per test paper
For all other candidates (including foreign nationals):
• Regular fee (August 28 – September 28, 2025): Rs. 2,000 per test paper
• Late fee (September 29 – October 9, 2025): Rs. 2,500 per test paper
Step-by-step application process for GATE 2026
Candidates applying for GATE 2026 can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Step 2: Click on the 'New Registration' or ' GATE 2026 Registration ' link
Step 3: Register and generate login credentials
Step 4: Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and communication details
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents including photograph, signature, and degree certificate as per format and size guidelines
Step 6: Pay the application fee using the available online payment options
Step 7: Verify all information, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future use
GATE 2026 exam pattern and structure
The GATE 2026 exam will be three hours long and conducted entirely in English. Each paper will include:
• General Aptitude section: 15 marks
• Subject-specific section: 85 marks
• Total: 100 marks
Question types will include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Negative marking will apply only to MCQs—1/3 mark will be deducted for incorrect 1-mark questions, and 2/3 mark for incorrect 2-mark questions. No negative marking applies to MSQs and NAT questions.
Importance of GATE qualification
A high GATE score is used for admission to postgraduate programmes (Master’s and direct Ph.D.) in IITs, IISc, NITs, and other institutions with financial assistance. It is also a criterion for recruitment in several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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