GATE 2026 registration begins on August 28 at gate2026.iitg.ac.in: Key dates, fees, and how to apply

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 windowEligible 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 paperFor 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 paperStep-by-step application process for GATE 2026Candidates applying for GATE 2026 can follow the steps below:Step 1: Visit the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.inStep 2: Click on the 'New Registration' or 'GATE 2026 Registration' linkStep 3: Register and generate login credentialsStep 4: Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and communication detailsStep 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents including photograph, signature, and degree certificate as per format and size guidelinesStep 6: Pay the application fee using the available online payment optionsStep 7: Verify all information, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future useDirect link to the GATE 2026 official website GATE 2026 exam pattern and structureThe 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 marksQuestion 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 qualificationA 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.