GATE 2026 Application Portal: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 application portal has officially gone live. Candidates can now apply online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) at the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The exam will be organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The registration process began on August 28, 2025 and will continue until September 28, 2025 under the regular application period. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can still apply by paying a late fee, until October 9, 2025. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two sessions (forenoon and afternoon) across more than 200 cities in India.
GATE 2026 Application Portal Live: How to Apply
The steps to apply for GATE 2026 through the application portal are outlined as follows:
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Click on the GOAPS portal link on the homepage.
- Select “New Candidate Registration” and fill in basic details like name, mobile number, and email to create an account.
- Use the enrollment ID and password to log in to the portal.
- Fill in personal details, academic qualification, communication address, and select the test paper and examination cities.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and relevant certificates as per specifications.
- Pay the prescribed application fee online using debit/credit card, net banking, UPI, or other accepted modes.
- Review entry carefully and submit the application.
- Download and retain a copy of the application confirmation for future reference.
Direct Link to Apply for GATE 2026
The GATE 2026 application form is available exclusively online through the official GATE portal: gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates need to visit this site, click on the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal, and proceed with new registration and application form filling.
Direct Apply Link to GATE 2026 Application Portal
Official GATE 2026 Application Guidelines and Registration Details
GATE 2026 Application Portal Live: Application Fees
The application fee varies depending on the category of the candidate and the application period:
| Category | Regular Period (till Sept 25, 2025) | Extended Period (till Oct 6, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All other candidates (including foreign nationals) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
- For candidates appearing in two papers, the fee is double that of a single paper.
- Fee payments can be made online through Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Wallets.
- The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Also Read: GATE 2026 Registration Date Revised: Apply Online from August 28
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
The eligibility conditions for GATE 2026 are flexible and inclusive:
- Candidates who are in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program OR those who have already completed a recognized degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities are eligible.
- Medical, dental, veterinary, and agriculture students (MBBS, BDS, BVSc, B.Sc. Agriculture, etc.) in their final years are also eligible.
- Professional society exams such as AMIE, AMICE, etc., recognized by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC, are also valid.
- No age limit has been prescribed for GATE 2026.
This makes GATE accessible to a wide range of students and graduates.
Also Read: GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026, Check Education, Age limit, Nationality
Documents Required for GATE 2026 Application Portal
Candidates must keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Passport-size photograph (recent, color, white background, clear visibility).
- Signature (scanned in dark blue or black ink).
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License, or any govt-issued ID).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/PwD, if applicable).
- Degree/Provisional Certificate or proof of eligibility for candidates who have completed their degree.
- PwD or Dyslexia certificate (if applicable).
Improper documents, blurry photos, or mismatched details may result in rejection of the application.
GATE 2026 Application Portal Live: mportant Instructions
Here are some key points candidates must keep in mind while filling the GATE 2026 application form:
- Fill in details exactly as per your official documents to avoid disqualification.
- Upload photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions and file size. Non-compliance will lead to rejection.
- Use a personal and active email ID and mobile number for communication.
- Double-check all details before submission. Corrections may not be allowed later without additional fees.
- Keep a printed copy of the submitted application form and fee payment receipt for future reference.
- Complete the process well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
FAQs on GATE 2026 Application
Q1. When did the GATE 2026 application process start?
The application process for GATE 2026 started on August 28, 2025.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for GATE 2026?
The last date for regular applications is September 28, 2025, and with a late fee, it is October 9, 2025.
Q3. Where can I apply for GATE 2026?
You can apply only through the official portal: gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Q4. What is the GATE 2026 exam date?
The exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two sessions each day.
Q5. Is there an age limit for GATE 2026?
No, there is no age limit to appear in GATE 2026.
Q6. Can final-year students apply for GATE 2026?
Yes, candidates in their 3rd year or higher of a UG program are eligible to apply.
Q7. What is the application fee for GATE 2026?
- Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹1000 (regular), ₹1500 (late).
- All others: ₹2000 (regular), ₹2500 (late).
Q8. How many papers can I appear for in GATE 2026?
A candidate can appear in one or two test papers as per the allowed combinations.