The regular registration window for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 officially closes today, October 5, 2026. The organizing institute, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), extended the initial late-September deadline following a surge in student requests. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications online through the official GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal without incurring any late fee penalties until midnight tonight.

Following today’s regular window, an extended registration phase will open immediately, remaining active until October 12, 2026, subject to an additional late fee.

GATE 2027 Registration: Updates and New Guidelines Issued by IIT Madras

IIT Madras has introduced strict infrastructural modifications to the application process for the GATE 2027 cycle, aiming to streamline verification and curb fraudulent entries:

  • Mandatory DigiLocker Account Verification: All domestic applicants are now required to link their application with a verified DigiLocker account. Candidate details, including official names and dates of birth, will be fetched automatically from authenticated government databases.
  • Live Photo Capture Requirements: To ensure authentic identity mapping, the GOAPS portal now uses a real-time webcam or mobile camera facial recognition feature during form submission. Pre-saved studio photographs are no longer permitted.
  • Expanded Exam Centre Selection: The number of required city preferences has been increased. Candidates must now select six distinct exam city options, up from the previous requirement of three.
  • Introduction of Robotics and Automation (RA) Paper: GATE 2027 marks the addition of a 30th subject paper, Robotics and Automation (RA), expanding interdisciplinary avenues for engineering students.
  • Category Certificate Exemptions: Candidates belonging to OBC-NCL and EWS categories are exempt from uploading supporting certificates during the registration phase. However, SC, ST, and PwD candidates must upload valid documentation to qualify for application fee concessions.

Official GATE 2027 Examination Schedule

According to the updated notification released by IIT Madras, the critical timelines for the upcoming exam cycle are as follows:

  • Regular Registration Deadline (No Late Fee): October 5, 2026
  • Extended Registration Deadline (With Late Fee): October 12, 2026
  • Application Modification Window: October 14 – October 21, 2026
  • Exam City Intimation Slip Release: January 4, 2027
  • GATE 2027 Exam Dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027
  • Official Result Declaration: March 19, 2027

GATE 2027 Application Fees

  • Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates: INR 1,000 (Regular Window) | INR 1,500 (Extended Window)
  • General / OBC-NCL / All Other Candidates: INR 2,000 (Regular Window) | INR 2,500 (Extended Window)

Candidates are advised to finalize their submissions at the earliest to prevent portal timeout errors due to heavy server traffic on the concluding day.

When does GATE 2027 registration close?

GATE 2027 registration closes on October 5, 2026, without a late fee.

Is DigiLocker mandatory for GATE 2027 registration?

Yes, DigiLocker verification is mandatory for Indian candidates during registration.

Where can candidates register for GATE 2027?

Candidates can register through the official GATE 2027 website.