GATE 2026 registration begins today on gate2026.IITG.ac.in; how to apply, eligibility, fees and key dates

GATE 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has opened the registration window for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 from today, August 28.

Eligible candidates can apply for the national-level entrance examination through the official website — gate2026.IITG.ac.in.GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts each day. The forenoon shift will be held from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon shift will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.Registration window and deadlinesCandidates can register for GATE 2026 without a late fee until September 28.

The registration process will continue beyond this date with an additional late fee of Rs 500. The last date to apply with the late fee is October 9.The registration portal is active on the official website — gate2026.IITG.ac.in — where candidates are required to fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and make the fee payment as per their category.Application process step by stepTo apply for GATE 2026, candidates must follow these steps:Step 1: Visit the official website — gate2026.IITG.ac.in

Step 2: Click on the GATE 2026 registration linkStep 3: Complete the registration to generate login credentialsStep 4: Log in using the generated credentialsStep 5: Fill in the GATE 2026 application formStep 6: Upload the required scanned documentsStep 7: Pay the application fee according to the applicable categoryStep 8: Review the filled form and submit the applicationDirect link to apply onlineApplication fee details by categoryThe application fee for GATE 2026 varies based on the category and registration period. The fee structure is as follows:• Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates:Rs 1,000 during the regular registration periodRs 1,500 during the extended registration period• All other candidates (including foreign nationals):Rs 2,000 during the regular registration periodRs 2,500 during the extended registration periodEligibility criteria for GATE 2026Candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds are eligible for GATE 2026. The following qualifications are considered eligible:• Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering/Technology (BE/BTech/BPharm)• Master’s degrees in Science/Arts/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications (MSc/MA/MCA)• Professional degrees in Architecture, Pharmacy, or Medicine (BArch, PharmD, MBBS, BDS, BVSc)• Integrated degrees such as Integrated ME/MTech, Dual Degree, and Integrated MSc/BS-MS programmes• Professional Society Examinations equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch (e.g., AMIE, AMICE)• Candidates must either be in the relevant academic year or have already completed the qualifying degreeNew paper and exam detailsIIT Guwahati has introduced a new sectional paper in Energy Science (XE-1) under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category for GATE 2026.

The examination will be held for a total of 30 papers, including newly introduced and existing disciplines.The exam will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode and will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Each paper will carry 100 marks, with general aptitude comprising 15 marks. Papers involving engineering mathematics will allocate 13 marks to that section.Negative marking will apply to MCQs only — 1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect 1-mark MCQ, and 2/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect 2-mark MCQ. There is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions.Availability of question papers and brochureIIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 sample paper for the new Energy Science (XE-1) subject and previous years’ question papers on the official website.

Candidates can access question papers from 2007 to 2025.The official GATE 2026 information brochure is also available on gate2026.IITG.ac.in, detailing the paper-wise syllabus, marking scheme, test centre information, and guidelines.Two-paper combinations introducedGATE 2026 candidates may opt for two-paper combinations as listed on the official website. IIT Guwahati may introduce additional combinations depending on infrastructure and scheduling feasibility.For further updates on GATE 2026, candidates are advised to visit the official website regularly.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.