GATE 2026 Registration & Eligibility – Key Dates and Fees You Must Know
GATE 2026 registration guide with eligibility, important dates, and fees. Check who can apply, how to register, and key exam details here.

GATE 2026 Registration & Eligibility – Key Dates and Fees You Must Know
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in India for students aspiring to pursue higher education in engineering, technology, architecture, or postgraduate science programs. GATE scores are also widely accepted for recruitment in various public sector undertakings (PSUs). If you are planning to appear for GATE 2026, here is a detailed guide covering eligibility, important dates, fees, and the registration process — along with the official registration link for when applications open.
Understanding the GATE 2026 Exam
GATE is a national-level examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis. The exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge in specific subjects related to engineering and science. For GATE 2026, candidates should be aware of the latest eligibility rules, the registration schedule, and the fee structure before applying.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it is important to ensure that you meet the GATE eligibility conditions:
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Educational Qualification – Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of their undergraduate degree in engineering, technology, architecture, or a relevant science stream. This includes B.E., B.Tech., B.Arch., B.Sc., M.Sc., MCA, and equivalent qualifications recognized by the government.
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No Age Limit – There is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply for GATE.
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Eligible Disciplines – Candidates from engineering, technology, science, and humanities backgrounds can appear in the respective GATE paper related to their field.
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International Students – Foreign candidates who have completed or are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline are also eligible.
GATE 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
While the official notification is yet to be released, here is an expected timeline based on previous years’ schedules:
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Release of Official Notification – August 2025
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Start of Online Registration – September 2025 (Link will be active here: GATE 2026 Registration Portal or on the conducting IIT’s official site)
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Last Date to Apply Without Late Fee – October 2025
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Last Date to Apply With Late Fee – Mid-October 2025
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Correction Window – November 2025
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Admit Card Release – January 2026
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GATE 2026 Exam Dates – February 2026
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Result Declaration – March 2026
GATE 2026 Application Fee Structure (Expected)
Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
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Female Candidates | ₹900 | ₹1,400 |
SC / ST / PwD Candidates | ₹900 | ₹1,400 |
All Other Candidates | ₹1,800 | ₹2,300 |
International Candidates | Varies by exam center location | — |
The registration process will be completely online via the official GATE portal. Follow these steps once registration opens:
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Visit the Official GATE Website – Click here to access the GATE 2026 Registration Page (link will be updated when live).
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Register as a New User – Provide your name, email ID, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
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Fill in the Application Form – Enter personal, academic, and communication details accurately.
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Upload Required Documents – This includes your photograph, signature, and valid ID proof in the specified format.
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Pay the Application Fee – Use debit card, credit card, or net banking for payment.
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Submit and Download Confirmation – Save the filled form and payment receipt for future reference.
Final Thoughts
GATE 2026 is not just a gateway to higher education but also a stepping stone to prestigious job opportunities in PSUs and research institutions. Knowing the eligibility, registration dates, and fees in advance can help you plan your preparation and application process smoothly. Keep visiting the GATE Official Website for the latest updates and to ensure you don’t miss any important announcements.