GATE 2026 Application Portal Now Live

The GATE 2026 application process has begun. This comprehensive guide covers key dates, revised fees, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth application for your M.Tech or Ph.D. admission.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 application portal is now live, marking a crucial first step for thousands of candidates aiming for M.Techadmission to premier institutions like the IITs and NITs or seeking a career in top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The exam, which serves as a benchmark for a candidate's comprehensive understanding of various subjects, is a gateway to a world of opportunities in both academia and industry.

This year, the exam is being conducted by IIT Guwahati, which is also hosting the online application on the official GATE GOAPS portal. Aspirants are advised to not wait until the last minute to fill out their application, as the online system can be prone to heavy traffic and technical issues as the deadline approaches.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

The application for GATE 2026 is a multi-step online process. Here is a simplified guide to ensure you complete your submission without any hiccups.

1. GOAPS Registration: The first step is to visit the official GATE 2026 website and create an account on the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal. This will generate a unique enrollment ID and password, which you must save carefully for future logins.
2. Fill the Application Form: Log in to the GOAPS portal using your credentials. You will need to fill in all the required details, including personal information, academic qualifications, and communication address. Ensure the details provided are accurate and match your official documents.
3. Upload Documents: This is a crucial step. You must upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, a valid photo ID (like Aadhaar card or PAN card), and your category certificate if applicable. Make sure the documents meet the specified format and size requirements to avoid rejection.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee online using net banking, a credit card, or a debit card.
5. Final Submission: Review all the details one last time before clicking the final submit button. Download and print the confirmation page for your records.

Eligibility, Fees, and Key Dates

This year brings some important updates that all candidates must be aware of.

• Eligibility: There is no age limit for the GATE exam. Candidates in the third year or higher of an undergraduate program or those who have already completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities are eligible to apply.
• Application Fees: The fee structure has been revised for this cycle.
  • For female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is ₹1,000 for the regular period and ₹1,500 with a late fee.
  • For all other candidates (including foreign nationals), the fee is ₹2,000 for the regular period and ₹2,500 with a late fee.
• Deadlines: The last date to apply without a late fee is September 28, 2025. The extended deadline with a late fee is October 9, 2025. The exams will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

Additionally, a new sectional paper, Energy Science (XE-I), has been introduced under the Engineering Sciences category. This is a significant update for students from relevant fields.

Only Education advises all aspirants to begin their application process as soon as possible and not wait for the final days. For more detailed guides and regular updates on GATE 2026, visit our portal here.