GATE 2026 Registration Deadline TODAY: Final Chance to Apply with Regular Fee
Published 6 Oct 20254 min read765 Views
For all engineering aspirants aiming for M.Tech admissions, Ph.D. programs, or recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the clock is ticking! Today, Monday, October 6, 2025, marks the final date to submit the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 application form without incurring a late fee. This deadline was recently extended by the organizing institute, IIT Guwahati, offering candidates a last opportunity to complete the process. Students who miss this immediate cutoff still have a narrow window to apply until October 9, 2025, by paying an additional late fee.
The GATE exam is a highly competitive national-level test that serves as a benchmark for technical and scientific knowledge, opening doors to top institutions like the IITs and NITs.
Registration Fees and Late Payment Window
Aspirants must complete their registration and fee payment via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
| Category | Regular Fee (Till October 6) | Late Fee (October 7–9) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates (per paper) | INR 1,000 | INR 1,500 |
| All Other Candidates (per paper) | INR 2,000 | INR 2,500 |
Candidates applying for two papers must pay the corresponding fee amount twice. Given the imminent deadline, prompt payment and submission are essential to avoid system congestion.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The entire registration process is online and must be completed carefully:
- GOAPS Registration: Visit the official GATE 2026 website and register on the GOAPS portal to generate an Enrollment ID and password.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in and accurately fill in your personal, educational, and contact details.
- Paper & Center Selection: Select the desired GATE paper(s) (candidates can opt for one or two papers from the prescribed combinations) and choose your preferred examination cities.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature as per the specifications (typically 10-200 KB in JPEG/PNG format). Also, upload a valid photo ID proof and any applicable category certificates.
- Fee Payment & Submission: Pay the application fee online using the available modes. Review all details thoroughly before final submission and save a printout of the confirmation page.
Eligibility and Examination Schedule
The eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 are broad, allowing a wide pool of candidates to apply:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates who are currently in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate program (B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch., B.S., B.Sc., B.A., B.Com., etc.) or who have already completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities are eligible. There is no minimum passing percentage required to apply.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for applying for GATE 2026.
The examination will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on the following dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. Each exam day will have two sessions: Forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
Aspirants in the Engineering stream should note that the registration window for the GATE 2026 exam, a critical step towards their post-graduate and PSU career goals, is closing soon. For regular updates follow Only Education News and for further details on the exam, courses, and admissions, visit https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/engineering.