GATE 2026 Registration with Regular Fee Closes; Final Deadline with Late Fee is October 9
GATE 2026 aspirants must note the final registration deadline! The window for applying with the regular fee closed yesterday. Check the steps, late fee structure, and eligibility for the last chance to register for the M.Tech/Ph.D. entrance exam, closing October 9, 2025. Visit: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 registration process is reaching its final phase. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, the organizing institute for this year's examination, successfully closed the registration window with regular fees yesterday, October 6, 2025.
However, students who missed this deadline still have a critical last opportunity. The GATE 2026 application portal, accessible via the official GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), will remain open until Thursday, October 9, 2025, provided candidates pay an additional late fee. This final three-day extension is the absolute last chance to secure your spot for one of the nation's most prestigious and vital examinations.
GATE 2026: Exam Structure and Key Dates
The GATE examination serves as a comprehensive assessment of fundamental knowledge across various undergraduate subjects in Engineering, Technology, Science, and related disciplines. Qualifying in GATE is essential for gaining admission to Master's programs (M.Tech/M.E.) and Direct Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at premier institutes like the IITs, NITs, and IISc, and is also utilized by various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment purposes.
| Event | Final Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline (Regular Fee) | October 6, 2025 (Closed) |
| Registration Deadline (With Late Fee) | October 9, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examination Dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be held on four designated days, across two sessions (Forenoon: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) each day.
Eligibility and Application Fee Details
Aspiring candidates must be aware of the key eligibility and fee structure, especially during this late application period:
Eligibility Criteria
A major advantage for aspirants is the relaxed eligibility:
- Candidates must be currently in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate degree, OR have already completed any government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- There is no age limit to appear for GATE 2026.
Application Fee (Late Period)
The fee for the extended window includes a late surcharge:
| Category | Fee for Extended Period (October 7-9) |
|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates (per paper) | INR 1,500 |
| All Other Candidates (per paper) | INR 2,500 |
To apply, candidates must visit the official GATE website, log in to their GOAPS account, fill in all personal and academic details, and carefully upload the required documents, including a photograph and signature, before proceeding to the final fee payment. Since the deadline is imminent, all aspirants must act quickly to submit their forms and avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
This exam is a significant opportunity for all high school students and UG/PG students in the Engineering stream to shape their future careers in technology and research. For regular updates follow Only Education News and for further details on the exam syllabus and related information, visit: https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/engineering.