GATE 2027 DigiLocker Rule Relaxed; Unverified Accounts Can Now Register

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has relaxed the DigiLocker requirement for GATE 2027 registration.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has relaxed the DigiLocker requirement for GATE 2027 registration. Candidates can now submit their applications using an unverified DigiLocker account by selecting a default ID proof during the application process. According to the latest instructions on the official GATE 2027 website, applications submitted through unverified DigiLocker accounts will be scrutinised after the registration deadline for the required documents. Candidates using this route must also produce their original documents at the examination hall for verification. IIT Madras recommends using a verified DigiLocker account for a smoother experience at the examination venue. The GATE 2027 application portal is currently live. Registration opened on September 2, 2026, while regular applications without a late fee can be submitted until September 27, 2026. The extended registration deadline with a late fee is October 5, 2026.

GATE 2027 DigiLocker Rule Relaxed

The latest GATE 2027 registration instructions provide two pathways depending on the candidate's DigiLocker status. Candidates with a verified DigiLocker account can continue with the verified account. A verified account is one whose profile has been verified through e-KYC. Candidates with an unverified DigiLocker account can now also proceed with registration. They can select the default ID proof while filling out the application. Their applications will subsequently undergo scrutiny after the registration deadline. Candidates using the unverified route should therefore be particularly careful about the ID proof selected during registration and must carry the required original document to the examination centre.

What Happens If Your DigiLocker Account Is Unverified?

Candidates using an unverified DigiLocker account can complete the application process, but additional verification requirements apply.

According to IIT Madras:

• Candidates can select a default ID proof during application.
• Their applications will be scrutinised after registration closes.
• Required documents may be checked during the scrutiny process.
• Original documents must be produced at the examination hall.
• IIT Madras recommends a verified DigiLocker account for a smoother examination-venue experience. 

For Indian candidates, accepted photo identification documents include Aadhaar-UID, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID and Driving Licence.

GATE 2027 Important Dates

The current official schedule is as follows:

The official website notes that the dates are liable to change.

GATE 2027 Application Process

Candidates can register through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).

The registration process broadly requires candidates to:

1. Visit the official GATE 2027 website.
2. Open the GOAPS application portal.
3. Connect the DigiLocker account.
4. Continue with a verified account or use the newly available unverified-account pathway.
5. Select the applicable ID proof.
6. Enter the required academic and personal information.
7. Select the GATE paper or permitted two-paper combination.
8. Upload the required photograph and signature.
9. Upload applicable category or PwD documents.
10. Pay the applicable application fee.
11. Submit the application and retain the confirmation details.

The official instructions specify a maximum photograph size of 530 × 690 pixels and 600 KB, while the signature should be up to 580 × 180 pixels and 300 KB.

GATE 2027 Documents Required

Candidates should keep the required documents ready before completing registration. A live photograph is captured during registration. IIT Madras recommends using a computer with a webcam or a mobile phone with at least a 5 MP front-facing camera.

For category candidates, the DigiLocker requirements vary:

• SC/ST candidates: Category certificate in the specified GATE2027 DigiLocker folder.
• PwD candidates: Required PwD/UDID documents and applicable supporting documents.
• General, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates: No category document is required in the GATE2027 DigiLocker folder. 

Academic marksheets do not need to be uploaded to the GATE2027 DigiLocker folder for registration.

GATE 2027 Eligibility

Candidates currently studying in the third year or higher of an undergraduate degree programme or candidates who have completed an approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities can appear for GATE 2027, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions. Candidates with qualifications including B.E./B.Tech., B.Arch., B.Sc., B.A., B.Com., BCA, M.Sc., M.A., MCA and several other eligible programmes are covered by the official eligibility criteria. Candidates pursuing higher degrees can also appear if they satisfy the applicable requirements. There is no age limit for appearing in GATE 2027.

What Is New in GATE 2027?

GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers, including the newly introduced Robotics and Automation (RA) paper. The official website also states that syllabi have been revised for the 2027 examination. Candidates can appear for one or up to two test papers, but candidates choosing two papers must select a combination permitted by the official two-paper combination list. The GATE 2027 score remains valid for three years. A valid GATE score can be used for admission to eligible postgraduate and doctoral programmes, while several PSUs use GATE scores in their recruitment processes.

What Should GATE 2027 Aspirants Do Now?

Candidates who have not completed registration should first check their DigiLocker status and keep their identification and application documents ready. Those with a verified account can proceed through the verified route. Candidates using an unverified account can now complete registration through the alternative pathway, but they should be prepared for post-deadline scrutiny and original-document verification at the examination centre. Candidates should also note that September 27, 2026 is the regular registration deadline, while applications with the applicable late fee remain open until October 5, 2026.