The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G), which is conducting the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026, has once again extended the last date for registration. As per the revised schedule, candidates can now apply for GATE 2026 without paying a late fee till October 7, 2025. Applications can be submitted through the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Those who miss this window will still be able to apply by paying a late fee until October 9, 2025. The extension comes as a relief for thousands of aspirants who were facing technical and documentation issues during the earlier registration phase.
I’m writing about this update because GATE remains one of the most crucial exams for engineering and science graduates in India. Every year, it opens doors not just to postgraduate admissions in IITs, NITs, and IISc, but also to lucrative public sector jobs and research opportunities. With the deadline extended, this is a second chance for candidates who were unable to apply earlier due to time constraints or pending documents. Knowing the new dates, registration process, and exam schedule helps aspirants stay ahead and plan effectively.
GATE 2026: Revised Application Schedule
IIT Guwahati, the organising institute for GATE 2026, announced the extension to allow more students to register. Candidates must complete the process online at gate2026.iitg.ac.in before the portal closes.
Here is a summary of the revised schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Application Deadline (No Late Fee) | October 7, 2025 |
| Extended Application Deadline (With Late Fee) | October 9, 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day as heavy website traffic could cause technical delays.
How to Apply for GATE 2026
Candidates who have not yet applied can follow these steps to register for GATE 2026:
- Visit the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Click on the link for “GATE 2026 Registration”.
- Create a login ID using your valid email address and mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form carefully with academic, personal, and communication details.
- Upload required documents such as a scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee online (based on category and centre).
- Review and submit the form.
- Download the confirmation page and keep it for future reference.
The application fee varies depending on the candidate’s category and the deadline they meet (regular or extended).
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule and Pattern
The GATE 2026 exams will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, across multiple centres in India. The result declaration is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
The exam will test candidates’ knowledge in engineering, science, and technology through multiple-choice and numerical answer-type questions. The duration of each paper will be 3 hours, and candidates can appear for up to two subjects (depending on the combination allowed by IIT-Guwahati).
Each subject paper carries 100 marks, which include questions on General Aptitude (15 marks) and subject-specific topics (85 marks).
Importance of the GATE Exam
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is not just a postgraduate entrance test—it’s a gateway to a range of career opportunities. GATE scores are accepted by:
- IITs, NITs, IISc, and other top institutes for M.Tech/M.E. admissions.
- PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) like ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, and HPCL for recruitment.
- Fellowship and scholarship programs under the Ministry of Education.
- Research and higher studies opportunities abroad, as GATE is recognised by several international universities.
For aspirants aiming to strengthen their academic or professional profile, qualifying GATE can be a turning point.
Key Details for Applicants
- Eligibility: Students in their 3rd year or above of an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, or Humanities are eligible.
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Admit Card Release: Expected in January 2026.
- Score Validity: GATE scores remain valid for three years from the date of result declaration.
Candidates are encouraged to carefully read the information brochure available on the official website before submitting their applications.
Why the Deadline Was Extended
According to IIT Guwahati sources, the extension was made after several candidates reported last-minute difficulties with the registration portal, especially while uploading documents or making fee payments. The institute’s decision aims to ensure that all eligible candidates get a fair chance to complete their application.
The organising committee has also reminded applicants to double-check details such as subject codes, exam centres, and category certificates before final submission, as correction windows will have limited options later.
