GATE 2027 Registration Start Date 🚨 | Schedule, DigiLocker Steps, Exam Fees, Eligibility

The GATE 2027 Registration process is set to begin on 14 August 2026. IIT Madras, the Organizing Institute for GATE 2027, has released the official examination schedule and important registration guidelines.

One of the biggest changes this year is that DigiLocker-based registration is mandatory for all Indian nationals. Candidates should create or update their verified DigiLocker account before starting the GATE 2027 application process.

📅 GATE 2027 Registration Schedule

Event	Date
GATE 2027 Registration Begins	14 August 2026
Regular Registration Last Date	21 September 2026
Extended Registration Last Date	30 September 2026 with Late Fee
City Allotment Notification	4 January 2027
GATE 2027 Examination	6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 February 2027
GATE 2027 Result	19 March 2027

🔐 DigiLocker Mandatory for GATE 2027 Registration

IIT Madras has introduced a major change in the GATE 2027 application process. Registration through DigiLocker is mandatory for all Indian nationals.

Candidates are advised to create or update their verified DigiLocker account before the registration window opens.

📝 How to Complete GATE 2027 Registration Through DigiLocker?

1. Visit the official GATE 2027 website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
2. Click on the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) registration link.
3. Create or log in to your verified DigiLocker account.
4. Ensure that your DigiLocker details are correct and updated.
5. Allow the GATE application system to fetch the required details from DigiLocker.
6. Verify your personal information carefully.
7. Select your GATE paper and examination city preferences.
8. Upload the required documents, photograph and signature wherever applicable.
9. Pay the application fee online.
10. Submit the application form and save the confirmation page for future reference.

💰 GATE 2027 Application Fees

Candidate Category	Regular Fee	With Late Fee
Female / SC / ST / PwD	₹1,000	₹1,500
All Other Candidates	₹2,000	₹2,500

The above application fee is generally applicable per paper. Candidates opting for two papers should check the applicable fee and approved two-paper combinations on the official website before payment.

🎓 GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria

GATE is open to candidates pursuing or having completed eligible undergraduate, postgraduate and other qualifying degree programmes. Candidates should carefully check the official eligibility criteria for their particular qualification before submitting the application.

• Candidates currently studying in an eligible undergraduate programme or higher year can apply as per the official eligibility rules.
• Candidates who have already completed an eligible degree can also appear.
• Eligible disciplines include Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science and other qualifying programmes specified by GATE.
• Candidates should satisfy the qualification requirements prescribed for the selected GATE paper.

🆕 New Changes in GATE 2027

• Mandatory DigiLocker Registration: All Indian nationals must use DigiLocker for registration.
• New Robotics and Automation Paper: A new GATE paper with code RA has been introduced.
• Revised Syllabus: The syllabi for GATE 2027 test papers have been revised.
• Updates in Paper Combinations: Candidates should check the latest approved two-paper combinations.
• Changes in Some Paper Structures: Updates have also been made to papers such as BT, TF, XE, XH and XL.

🗓️ GATE 2027 Exam Dates

GATE 2027 will be conducted over three weekends in February 2027.

Week	Exam Dates
Week 1	6 & 7 February 2027
Week 2	13 & 14 February 2027
Week 3	20 & 21 February 2027

📚 GATE 2027 Preparation Strategy

Since the GATE 2027 syllabus has been revised, aspirants should not blindly follow previous-year study plans. Download the latest syllabus, identify the changes in your paper and plan your preparation accordingly.

• Complete the latest GATE 2027 syllabus systematically.
• Practice previous year GATE questions topic-wise.
• Revise important concepts and formulas regularly.
• Take mock tests after completing major subjects.
• Analyse mistakes and improve time management.
• Keep checking the official GATE 2027 website for updates.

📌 Documents & Details to Keep Ready

• Verified DigiLocker Account
• Valid Mobile Number
• Active Email ID
• Recent Photograph
• Signature
• Valid Identity Details
• Qualifying Degree / Academic Information
• Category Certificate, wherever applicable
• PwD Certificate, wherever applicable

📌 Conclusion

GATE 2027 Registration will start on 14 August 2026, with the regular application window closing on 21 September 2026. Candidates will get an extended opportunity to apply until 30 September 2026 by paying the applicable late fee.

The mandatory DigiLocker-based registration is one of the biggest changes this year. Therefore, aspirants should update their DigiLocker account in advance and carefully verify all details before submitting the application.

With a new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper and revised syllabi, GATE 2027 is particularly important for students planning their preparation from this year onwards.