The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is scheduled for February 2026. IIT Guwahati has launched the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in for candidates seeking admissions to Master’s, Doctoral programmes, or aiming for PSU recruitments. Registration begins on August 25, 2025, and candidates can apply without a late fee until September 25, 2025.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
The table below highlights the critical deadlines for GATE 2026 registration and examination schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| Regular Registration Ends | Thursday, September 25, 2025 |
| Extended Registration (with late fee) Ends | Monday, October 6, 2025 |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
To appear for GATE 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Students in the third year or higher of any undergraduate degree programme in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities from a recognised institute.
- Graduates who have completed qualifying degree programmes approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC as equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch/BPlanning.
- International candidates pursuing or holding equivalent degree programmes can also apply.
GATE 2026 Application Fee Structure
The GATE 2026 application fees are categorized as follows:
| Category | Regular Period Fee | Extended Period Fee (with Late Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates | ₹1,000 per paper | ₹1,500 per paper |
| All Other Candidates | ₹2,000 per paper | ₹2,500 per paper |
About GATE Examination
GATE is a national-level entrance examination designed to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge of candidates in various undergraduate-level subjects. A valid GATE score is essential for:
- Admissions to Master’s and Doctoral programmes in reputed institutes.
- Recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), where GATE scores are used as a primary screening criterion.
Financial Assistance Through GATE 2026
Candidates who qualify GATE and secure admission to Master’s or Doctoral programmes are eligible for financial assistance:
- M.Tech Students: ₹12,400 per month (up to 22 months)
- PhD Candidates (Direct PhD after BE/BTech/MSc with valid GATE score):
- ₹37,000 per month (First 2 years)
- ₹42,000 per month (From 3rd year to 5th year)
PSU Recruitment via GATE 2026
Several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), such as ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, HPCL, and others, will recruit candidates based on their GATE 2026 scores. The list of participating PSUs and recruitment details will be made available on the official GATE 2026 website.
Conclusion
With GATE 2026 registration starting from August 25, 2025, candidates aiming for higher education or PSU jobs must ensure timely registration before September 25, 2025, to avoid the late fee period. It is crucial to check the eligibility criteria, prepare the required documents, and stay updated via the official website for further announcements.
