GATE 2026 Application Started: Early Vs Late Application Submission, Which is better for aspirants?
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Registration - 9 Oct '25
GATE 2026 registrations have started. Students can check below the differences and benefits of GATE 2026 early vs late registrations below.
GATE registration 2026 started: Preparing for the GATE 2026 is not just about revising formulas or solving mock tests; it also begins with one of the most important stages: GATE 2026 registration. Every year, thousands of students find themselves torn between registering early and waiting until the late registration window, paying a late fee. But does the timing of your registration affect your GATE journey? Let’s get into it.
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Latest Updates:
- GATE 2026 application form released at gate2026.iitg.ac.in: Apply now at GOAPS portal
- GATE 2026 information brochure released: check what's new in GATE, steps, fees, and more
GATE 2026 Registration Timeline: Early vs Late
Before we discuss the pros and cons, here’s a quick look at the GATE 2026 application form schedule:
| GATE 2026 Events | Scheduled Dates |
|---|---|
| Starting date of the GATE application form (with no late fees) | August 28 to September 28 |
| Closing date of the GATE application form (with late fees) | September 29 to October 9 |
| GATE 2026 examination dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 result announcement dates | March 19 |
Benefits of Registering for GATE Early
IIT Guwahati has activated the GATE application window on August 28, 2025 on the official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Applying early for GATE 2026 helps you secure a seat (exam centre) for the GATE exam. Also, it reduces stress and tension of getting the form accepted. Other benefits of applying GATE early are -
- You can relax and prepare for the exam worrying about the GATE 2026 application form last date.
- No tension of experiencing technical glitches
- During GATE 2026 registration, you need to select your preferred GATE exam cities. Applying early, the chances of securing your desired city are higher. In contrast, late registrants may be pushed to far-off centres.
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GATE 2026 early registration allows you to apply at the standard fee. In the late registration phase, you’ll need to pay an additional late fee. Students can check the GATE 2026 application fee below -
| Category |
Application fees during the regular period (August 28 to September 28) |
Application fees during the extended period (September 29 to October 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates (per test paper) |
INR 1000 |
INR 1500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals (per paper) |
INR 2000 |
INR 2500 |
Also read:
GATE Late Registration
Waiting for the GATE 2026 extended timeline can cost extra expenses (with late fees)-
- Candidates have to pay late fee charges
- Limited exam city choices (chances to get desired exam centre is less)
- Stress and tension can cause a break in the GATE preparation.
GATE 2026 Early Vs Late Registration: Pros and Cons
| Factor |
Early Registration |
Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee |
Regular fee charges |
Late fee charges |
| Stress Level |
Low stress and tension | High stress and anxiety |
| Technical Glitches |
No technical glitches and issues of payment |
Can expect high technical glitches while uploading documents or making payment |
What is the Ideal Time to Apply for GATE?
Candidates must fill out their application form as early as possible (within first two weeks). Keep all their documents ready as per the specifications. Keep checking the GATE 2026 application status to track your registration form. The last date to submit the GATE 2026 form is September 28 (by paying regular fee) and October 9 (by paying late fees).
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Well,
As such, the GATE authorities have not mentioned anything regarding the black and white or colour printout of the GATE admit card to be carried or not. But it is better to carry a colour printout of the hall ticket to the exam centre Also, the admit card of GATE must be in A4 size format.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
If there are any details missing in the GATE admit card, then he/she must contact the GATE zone helpline centre. The candidate must raise their concern, mentioning the issue they are facing with the hall ticket. They will have to provide complete details regarding the information that are missing in
S
Contributor-Level 7