Sanjana
Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager
New Delhi, Updated on Sep 1, 2025 13:49 IST

GATE 2026: Aspirants must carefully fill the GATE application form 2026 by avoiding common mistakes such as incorrect details, invalid documents, and wrong subject selection. Check mistakes to avoid while filling out GATE 2026 application form here

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling GATE Application Form 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling GATE Application Form 2026

GATE 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, is accepting the GATE application form 2026 online. Candidates meeting the eligibility requirements can fill out the GATE 2026 application form by visiting the official website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in. To register for GATE 2026, they have to create an account on the GOAPS portal through the GATE candidate login. With the GATE 2026 application process ongoing, they must be careful while filling out the form to avoid common mistakes that could lead to rejection or unnecessary delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling GATE Application Form 2026

While applying online for GATE 2026, candidates must avoid the below-mentioned common mistakes:

  • Incorrect Personal Details: Many candidates make typographical errors in their name, date of birth, or parentsโ€™ names. Ensure that all details match exactly with those mentioned in the government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
  • Uploading Invalid or Blurred Photograph/Signature: IIT Guwahati has already prescribed specifications for uploading the photograph and signature.
    • A common mistake is uploading an image with a dark background, unclear resolution, or incorrect dimensions.
    • Ensure that the photo has a white/light background and the signature is in black/blue ink on white paper.
  • Wrong Choice of GATE Exam Paper/Subject Code
    • Candidates sometimes select the wrong GATE 2026 subject paper, leading to confusion later.
    • Double-check the eligibility and paper code before submission, as this choice cannot be changed after the last date.
  • Selecting the GATE Wrong Exam City
    • While selecting exam centres, some candidates randomly choose locations without considering travel feasibility.
    • Always select centres that are accessible to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
  • Mistakes in Category or PwD Status
    • Uploading incorrect category certificates (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, PwD) or expired documents can lead to rejection.
    • Ensure the certificate is valid, signed, and issued by a competent authority.
  • Errors in Educational Details
    • Incorrect year of passing, college name, or roll number may create verification issues.
    • Enter details exactly as mentioned in the degree/provisional certificate.
  • Not Saving the GATE Application Form After Payment
    • Sometimes, candidates make the payment but forget to download/save the final application form.
    • Always keep multiple copies of the filled GATE application and payment receipt for future reference.
  • Waiting Until the Last Day to Apply for GATE
    • Server overloads on the last date may prevent submission.
    • Apply before the deadline to avoid unnecessary stress.

What are the Steps to Apply for GATE 2026?

Candidates can check the steps given below to know how to apply online for GATE 2026:

Step 1: Visit the official GATE 2026 website and register by using the name, email ID, and mobile number to generate an Enrollment ID.

Step 2: Log in with the GATE Enrollment ID and password.

Step 3: Enter personal, academic, and contact details carefully. Also, select the GATE subject paper and preferred exam cities.

Step 4: Upload scanned photograph, signature, and required certificates (category, PwD, etc.) as per the prescribed format.

Step 5: Now, pay the GATE application fee online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

Step 6: Review the GATE application form before final submission.

Step 7: Submit the form and take a printout of it for future references

Apply for GATE 2026 Here

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Q: ย  When will the GATE 2026 registration start?
A:

The GATE 2026 registration started on August 28 (revised). The registration link is available and is activated on the GOAPS 2026 portal. The GATE 2026 official website is launched. The GATE 2026 official notification and information brochure has been released

GATE 2026 Event Particulars

Event Dates

GATE online application processing system (GOAPS) opens

August 28

Closing date of regular online registration without late fees

September 28

Closing date of the extended period of online registration with late fees

October 9

GATE 2026 exam dates 

Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026

Here are some major documents that will be required for GATE 2026 registration process -

  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Scanned signature (as per the specifications)
  • Updated valid ID, such as Aadhar card, PAN Card, Driving License, voter ID, etc.
  • Category certificate (if applicable).
Q: ย  What is application fees for GATE 2026?
A:

Candidates can check the GATE application fees for different categories below. The GATE fees 2026 are increased.

Candidates can make the GATE fee payment via net banking/credit card/debit card/UPI. However, additional online transaction charges may be applicable and will be reflected on the payment portal. 

Category Regular Period
(August 28 to September 28, 2025)
During the Extended Period
(September 29 to October 09, 2025)
Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates (per test paper) 1000 1500
All other candidates, including foreign nationals (per test paper) 2000 2500
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About the Author
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Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager
Sanjana Surbhi has over five years of experience in the online education sector. Drawing from her tenure with ed-tech companies, she infuses her work with a wealth of knowledge from the education realm, lending an i Read Full Bio

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