GATE Application Process

No, a thumb impression is not compulsory to be uploaded in the application form of GATE 2026. According to the latest instructions, the candidates will have to fulfil the criteria of uploading their passport size photograph, signature, valid ID proof, and eligibility papers (provisional certificate, caste, or PwD certificate), and a thumb impression is not a necessary document to apply.

Summary:
All you have to do is copy-paste a well-formatted photo and signature, the required certificates and identity proof. GATE 2026 no longer requires thumb impressions in the document upload requirement.

Yes, GATE 2026 allows candidates to appear in upto two papers, provided the paper combination (as per the prescribed combinations issued by the authorities). The list of the permitted combinations will be made available on the GATE's official website and information brochure. Candidates must select both the papers carefully during GATE 2026 registration and pay additional fee. Make sure to check the GATE paper codes before adding them. Adding two papers in GATE helps students to expand their chances across multiple disciplines. 

The GATE 2026 registration will start in the fourth week of August. Candidates who meet the eligibility conditions of GATE 2026 can apply for the exam. The registration mode is online and must be submitted before the due date. The GATE registration comprises the following steps -

• GATE registration to generate enrollment ID and password
• Filling out the application form
• Uploading of the documents
• Payment of the GATE application fee
• Accepting the self-declaration form
• Submission of the GATE application form

Candidates must check the GATE 2026 dates to stay on track with the latest updates and notifications. 

The GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal is an official platform for GATE 2026 aspirants. It is where you register, fill out the application form, make edits in the form, download admit card, raise objections to the answer key, and check results. To create a GOAPS portal, candidates need to provide their active e-mail ID and password. So, it is advised to keep those credentials safe for future purpose. 

IIT Guwahati will start the GATE 2026 registration from August 28, and is ongoing. The GATE registration link for 2026 is now available on the official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Check GATE 2026 dates below

The GATE paper code of Electronics and Communication Engineering is EC. The eligible GATE paper codes of Electronics and Communication Engineering are as follows -

• Life Sciences (XL)
• Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)
• Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
• Physics (PH)

The GATE paper code of physics is PH. Candidates willing to apply for the physics must check the paper code carefully before applying for the GATE 2026 exam. The eligible GATE paper codes are Life Sciences (XL), Computer Science and Information Technology (CS), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA), Electronics and Communication (EC), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mathematics (MA), and Engineering Sciences (XE). 

For international candidates who are applying for GATE, only a valid passport/government issued ID/driving license are accepted as the recognised identification documents. Candidates are advised to keep all their documents before applying for the GATE.