GATE Application Process

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. 

The GATE application fee for the extended period are as follows -

• The GATE fees for females/SC/ST/PwD candidates is INR 1400
• The GATE fees for all other candidates including foreign nationals is INR 2300

NOTE: PwD candidates with benchmark ability (greater than 40%) are eligible for fee concession. 

The GATE application fee during the regular time period (category-wise) are as follows -

• GATE application fee for females/SC/ST/PwD candidates - INR 900
• GATE application fee for all other candidates including foreign nationals - INR 1800

The accepted payment modes for submitting GATE application form 2026 are- Netbanking/UPI/Credit Card/Debit card.

NOTE: PwD candidates with benchmark ability (greater than 40%) are eligible for fee concession. 

The extended online registration in GATE 2026 implies that candidates can submit their application form by paying a late fee of INR 500 during that timeline. Candidates who have missed out the GATE application form deadline dates can submit during this period. Candidates must keep all their documents and certificates ready before proceeding to register for the exam. 

Regular online registration in GATE 2026 means, that the candidate can submit their application form without paying an extra/late fees. Candidates can register and submit their GATE application form 2026 at the GOAPS portal. The required credentials are - Enrollment ID and password. 

IIT Guwahati will release the GATE application form 2026 on August 25. The GATE admission and exam dates have been updated on the GATE's 2026 official website- gate2025.iitg.ac.in. 

The correction window for GATE 2026 will open 1 to 2 weeks after the completion of GATE application form. The exact dates will be notified on the GATE's 2026 official website. During this period, candidates can make specific edits by paying a certain amount of fees. 

The fee to add secondary paper is INR 500. The accepted payment modes are credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI. Candidates are advised to keep a receipt of the payment successful for future purposes.