GATE Dates

The GATE 2026 official notification has been released along with the registration dates and exam schedule and changes in fees and GATE paper. However, the GATE information brochure, two paper combination list, exam cities, etc., have been updated on the website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. 

You can fill out the GATE online application form 2026 from August 25 onwards on the GOAPS portal. The link will be available and activated on the GATE's 2026 website. Candidates are advised to keep all their information and documents ready before the registration begins. The last date to submit the form with regular fees is September 25 and with late fees is October 6. 

The latest GATE 2026 exam update as per the conducting authorities are as follows -

1. The GATE 2026 application fee have been revised, which is as follows -

2. A new GATE paper have been introduced under GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) called Energy Science. The GATE paper code of Energy Science is XE (I). Candidates who want to pursue careers in sustainable energy resources, solar powers, green technologies can look out for this subject. 

IIT Guwahati introduced the GATE Energy Science paper in 2026, as the new optional paper under the Engineering Sciences (XE), with the code XE-I. The candidates applying in GATE 2026 see this addition first, and it is aimed at expanding the scope of this exam to the modern themes in energy fields

Yes, you can. If you have selected the wrong gender or category in the GATE application form 2026, then you can change it during the GATE application form correction window. The correction facility will be available at the GOAPS portal after the completion of the GATE registration. 

To fix this, candidates need to pay an additional amount through netbanking/credit card/debit card/UPI. Always review the confirmation page before final submission to avoid such mistakes.

The GATE 2026 is scheduled to take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted online in two shifts. The session timings of the GATE 2026 exam are -

• Forenoon shift from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and
• Afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Candidates are advised to check their exam timings (mentioned on the GATE admit card 2026) and report to the exam centre 60 minutes before the exam. 

The change in the GATE 2026 syllabus will be known only after the release of the GATE official notification 2026. For now, candidates can refer to the syllabus structure of GATE 2025 below -

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.

No, the GATE 2026 application fee must be paid in one transaction using online payment methods like debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. There is no option for part payments or EMI. Once the payment is successful, a confirmation receipt will be generated. If payment fails but the amount is debited, wait for a refund or contact support with proof.