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GATE 2027, or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is a national-level examination for admission to postgraduate and recruitment opportunities through several PSUs. IIT Madras is the Organising Institute for GATE 2027.
GATE 2027 registration is currently open through the GOAPS portal. According to the latest update regular registration window will now closes on 5 October, 2026, without a late fee, while registration with a late fee is available until 12 October, 2026. The GATE 2027 examination will be conducted on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February, 2027. The result is scheduled to be announced on 19 March, 2027.
GATE 2027 will have 30 test papers, including the newly introduced Robotics and Automation (RA) paper. The syllabi have also been revised, with changes to the sectional codes and structures of some papers.
GATE 2027 Latest Updates
- GATE 2027 registration: The regular registration deadline without a late fee was 5 October 2026. The extended deadline with a late fee was 12 October 2026.
- Special registration window: Candidates can register from 15 October 2026 at 10:30 AM to 16 October 2026 at 10:29 AM, as per the latest update provided.
- GATE Correction Window 2027 is opened from 14 October 2026.
- DigiLocker registration is mandatory for Indian nationals.
- Candidates using an unverified DigiLocker account can still register, but their applications will be scrutinised after the registration deadline.
- Candidates should retain access to the DigiLocker account used during registration, as future GATE 2027 communications will be sent through that account.
- Robotics and Automation (RA) has been introduced as a new GATE 2027 test paper.
- The GATE 2027 syllabus has been revised.
- Changes have been made to the XE, XH and XL sectional paper codes.
- Textile Engineering and Fibre Science has been included as the XE9 section under Engineering Sciences.
- Candidates can appear for one or up to two test papers, subject to the permitted paper combinations.
- GATE 2027 exam dates: The examination will be conducted on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027.
- GATE 2027 result date: The results are scheduled to be announced on 19 March 2027.
GATE 2027 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Exam | GATE 2027 |
| Organising Institute | IIT Madras |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Total Test Papers | 30 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ and NAT |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Scorecard Validity | 3 Years |
| Exam Dates | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February, 2027 |
| Result Date | 19 March, 2027 |
What Is GATE Exam?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted jointly by IISc and the IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The examination tests candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts and Humanities, depending on the selected test paper.
A valid GATE score can be used for admission to eligible Master’s and doctoral programmes. It can also be used to seek financial assistance in eligible programmes, while several PSUs use GATE scores as part of their recruitment processes.
However, qualifying GATE does not guarantee admission, financial assistance or employment. Admission and selection depend on the eligibility and selection criteria of the respective institute or organisation.
Why Appear for GATE 2027?
GATE can provide academic and career opportunities for candidates planning postgraduate study, research or technical careers.
A valid GATE score may help candidates pursue:
- M.Tech and other Master’s programmes
- Direct Doctoral and PhD programmes
- Eligible research programmes
- Financial assistance in eligible programmes
- PSU recruitment opportunities where GATE scores are accepted
- Advanced technical specialisations
- Academic and research careers
The actual opportunities available to a candidate depend on the GATE paper, score, qualifying degree and the rules of the institute or organisation.
Financial Assistance Through GATE
A qualifying GATE score may be used to seek financial assistance in eligible programmes.
According to the official GATE 2027 website, financial assistance for M.Tech students is ₹12,400 per month, generally for 22 months. For eligible direct PhD programmes after B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. or equivalent with a valid GATE score, the stated assistance is ₹37,000 per month for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month from the third to the fifth year, subject to the applicable rules.
GATE 2027 Notification
The GATE 2027 Information Brochure contains the official details related to eligibility, application process, fees, test papers, paper combinations, syllabus, examination pattern and other rules.
IIT Madras has released revised information for GATE 2027 through the official website. Candidates should check the latest Information Brochure and official notifications before applying because dates, instructions and other examination-related details may be updated. The official schedule also states that the announced dates are liable to change.
GATE 2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2027 Registration Begins | 2 September, 2026 |
| Regular Registration Last Date (Without Late Fee) | 5 October, 2026 |
| Extended Registration Last Date (With Late Fee) | 12 October, 2026 |
| Special Registration Window (With Late Fee) | 15 October, 2026, at 10:30 AM to 16 October, 2026, at 10:29 AM |
| Application Rectification Begins | 14 October, 2026 |
| Application Rectification Ends | 21 October, 2026 |
| City Allotment Notification | 4 January, 2027 |
| Admit Card Download | To Be Announced (TBA) |
| GATE 2027 Exam | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February, 2027 |
| GATE 2027 Result | 19 March, 2027 |
GATE 2027 Registration
GATE 2027 registration is conducted online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).
For Indian nationals, DigiLocker registration is mandatory. The required application information is retrieved through DigiLocker to simplify the registration process. Candidates with an unverified DigiLocker account can also proceed by selecting the default ID proof option. However, their applications will be scrutinised after the registration deadline.
Candidates should carefully review their personal, academic and communication details before submitting the application form.
Important DigiLocker Update
Candidates who have already submitted their GATE 2027 application are advised not to delete the verified or unverified DigiLocker account used during registration. According to the official notification dated 19 September, 2026, future GATE 2027 communications will be sent only through the DigiLocker account used to submit the application.
Documents and Details Required for GATE 2027 Registration
Candidates should keep the following documents and details ready before starting the registration process:
- DigiLocker account
- Valid photo ID
- Personal and communication details
- Educational qualification details
- Parent or guardian’s name and mobile number
- Choice of GATE test paper
- Six examination city choices from the same zone
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwD/UDID-related documents, if applicable
- Payment method for the application fee
A live photograph is captured during registration. Therefore, candidates need access to a computer with a webcam or a mobile phone with a suitable front-facing camera. Candidates must also upload their photograph and signature according to the prescribed specifications.
Candidates must carry the same original photo ID verified through DigiLocker to the examination centre.
Regarding document uploads, the official guidelines specify that SC/ST candidates must upload their category certificate, while PwD candidates must upload the applicable disability-related documents. General, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates do not need to upload documents to the GATE 2027 DigiLocker folder.
How to Fill GATE 2027 Application Form?
Candidates can complete the GATE 2027 application form through GOAPS by following these steps:
- Visit the official GATE 2027 website.
- Open the GOAPS application portal.
- Create or access the required DigiLocker account.
- Provide consent for GATE to access the required DigiLocker information.
- Enter and verify personal and academic details.
- Select the GATE test paper.
- Select a second paper, if required, from the permitted combinations.
- Select six examination-city choices from the same zone.
- Complete the live facial capture.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and applicable documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Review the application details carefully.
- Submit the application.
- Save the generated application PDF and payment details for future reference.
Candidates who want to appear for two papers should add the second paper to the same application. A separate application should not be created for the second paper.
GATE 2027 Application Fee
The GATE 2027 application fee depends on the candidate category, registration period and number of test papers selected.
| Candidate Category | One Paper: Regular | Two Papers: Regular | One Paper: Extended | Two Papers: Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| All Other Candidates, including Foreign Nationals | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹4,500 |
PwD means Persons with Benchmark Disability.
Candidates selecting two papers have to pay the applicable fee for both papers.
The GATE 2027 application fee is non-refundable, except for duplicate transactions as specified by the organising institute. Additional service, processing or bank charges, where applicable, are to be borne by the candidate.
Foreign nationals and Indian citizens residing abroad must pay the full applicable fee and must select an examination city within India because GATE 2027 will be conducted only at centres in India.
GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who are currently studying in the third year or higher of an eligible undergraduate degree programme, or who have completed an eligible government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities, can appear for GATE 2027.
Candidates pursuing a higher degree or those who already hold a higher degree are also allowed to appear, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
Candidates who obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree outside India can also appear if they are currently in the third year or higher or have completed a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration in an eligible field.
GATE 2027 Eligibility Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Third year or higher of an eligible degree, or completed eligible degree |
| Eligible Fields | Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts & Humanities |
| Third-Year Students | Eligible |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction |
| Work Experience | Not required |
The official GATE 2027 eligibility criteria also include specific rules for B.E./B.Tech., B.Arch., B.Sc./B.S., Pharm.D., medical degrees, M.Sc./M.A./MCA, integrated programmes, professional society qualifications and B.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture/Forestry programmes. Candidates should check the detailed eligibility criteria if their qualification does not fall into the common categories.
GATE 2027 Exam Pattern
GATE 2027 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Each test paper carries 100 marks and contains 65 questions, to be attempted in three hours.
The question paper includes General Aptitude (GA) and the selected subject or applicable sections. Questions are asked in three formats: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT).
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ and NAT |
| General Aptitude | 15 Marks |
Every GATE 2027 Exam Pattern contains 10 General Aptitude questions and 55 questions from the selected subject or applicable sections, making 65 questions in total.
For most papers, the 100 marks are distributed as:
- General Aptitude: 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks
- Subject Questions: 72 marks
However, AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH and XL have different paper-specific distributions. For example, AR, GE, GG and RA have sectional choices, while XE, XH and XL have their own common and optional sections.
GATE 2027 Marking Scheme
- 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark is deducted for an incorrect answer.
- 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark is deducted for an incorrect answer.
- MSQ: No negative marking and no partial marking.
- NAT: No negative marking.
Negative marking applies only to incorrect MCQ responses.
GATE 2027 Syllabus
The GATE 2027 syllabus has been revised. Candidates should prepare from the latest syllabus instead of relying only on previous-year topics.
The major changes include:
- Introduction of Robotics and Automation (RA) as a new test paper.
- Updates to the Biotechnology (BT) syllabus.
- Changes to the sectional codes of XE, XH and XL.
- Conversion of Textile Engineering & Fibre Science into the XE9 section under Engineering Sciences.
- Revised syllabi for the GATE 2027 test papers.
Candidates should download the syllabus for their selected paper and use it as the primary checklist for preparation.
GATE 2027 Test Papers
GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers. Robotics and Automation (RA) is the new paper introduced for GATE 2027.
- Aerospace Engineering (AE)
- Agricultural Engineering (AG)
- Architecture and Planning (AR)
- Biomedical Engineering (BM)
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Chemical Engineering (CH)
- Computer Science & Information Technology (CS)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA)
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Environmental Science & Engineering (ES)
- Ecology and Evolution (EY)
- Geomatics Engineering (GE)
- Geology & Geophysics (GG)
- Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Mining Engineering (MN)
- Metallurgical Engineering (MT)
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering (NM)
- Petroleum Engineering (PE)
- Physics (PH)
- Production & Industrial Engineering (PI)
- Robotics & Automation (RA)
- Statistics (ST)
- Engineering Sciences (XE)
- Humanities & Social Sciences (XH)
- Life Sciences (XL)
Candidates can appear for one or up to two test papers. If choosing two papers, the secondary paper must be from the officially permitted combinations.
GATE 2027 Two Paper Combination
Candidates planning to appear for two GATE 2027 papers must select a permitted combination.
Some of the permitted combinations include:
| Primary Paper | Permitted Secondary Papers |
|---|---|
| AE | CE, ME, XE |
| AG | CE |
| AR | CE, GE |
| BM | BT, IN |
| BT | BM, ES, EY, XL |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
| CH | ES, PE, XE |
| CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST |
| DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST, XE |
| EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH, RA |
| EE | DA, EC, IN, PH, RA |
| ME | AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA, XE |
| RA | CS, DA, EC, EE, IN, ME |
| XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, NM, PH, PI |
| XL | BT, CY, EY |
This is only a selected view of the combination list. Candidates should check the complete official GATE 2027 two-paper combination list before selecting their second paper.
The secondary paper must be selected from the permitted combinations. The examination centre for the secondary paper may be different from the primary paper centre, but it will be in the same city, subject to infrastructure and scheduling requirements.
GATE 2027 Exam Cities
Candidates are required to provide six examination-city choices from the same zone during the application process.
The first-choice city is generally considered for allotment, but the GATE committee may allot another selected city or make changes because of operational constraints. Candidates should therefore not assume that their first-choice city is guaranteed.
The final GATE 2027 exam city and centre will be mentioned in the candidate’s admit card.
GATE 2027 Admit Card
The GATE 2027 Admit Card download date is currently listed as TBA.
The admit card will contain important examination details such as:
- Candidate’s name
- Registration or enrolment details
- Test paper
- Examination date
- Examination session
- Examination centre
- Exam-day instructions
Candidates should carry the admit card and the required original photo ID to the examination centre.
The original photo ID used during DigiLocker verification must be produced at the examination centre.
GATE 2027 Response Sheet
The GATE 2027 Response Sheet will contain the responses recorded by a candidate during the examination.
Candidates can use the response sheet along with the provisional answer key to compare their responses and estimate their probable marks.
The response sheet will be made available through the official GATE portal after the examination.
GATE 2027 Answer Key
The GATE 2027 Answer Key will be released after the examination.
Candidates will be able to check the provisional answer key and, if permitted, raise objections within the prescribed challenge window.
After the challenge process, the final answer key will be used for evaluation and result preparation.
GATE 2027 Result
The GATE 2027 Result is scheduled to be announced on 19 March, 2027.
The result will provide information about the candidate’s performance and qualifying status. Candidates who meet the applicable qualifying criteria can download their GATE 2027 Scorecard through the official portal.
GATE 2027 Scorecard
The GATE 2027 Scorecard will be available through the official portal for candidates who meet the applicable qualifying criteria.
The GATE Scorecard is valid for three years from the date of result announcement, subject to the rules of the institute or organisation where the score is being used.
Candidates should check the admission or recruitment notification of the concerned organisation because the organisation may specify its own GATE year or score requirements.
GATE 2027 Cut Off
The GATE 2027 Cut Off refers to the minimum qualifying marks for a particular test paper and category.
The qualifying cutoff can vary according to the paper and category. Candidates should also distinguish between:
- GATE qualifying cutoff: Minimum marks required to qualify in the examination.
- Admission cutoff: Marks or score used by an institute or programme for admission.
- PSU recruitment cutoff: Marks or score used by a PSU as part of its recruitment process.
These cutoffs are not interchangeable and can vary according to the institute, programme, organisation, category and recruitment cycle.
GATE 2027 Counselling
GATE does not have one common counselling process for every participating institute. Admission procedures depend on the institute, programme and admission route.
COAP
The Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) facilitates admission offers from participating IITs and IISc based on GATE scores.
CCMT
The Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. admissions (CCMT) provides a common platform for admissions to participating NITs, IIEST, IIITs and other participating institutes based on GATE scores.
Candidates should check the respective counselling portal and institute eligibility requirements before applying.
PSU Recruitment Through GATE 2027
Several Public Sector Undertakings use GATE scores as part of their recruitment processes. The official GATE 2027 website lists organisations such as BHEL, GAIL, HAL, IOCL, NALCO, NHAI, NPCIL, NTPC, ONGC, POWERGRID and SAIL, among others. The official list is not exhaustive.
PSU recruitment rules can change between organisations and recruitment cycles. Candidates should check the individual recruitment notification for:
- Accepted GATE paper
- GATE year considered
- Educational qualification
- Age limit
- Vacancy details
- GATE score or cutoff requirements
- Selection process
GATE qualification does not guarantee a PSU job. Recruitment depends on the eligibility and selection criteria prescribed by the concerned organisation.
Candidates preparing for GATE 2027 should follow a structured study plan based on the revised syllabus, concept building, previous year question papers (PYQs), regular revision and mock tests.
Start by reviewing the official syllabus for your selected paper and identifying the topics that require more attention. Practise PYQs alongside subject preparation, analyse mock-test performance and revise important concepts regularly.
For a detailed preparation roadmap, study schedule, branch-wise tips and time-based study plans, read our GATE Preparation 2027: Strategy, Study Plan and Tips guide.
GATE 2027 Exam Day: Important Points
Candidates should carefully follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card and official examination guidelines.
A few important points include:
- Carry the GATE 2027 Admit Card.
- Carry the original photo ID used during the application process.
- Physical calculators are not permitted.
- A virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen.
- Mobile phones, watches, electronic devices, books and other prohibited items are not allowed inside the examination hall.
- Candidates must follow the reporting and entry instructions mentioned on the admit card.
Candidates should avoid carrying unnecessary personal belongings because the official FAQ states that the examination centre does not provide arrangements for safely storing such items.
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