October 1, 2025 
6 mins to read New Delhi, [Current Date]: The IIT GATE 2026 Admission Apply Online Now Form 2026 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have officially announced the commencement of the online application process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. Aspiring candidates seeking admission to Master’s (M.Tech/M.E.), Ph.D., and other postgraduate programs at IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, and other renowned universities can now submit their applications on the official website, gate.iitd.ac.in.
The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi). This computer-based test (CBT) is one of the most competitive national-level examinations in India, serving as a critical benchmark for engineering and science graduates.
GATE 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | https://gate.iitd.ac.in (Note: The provided link Post a Job is not the official site) |
| Application Fee | Varies for GEN/OBC/EWS (approx. ₹1700-1800) and SC/ST/PwD (approx. ₹900-1000) |
| Exam Date | First & Second Week of February 2026 (Tentative) |
Important Dates for GATE 2026
Candidates must mark their calendars with the following crucial dates. These are tentative and based on previous years’ schedules.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 1st Week of September 2025 (Expected) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 1st Week of October 2025 (Expected) |
| Last Date with Late Fee | 2nd Week of October 2025 (Expected) |
| Correction Window Opens | 3rd Week of October 2025 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | 1st Week of January 2026 (Expected) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | 1st & 2nd Week of February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Answer Key Release | 3rd Week of February 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | 2nd Week of March 2026 (Expected) |
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates currently in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program are eligible.
- Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture.
- Candidates with a Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications.
- There is no age limit to appear for the GATE exam.
- Minimum Percentage: There is no minimum percentage requirement to apply for the GATE exam. However, individual PSUs and institutes may have their own criteria for recruitment and admission.
GATE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee is non-refundable and varies based on the candidate’s category and gender.
| Category | Fee (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 1800 |
| General / OBC / EWS (Female) | ₹ 900 |
| SC / ST / PwD (All Genders) | ₹ 900 |
| International Candidates | USD $100 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for GATE 2026 Online
Follow these simple steps to complete your application without any errors:
- Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official GATE 2026 website: gate.iitd.ac.in.
- Click on “New Candidate Registration.”
- Provide your basic details like name, mobile number, and email ID to generate an Enrollment ID and password.
- Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in using your Enrollment ID and password.
- Carefully fill in all the required personal, academic, and communication details.
- Select your primary paper (discipline) and up to two secondary papers.
- Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned copies of your:
- Photograph (as per specified size and format)
- Signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Upload scanned copies of your:
- Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
- Proceed to the payment gateway.
- Pay the required application fee using online methods like Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Step 5: Submit and Print
- Review your application thoroughly before final submission.
- After successful payment, your application will be submitted.
- Download and print a copy of the confirmation page for your future reference.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Number of Questions: 65 (Approx.)
- Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
- Sections:
- General Aptitude: 15% of total marks
- Core Subject of the Paper: 85% of total marks
Why is GATE 2026 Important?
A good GATE score opens up multiple prestigious opportunities:
- Admissions to PG Programs: Secure admission to M.Tech, M.E., M.S., and direct Ph.D. programs in IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, and other top colleges with financial assistance (e.g., GATE Fellowship/Assistantship).
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Many PSUs like BHEL, GAIL, HPCL, IOCL, and PGCIL recruit engineers based on their GATE scores, offering lucrative career opportunities.
- Higher Studies Abroad: Several international universities in Singapore, Germany, and other countries consider GATE scores for admissions.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official GATE 2026 Website | https://gate.iitd.ac.in |
| Information Brochure (PDF) | Link will be activated here |
| Apply Online Link | Link will be activated here |
| Syllabus Download | Link will be activated here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the GATE 2026 online form start?
Ans: The online application process for GATE 2026 is expected to begin in the first week of September 2025.
Q2: What is the official website for GATE 2026?
Ans: The official website is gate.iitd.ac.in. Candidates are advised not to use any third-party websites for application submission.
Q3: Can final year students apply for GATE 2026?
Ans: Yes, students in the 3rd year or higher of their undergraduate program are eligible to apply.
Q4: How many papers can I choose in GATE 2026?
Ans: You can select one primary paper and up to two secondary papers.
Q5: Is there any negative marking in GATE?
Ans: For MCQs, there is negative marking for wrong answers. For MSQs and NATs, there is no negative marking.
Conclusion:
The announcement of the GATE 2026 application start is a significant milestone for lakhs of engineering and science graduates. Candidates are strongly advised to keep a close watch on the official GATE 2026 website (gate.iitd.ac.in) for the exact notification and avoid any unofficial portals. Begin gathering your documents and start your preparation to ensure a smooth application process and a successful result.
Best of Luck to all GATE 2026 Aspirants!
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