GATE 2026 Application Form

The GATE 2026 Application Form is a crucial first step for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate programs or aiming for PSU recruitment through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. GATE 2026 aspirants are advised to read the official notification carefully, gather all documents in advance, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information they provide for a smooth application process.

The following article is a comprehensive guide covering everything from the form release to submission, required documents, fees, and five frequently asked questions.

Important Dates and Mode for GATE 2026:

• The GATE 2026 application form will be available online, exclusively through the official GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal.
• Tentative release: Fourth week of August 2025.
• Registration without late fee likely ends: Second week of October 2025.
• Registration with late fee (extended period): Till third week of October 2025.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Registration

• Visit the official GATE 2026 website and access the GOAPS portal.
• Click “New User” to start registration.
• Enter valid email ID, mobile number, name, and create a password.
• After verification, an Enrollment ID is generated for all further communication.

2. Filling Out the Application Form

• Log in with Enrollment ID and password.
• Enter personal details (name, DOB, gender), communication address, and educational qualifications.
• Select exam paper (up to two papers allowed) and preferred test cities (usually up to three choices).
• Ensure all details exactly match with valid photo identity proof.

3. Uploading Required Documents

Candidates must upload the following, strictly per given specifications:

• Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB, 80% face coverage).
• Signature in black ink (JPEG/PNG, 10–200 KB).
• Scanned copy of valid photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving Licence).
• Category (SC/ST), PwD, or Dyslexic certificate, if applicable (PDF).
• Final-year certificate/degree (if applicable).
• All document images must be clear and as per guidelines prescribed in the application portal.

4. Payment of Application Fee

Payment is made online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.

Fee structure per paper:

• SC/ST/PwD/Female: INR 900 (regular), INR 1,400 (late).
• All other candidates/foreign nationals: INR 1,800 (regular), INR 2,300 (late).
• For two papers, the fee is twice the applicable rate.

5. Final Submission

• Preview the completed form and uploaded documents.
• Agree to the declaration and submit the form.
• After submission and successful payment, download and save the PDF copy of the application for future reference.
• No documents or printouts need to be sent to GATE

Application Correction:

If there are errors, GATE offers a correction window (for select fields only). Corrections may require additional payment for certain changes.

Key Points to Remember:

• Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple submissions may result in rejection without fee refund.
• All notifications and updates, including admit card release, are to be tracked via the official GATE
• International candidates must appear for the test in India; no overseas centers are available.

FAQs:

Q1. When and where will the GATE 2026 application form be released?

Ans. The application form is expected to be released in the fourth week of August 2025 on the official GOAPS online portal.

Q2. What documents are required to fill out the GATE 2026 application form?

Ans. Candidates need a clear passport-size photo, signature, valid photo ID, qualifying degree certificate or final-year mark sheet, and, if applicable, category/PwD/dyslexic certificates.

Q3. Can the application form be submitted offline?

Ans. No, the GATE 2026 application form can only be submitted online via the GOAPS portal. Hard copies are not accepted.

Q4. What happens if a candidate submits more than one application form?

Ans. Only one application will be considered; other forms will be rejected. There is no refund for duplicate submissions.

Q5. Is it possible to edit details after submitting the application form?

Ans. GATE provides a limited correction window where select details (such as exam paper, city, or category) can be edited, sometimes for an additional fee.

Click here for GATE 2026 Exam Pattern