The GATE 2027 registration deadline has been extended, giving candidates additional time to complete their applications. Candidates can now submit the GATE 2027 application form until October 5, 2026 without paying a late fee, while applications will continue to be accepted during the extended period until October 12, 2026 with a late fee.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 is being organised by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
For candidates confused about the difference between the October 5 and October 12 deadlines, the distinction is simple: October 5 is the regular registration deadline, while October 12 is the final extended deadline with additional fees.
GATE 2027: October 5 vs October 12 Deadline
| Date | Registration Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| October 5, 2026 | Regular Registration | Normal application fee |
| October 12, 2026 | Extended Registration | Application fee with late charge |
Candidates who complete their application on or before October 5 can pay the regular application fee.
Those who miss October 5 can still register until October 12, but they will have to pay the higher fee applicable during the extended registration period.
GATE 2027 Application Fee: Category-wise
The application fee depends on three factors:
- Candidate category
- Whether the candidate is applying for one or two papers
- Whether the application is submitted during the regular or extended period
GATE 2027 Fee Structure
| Category | One Paper – Regular | Two Papers – Regular | One Paper – Extended | Two Papers – Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹4,500 |
PwD refers to Persons with Benchmark Disability.
This means the minimum GATE 2027 application fee is ₹1,000, while the maximum listed fee is ₹4,500 for eligible candidates applying for two papers during the extended registration period.
Why Does the Fee Range from ₹1,000 to ₹4,500?
The ₹1,000 fee applies to a Female, SC, ST or PwD candidate applying for one paper during the regular registration period.
At the other end, ₹4,500 applies to an other-category candidate, including a foreign national, applying for two papers during the extended registration period.
For example:
- Female/SC/ST/PwD + one paper before October 5: ₹1,000
- Female/SC/ST/PwD + two papers before October 5: ₹2,000
- Other candidate + one paper before October 5: ₹2,000
- Other candidate + two papers before October 5: ₹4,000
- Female/SC/ST/PwD + one paper in extended period: ₹1,500
- Female/SC/ST/PwD + two papers in extended period: ₹2,500
- Other candidate + one paper in extended period: ₹2,500
- Other candidate + two papers in extended period: ₹4,500
Candidates should therefore complete registration by October 5 wherever possible to avoid the additional late charge.
Who Gets the ₹1,000 Application Fee?
The regular-period fee of ₹1,000 per paper category applies to:
- Female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- PwD candidates
Candidates applying under SC, ST or PwD fee-concession categories should ensure that they have the required valid supporting certificates.
For OBC-NCL and EWS candidates, the application-fee concession applicable to SC/ST/PwD candidates does not apply. Their application fee is the same as the regular fee applicable to the “all other candidates” category.
Is the GATE 2027 Fee Refundable?
Candidates should check their information carefully before making payment.
The GATE 2027 registration fee is non-refundable. Refunds are provided only in cases of duplicate transactions when valid proof is submitted.
Additional service charges, processing charges or bank charges may also apply depending on the payment method.
GATE 2027 Registration Through DigiLocker
A major change candidates should note for GATE 2027 is the use of DigiLocker during registration.
Registration through DigiLocker is mandatory for Indian nationals. Candidates can use a verified DigiLocker account for a smoother registration and verification process.
Applicants may also proceed using an unverified DigiLocker account; however, such applications may undergo additional scrutiny after the registration deadline, and original documents may need to be verified at the examination centre.
Candidates are also advised not to delete the DigiLocker account used for GATE 2027 registration, as future GATE communications will be connected to the DigiLocker account used during application.
GATE 2027 Eligibility
Candidates are eligible to appear for GATE 2027 if they are:
- Currently studying in the third year or higher of an eligible undergraduate degree programme, or
- Have already completed an approved degree programme in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities.
Candidates studying or holding qualifying degrees from outside India should check the detailed eligibility conditions before applying.
How to Apply for GATE 2027
Candidates can complete the GATE application online by following these steps:
- Visit the official GATE 2027 website.
- Open the GATE Online Application Processing System.
- Complete registration using the required DigiLocker details.
- Enter personal and academic information.
- Select the appropriate GATE test paper.
- Candidates eligible for two-paper combinations can choose a second paper.
- Select examination-city preferences.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and category documents, where applicable.
- Pay the application fee according to the category and number of papers.
- Review the application carefully before final submission.
- Download or save the submitted application details for future use.
Important GATE 2027 Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE 2027 Application Portal Opened | September 2, 2026 |
| Regular Registration Last Date | October 5, 2026 |
| Extended Registration Last Date | October 12, 2026 |
| Application Rectification Begins | October 14, 2026 |
| Application Rectification Ends | October 21, 2026 |
| City Allotment Notification | January 4, 2027 |
| GATE 2027 Exam | February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2027 |
| GATE 2027 Result | March 19, 2027 |
Candidates should note that the examination authority can revise dates if required.
October 5 or October 12: When Should You Apply?
Candidates should preferably complete the application by October 5, 2026.
October 5 is the deadline for registration without late fee.
The period after October 5 and up to October 12 is intended for candidates who could not submit their applications during the regular window. Such applicants will have to pay the higher extended-period fee.
So, in simple terms:
October 5 = Last date without late fee
October 12 = Final registration deadline with late fee
Waiting until October 12 can therefore increase the application cost by up to ₹500 depending on the applicable fee category.
Official Website
GATE 2027 Official Website:
gate2027.iitm.ac.in
Candidates should use only the official GATE 2027 portal for registration, fee payment, application updates and examination notices.
Important Note
The GATE 2027 regular registration deadline has been extended to October 5, 2026, while the extended registration period with late fee closes on October 12, 2026. Candidates are advised to submit the form early rather than waiting for the final day.