GATE 2027 Registration Opens: Don't Study From the Old Syllabus

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 is a national-level examination for engineering and science graduates. IIT Madras will conduct GATE 2027 on behalf of the National Coordination Board, Ministry of Education, Government of India. This exam is a gateway to M.Tech/M.E./PhD admissions at premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs, and also opens doors for recruitment in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Registration for GATE 2027 begins on 14th August 2026. The last date to apply without a late fee is 21st September 2026. Make sure to apply on time through the GOAPS platform, and remember that DigiLocker registration is mandatory for all Indian nationals.

GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2027 has clear eligibility rules. You can apply if you are currently in your 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program. Those who have already completed a government-approved degree program are also eligible.

• B.E./B.Tech candidates: Must be in their 3rd year or higher, or have already completed their degree.
• M.Sc./M.A./MCA candidates: Must be in their 1st year or higher, or have already completed their degree.

There is no age restriction for GATE 2027. This makes it accessible to a wide range of students and professionals.

Application Fees for GATE 2027

The application fees for GATE 2027 vary based on candidate category and the application period. Candidates opting for two papers pay twice the stated fee for a single paper.

• Female, SC, ST, PwD candidates: Rs 1,000 (regular period), Rs 1,500 (extended period with late fee).
• All other candidates (including foreign nationals): Rs 2,000 (regular period), Rs 2,500 (extended period with late fee).

GATE 2027 Examination Dates and Pattern

The GATE 2027 examination will take place across three weekends in February 2027. Each day will have forenoon and afternoon sessions.

• Weekend 1: 6th and 7th February 2027
• Weekend 2: 13th and 14th February 2027
• Weekend 3: 20th and 21st February 2027

The total marks for the GATE 2027 exam are 100, and the duration is 3 hours. Every question carries either 1 mark or 2 marks. There are three question types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

Negative marking applies only to MCQs. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark is deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.

The marks split for most papers includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Subject questions. However, some papers have a different distribution. PwD candidates may get up to one additional hour of compensatory time under specified conditions.

Changes for GATE 2027 Cycle

The GATE 2027 cycle brings several important updates. Candidates should pay close attention to these changes to ensure they are preparing with the most current information.

The syllabi for all GATE 2027 test papers have been revised. The official website strongly advises candidates to check the updated syllabi for their chosen papers. There is a specific update note regarding the Biotechnology (BT) syllabus. Relying on old notes or previous year's syllabi can lead to preparing for the wrong content.

A new test paper, Robotics and Automation (RA), has been introduced this year, bringing the total number of test papers to 30. Each of the 30 papers has a two-letter code, for example, AE for Aerospace Engineering or CS for Computer Science.

Textile Engineering & Fibre Science has been converted to code XE9 for GATE 2027. In GATE 2026, it was a standalone paper with the code TF. This means candidates looking for this specific paper should now look for XE9. The sectional paper codes were also restructured. XE sections moved from letters (A to I, plus TF) to XE0-XE9. XH sections moved from B1 and C1-C6 to XH0-XH6. XL sections moved from P and Q-U to XL0-XL5. These code changes are important for correct application and paper selection.

How to Apply for GATE 2027

Applying for GATE 2027 involves a few key steps. Make sure to complete them before the deadlines.

1. Register on DigiLocker: For all Indian nationals, registration through DigiLocker is mandatory before applying for GATE 2027. This is a crucial first step.
2. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official GATE 2027 website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
3. Access GOAPS: Submit your application through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS).
4. Fill Application Form: Complete all required details in the online application form accurately. Double-check all entries before proceeding.
5. Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents as specified, including photographs and signatures. Ensure documents meet the specified format and size requirements.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable application fee based on your category and the chosen number of papers. Remember that fees are charged per paper, so if you select two papers, you pay double the single-paper fee. Ensure payment is made before the regular or extended deadline.

Why Your GATE Score Matters

A good GATE score is valuable for several reasons. It is widely accepted for admission to postgraduate engineering and science programs (M.Tech, M.E., PhD) at top institutions like the IITs, NITs, and IIITs. Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also use GATE scores for their recruitment processes. The score remains valid for three years, giving you flexibility in your career and academic planning.

For more government opportunities, explore our guide to government internships. You can also browse all opportunities on Talentd.

All 30 GATE 2027 papers and their codes

You apply by paper code, and several codes changed this cycle, so confirm the code for your subject before paying the fee. The XE, XH and XL papers are sectional: you pick a section inside the paper.

Frequently Asked Questions about GATE 2027