Missed the September 27 deadline for GATE 2027? There is still time. IIT Madras has extended the regular registration period, allowing eligible candidates to submit the form without a late fee until October 5, 2026. The late-fee window has also moved, giving applicants another chance until October 12, 2026. The revised dates are now displayed on the official GATE 2027 website.
The update is particularly useful for candidates still arranging documents, fixing DigiLocker details, choosing papers or completing payment. IIT Madras says the regular deadline was extended after receiving many requests from applicants. Registration continues through the GATE Online Application Processing System, or GOAPS.
GATE 2027 Deadline Extended To October 5 Without Late Fee
The official portal now shows October 5, 2026, as the closing date for regular registration. Earlier, the no-late-fee window was due to close on September 27. Candidates who still miss October 5 can apply during the extended period by paying the applicable late fee until October 12.
Here are the dates applicants should keep close:
- Regular registration without late fee: October 5, 2026
- Extended registration with late fee: October 12, 2026
- Application rectification opens: October 14, 2026
- Application rectification closes: October 21, 2026
- City allotment notification: January 4, 2027
- GATE 2027 exam dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027
- Result announcement: March 19, 2027
The GATE 2027 important dates page also notes that scheduled dates remain liable to change. IIT Madras has advised candidates to complete registration early rather than waiting until the final day.
Who Gets More Time To Apply For GATE 2027?
The extension applies to eligible GATE 2027 candidates who have not yet completed registration. It is not restricted to a particular state, course, institution or reservation category.
Candidates currently studying in the third year or above of an undergraduate programme can apply when their programme meets the notified conditions. Graduates holding government-approved degrees in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities are also eligible. Candidates studying outside India have separate degree-duration conditions listed in the official GATE 2027 eligibility criteria.
That means a third-year BTech student, an eligible graduate, or a qualifying BA, BSc, BCom or BCA candidate can use the extra time if the prescribed requirements are met. There is no separate application route for the extension; applicants continue through GOAPS.
The extra days also help candidates who created an account but stopped before payment. On the official GATE application FAQ page, “application submitted” and “payment received successfully” appear as different statuses. Candidates returning to GOAPS should therefore check the dashboard rather than assuming an earlier login completed registration.
What Happens If You Apply After October 5?
A late fee applies from October 6 through October 12. For one paper, female, SC, ST and PwD candidates pay ₹1,500 during the extended period, compared with ₹1,000 during regular registration. Other candidates, including foreign nationals, pay ₹2,500 instead of ₹2,000 for one paper.
Candidates choosing two papers pay ₹2,500 during the extended period in the female/SC/ST/PwD category and ₹4,500 in other categories. The official GATE 2027 application fee page lists the category-wise charges. Two papers must come from permitted combinations rather than any two subjects.
DigiLocker, New Robotics Paper And Other GATE 2027 Updates
GATE 2027 registration has another major change: DigiLocker registration is mandatory for Indian nationals. Applicants may use verified or unverified DigiLocker accounts. Forms linked to unverified accounts can undergo scrutiny later, and original documents may also be checked at the examination venue. Candidates should not delete the DigiLocker account used for registration because future communication is linked to it.
While filling the form, applicants need to confirm personal and academic details, select examination cities, choose the paper, upload required files and complete online payment. Those taking two papers must choose from combinations permitted for GATE 2027.
This year also brings a new Robotics and Automation paper, taking the total number of test papers to 30. IIT Madras has revised syllabi and changed sectional paper codes under XE, XH and XL. Anyone preparing from an older syllabus should check the latest paper-specific version.
The examination will run across six dates over three weekends in February. A GATE 2027 score remains valid for three years, although qualifying does not automatically guarantee admission, financial assistance or a PSU position.
FAQs
1. What Is The New GATE 2027 Registration Deadline Without A Late Fee?
Candidates can apply without a late fee until October 5, 2026, through the GOAPS portal.
2. What Is The Last Date To Apply With A Late Fee?
The late-fee registration window is scheduled to remain open until October 12, 2026, for applicants.
3. Who Is Eligible To Apply For GATE 2027?
Third-year or higher undergraduates and eligible degree holders across listed disciplines may apply for GATE.
4. Is DigiLocker Compulsory For GATE 2027 Registration?
Indian nationals must register through DigiLocker, while unverified accounts remain usable with later document scrutiny.
5. When Will GATE 2027 Be Conducted?
GATE 2027 examinations are scheduled across six dates in February, with results due March 19.
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