Engineering aspirants get a breather. IIT Madras has extended the GATE 2027 registration timeline. Regular applications now close on September 27, 2026. The late-fee window runs till October 5, 2026. Rectification runs from October 14 to 21. That gives applicants time to fix defects before scrutiny.
GATE has moved fully to DigiLocker-based sign-up for Indian nationals. “GATE 2027 Registration through DigiLocker is mandatory for all Indian nationals,” states the portal. Verified accounts streamline e‑KYC and autofill. Unverified accounts are still accepted, but undergo post‑deadline scrutiny. Originals will be checked at exam venues.
GATE 2027 registration: who should apply now
Apply if you are in the third year or above of an approved undergraduate programme. Graduates are also eligible. You can opt for one or two papers from allowed combinations. Early submission helps your zone flag defects sooner. You then have time to rectify without hitting payment cutoffs.
GATE 2027 fees snapshot: regular vs late window
Fees remain simple. Female, SC, ST and PwD candidates pay lower charges. Others pay the standard rate. Two‑paper applications pay double the one‑paper fee. Use UPI, netbanking, or cards, and budget for bank charges shown during checkout.
| Category | Regular (one) | Extended (one) | Regular (two) | Extended (two) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
| All other candidates | ₹2000 | ₹2500 | ₹4000 | ₹4500 |
DigiLocker basics: fix name, ID and mismatch before paying
Choose the photo identity in DigiLocker that has the correct name and birth date. The Aadhaar photo is irrelevant for the application; your live‑captured and uploaded photo matters. If details mismatch, complete e‑KYC in DigiLocker and retry. This prevents ID‑file swaps and costly corrections later.
Photo, signature and category uploads: avoid common rejections
Use a white background passport photo, 200×260 to 530×690 pixels, 5–600 kB. Signature must be 250×80 to 580×180 pixels, 3–300 kB, in blue or black ink. Avoid glare, shadows, caps, or digital signatures. ID mismatches trigger defect tags that you must rectify within deadlines.
OBC‑NCL/EWS certificates: what matters at application and admission
During GATE registration, OBC‑NCL and Economically Weaker Section certificates aren’t uploaded. Eligibility relaxation uses 90 percent of the General qualifying mark. Many admitting institutes later demand fresh certificates tied to the financial year, as recent IIT and JAM notices show. Plan renewals early, and finish registration before September 27 or October 5.
