IIT Madras has released the official GATE 2027 notification. As per the notification the online registration through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) will open on August 14, 2026. Indian Institute of Technology Madras is the Organizing Institute for GATE 2027, and the exam will be held across six days in February 2027 for 30 test papers, including a newly introduced Robotics and Automation paper.
Key Facts: GATE 2027
- Organizing Institute: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
- Official website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
- Notification released: July 20, 2026 (Information Brochure, Release version 1.0)
- GOAPS registration opens: August 14, 2026
- Regular registration closes: September 21, 2026
- Extended registration (with late fee) closes: September 30, 2026
- Last date to change category, test paper, or exam city: October 21, 2026
- Exam city notification to candidates: January 4, 2027
- GATE 2027 exam dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027, in forenoon (9:30 AM-12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM-5:30 PM) sessions
- Number of test papers: 30, including the new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper
- Score validity: three years from the date of result announcement
What This Means for Aspirants
If you are planning to appear for GATE 2027, mark August 14, 2026 as the day you can start filling your application on GOAPS. GATE scores are used for admission to M.Tech, M.E. and Ph.D. programmes at IITs, NITs and other centrally funded institutions, and several public sector undertakings use GATE scores for recruitment. The exam will be conducted as a Computer Based Test in English, with each paper carrying 100 marks over a three-hour duration.
The biggest change this year is in eligibility. Until now, only final-year undergraduate students or degree holders could appear for GATE. For GATE 2027, IIT Madras has opened the exam to students currently in the third year or higher of any undergraduate degree programme, letting many students attempt GATE a year or two earlier than before.
Eligibility Criteria – Who can Apply for GATE 2027
According to the official brochure, a candidate is eligible for GATE 2027 if they are currently studying in the third or higher year of any undergraduate degree programme, or have already completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities.
- Students pursuing a four-year B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. (Research)/BS programme who have entered the third year or beyond can apply.
- Candidates who hold a certification from recognised professional societies, such as the Institution of Engineers (India) or IETE, are eligible if that certification is approved by the MoE, AICTE, UGC or UPSC as equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch./B.Planning degree.
- Candidates pursuing or holding a qualifying degree from outside India must be in the third year or higher, or have completed a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration in an eligible discipline.
- There is no age limit to apply for GATE 2027.
How to Apply for GATE 2027
Applications for GATE 2027 must be submitted online through GOAPS on the official website, gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Candidates cannot apply through any other mode.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official website gate2027.iitm.ac.in and go to the GOAPS portal link once registration opens on August 14, 2026.
- Create a new account with a valid email ID and mobile number to receive login credentials.
- Fill in personal, academic, and category details, and choose your test paper (up to two papers, only from the permitted combinations listed in the brochure).
- Upload the required photograph, signature, and category or PwD certificates as specified in the brochure.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form before the regular deadline of September 21, 2026, or by September 30, 2026 with the late fee.
GATE 2027 Application Fee
The application fee is charged per test paper. Female, SC, ST and PwD candidates pay Rs 1,000 per paper during the regular registration period and Rs 1,500 during the extended period. All other candidates pay Rs 2,000 per paper during the regular period and Rs 2,500 during the extended period. Candidates applying for two papers pay double the applicable single-paper fee.
What’s New in GATE 2027
Apart from the relaxed eligibility rule, IIT Madras has introduced a new test paper on Robotics and Automation (RA) for GATE 2027. The Textile Engineering and Fibre Science paper, which was a standalone paper earlier, is now merged into the XE sectional paper as XE9. Candidates should also note the changed paper codes for the XE, XH and XL sectional papers, and are advised to check the revised syllabus for their chosen paper on the official website before starting preparation.
GATE 2027 FAQs
Q. Which institute is conducting GATE 2027?
Ans. IIT Madras is the Organizing Institute for GATE 2027, as confirmed in the official notification released on July 20, 2026.
Q. When does GATE 2027 registration open?
Ans. Registration opens on August 14, 2026 through GOAPS at gate2027.iitm.ac.in, and closes on September 21, 2026 without a late fee.
Q. Can a third-year student apply for GATE 2027?
Ans. Yes. IIT Madras has revised the eligibility for GATE 2027 to allow students currently in the third year or higher of any undergraduate degree programme to apply, not just final-year students or graduates.
Q. What are the GATE 2027 exam dates?
Ans. GATE 2027 will be held on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027, in forenoon and afternoon sessions, according to the official brochure.
Q. Is there a new paper in GATE 2027?
Ans. Yes. GATE 2027 introduces a new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper, taking the total number of test papers to 30.
Next Steps for Candidates
Aspirants should download the official GATE 2027 information brochure from gate2027.iitm.ac.in, confirm they meet the revised eligibility criteria, and keep scanned documents ready ahead of the August 14 registration opening. Keep checking the official website for the admit card release date and any updates to exam city allotment, since some dates in the brochure are marked provisional and may change.