Final Opportunity for GATE 2026 Aspirants as Deadline Is Extended
In a significant update for engineering graduates and students across the country, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG), has extended the application window for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. This extension provides one final opportunity for candidates who missed the previous deadlines to submit their applications, albeit with a prescribed late fee. Aspiring candidates can now complete their registration on the official GATE 2026 portal until October 13, 2025. This move offers a crucial buffer for individuals who were unable to finalize their applications earlier.
The GATE examination is one of the most important and competitive assessments for engineering and science graduates in India. A high score in GATE is the primary criterion for admission into Master's and doctoral programs at the nation's premier institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Furthermore, scores from the examination are used by numerous Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for their recruitment processes, making it a critical gateway to both higher education and coveted public sector jobs. As the organizing institute for the 2026 cycle, IIT Guwahati is responsible for all aspects of the examination, from registration to the final declaration of results.
Revised Application Details and Fees
The extension exclusively applies to registrations accompanied by a late fee. The previous deadline for submitting applications with a late fee was October 9, 2025. The newly announced final date of October 13 provides candidates with a few extra days to complete the necessary formalities. The application fee during this extended period is set at ₹1,500 per test paper for female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC, ST, or PwD categories. For all other candidates, including foreign nationals, the late application fee is ₹2,500 per test paper. All payments must be completed through the online portal.
Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the new deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. The registration process requires careful attention to detail, including the uploading of necessary documents and the accurate filling of personal and academic information.
Key Examination Dates and How to Apply
While the application window has been extended, the schedule for the examination itself remains unchanged. The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on four dates in February 2026: the 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th. The results for the examination are slated to be announced on March 19, 2026, allowing successful candidates ample time to apply for postgraduate admissions and employment opportunities.
To apply, candidates should follow a clear, step-by-step process:
Navigate to the official GATE 2026 website, hosted by IIT Guwahati, at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
On the homepage, locate and click on the "Apply Online" or registration link.
New users must first register by providing basic details to create login credentials.
Once registered, log in to fill out the detailed application form, providing all required information.
Upload scanned copies of necessary documents as per the specified guidelines.
Proceed to make the online payment of the application fee.
After successful submission, download the completed application form and retain a printed copy for future reference.
This extension is a welcome relief for many aspirants, and all eligible individuals are encouraged to seize this final chance to register for this pivotal examination.
Crucial Dates and Details
IIT Guwahati has extended the final deadline for GATE 2026 applications with a late fee to October 13, 2025.
The late application fee is ₹1,500 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates and ₹2,500 for all other candidates.
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, with results to be declared on March 19, 2026.
Candidates must apply through the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in, which is managed by the organising institute, IIT Guwahati.
Tags: GATE 2026
