GATE 2027 Notification: Registration Date, DigiLocker, RA Paper & Major Changes

The GATE 2027 registration process is scheduled to begin on August 27, 2026, after IIT Madras revised the original registration timeline. GATE 2027 also introduces several important changes, including a new Robotics and Automation (RA) test paper, revised paper syllabi, changes to two-paper combinations, and mandatory DigiLocker-based registration for Indian nationals.

IIT Madras is the organizing institute for GATE 2027. The examination will be conducted as a computer-based test across 30 test papers.

If you're planning to appear for GATE 2027, here's everything you need to know about the registration dates, eligibility, DigiLocker requirement, new RA paper, exam dates, application fee, syllabus changes, and other important updates.

GATE 2027 Important Dates

GATE 2027 Registration Date

GATE 2027 registration will open on August 27, 2026, through the official GATE application portal.

The regular registration period will remain open until September 27, 2026. Candidates who miss the regular deadline can apply during the extended period until October 5, 2026, with a late fee.

The application process will be completed online.

Where to Apply for GATE 2027?

Candidates should use the official GATE 2027 website and application portal:

Do not rely on unofficial websites for registration dates or application instructions.

GATE 2027 Registration Through DigiLocker

One of the most important changes this year is the requirement for Indian nationals to register through DigiLocker.

IIT Madras has stated that GATE 2027 registration through DigiLocker is mandatory for Indian nationals. Candidates are advised to create or update their verified DigiLocker account before registration begins.

During registration, information such as the following can be fetched from DigiLocker/Aadhaar:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Mobile number
• Email ID
• Profile picture
• Address
• Verified ID details

Candidates should ensure their information is accurate before starting the application process.

Do You Need to Upload Your Academic Mark Sheets to DigiLocker?

No, according to the official GATE 2027 FAQ, candidates do not need to upload their 10th, 12th, undergraduate, or postgraduate mark sheets to DigiLocker for GATE registration.

What Is New in GATE 2027?

GATE 2027 introduces several changes that candidates should be aware of before selecting their paper and preparing for the examination.

1. New Robotics and Automation (RA) Paper

GATE 2027 has introduced a new Robotics and Automation (RA) test paper.

This gives eligible candidates another paper option and reflects the growing importance of robotics, automation, and related engineering technologies.

Candidates interested in the new paper should check the official GATE 2027 RA syllabus before beginning their preparation.

2. Revised GATE Syllabus

The syllabi for GATE 2027 test papers have been revised.

This means candidates preparing with older GATE syllabus PDFs should check the latest syllabus before finalising their preparation strategy.

This is particularly important for students who have already started preparing for GATE using previous-year study plans.

3. Changes in Two-Paper Combinations

GATE 2027 has also introduced updates to the permitted two-paper combinations.

Candidates who want to appear for two papers should check the latest official combination list before selecting their papers.

You do not need to submit two separate application forms. The two-paper option is selected within a single application form, subject to the permitted combinations.

4. Changes to Paper Codes

Changes have also been made to the sectional paper codes for:

• XE (Engineering Sciences)
• XH (Humanities and Social Sciences)
• XL (Life Sciences)

Candidates choosing one of these papers should carefully check the latest paper structure and codes in the official information brochure.

5. Textile Engineering & Fibre Science Changes

The Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) paper has also been changed.

From GATE 2027, TF is included as XE9: Textile Engineering & Fibre Science under the XE sectional paper structure.

GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should check the official eligibility requirements before registering.

Students currently studying in the third year or higher of an eligible undergraduate programme can appear for GATE 2027.

The eligibility rules cover undergraduate programmes in areas including:

• Engineering
• Technology
• Architecture
• Science
• Commerce
• Arts
• Humanities

The official FAQ also confirms that candidates currently studying in the third year or above are eligible, subject to the applicable requirements.

Is there an age limit for GATE 2027?

No. There is no age limit for appearing in GATE 2027.

How Many Times Can You Appear for GATE?

There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for GATE. Candidates can appear for the examination multiple times.

Can KTU Students Apply for GATE 2027?

Yes, eligible KTU students can appear for GATE 2027.

If you're pursuing a B.Tech programme under KTU and meet the applicable GATE eligibility requirements, you can prepare for GATE alongside your B.Tech studies.

For students planning to prepare for both university examinations and GATE, it is important to understand the difference between the KTU syllabus and the GATE syllabus and plan preparation accordingly.

If you're starting early, you can also explore our guide on GATE preparation during B.Tech.

GATE 2027 Exam Dates

GATE 2027 will be conducted across three weekends:

• February 6 and 7, 2027
• February 13 and 14, 2027
• February 20 and 21, 2027

The examination will be conducted in morning and afternoon sessions. The exact paper-wise schedule will be announced separately by the organizing institute.

GATE 2027 Exam Pattern

GATE 2027 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The examination includes:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

The test papers are conducted in English.

Candidates should check the latest paper-specific syllabus and examination information before preparing their final study plan.

GATE 2027 Application Fee

The application fee depends on the candidate's category and whether the application is submitted during the regular or extended registration period.

For candidates appearing for two papers, the applicable fee is charged for both papers. Service and processing charges may also apply.

Candidates should verify the fee displayed in the application portal before making payment.

What Documents Do You Need for GATE 2027 Registration?

Since GATE 2027 registration uses DigiLocker for Indian nationals, candidates should make sure their verified account is ready before registration opens.

Keep the following information/details ready:

• Personal details
• Date of birth
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Address details
• Photograph/profile information
• Category details, where applicable
• PwD details, where applicable
• Details related to the qualifying degree
• Preferred GATE paper
• Examination city preferences

Always check the official application instructions before submitting the form.

Should You Prepare for GATE 2027 With the New Changes?

Yes, but don't completely change your preparation strategy just because new updates have been announced.

If you have already started preparing, first compare your current study plan with the latest GATE 2027 syllabus.

Pay particular attention to:

• Topics added or removed from your paper
• Changes in paper structure
• Changes in two-paper combinations
• Changes in sectional paper codes
• The new RA paper if you're considering Robotics and Automation
• Previous-year GATE questions related to the latest syllabus

For students still in B.Tech, starting early can make it easier to balance university subjects with GATE preparation.

GATE 2027 Preparation for B.Tech Students

Preparing for GATE while completing a B.Tech degree can be challenging, but starting early gives you more time to build your fundamentals. A practical approach is to:

• Start With Your Core Subjects: Focus first on the engineering subjects that are important for your chosen GATE paper.
• Use Previous-Year Questions: Previous-year questions can help you understand the level and pattern of questions asked in GATE.
• Track Your Weak Areas: Instead of repeatedly studying topics you already know, identify areas where your accuracy or speed is low.
• Take Mock Tests: Mock tests can help you improve time management and understand where you lose marks.
• Don't Ignore Your B.Tech Subjects: For students in KTU and other universities, university examinations and GATE preparation can overlap in several technical subjects. Planning both together can save considerable time.

Final Takeaway

GATE 2027 comes with several changes that candidates should understand before registering. The most important updates are:

• Registration begins August 27, 2026
• Regular registration closes September 27, 2026
• Extended registration closes October 5, 2026
• DigiLocker registration is mandatory for Indian nationals
• A new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper has been introduced
• GATE 2027 syllabi have been revised
• Two-paper combinations have been updated
• XE, XH and XL paper codes have changed
• Textile Engineering & Fibre Science is now part of the XE sectional structure
• GATE 2027 will be conducted on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027

Because GATE 2027 information can change as IIT Madras releases new notifications, candidates should check the official website regularly.