GATE 2027: registration closes 27 September, a new Robotics paper, and the dates to plan around

The registration window has been moved twice. It now opened on 2 September 2026 instead of the dates first announced. These are the current dates on the official Important Dates page, all of which IIT Madras says are liable to change:

The biggest change is a new test paper, Robotics and Automation (RA), which brings the total to 30 papers. RA has a common Part A, and in the exam hall you choose either B1 (Electrical) or B2 (Mechanical). Out of 100 marks, 15 are for General Aptitude, 60 for the common part and 25 for the optional part.

IIT Madras has also revised the syllabi for the GATE 2027 papers, changed the Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) paper, changed the sectional paper codes for XE, XH and XL, and updated the Biotechnology (BT) syllabus. Even if you took GATE 2026, download your paper's 2027 syllabus before you plan your revision.

The other major change is that registration through DigiLocker is mandatory for all Indian nationals. Make sure your DigiLocker account is verified and that your name and date of birth match your documents before you start the form.

Per paper, the fee during the regular period is ₹1,000 for female, SC, ST and PwD candidates and ₹2,000 for all others. During the extended period it rises to ₹1,500 and ₹2,500. For two papers, the regular-period fee is ₹2,000 and ₹4,000. If you are on the fence, apply before 27 September and avoid the late fee.

You are eligible if you are in the third or higher year of any undergraduate degree, or have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities. There is no minimum percentage on the official eligibility page.

You can take two papers only in the permitted primary–secondary combinations. For example, CS can be paired with DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA or ST. Check the official table before you choose. Your centre for the second paper may be different from your first, but it will be in the same city.

Every paper is a three-hour computer-based test in English with 65 questions for 100 marks: 10 General Aptitude questions worth 15 marks and 55 subject questions. In most engineering papers, 13 of the subject marks come from Engineering Mathematics.

From now to 6 February is roughly 20 weeks. Split them in three phases.

Upload a clear photograph and signature that meet the official specifications, check your category and PwD details (changes later can cost a fee), and choose your exam cities carefully. City allotment will be notified on 4 January 2027, and the admit card date has not been announced yet, so keep checking the GATE 2027 website and your registered email. When you start full-paper practice, a free full-length ExamguruX mock on the GATE pattern is a useful first check of your timing.