GATE 2027: Information Brochure, Revised Syllabus, Exam Dates & Complete Details
GATE 2027: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), serving as the Organizing Institute for GATE 2027, has officially released the detailed Information Brochure. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a premier national examination that evaluates candidates’ comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Humanities, Commerce, and Arts.
For the 2027 session, GATE will be conducted for 30 test papers as a Computer Based Test (CBT). Notably, a new test paper on Robotics and Automation (RA) has been introduced, and the syllabus for many test papers has been revised. A valid GATE score remains valid for THREE years and opens doors to financial assistance for Master’s and Doctoral programs, as well as direct recruitment opportunities in numerous Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Candidates can start registering online via the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) from 14th August 2026. Read below for detailed insights on important dates, new changes, eligibility, exam pattern, and the syllabus.
Highlights of GATE 2027
- Organizing Institute: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM).
- New Test Paper: A new test paper on Robotics and Automation (RA) has been introduced.
- Syllabus Revision: The syllabus of GATE 2027 test papers has been revised. Candidates must check the updated syllabus carefully.
- Structural Changes: Textile Engineering & Fibre Science paper will now be a part of the XE sectional paper (i.e., XE9: Textile Engineering & Fibre Science). Paper codes for multi-section papers (XE, XH, XL) have changed.
- Multiple Papers: Candidates are allowed to appear for ONE or TWO test papers from the approved combination list.
- Eligibility: Students currently in their 3rd or higher years of undergraduate degree programs are eligible to apply. NO age limit applies.
- Registration Process: Applicants are required to provide live facial details during the registration process. Registering via DigiLocker is highly recommended for a smooth process.
Important Dates for GATE 2027
Candidates must carefully adhere to the registration timeline. All applications must be submitted via the GOAPS portal.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) opens | August 14, 2026 (Friday) |
| GOAPS (regular) closes | September 21, 2026 (Monday) |
| End of extended period for GOAPS (with late fee) | September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Last date for change of Category, Paper and Examination City choices (additional fee may be applicable) | October 21, 2026 |
| Notification of Exam cities to the Candidates | January 04, 2027 |
| GATE 2027 Examination Dates | February 06, 07, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2027 |
| Announcement of results in the GOAPS portal | March 19, 2027 |
Note: Examination sessions will be held in the Forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2027
A candidate who is currently studying in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate degree program OR has already completed any government approved degree program in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Science / Commerce / Arts / Humanities is eligible to appear for GATE 2027.
For Medical/Dental/Veterinary programs (M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc.), candidates currently in their 5th/6th/7th semester or higher, or those who have completed their degree, are eligible.
GATE 2027 Test Papers & Allowed Combinations
GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers. A candidate is allowed to appear in ONE or TWO test papers. However, the combination of two test papers must be chosen only from the approved tentative list provided by the organizing institute.
List of Test Papers (Codes):
- Aerospace Engineering (AE)
- Agricultural Engineering (AG)
- Architecture and Planning (AR*)
- Biomedical Engineering (BM)
- Biotechnology (BT)
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Chemical Engineering (CH)
- Computer Science & Information Tech (CS)
- Chemistry (CY)
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
- Electronics and Communication Engg (EC)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Environmental Science & Engineering (ES)
- Ecology and Evolution (EY)
- Geomatics Engineering (GE*)
- Geology and Geophysics (GG*)
- Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Mining Engineering (MN)
- Metallurgical Engineering (MT)
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engg (NM)
- Petroleum Engineering (PE)
- Physics (PH)
- Production and Industrial Engineering (PI)
- Robotics and Automation (RA*) [NEW]
- Statistics (ST)
- Engineering Sciences (XE*)
- Humanities & Social Sciences (XH*)
- Life Sciences (XL*)
* Denotes multi-section papers. For papers like XE, XH, and XL, candidates must carefully note the new sectional codes (e.g., XE0 for Engineering Mathematics, XE9 for Textile Engineering & Fibre Science).
Pattern of Examination & Marking Scheme
- Mode of Examination: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Number of Questions: 65 (10 General Aptitude + 55 Subject)
- Total Marks: 100
- Types of Questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
GATE 2027 Application Fee
The application fee is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee for two papers is double that of a single paper.
| Category | Regular Period (Aug 14 – Sep 21) | Extended Period (Sep 22 – Sep 30) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD candidates | ₹ 1000/- | ₹ 1500/- |
| All other candidates (including foreign nationals) | ₹ 2000/- | ₹ 2500/- |
How to Apply for GATE 2027 Online?
Applications will be accepted only through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Follow these instructions carefully:
- Registration: Visit the official GATE 2027 website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in. It is highly recommended to register through DigiLocker to streamline the verification process.
- Create Account: Generate your Enrolment ID by providing your full name, valid email address, mobile number, and choosing a strong password.
- Fill Application Form: Login using your Enrolment ID and password. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and select your preferred GATE test paper(s) and examination cities.
- Live Photo Capture & Uploads: Candidates must provide live facial details using a webcam or 5MP mobile camera during registration. Additionally, upload a scanned passport-size photograph, signature, valid Photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar), and category/PwD certificate (if applicable) strictly as per the specified dimensions.
- Review & Pay Fee: Preview the application carefully. Once confirmed, proceed to pay the application fee via online modes (Internet banking, debit/credit card, UPI, wallet).
- Submit & Download: After successful payment, the application form will be generated. Download and save the PDF for future reference. Do NOT send hard copies to IIT Madras or any Zonal office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which institute is organizing GATE 2027?
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) is the Organizing Institute (OI) for GATE 2027.
When will the GATE 2027 examination be conducted?
The GATE 2027 Examination dates are February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2027. The exams will be held in Forenoon and Afternoon sessions.
Are there any new test papers added in GATE 2027?
Yes, a new test paper on Robotics and Automation (RA) has been introduced in GATE 2027. Also, the Textile Engineering and Fibre Science paper is now a part of the XE sectional paper (XE9).
What is the application fee for GATE 2027?
During the regular period (Aug 14 – Sep 21), the fee is ₹1000 for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates and ₹2000 for all other candidates. During the extended period, the fee is ₹1500 and ₹2500 respectively.
Is there any age limit to appear for GATE 2027?
No, there is NO age limit to appear for the GATE 2027 examination.
Final Words on GATE 2027
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027, organized by IIT Madras, remains a critical milestone for engineering and science graduates aspiring for higher education in premier institutes (IITs, IISc, NITs) or lucrative positions in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). With the introduction of the new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper and a revised syllabus, candidates must recalibrate their preparation strategies. Ensure you register via DigiLocker on the GOAPS portal during the regular period (August 14 to September 21, 2026) to avoid late fees. Remember, a live photo capture is mandatory this year. Best of luck with your rigorous preparation for the February 2027 exams!