GATE 2027 Registration Begins: IIT Madras Announces Exam Dates, Introduces New Robotics Paper

New Delhi | September 2, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has opened the registration process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027. The national-level examination, which will be conducted by IIT Madras, will see a major change this year with the introduction of a new paper in Robotics and Automation (RA).

Candidates can submit their applications through the official GATE 2027 portal. The regular registration window will remain open until September 27, 2026, without a late fee. Those who miss the deadline can apply during the extended registration period until October 5, subject to payment of a late fee. The application rectification window will be available from October 14 to October 21.

GATE 2027 Exam Dates

GATE 2027 will be conducted over three weekends in February. The examination is scheduled for:

• February 6 and 7, 2027

• February 13 and 14, 2027

• February 20 and 21, 2027

The city allotment notification is expected to be released on January 4, 2027. IIT Madras has not yet announced the date for downloading admit cards. The GATE 2027 results are scheduled to be declared on March 19, 2027.

New Robotics and Automation Paper

One of the biggest changes in GATE 2027 is the addition of Robotics and Automation (RA) as a new test paper. With its inclusion, the examination will now be offered across 30 test papers.

The examination authorities have also announced syllabus-related changes, including revisions to the Biotechnology paper. Sectional paper codes have also been modified for areas such as Textile Engineering and Fibre Science, Engineering Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Life Sciences.

Candidates can appear for one or up to two test papers, provided their selected combination is among those permitted by the examination authorities.

Who Can Apply?

Students currently studying in the third year or higher of an undergraduate degree programme are eligible to appear for GATE 2027. Candidates who have already completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities can also apply.

Candidates pursuing or holding eligible degrees from institutions outside India may also be eligible, subject to the examination's specified conditions.

DigiLocker Mandatory for Indian Candidates

IIT Madras has made DigiLocker registration mandatory for Indian nationals applying for GATE 2027. Candidates have been advised to create or update their verified DigiLocker accounts before beginning the application process.

With registration now underway, eligible candidates should carefully check the application requirements, permitted two-paper combinations and revised syllabus before submitting their forms.