GATE Notification & Registration (GOAPS): Step-by-Step Guide
The GATE cycle begins when the organising institute (a different IIT or IISc each year) launches the official site and opens registration through GOAPS — the GATE Online Application Processing System. Both the main site and GOAPS move to a new host with the organising institute, so bookmark the new URL each August rather than relying on a previous year's address.
GATE 2026 cycle dates (verified)
| Milestone | Date (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 25 August 2025 |
| Regular registration closes | Late September 2025 (confirm on portal) |
| Late-fee window | October 2025 (confirm on portal) |
| Paper-change / correction window | October 2025 (confirm on portal) |
| Admit card release | Early January 2026 |
| Exam dates | 7–8 and 14–15 February 2026 |
| Provisional answer key release | ~22 February 2026 |
| Answer key challenge window closes | ~28 February 2026 |
| Final answer key + result | 19 March 2026 |
| Scorecards | 27 March 2026 |
| Official cutoffs published | 28 March 2026 |
Dates shift by ±1–2 weeks each cycle. Always confirm the exact schedule on the official GATE portal for your year.
How to register on GOAPS
- Find the current official GATE site — Search for the current-year official GATE site (e.g. GATE 2027 if that is your target year) and verify the official domain. The domain follows the pattern gate<year>.<institute>.ac.in.
- Open GOAPS and create an account — GOAPS is the candidate login portal. Create a new account with your email and mobile number — these will be used for all official communications.
- Fill the application form carefully — Enter your personal details, degree information, paper choice, and exam city preferences. Choose your two-paper combination now if you plan to appear in two papers. Do not rush through the city preference — changing it later may not be possible.
- Upload documents and pay the fee — Upload your photograph, signature, and supporting documents as specified. Pay the application fee online. Confirm the payment receipt before closing the browser.
- Save your application number — Note your GATE application number and keep the confirmation email. You will need it for all subsequent steps including admit card download and scorecard.
The GATE site rotates every year — verify the URL: gate2025.iitr.ac.in (IIT Roorkee, 2025 cycle) already had TLS failures by June 2026. Do not use previous-year URLs for current-cycle registration. Always confirm you are on the official current-year site before entering any personal details or making payments.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my GATE paper after registration?
A paper-change window is usually open in October, after regular registration closes. You can change your paper choice during that window subject to the official rules. Confirm the exact window dates and conditions on the current official GATE portal.
Can I appear in two GATE papers?
Yes, if your primary paper has a permitted second paper in the official two-paper combination list. You select both papers during registration. Note that MN and TF have no permitted second-paper option.