GATE 2027 DigiLocker confusion cleared: who must upload documents

As of September 12, 2026, for the GATE 2027 cycle: the most important post-registration clarification is that linking a verified DigiLocker account is not the same as uploading documents to the “GATE2027” folder. General, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates do not need to upload documents there. SC/ST candidates must upload their category certificate, while PwD candidates must upload the certificates specified by IIT Madras. All Indian applicants must still complete DigiLocker-based registration and live-photo verification before submitting the form.

This is Confirmed by the GATE 2027 FAQ published by IIT Madras, checked on September 12, 2026. It is also Reported by Shiksha in its September 2, 2026 registration document guide, although candidates should rely on the IIT Madras FAQ where the two accounts differ.

## What each candidate must do

| Candidate group | DigiLocker action | Additional folder upload | |---|---|---| | General | Use a verified DigiLocker account during registration | None required | | OBC-NCL | Use a verified DigiLocker account during registration | None required | | EWS | Use a verified DigiLocker account during registration | None required | | SC/ST | Use a verified DigiLocker account during registration | Category certificate, using the file name required in the portal | | PwD | Use a verified DigiLocker account during registration | PwD/UDID and any required supporting documents, following the portal instructions |

These requirements are Confirmed in IIT Madras’s FAQ. The same FAQ says that 10th, 12th, undergraduate and postgraduate marksheets do not need to be uploaded to the DigiLocker folder for GATE 2027 registration. For an ordinary Mechanical, Civil, Electrical or Electronics applicant, the practical requirement is therefore: verify the account, permit GATE access, complete the application, upload the required application images and identity proof, and submit the fee.

## Do not upload random files “just to be safe”

The official instructions say that General, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates should not upload documents to the separate “GATE2027” folder. Confirmed — official source, checked September 12, 2026. Uploading a photograph, signature, marksheet or unrelated certificate there is not listed as a requirement and may create avoidable confusion when you later check your application.

SC/ST candidates should upload only the category certificate requested by the portal. PwD candidates have a longer checklist: the FAQ names the PwD certificate, UDID card and, where applicable, the required Appendix B1 or B2 documents. Use the exact file names and formats shown in GOAPS rather than relying on a coaching checklist. Confirmed — official source, checked September 12, 2026.

## “Under scrutiny” does not automatically mean rejection

After payment, an application may show “Under Scrutiny.” The IIT Madras FAQ explains that the application is being reviewed. If a defect is found—for example, an incorrect photograph, signature or identity-document upload—the candidate will be informed and given an opportunity to rectify it up to a stated deadline. If the defect is not corrected by that deadline, the application may be treated as provisional or rejected. Confirmed — official source, checked September 12, 2026.

A September 2, 2026 Shiksha report on the “under scrutiny” status says candidates may receive defect alerts by email or mobile message and advises frequent status checks. That is Reported, not a replacement for the portal’s own deadline. The article also mentions that rectification may sometimes be allowed within roughly three days; IIT Madras’s FAQ does not publish a universal three-day rule. Treat any deadline displayed inside GOAPS as controlling. Unverified: a fixed three-day rectification period for every candidate.

## Important dates still ahead

The official GATE 2027 important-dates page lists September 27, 2026 as the closing date for regular registration without a late fee and October 5, 2026 as the closing date for registration with a late fee. It lists the application rectification window as October 14–21, 2026. These dates are Confirmed — official source, checked September 12, 2026.

The rectification window should not be confused with a defect-specific deadline. If your application is marked defective, do not assume that waiting until October 14 is safe. Log in to GOAPS, read the defect message, and act by the deadline shown for your application.

## What to do now

1. Log in to the GATE 2027 application portal and record your application status. 2. If you are General, OBC-NCL or EWS, do not create a document pile in the GATE2027 DigiLocker folder. 3. If you are SC/ST or PwD, compare every uploaded file with the official FAQ and the instructions shown in GOAPS. 4. Check that your selected DigiLocker identity document has the correct name and date of birth. IIT Madras says candidates may choose another verified identity document if the displayed details are wrong. 5. Keep your registered email address and mobile number active through the scrutiny process.

Published by the GATE Help Center Editorial Team. We are an independent student-help website, not an official examination authority.

Sources - GATE 2027 FAQ — IIT Madras - GATE 2027 Important Dates — IIT Madras

_Last verified: 2026-09-12._

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