GATE 2027 is the national test for M.Tech, ME, MS and PhD seats at IITs, IISc and other government-supported institutes, and for many public sector jobs. IIT Madras runs it this time, over six days in February 2027. Registration is closed, so this guide is for students who have applied and for younger students planning ahead. Everything here comes from the official GATE 2027 website and the GATE 2027 Information Brochure.
Key takeaways
- IIT Madras is the Organising Institute for GATE 2027. The exam dates are 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027.
- Results are due on 19 March 2027. The score stays valid for three years.
- There are 30 papers, including the new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper. You can take one paper or two allowed papers.
- Each paper has 65 questions, 100 marks and lasts 3 hours. Only wrong MCQs lose marks (1/3 or 2/3).
- Registration closed on 16 October 2026. The free defect-rectification window is open until 30 November 2026.
What is GATE 2027 and who conducts it?
Quick answer: GATE 2027 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a computer-based national exam. IISc and the IITs run it together for the Ministry of Education. IIT Madras organises the 2027 cycle. A valid score helps you get Master's and PhD seats, possible scholarships, and PSU jobs. The exam is in February 2027.
GATE tests your undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, arts and humanities. It is run on behalf of the National Coordination Board, Ministry of Education. Applications go only through the GOAPS portal.
What can you do with a GATE 2027 score?
The opportunities page lists three main uses.
- Admission. A valid score is used for Master's and Doctoral programmes at institutes supported by the Ministry of Education and other Government agencies. See our guides on how to get into IISc and how to get into IIT.
- Financial help. M.Tech students get ₹12,400 per month, generally for 22 months. Direct PhD students with a valid GATE score get ₹37,000 per month for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month from the third to the fifth year.
- PSU jobs. Many Public Sector Undertakings use GATE scores in hiring, including BHEL, GAIL, HAL, IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, POWERGRID, SAIL, NPCIL and others.
The brochure is clear: qualifying GATE does not guarantee admission, a scholarship or a job. The official GATE 2027 pages do not list foreign universities, so check each university's own page if you plan to study abroad. Our GRE General Test guide covers a test many students look at too.
What are the GATE 2027 exam dates?
Key dates from the important dates page. All dates are liable to change.
GATE 2027 key dates at a glance.
Registration ran from 2 September to 5 October 2026, with a late fee window to 12 October and a special window on 15-16 October 2026.
The free defect-rectification window runs from 14 October to 30 November 2026.
Exam cities will be notified on 4 January 2027. Exams are on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027.
Results come on 19 March 2027.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Special window (late fee) | 15 Oct 2026, 10:30 AM to 16 Oct 2026, 10:29 AM |
| Data correction window (with fee) | Not yet announced |
| Admit card download | Not yet announced |
| Answer keys and contests | To be announced after the exam |
| Free scorecard download | Not yet announced |
| Paid scorecard download (₹500 per paper) | Until 31 December 2027 |
The exam runs in two sessions each day. The forenoon session is 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The afternoon session is 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. You sit only one session per paper, as shown on your admit card.
The GATE 2027 cycle, step by step.
The portal opened on 2 September 2026 and the late fee window closed on 12 October 2026.
Defect rectification ends on 30 November 2026.
Exam cities come out on 4 January 2027, exams run from 6 to 21 February 2027, and results arrive on 19 March 2027.
Can I still register for GATE 2027?
No. A notice dated 16 October 2026 says the portal is closed. If you applied, zonal institutes are checking applications now. If you get a defect email, fix it in GOAPS by 30 November 2026, free of charge.
Who is eligible for GATE 2027?
Per the eligibility page, you can appear if you are:
- in the 3rd or higher year of any undergraduate degree, or
- already holding a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities.
MBBS, BDS and BVSc students qualify from the 5th semester. M.Sc, M.A. and MCA students qualify from the 1st year. Students with foreign degrees qualify from the 3rd year, or with a finished Bachelor's of at least three years.
Is there an age limit? No, says the brochure.
Can foreign nationals take GATE 2027? Yes, but there are no centres outside India this year. The exam cities page says foreign nationals and Indians abroad pay the full fee, choose cities in India and arrange their own travel. The exam runs in 300+ Indian cities.
Which papers are in GATE 2027?
There are 30 papers, listed with syllabus links on the papers and syllabus page. The codes are AE, AG, AR, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, CY, DA, EC, EE, ES, EY, GE, GG, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PH, PI, RA, ST, XE, XH and XL. Examples: CS (Computer Science and IT), DA (Data Science and AI), ME, EE, EC, CE, PH and MA. XE (Engineering Sciences), XH (Humanities) and XL (Life Sciences) are sectional papers.
New for 2027: Robotics and Automation (RA) is a new paper, Textile Engineering is now section XE9 inside XE, and the XE, XH and XL section codes changed. Syllabi were revised, so use the 2027 syllabus.
Can I take two GATE papers?
Yes, but only from the allowed list on the two-paper combinations page. A few examples:
- CS can pair with DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA or ST.
- ME can pair with AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA or XE.
- EE can pair with DA, EC, IN, PH or RA.
- MN has no second-paper option.
Aerospace students often look at AE with ME or XE. If that is your path, see how to become an aerospace engineer.
What is the GATE 2027 exam pattern?
Every paper is a 3-hour computer-based test in English, with 65 questions worth 100 marks. See the question paper pattern page.
How a GATE 2027 paper is built.
General Aptitude has 10 questions for 15 marks. The subject part has 55 questions for 85 marks.
Questions are MCQ, MSQ or NAT, each worth 1 or 2 marks.
A wrong 1-mark MCQ loses 1/3 mark and a wrong 2-mark MCQ loses 2/3 mark. Wrong MSQ and NAT answers lose nothing.
In most engineering papers, 13 of the 85 subject marks are Engineering Mathematics. AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH and XL have no separate maths split. In XE, Engineering Mathematics (XE0) is a common 15-mark section, plus two sections of 35 marks each.
What are MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions?
- MCQ: four options, exactly one is right.
- MSQ: four options, one or more are right. No partial credit.
- NAT: you type a number on an on-screen keypad.
How does negative marking work in GATE 2027?
Only wrong MCQs lose marks: 1/3 for a 1-mark MCQ and 2/3 for a 2-mark MCQ. Wrong MSQ or NAT answers and blanks cost nothing.
Can I use a calculator in GATE 2027?
Only the on-screen virtual scientific calculator. Your own calculator, phone and watch are banned. You get a scribble pad for rough work. Practise with the official mock tests and virtual calculator.
A worked example of GATE 2027 marking
Take a made-up student. She gets 10 right and 3 wrong 1-mark MCQs, 12 right and 4 wrong 2-mark MCQs, and 14 marks from correct MSQ and NAT answers.
Step 1. Add the positive marks. 10 × 1 = 10 and 12 × 2 = 24, so 10 + 24 + 14 = 48.
Step 2. Work out the minus marks. Three wrong 1-mark MCQs: 3 × 1/3 = 1. Four wrong 2-mark MCQs: 4 × 2/3 = 2.67 (rounded). Total minus = 3.67.
Step 3. Find raw marks. 48 − 3.67 = 44.33 out of 100.
Worked example: raw marks after negative marking.
The student gets 10 right and 3 wrong 1-mark MCQs, and 12 right and 4 wrong 2-mark MCQs.
Her MSQ and NAT answers add 14 marks with no minus.
Plus marks are 10 + 24 + 14 = 48. Minus marks are 3 × 1/3 + 4 × 2/3 = 3.67.
Her raw marks are 48 − 3.67 = 44.33.
Seven wrong MCQs cost her 3.67 marks. Wild MCQ guesses are risky; MSQ and NAT guesses carry no penalty.
How is the GATE 2027 score calculated?
Raw marks are not your GATE score. The brochure gives two steps.
- Normalisation. For papers held in more than one session, raw marks become normalised marks to adjust for differences in difficulty. This assumes ability is spread the same way in each session.
- GATE score. Marks are then turned into a score. The qualifying mark gets a score of 350. The average of the top 0.1% (or top 10, whichever is larger) gets 900.
The General qualifying mark comes from the mean plus standard deviation of all candidates, kept between 25 and 40. For OBC-NCL and EWS it is 9/10 of the General mark. For SC, ST and PwD it is 2/3. Section 8 of the brochure has the full formulas.
How long is the score valid? Three years from the result date. Save your scorecard file; there are no hard copies, and none are issued from 1 January 2028.
What is the GATE 2027 application fee?
Fees are per paper, from Table 5 of the brochure and the fees page.
| Category | Regular period | Extended period and special window |
|---|---|---|
| Female, SC, ST, PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All others, including foreign nationals | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
The brochure says two papers cost twice the single-paper fee. For two-paper amounts in the late window, check the official page. Bank charges are extra. The fee is non-refundable, except if a two-paper combination is removed. PwD fee concession is only for benchmark disability (40% or more).
Book a free demo class to plan your Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude prep with a mentor, or see our plans and fees.
How do you apply for GATE through GOAPS?
Registration for 2027 is closed, but this is how it worked. It helps if you must fix a defect now or plan for a later year.
- Set up DigiLocker. It is mandatory for Indian nationals. A verified (e-KYC) account is recommended. Do not delete it after applying.
- Register on GOAPS. Your name, date of birth, phone, email and address come from DigiLocker.
- Give a live photo. Use a webcam or a phone with at least a 5 MP front camera.
- Upload certificates. Put SC/ST or PwD certificates in a DigiLocker folder named "GATE2027" with the exact file names given on the required documents page. Each file must be 10 KB to 600 KB.
- Pick papers and cities. Choose one paper, or two from the allowed list. Choose six exam cities, all from the same zone.
- Pay online. Use UPI, card, wallet or net banking.
- Track your status. Check for "Under scrutiny", "Defective" or "Accepted". Fix defects in the rectification window.
Which photo IDs are accepted?
Aadhaar-UID, Aadhaar Virtual ID, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or another government photo ID. Foreign nationals can use only a Passport, government ID or Driving Licence. Bring the same original ID to the exam with a printed A4 admit card.
How should you prepare for GATE 2027?
You have about three months. Here is a simple plan.
- November: fix the base. Read the revised 2027 syllabus for your paper. Start Engineering Mathematics now. In most engineering papers it is 13 marks, and in XE it is a 15-mark section.
- December: cover and practise. Finish weak topics. Solve past GATE papers from the official download page by topic. Do 20-30 minutes of General Aptitude a few days a week. GA is 15 marks in every paper.
- January: full mocks. Take the official mock test on the virtual calculator. Sit full 3-hour papers. After each one, list every wrong MCQ and ask why you got it wrong.
- February: revise and rest. Review formula sheets and your error list. Check your admit card details early.
If you are still in school or early college, build maths and physics first. Our guides on how to become an engineer and how to become a scientist show where GATE fits in a longer path.
What are common GATE 2027 mistakes?
- Using an old syllabus. Most 2027 syllabi were revised. Old notes can miss topics.
- Guessing on MCQs. Each wrong MCQ costs marks. Guess only when you can rule out options.
- Ignoring the virtual calculator. It is the only one allowed, so practise on it.
- Skipping General Aptitude. It is 15 marks in every paper.
- Missing emails. Defect notices come by email; fix them by 30 November 2026.
- Carrying banned items. Phones, watches and calculators can get you disqualified. Malpractice can bring a ban from GATE for the next 3 years.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with GATE 2027
Asymptode offers live online 1-on-1 maths and science tutoring. Our mentors focus on the maths and science side of GATE. Here is where a mentor helps.
- One dedicated mentor for the maths-heavy parts. Your mentor works with you on Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude numerical ability, and the physics and maths in papers like PH, MA, ME, EE and XE. Classes follow your paper's 2027 syllabus and your exam date.
- Method first. In live 1-on-1 classes, the mentor watches each step of your working. Small errors in algebra, calculus or units get caught before they cost you an MCQ.
- Personalised homework with feedback. You get problem sets built around your weak topics, with written feedback, so each week targets what you missed.
- Planning and records. For the non-maths parts of your paper, the mentor helps with planning, timing and exam method. Every class is recorded, and short progress updates go to you and, if you like, your parents. You can start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 4 November 2026.
FAQ
When is the GATE 2027 exam?
GATE 2027 is on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027. Each day has a forenoon and an afternoon session. Your date and session will be on your admit card.
Which IIT is conducting GATE 2027?
IIT Madras is the Organising Institute for GATE 2027. The official website is gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Zonal institutes, including IISc and other IITs, handle regional queries.
When will the GATE 2027 result be declared?
The result is due on 19 March 2027 in GOAPS. Answer key and contest dates will be announced after the exam. Free scorecard download dates are not yet announced.
Is there negative marking in GATE 2027?
Yes, but only for MCQs. A wrong 1-mark MCQ loses 1/3 mark, and a wrong 2-mark MCQ loses 2/3 mark. MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marks.
What is the GATE 2027 admit card date?
The admit card download date is not yet announced. Exam cities will be notified on 4 January 2027. Admit cards will be available only on GOAPS, not by post or email.
How long is a GATE 2027 score valid?
A GATE 2027 score is valid for three years from the day results are announced. Scorecards will not be issued after 31 December 2027.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- GATE 2027 official website (IIT Madras)
- GATE 2027 Important Dates
- GATE 2027 Information Brochure
- GATE 2027 Question Paper Pattern
- GATE 2027 Test Papers and Syllabus
- GATE 2027 Two-Paper Combinations
- GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria
- GATE 2027 Application Fees
- GATE 2027 Exam Cities
- GATE 2027 Opportunities
- GATE 2027 Required Documents