The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is currently conducting the online application process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2027) through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Engineering graduates and pre-final year students seeking admissions into M.Tech, M.S., and direct Ph.D. programmes across IITs and IISc, as well as executive recruitment across premier Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), must submit their applications on the official portal at gate2027.iitm.ac.in before the regular registration window closes on September 21, 2026.
GATE 2027 Examination Calendar & Important Dates
Candidates must take note of the critical deadlines established by IIT Madras:
- Organizing Institute: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
- Official GOAPS Portal: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
- Closing Date for Regular Registration (Without Late Fee): September 21, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Extended Registration Deadline (With Late Fee): September 30, 2026
- Application Rectification & Defect Correction Window: October 21 to October 31, 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: First week of January 2027
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Dates: February 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2027 (Forenoon & Afternoon Shifts)
- Scorecard Validity: 3 Years from the date of result declaration (valid through March 2030).
Introduction of New Robotics & Automation (RA) Paper
IIT Madras has expanded the GATE test curriculum by introducing a 30th specialized paper:
- New Paper Code — RA (Robotics and Automation): Designed for graduates in mechanical, electrical, electronics, instrumentation, computer science, and mechatronics engineering interested in industrial robotics, autonomous systems, control theory, and artificial intelligence.
- Total Test Papers: 30 Subject Papers across engineering, architecture, science, humanities, and social sciences.
- Two-Paper Combination Scheme: Candidates can opt to appear in either one or two test papers from the permitted combinations (e.g., Computer Science with Data Science & AI; Mechanical with Robotics & Automation; Electronics with Instrumentation).
Eligibility Criteria & Application Fee Structure
Candidates can review the academic qualifications and fee details below:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates who have successfully completed any government-approved Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts, or who are currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate programme, are eligible.
- Age Restrictions: There is strictly no upper or lower age limit for GATE 2027.
- Regular Application Fee (Per Paper):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates: Rs. 900/-
- All Other Candidates (General / OBC-NCL / EWS): Rs. 1,800/-
- Extended Period Fee (With Late Fee of Rs. 500/-):
- Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates: Rs. 1,400/-
- All Other Candidates (General / OBC-NCL / EWS): Rs. 2,300/-
Mandatory Document Specifications for GOAPS Registration
Aspirants must ensure that uploaded documents strictly comply with IIT Madras guidelines to avoid application rejection:
- High-Quality Photograph: Recent colour passport photograph with a plain white background (Width: 3.5 cm, Height: 4.5 cm, file size: 5 KB to 200 KB in JPEG/JPG format). Spectacles with tinted lenses, caps, or dark glasses are strictly prohibited.
- Candidate Signature: Clear signature on white paper using dark blue or black ink (Dimensions: 2 cm height x 7 cm width, file size: 5 KB to 200 KB in JPEG/JPG format).
- Valid Government Photo ID: Scanned copy of original Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License (same original ID must be carried to the exam hall).
- Category Certificate: Scanned PDF of valid SC/ST certificate or OBC-NCL/EWS certificate issued on or after April 1, 2026.
- PwD / Dyslexia Documentation: Medical certificate issued by the competent authority along with compensatory time/scribe undertaking (if applicable).
Career Opportunities: M.Tech Admissions & PSU Recruitment
A high percentile score in GATE 2027 unlocks prestigious career and higher education pathways:
- Postgraduate Admissions: Direct entrance into M.Tech, M.S. (Research), and Ph.D. programmes across 23 IITs, IISc Bangalore, 31 NITs, and IIITs through COAP and CCMT centralized counselling platforms.
- PSU Recruitment: Leading Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna public sector enterprises (including IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, GAIL, HPCL, PGCIL, and BARC) directly utilize GATE 2027 scores for Executive Trainee and Scientist / Engineer recruitment.