National test for postgraduate admissions in engineering, technology, architecture and science, conducted by IISc and the IITs. GATE 2027 is organised by IIT Madras.
Conducting body: IISc and IITs for the National Coordination Board — GATE 2027: IIT Madras
Attempts: Once a year
Used for: Postgraduate admissions in engineering, technology, architecture and science
Score validity: 3 years
Application fee: Per paper — regular period: ₹1,000 female/SC/ST/PwD, ₹2,000 all others (including foreign nationals); extended period: ₹1,500 / ₹2,500
GATE 2027 is organised by IIT Madras on behalf of the National Coordination Board.
Exams are on 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 February 2027; results are due on 19 March 2027.
There are 30 test papers; you can take one paper or an allowed two-paper combination.
GATE scores are valid for three years.
Eligibility criteria
Who can apply
Students in the 3rd or a higher year of any undergraduate degree.
Graduates with a government-approved degree in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, arts or humanities.
Exam pattern
Duration: 3 hours
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Sections: General Aptitude (10 questions, 15 marks) plus your subject paper (55 questions, 85 marks); 30 test papers to choose from
Question Type: MCQ (one correct option), MSQ (one or more correct options) and NAT (numerical answer)
Marking Scheme: Questions carry 1 or 2 marks. A wrong MCQ answer loses 1/3 mark (1-mark question) or 2/3 mark (2-mark question). No negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.
Language Options: English
Questions: 65
Total marks: 100
Application process
Apply online through GOAPS on gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Upload your photograph, signature and required certificates.
Pay the fee online.
Check your exam city (announced 4 Jan 2027) and download the admit card when released.
Keep soft copies of documents (Photo, Signature, Category certificate, PwD certificate) ready before the form opens.
Important dates
RegistrationClosed (final window 15–16 Oct 2026)
Exam city announced4 Jan 2027
Exam dates6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 Feb 2027
Results19 Mar 2027
Preparation insights
General Aptitude is 15 of the 100 marks in every paper — do not skip it.
MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marking, so attempt them.
Prepare from the GATE 2027 syllabus for your paper on the official website.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
Talk to a counsellor about where this exam can take you