Important Instructions To Fill GATE 2026 Application Form

Learning about the important instructions to fill GATE 2026 application form is crucial which includes registering to generate an application number, using a valid email address, uploading photos in the right format and more. The GATE application form 2026 was released on Aug 25, 2025 . The last date to submit the GATE application form 2026 is Sept 25, 2025 without a late fee. 

GATE 2026 is a national-level entrance exam to pursue numerous M.Tech and PhD courses from IITs, NITs, IIITs and IISc Bengaluru. Considering the vastness and difficulty level of the exam, applicants must check the important instructions to fill GATE 2026 application form to ensure that no objections are raised on the exam day and that they solely focus on their preparation.

Important Instructions to Fill GATE 2026 Registration Form

Before filling in the GATE application form, the first step is to register on the official GATE website. For 2026, IIT Guwahati will be conducting the examination, thus candidates must visit: gate2026.iitr.ac.in. Here are some important instructions to fill GATE 2026 registration form:

• Candidates must ensure that they have registered for the GATE 2026 exam to generate an OTP to verify the candidate’s details and generation of enrollment ID.
• Candidates must enter their names, email addresses, passwords, and mobile phone numbers.
• Always enter a valid and functioning email address to get the latest updates about the GATE 2026 examination.
• The password must be 8-15 characters with capital letters, special characters, and numbers.
• The name should be the same as in the valid photo identification.

Note: Candidates must ensure that they have thoroughly gone through the GATE 2026 information brochure to avoid any mistakes when filling up the GATE 2026 application form.

Also Read: Should You Take a Drop for GATE 2026 Exam?

Instructions to Fill GATE 2026 Application Form Correctly

Accurately filling out the GATE application form 2026 is crucial as the GATE admit card will be released based on the information provided here. Thus, it is advisable to check the important instructions to fill GATE 2026 application form and learn how to fill GATE 2026 application form. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind while filling GATE application form for the upcoming exam:

• Prefixes/titles such as Mr / Shri / Dr / Mrs / Smt / Prof / Capt / Maj / Lt / Col / Er / Ar, etc. must not be used while filling in the name.
• Do not confuse the middle name for the last name. Candidates must fill in their names as of their valid photo ID as their name will be visible on the admit card, and score card.

Identity Documents Required for GATE 2026

The following are the documents required for the GATE 2026 application form. Candidates can upload any of the below-mentioned documents:

• Aadhar UID (preferably)
• Aadhar Virtual ID
• Passport
• Voter Id
• Driving license
• Any other Government Issued Id

The college ID card will be considered invalid

Note: It is better to provide Aadhar UID to avoid any kind of hassle later in the process.

Also Read: GATE 2026 Applicants to Witness Hike

Documents for Special Category Candidates

The following documents are required to be submitted in the GATe application form 2026 for candidates of various categories:

• Candidates belonging to the GEN-EWS or OBC-NCL need to submit additional category certificates.
• Those belonging to the SC/ST category must submit a scanned copy of their category certificate in a PDF Format.

Note: Upon the submission of category certificates, the ST/SC candidates will be eligible to leverage a waiver of 50% on the GATE application form fee.

How to Fill Qualification and Degree Details in GATE Application Form 2026?

While filling out the GATE application form 2026 candidates will encounter a question on the application window stating: “Have you Graduated in the Above Degree?” This is a question of extreme importance. Here’s why:

Candidates who have entered their final year or have appeared for the final year M.Tech exam often face challenges while answering this question. To simplify this issue let’s consider 3 cases:

• Candidates who have appeared for their last sem M.Tech examination, whose results are awaited can fill in “Yes” as an option since they are not asked to submit any kind of qualifying degree-related documents.
• Candidates who have entered the final year of M.Tech must fill in “No” as an option.
• Candidates who have previously taken GATE and want to upgrade their rank for PSU must fill in “No” as an option as B.Tech will be considered as their qualifying degree.

On the other hand, the candidates who have taken a drop year to prepare for GATE or hold an M.Tech Degree can fill in “Yes.” Third-year M.Tech candidates can fill in a “No” as an option. 

Moreover, the candidates will be required to fill in their university/college roll number in the institute registration option.

Also Read: What Does it Take to Become a GATE Topper?

Important Instructions to Upload GATE 2026 Photograph and Signature

Here are some important instructions to follow when uploading a photograph and signature in the GATE 2026 application form:

• Candidates must upload a coloured photograph with a white background of size 5 KB - 1 MB in a JPEG/JPG format.
• The signature of the candidates must be done only with a black or a blue pen.
• Merely writing one’s name in capital letters will not be considered as a signature.
• The photograph containing the signature must be 5 KB - 200 KB in a JPEG/JPG format.

Don’ts While Uploading the Photograph and Signature in GATE Application Form 2026

The following are the mistakes to avoid while uploading the photograph and signature in the GATE 2026 application form:

• The face of the candidate should be visible, i.e. without any glare, shadow, or mask
• Candidates cannot upload a photograph with sunglasses or any other objects
• The background of the photograph should not have any designs
• Candidates must only use a light background to mark their signatures.
• The signature should not be inclined.
• It should not lap over the defined borders.
• The signature should not be hazy or blurry.

Also Read: GATE Rank Required for PSUs like ONGC, IOCL

Things to Keep in Mind for GATE 2026 Application Form Payment

The conducting authorities have provided numerous options to the candidates to make the payment for GATE application form 2026. Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, UPI, and Online Wallets are some of the options available.

What candidates must note is that after making the payment for the GATE 2026 exam, they must print the receipt to check the payment details or save themselves from any kind of online deception.

Also Read: Digital Electronics GATE Questions with Answers

Important Instructions for GATE 2026 Exam Papers

The following are some key pointers to be kept in mind when choosing the subjects/ papers for the GATE exam 2026:

• Candidates can attempt the GATE examination across two papers.
• On the application window, only Paper 1 will be marked by default. Candidates willing to opt for two papers must change the option carefully.
• A new drop-down will appear for the candidates to choose their option for Paper 2 (XE).
• Candidates seeking to attempt 2 Papers need not fill out two separate GATE application forms.
• The XE paper can be set as primary and vice-versa.
• In case of absence from the GATE exam 2026 any one of the papers, the scorecard of Paper 1 will not impact the scorecard of Paper 2.
• It is noteworthy that the technical sections from Paper 2 will only be chosen during the exam day and not before that.

Also Read: GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026