GATE 2027 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), organised by IIT Madras, introduces a major change: registration through a verified DigiLocker account is mandatory for all Indian nationals. The GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal auto-fetches key personal details from DigiLocker, and a live facial capture is part of the process. Preparing the right documents in the correct format well in advance is essential to avoid rejections.
Important Dates for GATE 2027
These dates come from the official brochure and website:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| GOAPS Registration Opens | 27th August 2026 (Thursday) |
| Regular Registration Closes (without late fee) | 27th September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Extended Registration Closes (with late fee) | 5th October 2026 (Monday) |
| Application Rectification Window | 14–21st October 2026 |
| City Allotment Notification | 4th January 2027 |
| Admit Card Download | To be announced |
| Examination Dates | 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 February 2027 |
| Results Announcement | 19 March 2027 |
Why DigiLocker is Mandatory for GATE 2027
For Indian nationals, GOAPS links to a verified DigiLocker account and auto-fills details such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Profile photo
- Address
- Verified ID number
Any mismatch between DigiLocker data and your Photo ID can delay or block registration. Create or update and fully verify your DigiLocker account before 14 August 2026. A live face capture during registration matches your photo to prevent impersonation.
Documents Required for GATE 2027
Keep these ready in the prescribed format before starting the form:
Mandatory for all
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (JPEG/JPG, conforming to specifications)
- Signature image (JPEG/JPG)
- Scanned copy of a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence). Carry the same original ID to the exam centre.
- Live photo may be captured during registration, keep a computer with webcam or a phone with at least 5 MP camera ready.
If applicable (PDF format)
- SC/ST Category Certificate
- UDID (preferred) / PwD Certificate
- Dyslexic Certificate (for scribe or compensatory time)
- Relevant Annexures
Also keep ready: academic details (degree, specialisation, institute, year, CGPA/%), preferred exam cities (up to six from the same zone), paper choice(s), and payment details (debit/credit card, UPI, net banking).
Note: Name and Date of Birth on the form, DigiLocker, and Photo ID must match exactly. Do not use titles (Mr/Ms/Dr, etc.) before the name.
Photograph and Signature Specifications for GATE 2027
These are the most common reasons for defects/rejections. Follow them strictly.
Photograph
- Colour, passport size (approx. 3.5 cm width × 4.5 cm height)
- Face covering 60–70% of the image after cropping
- Plain white background, frontal view, looking straight at the camera
- Clear forehead, eyes, nose, chin; no caps, hats, sunglasses, tinted glasses, shadows, or other people
- Normal vision spectacles allowed (no glare)
- Format: JPEG/JPG
- Aspect ratio: 0.66 to 0.89
- Resolution: minimum 200 × 260 pixels, maximum 530 × 690 pixels
- File size: 5 kB to 600 kB
Signature
- Handwritten in black or dark blue ink on plain white paper
- Scanned clearly (not typed, digitally drawn, or by another person)
- Format: JPEG/JPG
- Aspect ratio (height:width) 1 : R where R is between 2.75 and 3.75
- Signature area covering 70–80% of the image after cropping
- Resolution: minimum 250 × 80 pixels, maximum 580 × 180 pixels
- File size: 3 kB to 300 kB
Confirm exact limits on the official photograph & signature page when the form opens.
Application Fees for GATE 2027
According to per test paper:
| Category | Regular Period (14 Aug – 21 Sep 2026) | Extended Period (22–30 Sep 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| All other candidates (including foreign nationals) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
- PwD refers to Persons with Benchmark Disability (40% or higher).
- Fee for two papers is twice the single-paper fee. Additional bank/service charges may apply. Fee is non-refundable.
Steps for Application process using DigiLocker for GATE 2027
- Prepare early : Create/verify DigiLocker account and keep all documents ready in correct format/size.
- Visitgate2027.iitm.ac.in and open the GOAPS portal when it goes live (14 August 2026).
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number (for Indian nationals, DigiLocker linking is mandatory).
- Click “Go to DigiLocker”, log in with your DigiLocker credentials, and grant permission for GOAPS to fetch verified details.
- Complete live facial capture (webcam/5 MP phone camera).
- Fill remaining details: personal information, academic qualifications, choice of 1 or 2 test papers (second paper only from allowed combinations), and preferred exam cities.
- Upload photograph, signature, Photo ID, and any applicable certificates.
- Pay the fee online.
- Submit the form, download the confirmation page, and save it safely.
Foreign nationals register by providing full name (as on Photo ID), email, mobile, and password without DigiLocker auto-fetch.
Common Mistakes that Lead to Rejection for GATE 2027
- Non-compliant photo or signature (wrong size, background, filters, selfies, digital signature)
- Name/DOB mismatch between DigiLocker, Photo ID, and form
- Blurred, cropped, or oversized files
- Unverified or outdated DigiLocker details
- Waiting until the last day (server load and timeouts)
- Wrong or mismatched category/PwD certificates
Pre-Submission 60-Second Checklist for GATE 2027
- Verified DigiLocker linked and details correct
- Photo & signature in right format and size
- Photo ID matches name & DOB on the form
- Category/PwD certificates uploaded (if applicable)
- Fee paid and confirmation received
- Confirmation page downloaded and saved
Get your DigiLocker account and files ready well before 14 August 2026. This is the single biggest step to a smooth, rejection-free GATE 2027 registration.
For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website, the Information Brochure, and the required documents / photograph & signature pages.
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