The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has commenced the registration process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027. The application window opened on September 2 through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), giving engineering and science aspirants an opportunity to apply for the national-level examination. Candidates can complete the GATE 2027 application process online through the official GATE 2027 portal. The regular registration window will remain open until September 27, 2026, without a late fee. Candidates who miss the deadline will be able to submit applications with a late fee until October 5, 2026. One of the key changes in the GATE 2027 registration process is the mandatory use of DigiLocker for Indian nationals. Candidates are required to complete the DigiLocker-based verification process as part of their application. Aspirants should keep their personal, academic and identification details ready before beginning the application. Candidates are also required to carefully verify the information entered in the form, as discrepancies in personal details or uploaded documents could affect the application process. The application rectification window is scheduled to open on October 14 and will remain available until October 21, 2026. Candidates who need to make permitted corrections in their applications can use this window. GATE 2027 will also introduce Robotics and Automation as a new test paper, expanding the range of disciplines available to candidates. The addition comes amid growing academic and industry interest in robotics and emerging technologies. The examination will be conducted by IIT Madras across six dates — February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027. The city allotment notification is scheduled for January 4, 2027, while the admit card release date is yet to be announced. GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering, technology and related disciplines at participating institutes. The examination is also relevant for recruitment opportunities in several public-sector organisations. With registration now underway, aspirants are advised to complete the application well before the deadline and carefully check all details before submitting the form. Lakshima Sareen is a Senior Copy Editor with the Digital Education Desk at Times Now, specialising in education news, exam updates, and policy reporti... View More