GATE 2027: Register by Sep 21 for no late fee; fix DigiLocker issues now

IIT Madras has released complete guidelines and solutions for candidates experiencing DigiLocker verification failures during the ongoing Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 registration process. The institution has confirmed that while registration through a verified DigiLocker account is mandatory for all Indian nationals, applicants can proceed with an unverified account, subject to subsequent scrutiny and physical verification of documents.

The GATE 2027 application process commenced on August 14, 2026, on the GOAPS portal (gate2027.iitm.ac.in). For the for starters time, GOAPS will automatically fetch personal details such as full name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, verified address, and profile picture directly from Aadhaar-linked DigiLocker records. The regular registration period, without a late fee, concludes on September 27, 2026, with an extended registration option available until September 30, 2026, with an applicable late fee.

Addressing Digilocker Verification Issues

IIT Madras has outlined several steps for candidates encountering problems with DigiLocker verification. A primary requirement is to grant access to the file folder within the consent section of DigiLocker. Candidates must also ensure that the DigiLocker consent validity is set to three years. If ‘Email already registered’ errors occur, applicants are advised to restart the GATE-2027 consent process from their verified account or change their email ID and restart the application in an incognito window.

For missing address details, candidates should update their mobile number and email on DigiLocker, then reapply from scratch in incognito mode. If DigiLocker Drive access is not granted, the existing consent should be revoked, and the login process redone to allow access. Similarly, if consent validity is modified, candidates must revoke consent and redo the process without editing the date. For college name errors, special characters should be removed, or the name typed manually if it is not listed.

Registration for Specific Categories and Document Requirements

For SC/ST and PwD Category candidates, specific instructions have been provided for document uploads. A folder named ‘GATE2027’ (without any space) must be created in DigiLocker Drive. Certificates for these categories must be named precisely as CATEGORY.pdf, PWD_CERT.pdf, or UDID_CERT.pdf. The file size for all uploaded certificates must be between 10 KB and 600 KB. Candidates must use the same DigiLocker account throughout the entire application process, as future communications from GATE 2027 will be linked to this account.

Applicants registering with unverified DigiLocker accounts will have their forms scrutinized after the registration deadline for necessary documents. Original documents will be verified at the examination halls for these candidates. OBC-NCL and EWS candidates are not required to upload a category certificate for fee concession. The date of birth on the application must exactly match the DOB on the uploaded photo ID. Candidates with disabilities experiencing issues with live facial capture should contact helpdesk@gate.iitm.ac.in.

Application Fees and Important Dates

The GATE 2027 registration fee is non-refundable, except in cases of duplicate transactions with valid proof. Unpaid accounts or accounts with unavailable transactions will be deleted after the registration portal closes. Candidates are advised not to delete their DigiLocker accounts after application submission and fee payment. The fee structure varies by category and registration period, as detailed below:

Key dates for the GATE 2027 examination cycle have been released by IIT Madras:

Changes to Exam Structure and Syllabus

The GATE 2027 examination introduces several changes, including the addition of a new test paper, Robotics & Automation (RA), bringing the total number of GATE papers to 30. This cycle also marks the first major syllabus revision in five years, with updates across every paper’s syllabus. Sectional paper codes for Engineering (XE), Humanities & Social Sciences (XH), and Life Sciences (XL) have been revised. The classification for the Textile Engg. & Fibre Science (TF) paper has been updated, and Biotechnology’s (BT) syllabus and approved two-paper combination list have also been revised.

Candidates can now select up to six exam cities, an increase from the previous limit of three, all of which must fall within the same GATE 2027 zone. GOAPS will capture a live photo via webcam or phone camera during registration for identity matching. The required image size for photos is a maximum of 530 x 690 pixels and 600 KB, while signatures require a maximum of 580 x 180 pixels and 300 KB. One email address can be used for only one application, and submitting multiple applications with different emails for the same candidate will lead to rejection. GATE 2027 will not be held outside India.

Further reading

• GATE topper salary: Maharatna PSUs offer up to 2.5 lakh per month, private sector up to 2 lakh
• GATE 2026 statistical report out: 10.11 lakh registered, cutoffs detailed
• GATE exam pattern: sections, marking and duration Next step
• M.Pharm 2026: Apply with B.Pharm scores, GPAT, or CUET PG for Delhi NCR admissions
• NID Registration 2027: Application Link Soon at admissions.nid.edu
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Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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