GATE 2027 FAQs: Registration, Eligibility, Application Status, Exam Pattern and Scorecard Details

GATE 2027 FAQs: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has released detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for GATE 2027. These FAQs answer major queries related to eligibility, application status, fee payment, examination rules, admit cards, PwD facilities and scorecards. Here are some of the most important questions and answers every GATE aspirant should know.

What Do Different GATE 2027 Application Statuses Mean?

After submitting the application form through GOAPS, candidates may see different status messages on their dashboard.

• Application Submitted: Application form has been filled, but fee payment is pending.

• Application Submitted and Payment Received: Application and payment have been successfully submitted and are under review.

• Under Scrutiny: IIT Madras is verifying the submitted details and documents.

• Application Incomplete or Defective: Errors or missing documents have been found and need rectification.

• Under Scrutiny: Defect Rectification Done: Corrections have been submitted and are under review again.

• Application Accepted: Verification is complete and no further action is required.

Can Third-Year Students Apply for GATE 2027?

Yes. Students currently studying in the third year or higher of any government-recognised undergraduate programme are eligible to appear for GATE 2027.

Eligible streams include:

• Engineering and Technology

• Science

• Commerce

• Arts and Humanities

• Architecture and Planning

Students who entered BTech programmes through diploma lateral entry are also eligible.

Is There Any Age Limit for GATE 2027?

No. There is no age restriction for appearing in GATE 2027.

Similarly, there is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for the examination any number of times.

How Many Papers Can a Candidate Choose?

Candidates can opt for one or two papers from the list of approved paper combinations mentioned in the GATE 2027 Information Brochure.

However, candidates are advised to select papers related to their qualifying degree and future admission plans.

Can One Email ID Be Used for Multiple Applications?

No. One email address can be used for only one GATE application form.

Candidates should avoid creating multiple registrations, as it may lead to complications during the application process.

Is It Necessary to Upload Category Certificates?

The requirement depends on the category:

• OBC-NCL and EWS candidates: Certificate upload is not mandatory during registration.

• SC, ST and PwD candidates: Category certificate is mandatory to claim fee concessions and other benefits.

What Happens if Payment Fails During Registration?

If internet or power issues interrupt the payment process, candidates should log in again and check the payment status.

If the amount has been deducted but payment confirmation is not received, the excess amount generally gets refunded automatically within approximately 15 working days.

Can Candidates Modify Their Application Form After Submission?

No immediate modifications are allowed after final submission and PDF generation.

However, IIT Madras will open a correction window later where candidates can make changes in selected fields such as:

• Examination paper

• Examination city

• Category details

• Name corrections (with supporting documents)

Additional charges may apply for certain modifications.

What Happens if Photograph or Signature Is Incorrect?

Applications containing incorrect photographs, signatures or photo IDs may be marked as defective.

Candidates will receive notifications through email, SMS or phone and will be given an opportunity to rectify the mistakes within the prescribed deadline.

Failure to make corrections may result in the application being treated as provisional or rejected.

Which Photo IDs Are Accepted for GATE 2027?

Indian candidates can use any of the following valid IDs:

• Aadhaar Card

• Passport

• PAN Card

• Voter ID

• Driving Licence

Foreign candidates can use their passport or any government-issued photo identification document.

The uploaded ID should contain a recent photograph to avoid identity verification issues during the examination.

Are International Examination Centres Available?

No. IIT Madras has confirmed that GATE 2027 will be conducted only in India.

Foreign nationals and Indian citizens residing abroad can apply for GATE but must travel to India to appear for the examination.

What Items Are Prohibited Inside the Examination Hall?

Candidates are not allowed to carry:

• Mobile phones

• Smartwatches or electronic devices

• Physical calculators

• Books and papers

• Wallets and pouches

• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Possession of prohibited items may lead to immediate disqualification.

Is a Physical Calculator Allowed in GATE 2027?

No. Physical calculators are strictly prohibited.

A virtual scientific calculator will be available on the computer screen during the examination.

Can Candidates Enter the Exam Hall Late?

Candidates must report before the commencement of the examination.

However, delayed entry may be permitted only if candidates can log in within 15 minutes from the start of the examination. No extra time will be provided.

What Facilities Are Available for PwD and Dyslexic Candidates?

Eligible PwD and dyslexic candidates can avail:

• Scribe facility

• Compensatory time

• Magnified question papers for visually impaired candidates

These facilities must be requested during the application process along with valid supporting certificates. On-the-spot requests will not be accepted.

How Can Candidates Download Their Admit Card?

The admit card will be available only through the official GOAPS portal.

IIT Madras will not send admit cards via post or email.

Candidates must carry:

1. Printed copy of the admit card

2. Original photo ID uploaded during registration

Soft copies on mobile phones or tablets will not be accepted.

Who Will Receive the GATE 2027 Scorecard?

The scorecard will be issued only to candidates securing marks equal to or above the qualifying marks prescribed for the SC/ST/PwD category in their respective paper.

Other candidates will be able to download a performance report later.

What Is the Validity of the GATE 2027 Scorecard?

The GATE 2027 scorecard will remain valid for three years from the date of result declaration.

Candidates are advised to preserve both digital and printed copies of the scorecard for future admissions and PSU recruitment processes.

Can GATE Scores or Marks Be Negative?

Yes. Due to the score normalisation formula used in GATE, some candidates may receive:

• Negative total marks, or

• Negative GATE scores despite having positive marks.

This is part of the standard score calculation process and does not indicate any technical error.

Important Advice for Candidates

Candidates should carefully read the GATE 2027 Information Brochure before registration, ensure that all uploaded documents are correct and regularly check the GOAPS portal for updates regarding application status, admit cards and correction windows.

With registrations beginning on 14 August 2026, aspirants are advised to keep all documents ready and complete the application process well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.