GATE 2027: DigiLocker Registration Now Mandatory For All Candidates, Says IIT Madras

IIT Madras, the organising institute for GATE 2027, has introduced a major change to the application process this year — candidates will now have to activate and update their DigiLocker account before they can fill the GATE 2027 application form. This makes DigiLocker registration a mandatory prerequisite, not an optional step, for anyone planning to appear for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027.

The GATE 2027 application process will continue to run through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), the official portal used for registration, form submission, and fee payment. However, this year candidates must complete their DigiLocker verification first, since the system will be used to auto-fetch and validate personal and identity details directly from government records.

Candidates who don't already have a DigiLocker account will need to create one using their Aadhaar number and a registered mobile number before they can proceed with the GATE 2027 registration.

Why Has GATE 2027 Made DigiLocker Mandatory?

The DigiLocker integration is aimed at reducing document fraud, eliminating manual verification errors, and speeding up identity checks during the GATE application process. By pulling verified data directly from Aadhaar-linked records, IIT Madras aims to ensure that every candidate's name, date of birth, and photograph exactly match official government documents — a step expected to reduce discrepancies at the admit card and exam-day stage.

GATE 2027 DigiLocker Registration: Step-by-Step Process To Create An Account

Candidates without an existing DigiLocker account can follow these steps:

1. Go to the official DigiLocker website — digilocker.gov.in.

2. Click on the 'Login/Register' option on the homepage.

3. Enter your registered mobile number and proceed.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number when prompted.

5. Complete verification via OTP or your security PIN.

6. Log in to your newly created DigiLocker account.

7. Review your personal details and the documents already issued/linked to the account.

Details DigiLocker Will Share For GATE 2027 Registration

Once linked, DigiLocker may share the following verified information with the GATE application system:

• Full name (as per Aadhaar)

• Date of birth

• Registered mobile number

• Email ID

• Residential address

• Verified identification/document details

• Profile photograph linked to the account

Candidates are strongly advised to check that all details on their DigiLocker profile are accurate and updated before starting the GATE 2027 application, since any mismatch could cause issues later in the admit card or verification stage.

How To Link DigiLocker With GATE 2027 Application (GOAPS)

• Register on the GOAPS portal and begin filling the GATE 2027 application form.

• Select the DigiLocker verification option within the form.

• Provide consent for GOAPS to fetch and use your verified DigiLocker details.

• Carefully review the auto-fetched information before final submission.

• Complete the mandatory facial verification step.

• Upload any additional required documents.

• Pay the GATE 2027 application fee to complete registration.

Key Points GATE 2027 Aspirants Should Note

• DigiLocker activation is now a mandatory step — the application cannot be completed without it.

• Aadhaar and a registered mobile number are required to create a new DigiLocker account.

• Facial verification has also been introduced as part of the GATE 2027 registration process.

• Candidates should keep their DigiLocker profile updated well before the application window opens to avoid last-minute issues.