The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has officially announced the schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027, with the examination set to be held across six days in February 2027. Along with the exam calendar, the institute has introduced several significant updates, including a new Robotics and Automation paper, a revised syllabus, DigiLocker-based registration, facial authentication, and updated eligibility criteria.

The changes are aimed at modernising the examination process while aligning the test with evolving academic and industry requirements.

GATE 2027 Exam Dates

According to IIT Madras, GATE 2027 will be conducted on the following dates:

• February 6, 2027
• February 7, 2027
• February 13, 2027
• February 14, 2027
• February 20, 2027
• February 21, 2027

The examination will be held in two sessions each day:

• Forenoon Session
• Afternoon Session

GATE 2027 is being organised by IIT Madras in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and other IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (GATE), Ministry of Education.

Online Registration to Begin in August

The online application process is expected to begin in mid-August 2026 through the official GATE 2027 website.

To improve security and simplify candidate verification, IIT Madras has announced that registration will be integrated with DigiLocker and facial authentication. These measures are intended to make document verification more efficient and strengthen identity checks at examination centres.

Robotics and Automation Added as a New Paper

One of the biggest changes in GATE 2027 is the introduction of a dedicated Robotics and Automation (RA) paper.

The addition reflects the growing demand for professionals in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The new paper is expected to provide students with opportunities in emerging technology sectors and support higher education and research in robotics-related disciplines.

Revised Syllabus After Five Years

IIT Madras has also announced a comprehensive revision of the GATE syllabus across all test papers.

This marks the first major syllabus update in five years and is intended to better align the examination with current technological developments, industry expectations, and academic advancements.

Candidates are advised to carefully review the revised syllabus before beginning their preparation.

Changes to Existing Papers

The Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) paper has been restructured.

Instead of being offered as an independent paper, it will now be available as a sectional paper under Engineering Sciences (XE).

Despite these changes, GATE 2027 will continue to offer 30 test papers, all conducted exclusively in English.

Candidates will also retain the option of appearing for one or two papers, subject to the approved combinations announced by the organising institute.

Updated Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility requirements for GATE 2027 remain flexible.

There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the examination.

Eligible candidates include those who have completed or are currently pursuing the final year of bachelor’s degree programmes in:

• Engineering
• Technology
• Architecture
• Science
• Arts
• Commerce

Additionally, under the revised eligibility rules introduced earlier, third-year BTech students are also eligible to appear for GATE.

Why These Changes Matter

The introduction of a Robotics and Automation paper signals the growing importance of emerging technologies in higher education and industry.

Combined with a revised syllabus, enhanced digital verification, and broader eligibility, GATE 2027 aims to offer a more secure, relevant, and accessible examination for aspiring engineers, researchers, and postgraduate students.

Candidates planning to appear for GATE 2027 should monitor the official notification for detailed information regarding registration dates, application procedures, syllabus updates, and paper combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will GATE 2027 be conducted?

GATE 2027 will be held on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027.

2. Who is organising GATE 2027?

The examination is being organised by IIT Madras in collaboration with IISc and other IITs on behalf of the National Coordination Board (GATE).

3. What is the new paper introduced in GATE 2027?

A new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper has been introduced from GATE 2027.

4. When will GATE 2027 registration begin?

The online application process is expected to start in mid-August 2026.

5. Will GATE 2027 use DigiLocker?

Yes. Candidate registration will be integrated with DigiLocker for document verification.

6. What is facial authentication in GATE 2027?

Facial authentication will be used during registration and verification to enhance examination security and identity checks.

7. Has the GATE syllabus changed?

Yes. IIT Madras has revised the syllabus for all test papers for the first time in five years.

8. How many papers will GATE 2027 have?

GATE 2027 will consist of 30 test papers, conducted only in English.

9. Can third-year BTech students apply?

Yes. Third-year BTech students are eligible to appear for GATE 2027 under the revised eligibility criteria.

10. Can candidates appear for two GATE papers?

Yes. Candidates may opt for one or two papers, depending on the combinations permitted by the organising institute.