Key Takeaways

  • The examination is scheduled for 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027.
  • IIT Madras has revised the syllabus and introduced a new Robotics and Automation paper.
  • The online application process is expected to commence in mid-August 2026.

Quick Facts

  • Exams across six February dates.
  • Robotics paper introduced for 2027.
  • Syllabus revised after five years.
  • DigiLocker registration with facial authentication.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced the schedule for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027, introducing a revised syllabus and a new Robotics and Automation paper as part of significant changes to the national-level examination.

According to IIT Madras, GATE 2027 will be conducted as a computer-based test on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027. The examination will be held in both forenoon and afternoon sessions across multiple centres.

One of the major changes for the 2027 edition is the introduction of a Robotics and Automation (RA) paper, expanding the range of disciplines covered by GATE. The institute has also revised the syllabus for the examination after five years to better align it with evolving academic and industry requirements. In another change, the Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) paper has been restructured under Engineering Sciences (XE).

IIT Madras has retained the existing examination pattern despite the syllabus revision. Candidates can expect the online registration process to begin in mid-August 2026, with applications to be submitted through the official GATE 2027 portal.

The organising institute has also announced the integration of DigiLocker-based registration and facial authentication to strengthen candidate verification and improve examination security.

GATE is jointly conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on behalf of the National Coordination Board under the Ministry of Education. The examination serves as a gateway for admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering, technology, science and related disciplines, and is also accepted by several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment.