GATE 2027: IIT Madras Clarifies Rules for DigiLocker Account Usage During Registration

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has issued a significant clarification regarding the registration process for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027. Addressing concerns from prospective applicants, the institute confirmed that candidates may proceed with their registration even if their DigiLocker accounts remain unverified at the time of application.

This update is intended to streamline the submission process for students who may have encountered technical hurdles while attempting to verify their digital documents. According to the official notification, candidates using an unverified DigiLocker account should select the option for a Default ID proof when filling out the application form. While this allows the registration process to move forward, the institute has noted that these specific applications will undergo a formal scrutiny process to verify the necessary documentation after the registration deadline has passed.

Registration Deadlines and Application Procedures

The application window for GATE 2027 is currently active on the official GOAPS portal. Candidates are required to provide their consent and grant access to their DigiLocker folders for a period of three years as part of the submission requirements. It is essential for applicants to monitor their registered email addresses and mobile numbers, as the examination authorities will communicate any discrepancies or issues regarding their documents through these channels.

The deadline for submitting applications with the regular fee is September 27, 2026. For those who miss this initial window, a late fee will apply for submissions made up until October 5, 2026. Following the close of the application period, a rectification window will be opened from October 14 to October 21, 2026, allowing candidates to correct any errors in their submitted forms.

Exam Schedule and Logistics

IIT Madras is set to conduct the GATE 2027 examination across 30 subjects over a period of six days. The confirmed dates for the examination are February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027. During the application process, candidates are required to select at least six preferred examination cities from the zone-wise list provided on the official website.

Once the application form has been successfully submitted, candidates can track the status of their registration by logging into the GOAPS portal using their unique enrollment ID and password. As the examination cycle progresses, students are encouraged to keep their contact information updated to ensure they receive all official notifications regarding their candidature and the subsequent release of admit cards.