GATE 2026 How to Apply – Complete GOAPS Registration & Document Upload Guide

Introduction – What is GATE and the GOAPS Portal?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a premier national-level exam in India testing candidates' understanding of engineering, technology, architecture, science, and humanities subjects. Conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, it serves as the entry requirement for M.Tech/Ph.D. courses and is used by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment.

All applications for the exam must go through the **GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS)**. The GOAPS portal uses strict validation parameters. Because the admit card displays your uploaded photo and signature, any upload that does not match the official guidelines is flagged. If not corrected during the specific correction window, your registration is rejected without refunds.

This guide compiles all photo, signature, and certificate parameters for GATE 2026 to ensure your application passes the automatic check on the first attempt.

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, confirm that you meet the academic requirements:

• Academic Standing: Candidates who are currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree program, or who have already completed any government-approved degree in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Science / Commerce / Arts, are eligible.
• Age Limit: There is no minimum or maximum age limit set for the GATE exam.
• Nationality: Open to Indian nationals and candidates from select foreign countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, Ethiopia, etc.).

Exam Fee Structures & Paper Categories

GATE candidates can choose to appear for **one or two papers** (selected from the approved two-paper combination list). The fees apply per paper:

Candidate Category	Regular Period Fee (Per Paper)	Extended Period Late Fee (Per Paper)
Female Candidates (All categories)	₹900	₹1400
SC / ST / PwD Candidates	₹900	₹1400
All Other Candidates (General/OBC)	₹1800	₹2300

Photo Upload Guidelines (GOAPS Specifics)

The GOAPS photo guidelines are highly precise. Read these rules before taking your photograph:

Specification Parameter	Official Requirement
Physical Dimensions	3.5 cm (Width) × 4.5 cm (Height)
Minimum Pixel Size	240 pixels × 320 pixels (Aspect ratio 0.75)
Maximum Pixel Size	480 pixels × 640 pixels
File Size Range	10 KB to 200 KB (JPG / JPEG only)
Background Color	Strictly solid, clean white background
Face Coverage Area	Face must occupy 60% to 70% of the photo
Pose & Expression	Looking straight ahead, neutral expression, mouth closed
Ears & Forehead	Must be clearly visible, no hair covering forehead or ears
Glasses	Spectacles allowed if regularly worn. No tint, no frames covering eyes

Signature Sizing & Box Requirements

The GOAPS portal requires your scanned signature to be prepared as follows:

• Draw a rectangular box of dimensions **2.0 cm (Height) × 7.0 cm (Width)** on a plain sheet of A4 white paper.
• Sign inside this box using a **black ink pen** (recommended for contrast). Do not cross the borders of the box.
• Scan or photograph the paper in high-resolution, then crop the image strictly to the boundary of the signature box.

Parameter	Requirement
Cropped Image Size	2.0 cm × 7.0 cm rectangular aspect ratio
Minimum Pixel Resolution	80 pixels (Height) × 280 pixels (Width)
Maximum Pixel Resolution	160 pixels (Height) × 560 pixels (Width)
File Size Range	5 KB to 150 KB (JPG / JPEG format)
Invalid Formats	BLOCK LETTERS, small dots, cursive initials only

Other Certificates & Academic Documents Needed

Ensure you have scanned PDF copies of these documents (file size: **10 KB to 500 KB**):

1. Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate: If graduated. If still studying, a Certificate from the Head of the Department/Institute (indicating candidate is in 3rd year or higher) or the latest marks card.
2. Category Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS reservations. Note that OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must be issued on or after the specified cutoff date (usually April 1 of the application year) to be valid.
3. PwD Certificate: For candidates seeking disability concession.
4. Dyslexic Certificate: If applicable, to claim extra time.