GATE 2027 Registration: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced an important clarification regarding the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 registration process. Candidates who have not completed the verification of their DigiLocker accounts can now proceed with their applications, subject to additional document verification requirements.
The announcement comes as the GATE 2027 registration process continues, with thousands of engineering and science graduates preparing to apply for the national-level examination.
According to the latest guidelines, applicants with unverified DigiLocker accounts can select the default ID proof option while completing their registration. However, their applications will undergo scrutiny after the registration deadline, and their original documents will be verified at the examination centre.
The regular registration window will close on September 27, 2026, while candidates who miss the deadline can submit their applications with an additional late fee until October 5, 2026.
GATE 2027: What Is the Latest DigiLocker Registration Update?
IIT Madras, the organising institute for GATE 2027, has clarified that candidates do not necessarily need a verified DigiLocker account to complete the application process.
Previously, the registration instructions emphasised the use of verified DigiLocker accounts for Indian applicants. However, the latest clarification provides an alternative for candidates who have created DigiLocker accounts but have not completed the verification process.
Such applicants can proceed with registration by selecting the default ID proof option.
Candidates should understand that permission to register using an unverified account does not eliminate the requirement for identity verification.
Applications submitted through this route will be examined after the registration deadline to ensure that the necessary documents and personal details meet the examination requirements.
Additionally, candidates using unverified DigiLocker accounts must produce their original identity documents for verification at the examination centre.
IIT Madras continues to recommend using a verified DigiLocker account to facilitate a smoother verification experience on examination day.
GATE 2027 Registration: Important Dates
Candidates planning to appear for GATE 2027 should complete their applications within the prescribed registration period.
The important registration dates are provided below.
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Online application process started | September 2, 2026 |
| Last date to apply without a late fee | September 27, 2026 |
| Last date to apply with a late fee | October 5, 2026 |
| GATE 2027 examination | February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2027 |
Candidates are encouraged to complete their registration before the regular deadline to avoid additional charges.
Applicants should also monitor the official GATE 2027 website for announcements regarding application corrections, admit cards and examination-related instructions.
How to Apply for GATE 2027 Using an Unverified DigiLocker Account
Candidates who have not completed their DigiLocker verification can follow the updated registration procedure.
Step 1: Visit the official GATE 2027 website at gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Step 2: Open the online application registration portal and carefully read the instructions provided by IIT Madras.
Step 3: Sign in through DigiLocker and provide the required consent for accessing the relevant information.
Step 4: If your DigiLocker account is unverified, proceed using the permitted registration option and select the default ID proof.
Step 5: Enter or verify the required personal information, academic qualifications and contact details.
Step 6: Select the preferred GATE examination paper and examination cities according to the available options.
Step 7: Complete the required photograph and signature submission procedures.
Step 8: Upload any additional documents applicable to your category and complete the examination fee payment.
Step 9: Review the application carefully before final submission.
Step 10: Save the application confirmation and registration details for future reference.
Applicants should ensure that their names, dates of birth and other personal information match their valid identity documents.
Any discrepancies may require clarification or correction during the subsequent application scrutiny process.
What Happens After Registration With an Unverified DigiLocker Account?
Candidates applying through unverified DigiLocker accounts should be prepared for additional verification.
According to the official guidelines, these applications will undergo scrutiny after the registration deadline.
During this process, the examination authorities will examine the necessary documents submitted by applicants.
Candidates must also present their original identity documents at the examination hall.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that successfully submitting the online application automatically completes every stage of identity verification.
They should keep their original documents available and regularly check the application portal for updates.
Using a verified DigiLocker account remains the recommended option for candidates who can complete the verification process before submitting their applications.
Documents Required for GATE 2027 Registration
Candidates should prepare their personal and academic information before beginning the application process.
The required information includes their name, date of birth, contact details, degree information, college or university details, preferred examination papers and examination city choices.
Applicants must also provide a photograph and signature that meet the prescribed specifications.
The registration process includes live facial image capture. Candidates should therefore use a suitable device with a functioning camera and complete the capture in a well-lit environment.
Applicants belonging to categories requiring additional documentation must submit the relevant certificates according to the official instructions.
For example, SC and ST candidates must upload their applicable category certificates using the specified filename in the designated DigiLocker folder.
Candidates with disabilities must provide the relevant disability certificates and supporting documents, where applicable.
All uploaded documents should be clear, readable and consistent with the information entered in the application form.
How to Create a DigiLocker Account for GATE 2027
Candidates who do not have a DigiLocker account should create one before beginning the registration process.
DigiLocker is a digital document storage and verification platform that allows users to access and manage important documents electronically.
To create an account, visit the official DigiLocker website and select the registration option.
Enter your mobile number and complete the verification process using the one-time password received on your phone.
Next, provide the required personal details, including your name, date of birth and other requested information.
Create a security PIN and complete the registration procedure.
Once the account has been created, candidates can follow the instructions provided on the GATE 2027 portal to continue their application.
Applicants should remember that creating a DigiLocker account and completing its identity verification are separate processes.
Although IIT Madras now permits registration through unverified accounts, completing verification beforehand is recommended wherever possible.
What Is GATE 2027 and Why Is It Important?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national-level examination that assesses candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in engineering, technology, science and other approved disciplines.
GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordination Board under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
A valid GATE score can be used when applying for postgraduate and doctoral programmes at participating institutions, subject to their admission requirements.
Several public sector undertakings also consider GATE scores as part of their recruitment processes.
However, qualifying for GATE does not automatically guarantee admission, a scholarship or employment.
Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions and selection procedures established by the respective institutions or recruiting organisations.
Important Advice for GATE 2027 Applicants
Candidates planning to register for GATE 2027 should carefully review the official application guidelines before submitting their forms.
Those using unverified DigiLocker accounts should pay particular attention to the additional document scrutiny and examination-centre verification requirements.
Applicants should also ensure that their contact information is accurate so that they can receive important examination-related communications.
Completing registration well before the deadline can provide additional time to address technical difficulties, document discrepancies or payment-related issues.
The key takeaway is that an unverified DigiLocker account no longer prevents candidates from applying for GATE 2027, provided they follow the updated registration instructions and complete the required verification procedures.
For registration, official notifications and further information, candidates should visit the GATE 2027 official website.
