GATE 2027 Notification: IIT Madras Announces 30 Papers, New RA Syllabus

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has officially released the information brochure for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027. This national-level exam is the primary gateway for admission to M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D. programs with MoE scholarships and direct recruitment to numerous Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). A key highlight this year is the introduction of a new test paper: Robotics and Automation (RA). Candidates can now understand the potential in-hand salary for GATE 2027 qualified candidates in PSUs, which is a critical factor for many aspirants. The online application window opens on August 14, 2026, and closes on September 21, 2026.

Based on official notification by IIT Madras. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check for GATE 2027

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GATE 2027 Important Dates

GATE 2027: Test Papers & Category-wise Analysis

Analysis & Competition Trends:

While GATE doesn’t have a fixed number of vacancies (seats depend on institutes and PSU hiring), the introduction of the RA paper opens a new specialized track. With approximately 10-12 lakh candidates appearing annually, the competition is intense.

Competition Ratio Estimate: With an expected 1.2 million applicants vying for roughly 15,000 postgraduate seats (plus PSU jobs), the selection ratio stands at roughly 1 in 80 for top institutes (IITs). The new RA paper may see lower initial competition, offering a strategic advantage to candidates with an interdisciplinary background in Electrical/Mechanical.

GATE 2027 Salary: How Much Do PSUs Pay?

In-Hand Salary Breakdown (for E1 / GET Level):

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 (Level 10)
• DA (Dearness Allowance): ~₹17,000 (Current ~30%)
• HRA (City Class): ~₹6,700 (8% in X-class cities) to ₹13,500 (24% in X-class)
• TA (Travel Allowance): ~₹3,600
• Other Perks: Medical, PF, NPS, Mobile allowance

Final In-Hand: Approximately ₹72,000 – ₹78,000 per month after standard deductions (NPS @ 10% and Income Tax, depending on the regime).

Comparison with Other Exams: Compared to a UPPSC RO/EO post (Level 10, ~₹55,000 in-hand), GATE-qualified PSU jobs offer higher initial basic pay and faster growth due to PSU’s corporate structure.

City-wise HRA Variation: Candidates posted in X-class cities (Metros) receive nearly ₹10,000 more per month (in HRA) than those posted in Z-class cities, which works out to a difference of up to ₹1.2 lakh annually.

GATE 2027 Application Fee

GATE 2027 Age Limit

Example calculation: If the lower age limit is 21, OBC candidates often get a relaxation to 24 years, based on the admitting institute’s rules.

GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

Final Year Students: Yes, students in the 3rd/final year of their qualifying degree are eligible to appear.

GATE 2027 Selection Process

1. Computer Based Test (CBT)

Candidates must appear for the 3-hour CBT at their designated exam city. The paper consists of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions for a total of 100 marks.

2. Admission/PSU Interview

For admissions, institutes combine GATE score with an interview/test (70% weightage to GATE score). PSUs typically shortlist directly based on GATE score for interviews.

3. Result Declaration

A GATE scorecard is issued valid for 3 years. Candidate’s rank is based on normalized marks for multi-session papers.

GATE 2027 Syllabus

General Aptitude (GA) – Common (15 Marks)

• Verbal: English Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension.
• Quantitative: Data Interpretation, Numerical Computation (ratios, percentages, logs).
• Analytical & Spatial: Deduction, Analogy, Shape Transformation.

Subject Syllabus (85 Marks)

The syllabus for each paper is vast (see Appendix D in the official brochure). For papers like AE, AG, BM, etc., it includes Engineering Mathematics (13 marks). For AR, GE, GG, RA, the paper is split into Part A (Common) and Part B (Specialization). Candidates must choose their specialization (e.g., Part B1 Architecture or Part B2 Planning for AR).

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How to Apply for GATE 2027 Online

1. Visit the official GATE 2027 website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
2. Register on the GOAPS portal using a valid email and mobile number.
3. Verify your email/phone and log in with the generated Enrolment ID.
4. Fill in personal details (name must match Photo ID).
5. Upload a recent photograph (white background, 3 months old max) and signature.
6. Select the correct test paper(s) and examination city choices (3 preferences).
7. Upload required documents (SC/ST/PwD/Dyslexic certificates, if applicable).
8. Pay the application fee online (UPI/Debit/Credit/Net Banking).

GATE 2027: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate in-hand salary for GATE 2027 qualified candidates in PSUs?

Approximately ₹72,000 to ₹78,000 per month for Entry-Level (Level 10) posts in PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, or SAIL. This is calculated after deducting NPS (10% of Basic + DA) and tax, based on a Basic Pay of ₹56,100 and current DA rates.

What is the last date to apply for GATE 2027 without late fee?

September 21, 2026 is the last date for regular registration. Candidates can apply till September 30, 2026, with an additional late fee of ₹500.

What are the total test papers and which one is new for GATE 2027?

There are 30 test papers in total. The new paper introduced is Robotics & Automation (Code: RA). Also, Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) has been merged into XE as XE9.

Can a 3rd-year student apply for GATE 2027?

Yes, candidates currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of a 4-year UG degree (B.E./B.Tech) or 3rd year of a 3-year B.Sc. degree are eligible to appear for GATE 2027.

What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates in GATE 2027?

While GATE itself has no age limit, for PSU recruitment, OBC-NCL candidates typically get 3 years relaxation and SC/ST get 5 years, as per Government of India norms.

Is there negative marking in GATE 2027 for all questions?

No. Negative marking applies only to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 is deducted; for 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 is deducted. There is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions.

Can I choose two test papers in GATE 2027?

Yes, candidates can choose two test papers from the allowed combinations list (Table 4). Note that you must pay the fee twice.

How is the GATE 2027 score calculated for multi-session papers?

For papers with multiple sessions, raw marks are normalized using a formula that accounts for the average of the top 0.1% and the mean/standard deviation of marks across sessions to ensure fairness.