GATE 2026 photograph and signature must be uploaded in the correct format to avoid rejection of the application. GATE 2026 application portal will be activated on August 25, 2025 at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The registration window will remain open till September 25, 2025 (regular fee) and till October 6, 2025 (late fee).
The GATE authorities have warned that non-compliant photos or signatures may result in rejection without a refund of fees. Students are advised to prepare scanned copies in advance and strictly follow the prescribed size, resolution, and format.
Documents Required for GATE 2026 Registration
Before starting the GATE 2026 application process, students must ensure they have the necessary documents ready. These documents are required for verification and proof of eligibility during registration.
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature
- Valid ID proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID
- Category certificate, PwD, or Dyslexic certificate (if applicable) in PDF format
- OBC-NCL and EWS candidates are exempted from uploading certificates during the form-filling process
GATE 2026 Photograph Specifications
The photograph uploaded will be used in the admit card and scorecard, making it critical to follow the official requirements. Incorrect or unclear images may result in rejection of the form without refund.
- Scanned colour passport photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm), face covering 60–70%
- Plain background with a clear frontal face view, including forehead, eyes, nose, and chin
- No caps, hats, sunglasses, or tinted glasses (spectacles allowed)
- Format: JPEG/JPG, aspect ratio 0.66–0.89, resolution 200×260 to 530×690, size 5–600 kB
- Face must be clear without shadows or cloth covering
- Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, but facial features must remain visible
GATE 2026 Signature Specifications
The signature must also meet precise guidelines to be accepted by the system. Candidates should sign on white paper with dark ink before scanning.
- Upload in JPEG/JPG format.
- Aspect ratio: 1: R (R = 2.75–3.75)
- Signature area should cover 70–80% of the image
- Ink colour: black or dark blue only
- Resolution 250×80 (min) to 580×180 (max), file size 3–300 kB
- Must be the applicant’s authentic signature
Accepted Valid ID Proofs for GATE 2026
To complete the registration, candidates must upload a valid ID proof. Indian and international applicants have slightly different requirements.
- For Indian candidates: Aadhaar UID/Virtual ID, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License
For International candidates: Passport, Government-issued ID, or Driving License
