GATE 2026 rules
GATE 2026
The upload rules, as published.
Set by IIT Guwahati. Every file the notice asks for, its size and format, what gets it rejected, and where each rule came from. Where the notice used particular wording, it is quoted.
Prepare these filesIn short
- What is the photo size for GATE 2026?
- File size: 5–600 KB; format: JPEG; background: Plain white.
- What is the signature size for GATE 2026?
- File size: 3–300 KB; format: JPEG.
- Which files does the GATE 2026 application ask you to upload?
- Candidate photograph, Candidate signature, Valid photo identity document. 4 more apply only to some candidates, and are listed below.
- Who sets the upload rules for GATE 2026?
- IIT Guwahati, in its “GATE 2026 Information Brochure”.
The files
Candidate photograph
We prepare this file
Applies when: All applicants
- File size
- 5–600 KB
- Format
- JPEG
- Background
- Plain #FFFFFF
Colour passport photo, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm; face 60-70%; white background; JPG/JPEG; aspect ratio 0.66-0.89; 200 x 260 to 530 x 690 pixels; 5-600 kB. Frontal face, no obstruction, blur, glare, shadow, mask, cap or other persons.
Published reasons for rejection
- Non-frontal or side-facing pose can fail the stated requirement.
- Eyes must be visible/open as stated.
- Spectacle glare, dark or coloured glasses can make the photograph unacceptable.
- Caps/hats are restricted; any permitted religious covering must leave required facial features visible.
- A face mask/covering is restricted according to the stated policy.
- Photographs outside the stated size, aspect ratio, pose, background and visibility rules can lead to rejection without fee refund.
Candidate signature
We prepare this file
Applies when: All applicants
- File size
- 3–300 KB
- Format
- JPEG
JPG/JPEG; black or dark-blue ink; signature area 70-80% of image; aspect ratio height:width = 1:R, R 2.75-3.75; 250 x 80 to 580 x 180 pixels; 3-300 kB. Applicant's own signature, not capital letters or initials.
Published reasons for rejection
- A signature that does not match at the examination can lead to disqualification.
Valid photo identity document
We cannot prepare this file yet
Applies when: All applicants
Scanned copy of the valid photo ID whose original will be produced at the examination centre. Upload must be clear and readable.
Published reasons for rejection
- Unreadable documents may delay processing and may lead to rejection.
- Uploading unreadable documents may lead to delays in processing the application and may lead to rejection of candidature.
SC/ST certificate
We prepare this file
Applies when: SC/ST candidates claiming the fee concession/category benefit
- File size
- up to 400 KB est.
PDF. GATE FAQ states SC/ST certificate upload is required to avail the fee concession.
Published reasons for rejection
- Unreadable documents may delay processing and may lead to rejection.
- Uploading unreadable documents may lead to delays in processing the application and may lead to rejection of candidature.
UDID/PwD certificate
We prepare this file
Applies when: PwD candidates
- File size
- up to 400 KB est.
PDF; UDID preferred, otherwise prescribed PwD certificate.
Published reasons for rejection
- Unreadable documents may delay processing and may lead to rejection.
- Uploading unreadable documents may lead to delays in processing the application and may lead to rejection of candidature.
Dyslexia certificate
We prepare this file
Applies when: Candidates claiming dyslexia-related provision
- File size
- up to 400 KB est.
Upload the applicable certificate in PDF.
Published reasons for rejection
- Unreadable documents may delay processing and may lead to rejection.
- Uploading unreadable documents may lead to delays in processing the application and may lead to rejection of candidature.
Scribe/compensatory-time annexure(s)
We cannot prepare this file yet
Applies when: Applicants claiming applicable scribe/compensatory provisions
PDF; numeric file-size maximum not published
How you should look in the photograph
Face masks Not allowed
Your face must be uncovered.
The notice: “Face covered by a mask”
Spectacles Conditions apply
Normal vision-correction spectacles are allowed only without glare.
The notice: “Normal spectacles are allowed”
Caps and head coverings Conditions apply
Prohibited except for religious reasons; full facial features and both face edges must remain visible.
The notice: “except for religious reasons”
Colour Required
A colour photograph — black and white will not be accepted.
Eyes Required
Both eyes open and clearly visible.
Pose Required
Face the camera straight on — no side or three-quarter angle.
Where these rules came from
We found this exam's own published instructions and encoded them directly.
est. marks a figure this exam has not published, where we chose a sensible value. There are 3 on this page. Your file is prepared to it, and the report we give you names every one.
Report an issue Tell us and we will re-check it against the notification. Rules change between cycles, and we would rather hear it from you than have you find out at the portal.