GATE 2027: IIT Madras Merges Textile Engineering Paper with XE, Introduces New Robotics & Automation Paper
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has changed the structure of the GATE 2027 exam papers. Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) is no longer a separate paper.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has changed the structure of the GATE 2027 exam papers. Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) is no longer a separate paper. Instead, it has been integrated into the Engineering Sciences (XE) paper. Now, it is an optional part of XE, marked as XE9.You can find the details on the official GATE 2027 website at gate2027.iitm.ac.in. The updated list includes 30 papers for GATE 2027. A new paper, Robotics and Automation (RA), has been introduced. IIT Madras has also updated the syllabus after five years. If you're aiming for a career in textile engineering, you need to take the XE paper. However, before you register, make sure to check the new XE syllabus for GATE 2027.
GATE 2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens on GOAPS | 14 August 2026 |
| Last date without late fee | 21 September 2026 |
| Last date with late fee | 30 September 2026 |
| Exam Week 1 | 6 and 7 February 2027 |
| Exam Week 2 | 13 and 14 February 2027 |
| Exam Week 3 | 20 and 21 February 2027 |
| City allotment notification | 4 January 2027 |
| Result declaration | 19 March 2027 |
GATE 2027 Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Regular Fee (per paper) | With Late Fee (per paper) |
|---|---|---|
| Female, SC, ST, PwD | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,500 |
| All other candidates including foreign nationals | Rs 2,000 | Rs 2,500 |
Candidates opting for two papers must pay double the applicable fee. Payment is accepted through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
What’s changed for those aiming for textile engineering?
Previously, TF was a standalone paper worth 100 marks. Now, candidates taking the XE paper have to choose two optional sections. Each section is worth 35 marks. XE9 is the new section for textile engineering and fiber science, which is one of the options in the XE paper. The rest of the marks are covered by general aptitude and engineering mathematics.
How to apply for GATE 2027?
The application process starts on 14 August 2026 through the GOAPS portal. Candidates must verify their details using DigiLocker and facial recognition. Each person can only apply once, and any duplicate forms will not be accepted and will not get a refund. Those who previously applied for TF must now choose the XE paper and select XE9 from the optional sections.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Visit gate2027.iitm.ac.in to see the updated list of papers.
- Download the revised XE syllabus, especially the XE9 section.
- Pick a second optional XE section that aligns with your background.
- Check the deadlines and ensure you pay the application fee on time.
- Register on GOAPS between 14 August and 21 September 2026.