The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most significant exams for post-graduation admissions and research-based opportunities in India. With the inclusion of psychology in recent years, students of the subject now have a unique path into higher education research programs, especially in institutes like IITs, NITs, and premier research-oriented universities.
If you’re planning to appear for the GATE Psychology (XH5) Examination 2027, this guide covers everything you need to know, including eligibility, exam pattern, application fee, important dates, and more.
What is GATE?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an annual exam conducted to assess the comprehensive knowledge and understanding of candidates in various undergraduate-level subjects like Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities for admission to postgraduate and doctoral programmes and some public sector undertakings.
This national-level exam is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and seven IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) – Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee, under the aegis of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, will be organising the GATE 2027 Exam.
GATE Psychology Eligibility Criteria 2027
Candidates are eligible to appear for GATE 2027 Psychology (XH5) if they meet any one of the following conditions:
- Currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or an equivalent qualifying degree.
- Have already completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or an equivalent qualifying degree.
- Are currently pursuing or have completed a Master’s degree (e.g., MA or MSc Psychology).
- Candidates who have obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree from a foreign country are also eligible, provided they are in the 3rd year or higher of their bachelor’s programme or have already completed a bachelor’s degree.
Qualifying Degrees Relevant for Psychology Aspirants
| Degree/Programme | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| BA Psychology / BSc Psychology (3-year programme) | Currently in the 3rd year or graduated |
| Four-year BA/BSc Psychology (Honours/Research) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or graduated |
| Integrated MSc / Integrated BS-MS | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or graduated |
| MA/MSc Psychology | Currently in the 1st year or higher, or completed |
Important Notes
- Candidates pursuing a higher degree are also eligible to appear for GATE 2027.
- GATE eligibility is based on the qualifying degree status. There is no minimum percentage requirement prescribed for appearing in the examination.
- Ensure that the details entered in the application form match your qualifying degree records.
For more information about GATE eligibility criteria, visit the official website of GATE 2027 or contact us at UPS Education.
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GATE Psychology 2027 Exam Pattern
The GATE Psychology (XH5) examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of three sections: General Aptitude (GA), Reasoning & Comprehension (XH0), and Psychology (XH5). The paper is conducted in English and carries a total of 100 marks.
GATE Psychology 2027 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 Marks |
| Reasoning & Comprehension (XH0) | 25 Marks |
| Psychology (XH5) | 60 Marks |
| Types of Questions | MCQ, MSQ & NAT |
| Marking Scheme | 1-mark and 2-mark questions |
Negative Marking
| Question Type | Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| 1-mark MCQ | 1/3 mark deducted |
| 2-mark MCQ | 2/3 mark deducted |
| MSQ | No negative marking |
| NAT | No negative marking |
GATE Psychology Paper Structure
Unlike most GATE papers, the Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) paper consists of three sections:
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 |
| Reasoning & Comprehension (XH0 – Compulsory) | 25 |
| Psychology (XH5 – Optional Subject Chosen by Candidate) | 60 |
| Total | 100 |
Types of Questions Asked
The GATE Psychology paper includes three types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Only one correct answer.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): One or more correct answers.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Candidates enter the numerical value instead of choosing an option.
Skills Assessed in the Examination
The GATE Psychology paper evaluates candidates on:
- Recall
- Comprehension
- Application
- Analysis & Synthesis
GATE Psychology 2027 Syllabus
The GATE Psychology paper consists of three sections:
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GATE Psychology 2027 Application Fee
Candidates applying for GATE Psychology (XH5) are required to pay the application fee online while submitting the application form through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal. The fee varies depending on the candidate’s category and whether the application is submitted within the regular registration period or the extended registration period.
| Category | Regular Registration (14 Aug 2026 to 21 Sept 2026) | Extended Registration (22 Sept 2026 to 30 Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Female / SC / ST / PwD Candidates | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 1,500 |
| All Other Candidates (including Foreign Nationals) | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,500 |
Tip: Apply during the regular registration period to avoid paying the additional late fee of Rs. 500.
Important Points
- The above application fee is applicable per test paper.
- Candidates opting to appear for two GATE papers must pay the application fee for both papers.
- The application fee is payable only through the online payment modes available on the GOAPS portal.
Important Dates & Exam Schedule (Tentative)
The table below outlines the tentative schedule for GATE Psychology (XH5) 2027. IIT Madras may revise the tentative schedule at any time. Therefore, candidates should regularly check the official GATE website for the latest updates.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| GOAPS Application Portal Opens | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Regular Registration (Without Late Fee) | 21 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Extended Registration (With Late Fee) | 30 September 2026 |
| Application Rectification Window Opens | 14 October 2026 |
| Application Rectification Window Closes | 21 October 2026 |
| City Allotment Notification | 4 January 2027 |
| Admit Card Release | To Be Announced (TBA) |
| GATE 2027 Examination | 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 February 2027 |
| Result Declaration | 19 March 2027 |
Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change by the GATE 2027 organising institute, IIT Madras. Candidates should refer to the official website for the latest announcements or they can contact UPS Education.
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Need more help?
If you’re preparing for GATE Psychology 2027 and need guidance or resources, feel free to reach out to us at UPS Education:
Contact: +91-9899599967
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is GATE Psychology (XH5)?
GATE Psychology (XH5) is one of the papers under the Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) category of the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). It assesses candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level psychology, and several IITs, IISc, NITs, and other institutions accept GATE scores for postgraduate admissions and research opportunities.
2. Who is eligible to apply for GATE Psychology 2027?
Candidates who are in the third year or above of a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or an equivalent programme, graduates, and candidates pursuing or holding a master’s degree in Psychology are eligible to apply, subject to the official GATE eligibility criteria.
3. What is the exam pattern for GATE Psychology (XH5)?
The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and consists of three sections:
- General Aptitude (15 Marks)
- Reasoning & Comprehension (25 Marks)
- Psychology (60 Marks)
The paper carries a total of 100 marks.
4. Is there any negative marking in GATE Psychology?
Yes. Negative marking is applicable only to MCQs.
- 1-mark MCQs: 1/3 mark deducted
- 2-mark MCQs: 2/3 mark deducted
There is no negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.
5. Can BA Psychology students apply for GATE Psychology?
Yes. Candidates pursuing or holding a BA Psychology degree are eligible, provided they satisfy the official GATE eligibility criteria.
6. What is the application fee for GATE Psychology 2027?
The application fee is ₹1,000 for Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates during regular registration and ₹2,000 for all other candidates. Late registration attracts an additional fee.
7. Which institute is conducting GATE 2027?
IIT Madras is conducting the GATE Examination for the 2027 session.
8. When will GATE Psychology 2027 be conducted?
As per the tentative schedule, IIT Madras has scheduled the GATE 2027 examination for 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21 February 2027.
