GATE 2026 – Counselling

The GATE 2026 Counselling is a structured process designed for candidates who wish to secure admissions to M. Tech, M. Arch, and related postgraduate programs in top institutes such as the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. However, admission is not handled directly by the exam authority instead, two prominent centralized portals facilitate the process: COAP (for IITs) and CCMT (for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs).

The following article provides a detailed explanation on GATE 2026 counselling process for candidates appearing in the exam.

Overview of Counselling Platforms:

COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal):

• For postgraduate admissions to IITs (and some IISc/PSUs).
• Candidates can simultaneously receive and compare admission/job offers from participating IITs and PSUs.

CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M. Tech):

• For admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
• Single platform for seat allocation in multiple participating institutes.

GATE Counselling 2026: Key Dates

• COAP Registration:Opens March/April 2026.
• COAP Rounds:Main rounds run from May to June 2026, with additional rounds till July.
• CCMT Registration:Starts June/July 2026; seat allotment and special rounds extend through July.

Exact dates are announced on the respective counselling portals and should be tracked closely for updates.

Step-by-Step GATE 2026 Counselling Process:

1. Check GATE Scores and Eligibility

• Download the official GATE
• Check eligibility for chosen institutions and programs.

2. Register on the Appropriate Counselling Portal

• For IITs:Register on the COAP portal.
• For NITs, IIITs, GFTIs:Register on the CCMT portal.

Some institutes (and a few PSUs) may have separate application forms—verify on their official websites.

3. Fill Choices and Preferences

• Indicate preferred programs and college choices in order of priority.
• Save and lock choices before the deadline; system auto-locks if a candidate forgets.

4. Participate in Multiple Allotment Rounds

COAP (IITs): Five main rounds and five additional rounds (May–July).

For each offer round, three choices during mains:

• Accept & Freeze:Take the seat/offer, opt out of further upgrades.
• Retain & Wait:Keep the current offer but remain eligible for upgrades.
• Reject & Wait:Decline the current offer, keep waiting for better.
• In additional rounds: only “Accept & Freeze” and “Reject” options are available.

CCMT (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs): Three regular rounds, then two special rounds and spot rounds.

Four options per round:

• Freeze:Lock the current seat, no upgrades.
• Float:Accept current seat but be eligible for higher choice in future rounds, at any institute.
• Slide:Remain in the current institute but move to a preferred course, if available.
• Surrender:Release the seat to participate in next rounds.

5. Seat Acceptance and Document Verification: If allotted a seat, pay the Seat Acceptance Fee (SAF) online.

Upload required documents for online/offline verification:

• GATE scorecard,
• Academic certificates,
• Identity proofs,
• Category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
• Some institutes may require additional verification at campus.

6. Final Admission & Fee Payment:

• Upon successful verification, pay the tuition fees to the institute.
• Download admission offer letter.
• Report to the allotted institute as per the joining schedule.

7. Additional Rounds and Spot Admissions:

• Special or spot rounds may be held for vacant seats (primarily via CCMT).
• Stay alert to announcements on the official portal.

Essential Points for GATE 2026 Aspirants:

• Each candidate must apply separately on COAP and/or CCMT based on their target institutes.
• Missing any deadline or not accepting a seat on time may forfeit the admission opportunity.
• Some institutes like IISc and select IITs/PSUs may require additional application.
• Admissions are strictly based on GATE merit, preferences filled, and seat availability.

FAQs:

Q1. Is there a common counselling process for all GATE admissions?

Ans. No, there is no single national counselling. M. Tech admissions are handled via COAP for IITs and CCMT for NITs/IIITs/GFTIs. Candidates must register on both if applying to both categories.

Q2. Can a candidate participate in both COAP and CCMT counselling?

Ans. Yes, provided they are targeting programs in both IITs (via COAP) and NITs/IIITs (via CCMT), they should register on both portals separately.

Q3. How are seats allotted in CCMT and how many rounds are there?

Ans. CCMT holds three regular rounds and two special rounds, followed by possible spot rounds for remaining vacancies. Allotment is based on GATE score, merit, and preferences. Each round allows options like Float, Slide, Freeze, or Surrender.

Q4. What happens if a candidate doesn’t “lock” their choices?

Ans. If a candidate forgets to lock, the last saved choices are auto-locked at the deadline. It is, however, best practice to manually review and lock choices before submission.

Q5. What are the key documents required during GATE counselling?

Ans. Generally there are certain key documents which are required at the time of counselling. Some of them include: GATE scorecard, Degree/mark sheets, Valid ID proof, Passport-size photos, Category/PwD certificate (if applicable). Institutes may specify further requirements in the call letter.