With the launch of a facial recognition-based identity verification system for GATE 2026, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) has advanced into the era of biometric-enabled test security. The GATE Office at IIT Madras has introduced this as a trial project for applicants whose exam locations fall under the IIT Madras zone, marking one of the first major uses of facial identification technology in India’s large‑scale competitive examinations.

  • Students have begun receiving an official email regarding facial recognition for the GATE 2026 exam.
  • The email originates directly from the GATE Office at IIT Madras, sent from an official iitm.ac.in domain, confirming its legitimacy.
  • GATE will use facial recognition technology to validate candidate identity at the examination centre.
  • The collected facial data will be used by IIT Madras only for GATE 2026 purposes and will not be utilised for any other reason or shared with third parties.

The GATE 2026 email contains a unique link for face registration. Candidates will be guided through a simple process to provide their facial data.

IIT Start Facial Recognition Registration in GATE

Source: GeeksforGeeks GATE Youtube Video

GATE 2026 Latest Updates:

IIT Start Facial Recognition Registration in GATE: Register by 3rd February

IIT Start Facial Recognition Registration in GATE Deadline

Deadline for Registration
Candidates are urged to finish this registration before the deadline specified in the mail (for GATE 2026, this was about 30 January 2026) in order to prevent any last‑minute complications on the exam day.

However, due to high demand for accessing the server, students have faced a delay in facial registration. Therefore, IIT Madras has extended the last date to complete GATE 2026 facial recognition till Feb 3 (Today).

IIT Start Facial Recognition Registration in GATE Deadline

Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in/

What is the purpose of the introduction of facial recognition in GATE 2026?

The main aim of this process is to enhance the verification of candidate identities and reduce the chances of using fake IDs or identities at the examination centre. The exam centre administrators can easily confirm that the candidate is the same one who had registered for GATE by capturing their facial information in advance.

Check the Video by GATE Wallah to understand the process of registration

Who is required to register for GATE 2026?

This facial‑registration process is not universal; it is currently limited to candidates whose exam city or centre lies within the IIT Madras zone.

Registration Required Registration Not required
Candidates in the IIT Madras zone have received an official email from the GATE Office (sent from an iitm.ac.in domain) containing a unique facial‑registration link. Candidates appearing under other IIT zones (such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Roorkee) have not been asked to complete this step and can ignore any unsolicited facial‑recognition links.

Ques: What is the new requirement introduced for GATE 2026?

Ans. The IIT Madras zone has introduced a new mandatory facial recognition requirement for GATE 2026 candidates to validate their identity.

Ques: Which candidates need to complete the facial registration process?

Ans. Only candidates whose exam centre is located within the IIT Madras zone are required to complete this facial recognition registration. It is a pilot study specific to this zone.

How does facial authentication work?

The process is meant to be easy and fast; with a smartphone, it usually takes two minutes.

A guide to complete the facial registration

  • To register, open the official IIT Madras email and click the unique face registration link.
  • Enter your mobile number, then use the OTP that has been sent to it to confirm it.
  • Take three clear images of your face with the camera on your phone, following the system's instructions.
  • After confirming submission, the system saves your facial information for use only on exam day.

Also Check:

What will happen if you don’t register it?

  • If you don’t register, it may result in some problem or delay during the biometric verification process at the exam centre, as it is linked to identity verification.
  • What candidates ought to do at this stage
  • Check if your exam centre is within the IIT Madras region by logging into the GATE website.
  • Check your email and click on the face registration link if it is from an official IIT Madras GATE email address.
  • Warning: Don’t click on any link that looks suspicious.

To prevent any technical or networking problems before the exam, the facial registration process should be completed before the deadline.

The aim of the facial recognition project by IIT Madras is to ensure that the GATE exam is more secure and free from fraud while still being comfortable for use by thousands of engineering hopefuls across the country.

Privacy, Security, and Future Scenarios

According to the official statement, the facial data collected will only be used for GATE 2026 and will not be given to any third party for other purposes.

The authorities may consider using the facial recognition registration process for other IIT regions in GATE 2027 and later if the pilot project is successful.

Also Read: Gate News

FAQs

Ques. What happens if I don't register my face?

Ans. There may be some issues or delays in the biometric process at the exam centre, as it is necessary for identity verification.

Ques. How do I check if I'm in the IIT Madras zone?

Ans. Log in to the official GATE website and verify your exam centre's zone.

Ques. Is the email link safe to click?

Ans. Yes, only if it's from an official IIT Madras GATE email address. Skip any suspicious or forwarded links.

Ques. When should I complete registration?

Ans. Do it well before the deadline to avoid network issues or technical glitches.

Ques. Why is IIT Madras doing this?

Ans. To make GATE more fair, fraud-proof, and user-friendly for every engineering aspirant across the country using smart tech.