Candidates are kept hanging as the official portal of the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) 2022 is not working at the moment. while the official website gate.iitkgp.ac.in is functioning properly, problem arises when candidates click on the “Apply Online” option. After loading for a few minutes, it displays the message “503 Service Unavailable”. Coincidentally, today, September 24, 2021, is the last date to register for the GATE 2022 examination without bearing any late fee charges. However, as the website is not working, there is a high possibility of the registration deadline getting extended. Here’s all a candidate needs to know.
What is 503 Service Unavailable and why is it seen on the GATE 2022 website?
This error message comes up when a website is not working or the server is down. There are umpteen number of reasons behind the improper functioning of the website. However, in case of GATE 2022, the possible reasons for server down can be – 1. Too much traffic and 2. Website under maintenance.

Both are justifiable reasons. What’s odd is that today is the last date to register for the exam. Several candidates have been trying incessantly to access their application form but to no avail. So, they will have to bear the extra expenses if the application deadline is not extended.
What’s the future possibility in terms of GATE 2022 application process?
This unnecessary expenditure may lead to a brawl between the candidates and the GATE 2022 authorities. Hence, there is a high possibility that the registration deadline without late fee charges may get extended for at least 1-2 days. While this chaos ensues, candidates are advised to visit the official website frequently for any important announcements or updates in this regard.
Interestingly, a similar situation happened in 2019 when the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi was given the responsibility of conducting GATE 2020. The last date to register for the exam without any late fee charges was September 24, 2019. However, the website stopped working on September 11, 2019, itself. Subsequently, authorities extended the registration deadline by two days i.e., till September 26, 2019. However, no changes were introduced in the remaining schedule.
A similar circumstance in the past is a clear indication that the GATE 2022 registration deadline is likely to increase to September 26, 2021. Candidates might get an extra day or two to fill and submit their applications. If this happens, they are advised to use this extra time wisely and fill the application with utmost patience and concentration before submitting it.