Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Eligibility Criteria 2026
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Eligibility Criteria
GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026
GATE 2026 eligibility is open to candidates from engineering, science, architecture, and humanities backgrounds. Candidates must have passed their undergraduate program or be in the 3rd year of it.
There is no age limit and no minimum percentage required to appear for the GATE exam. Candidates can appear for the exam any number of times.
Who Can Apply for GATE 2026
Candidates from multiple degrees are eligible for GATE. This includes B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., B.Arch, and B.Sc. programs.
- Foreign university graduates are eligible if their program is recognized and of appropriate duration, such as a 4-year UG or 2-year PG program.
- Candidates in their 3rd year or final year of an undergraduate program can apply.
- Final-year students of 3-year B.Sc., B.A., and B.Com. programs are eligible.
- Final-year students of 4-year B.Tech and B.E. programs are eligible.
- International students from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the UAE are eligible if they meet the GATE criteria.
- Foreign nationals must appear for the exam at Indian centers.
GATE Eligibility Percentage 2026
GATE has no qualifying percentage or CGPA requirement to appear for the exam. However, institutes like IITs and PSUs may require 60-65% marks for admission or recruitment.
Candidates can appear in one or two papers, based on allowed combinations.
GATE Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in the GATE exam. Candidates of any age can take the GATE multiple times.
GATE 2026 Score Validity Period
GATE scores are valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
GATE 2026 is of 100 marks total. General Aptitude carries 15 marks and each discipline carries 85 marks.
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 papers. New papers include Data Science, Humanities, and Environmental Science.
GATE Qualifying Marks 2026
There are no qualifying marks for GATE. The exam has no minimum percentage requirement for eligibility.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
GATE 2026 eligibility is open to candidates from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The exam has no minimum marks, age limit, or restriction on the number of attempts.
The table below lists the main eligibility aspects for GATE 2026.
| Eligibility Aspect | Details | Insights / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | UG/PG Degrees (Engineering, Science, Arts, Commerce, etc.) | 3rd-year or final-year students are eligible |
| Accepted Degrees | B.E./B.Tech/B.Pharm, B.Arch, B.Sc. (Research), B.S., M.Sc., M.A., MCA, Integrated M.Tech, etc. | Includes AMIE/AMIETE (recognized by MoE/AICTE/UGC) |
| Final Year Eligibility | Yes | Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree can apply |
| 3-Year Degree (B.Sc./B.A.) | Eligible for specific papers like Humanities, Environmental Sciences | Changes introduced since GATE 2022 |
| Diploma + B.Tech (Lateral Entry) | Eligible | Must be in the 3rd/final year or completed |
| Backlogs Allowed? | Yes | Must clear before admission to M.Tech/PSUs |
| Minimum Marks / CGPA | No minimum for GATE registration | Institutes/PSUs may require ≥ 60% or CGPA ≥ 6.0 |
| Age Limit | No age limit | Any age group can appear |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited | Appear as many times as eligible |
| Nationality | Indian and Foreign nationals (from select countries) | Foreign applicants must take exam in India only |
| Score Validity | 3 years | Score valid for M.Tech/PSUs from the result declaration |
| PSU Eligibility Consideration | Degree must be from a recognized university, with category-specific cut-offs | SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates may have relaxed academic cut-offs |
| Professional Degree Holders (AMIE, etc.) | Eligible if completed Section A | Must be approved by AICTE/UGC/MoE |
| Integrated Degree Programs | Eligible from the 3rd or 4th year, depending on the course structure | Includes 5-year integrated or dual-degree programs |
| Stream Flexibility | Any stream is accepted, depending on the paper choice | Even non-engineering students (such as those in Arts, Commerce, etc.) can apply for relevant GATE subjects like XH, ES, etc. |
GATE Eligibility Percentage 2026
GATE 2026 has no minimum percentage, anyone can give the exam. But for admission in M.Tech and recruitment in PSUs, most institutions need 60% (or 6.0 CGPA) for General/OBC and 55% (or 5.5 CGPA) for SC/ST/PwD students.
Top institutes like IITs might have higher cut-offs, sometimes even 75% or 7.5 CGPA, particularly for 3-year degree holders.
Hence, although GATE is accessible to all interested students, academic marks still have a bearing on final admissions and employment.
| Aspect | Requirement / Insight |
|---|---|
| Minimum percentage to appear for GATE | None required officially |
| Minimum percentage for M.Tech admission / PSU recruitment | 60% (Gen/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) (common but institute‑specific) |
| Higher academic cut-offs (e.g., IITs) | Up to 75% / 7.5 CGPA for some 3‑year degree admissions |
| CGPA equivalent thresholds | 6.0 CGPA for 60%; 5.5 CGPA for 55% |
Is there a 75 criterion for GATE?
No, there is no 75% criteria to be eligible for GATE exam, even the candidates with the backlogs or pass class in their UG program are also eligible for the GATE 2026.
The CGPA, Marks, or even class division do not matter to be eligible for the GATE exam.
Some PSUs use GATE scores and may apply their own academic cutoffs.
| PSU | % Required in UG | GATE Score Needed |
|---|---|---|
| NTPC | 65% (Gen/OBC) | Valid GATE score |
| ONGC | 60% or 65% | Valid GATE score |
| IOCL | 65% | Valid GATE score |
| BHEL | 65% | GATE score + Interview |
What is the Eligibility for the GATE 2026 course-wise?
The GATE 2026 allows the candidates from a wide range of programs to apply, including B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm., B.Arch., B.Sc., B.S., Pharm.D., M.Sc., M.A., MCA, and integrated or dual-degree programs.
Even a 3-year graduate degree holders like B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. can also apply, but only for some specific papers like XH (Humanities) and ES (Environmental Science).
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
GATE 2026 eligibility depends on the degree a candidate holds or is pursuing. The table below lists the qualifying degrees and the specific year of study required.
| Degree / Program | Eligibility Status | Eligible Year / Completion | Key Notes & Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Pharm. | Eligible | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed | Applies even if pursued post-B.Sc. or Diploma (10+2+3) |
| B.Arch. / Naval Architecture / Planning | Eligible | 3rd year or higher, or completed (depends on duration: 4/5-yr) | Example: 5-year B.Arch. students eligible from the 3rd year onward |
| B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. / B.Sc. (Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry) | Eligible | Currently in 3rd year or higher, or completed | Includes relevant Environment/Science papers (e.g. ES, CY) |
| Pharm.D. (post 10+2) | Eligible | In 3rd/4th/5th/6th year, or completed | Full 6-year structure recognized |
| M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc. | Eligible | In 5th/6th/7th or higher semester, or completed | Recognized for health-stream GATE papers |
| M.Sc. / M.A. / M.C.A. (Science / Arts / Math / Stats / CS) | Eligible | In 1st year or higher, or completed | Eligible for corresponding GATE papers (e.g. MA, PH, CY, ST) |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) | Eligible | Any year, or completed | 4-year integrated master's programs recognized |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech. / M.Pharm. / Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Eligible | In 3rd/4th/5th year, or completed | Dual-degree and longer integrated courses covered |
| Integrated M.Sc / B.S.-M.S. | Eligible | In 3rd year or higher, or completed | Recognized for interdisciplinary science programs |
| B.A. / B.Com. / B.Sc. (3-year general) | Eligible (restricted to certain papers) | In 3rd year or higher, or completed | Eligible only for Humanities & Social Sciences (XH) and Environment Science (ES) papers |
| Professional Society Exam (AMIE, AMICE, AMIETE, etc.) | Eligible | After Section A completion, recognized by MoE/AICTE/UPSC | Equivalent to BE/B.Tech eligibility if approved |
GATE 2026 Age Limit
There is no age limit for GATE 2026. The exam is open to all age groups.
Candidates can appear multiple times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. This allows candidates to improve their GATE score.
| Criteria | Details | Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | None | No minimum or maximum age restriction. GATE is open to all age groups, including working professionals and career-changers. |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited | Candidates can appear multiple times as long as they meet eligibility criteria. This is useful for improving scores. |
GATE 2026 Score Validity Period
GATE 2026 scores are valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration. Candidates can use the score for multiple admission cycles into M.Tech or research programs.
For PSU recruitment, the validity of a GATE score is usually 1 year. Most PSUs prefer the latest GATE score.
| Aspect | Details | Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Validity Duration | 3 years from the result declaration date | A score can be used for up to three consecutive admission cycles for M.Tech or research programs. |
| Validity for PSU Recruitment | Typically 1 year, depending on PSU policies | PSU recruitment often considers only the most recent GATE score. Check each PSU's rules. |
| Multiple Valid Scorecards | Possible if reattempted. Both can be used for admissions or interviews. | Candidates can choose the higher score if multiple scorecards are valid simultaneously. |
GATE Qualifying Marks 2026
The expected GATE qualifying marks for 2026 show that general category candidates will range from 25 to 42. This varies by exam difficulty and competition.
Core branches like CSE, CE, and AI/DA will have cutoffs around 29-31. ECE, EE, CY, and ES will range between 25-28. Mechanical Engineering will have a higher expected cutoff of 36-38. Papers like Ecology & Evolution and Geology are expected to have the highest cutoffs at 40+.
OBC-NCL/EWS candidates are expected to have a 10% relaxation. SC/ST/PwD candidates are expected to have a relaxation of 30%, with the cutoff between 17-21.
GATE Score vs. Branch: Expected Cutoff Ranges
The table below shows expected GATE score cutoff ranges for M.Tech admission at NITs, based on category. These are approximate ranges, not official cutoffs.
| Branch | Gen | OBC-NCL / EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSE / IT | ~29–31 | ~26–28 | ~19–21 |
| EC | ~25–28 | ~23–25 | ~17–19 |
| EE | ~25–27 | ~23–25 | ~17–19 |
| ME | ~36–38 | ~33–35 | ~24–26 |
| CE | ~29–31 | ~26–28 | ~19–21 |
| DA / AI | ~29–31 | ~26–28 | ~19–21 |
| CY | ~25–28 | ~23–25 | ~17–19 |
| ES | ~26–29 | ~23–26 | ~17–19 |
| Maths | ~25–27 | ~23–25 | ~17–19 |
| Ecology / Evo. | ~40–42 | ~36–38 | ~27–29 |
| Geomatics | ~26–28 | ~23–25 | ~17–19 |
| Geology / Geophysics | ~38–41 | ~35–37 | ~26–27 |
M.Tech Eligibility Criteria in Other Universities with GATE Scores
For all IITs and NITs, candidates must complete registration at the COAP portal, iitk.ac.in/coap2024. This is the centralized counselling process for M.Tech admission through GATE 2025 scores.
Candidates seeking M.Tech at institutes like BITS Pilani must have a minimum of 60% in the BTech curriculum.
Can Foreigners Take GATE 2025 Exam?
International students are eligible to appear for the GATE 2025 exam. They can be admitted to M.Tech and PhD courses at all IITs and IISc, subject to the criteria below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Which Countries are Eligible for GATE Exam? | Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| What is the Academic Eligibility Criteria? | Candidates must hold a BE/ B.Tech/ M.Tech degree |
| What Should be the Duration of Qualifying Degree? | The completed Bachelor’s degree must be a three-year |
| Is there Any Age Limit? | Like Indian students, no age limit is set for foreign candidates also |
What are the Criteria for GATE Two Paper Combinations?
The "Two Paper Combinations" was introduced by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru in 2024. Candidates with their pre-chosen first papers can appear for other papers as well.
The eligible second paper depends on the first paper code, as listed below.
| Code of the First Paper | Code of the Eligible Second Paper |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering (AE) |
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| Agricultural Engineering (AG) |
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| Architecture and Planning (AR) |
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| Biomedical Engineering (BM) |
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| Biotechnology (BT) |
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| Civil Engineering (CE) |
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| Chemical Engineering (CH) |
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| Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) |
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| Chemistry (CY) |
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| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
|
GATE Paper to Programme Mapping
GATE scores are accepted for admission to multiple postgraduate programmes. The table below shows which GATE papers are accepted for each programme.
| Programme | Accepted GATE Papers |
|---|---|
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) |
|
| Electrical Engineering (EE) |
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| Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) |
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| Ecology and Evolution (EY) |
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| Geomatics Engineering (GE) |
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| Geology and Geophysics (GG) |
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| Instrumentation Engineering (IN) |
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| Mathematics (MA) |
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| Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
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| Metallurgical Engineering (MT) |
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| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) |
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| Petroleum Engineering (PE) |
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| Physics (PH) |
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| Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) |
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| Statistics (ST) |
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| Engineering Sciences (XE) |
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| Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) |
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| Life Sciences (XL) |
|
NITIE Eligibility for GATE PI Paper
Students who appeared in Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) in the GATE exam can apply for NITIE programmes. The National Institute of Industrial Engineering requires a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in B.E./B.Tech courses.
For reserved categories, a relaxation of 5% of the qualifying marks is allowed. This means the required aggregate is 55% for these candidates.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Different PSUs
Job-seekers can use GATE scores to apply to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Eligibility criteria must be followed for each PSU.
PSU Recruitment Through GATE: Age and Academic Criteria
Several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) recruit candidates based on their GATE scores. Each PSU has its own age limit and academic eligibility requirements.
The table below lists the age criteria and academic qualifications for four major PSUs.
| PSU | Age Criteria | Academic Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NTPC |
|
Four-year bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology/AIME with 65% marks for General and 55% for SC/ST/PwBD. |
| IOCL |
|
General and OBC (NCL) must have a minimum of 65% aggregate marks. SC/ST and PwD candidates must have at least 55% aggregate marks. |
| PGCIL |
|
B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) with a minimum 60% or equivalent CGPA from a recognized University/Institute. |
| GAIL |
|
Bachelor's degree with minimum qualifying marks of 65% for the General category. Relaxed minimum marks for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates is 60% or 55% respectively. |
PSUs That Recruit Without a Group Discussion
Some PSUs recruit candidates with GATE scores through a personal interview (PI) only. These PSUs do not hold a group discussion round.
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Applying to PSUs After Completing a Bachelor's Degree in Five Years
Yes, candidates with a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for PSU posts with their GATE scores. It does not matter whether the degree was completed in four or five years.
PSUs consider other criteria such as age, percentage of marks obtained, and skill-based questions. If asked about the duration of the undergraduate degree, candidates must answer with confidence and explain the reason. Candidates are not disqualified based on their course completion duration.
GATE Eligibility 2026 FAQs
Is GATE only for IIT?
No, GATE is not only for IITs. While IITs are among the top institutes that accept GATE scores for M.Tech, MS, or PhD admissions, many other institutions, universities, and government organizations also use GATE scores.
Institutes that accept GATE scores:
- IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) – M.Tech, MS (Research), PhD
- IISc Bangalore – Offers top-ranked research and master's programs
- NITs (National Institutes of Technology) – Through CCMT counselling
- IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)
- State Universities & Central Universities – e.g., Jadavpur University, DTU, Anna University
- Private Institutes – BITS Pilani, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, VIT, etc.
Can I give GATE after BSC 3 years?
Yes, you can give the GATE after a 3-year BSC degree, but only for specific papers. Eligibility depends on the specific discipline and paper you choose. Candidates must have completed the degree or be in the final year of the BSC degree.
Candidates who have completed a 3-year undergraduate degree in Science, Arts, or Commerce are eligible to apply for specific GATE papers, primarily in science and interdisciplinary disciplines.
GATE Eligibility for B.Sc. Students
Yes, a candidate with a 3-year B.Sc. degree can appear for GATE. Eligibility depends on the specific discipline and the paper chosen.
Candidates who have completed the degree or are in the final year of the B.Sc. degree are eligible. Those who have completed a 3-year undergraduate degree in Science, Arts, or Commerce can apply for specific GATE papers, primarily in science and interdisciplinary disciplines.
Eligible GATE Papers Based on B.Sc. Background
| B.Sc. Background | Eligible GATE Paper(s) |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. Physics | PH (Physics), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| B.Sc. Chemistry | CY (Chemistry), XL (Life Sciences) |
| B.Sc. Mathematics | MA (Mathematics), CS (Computer Science, if you studied programming/math) |
| B.Sc. Life Sciences | XL (Biotech, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, etc.) |
| B.Sc. Computer Science | CS (Computer Science & IT) |
| B.Sc. Environmental Sci. | ES (Environmental Science), XL |
Can 12th Appearing Candidates Apply for GATE?
No, 12th appearing candidates are not eligible for GATE. The GATE exam is for postgraduation.
Students in the 3rd year or higher of their undergraduate degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc./B.Arch, etc.) are eligible. Candidates who have already completed their undergraduate degree are also eligible.
| Qualification | GATE Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 12th appearing/passed | Not eligible |
| 3rd year B.Tech/B.Sc. | Eligible |
| UG degree completed | Eligible |
Is GATE Only for IIT?
No, GATE is not only for IITs. While IITs are among the top institutes that accept GATE scores for M.Tech, MS, or PhD admissions, many other institutions, universities, and government organizations also use GATE scores.
Institutes That Accept GATE Scores
- IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) – M.Tech, MS (Research), PhD
- IISc Bangalore – Offers top-ranked research and master's programs
- NITs (National Institutes of Technology) – Through CCMT counselling
- IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)
- State Universities & Central Universities – e.g., Jadavpur University, DTU, Anna University
- Private Institutes – BITS Pilani, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, VIT, etc.