Can a B.Sc. student give the GATE Exam 2026? - Know Rules and Eligibility Criteria

Can a B.Sc. student give the GATE Exam 2026? - Know Rules and Eligibility Criteria

Team Careers360Updated on 24 Nov 2025, 10:16 AM IST

Can a B.Sc. student give the GATE Exam 2026? - Yes, a B.Sc. student can appear for the GATE exam 2026. They just have to meet the specific requirements set by the conducting body. To be eligible for the GATE 2026, candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in B.E./B. Tech, M.Sc., B.Arch, B.Sc., and others. GATE does not have any minimum marks to be held, but candidates are advised to score between 60-65% to get admission into top colleges like IITs, NITs, and others. GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. Read more about the Can a Bsc student give GATE exam 2026 below.

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Can a B.Sc. student give the GATE Exam 2026? - Know Rules and Eligibility Criteria
Can a B.Sc. student give the GATE Exam

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national-level examination in India conducted by IIT Guwahati for admissions in postgraduate engineering and science programmes. In this article, Careers360 discusses the GATE 2026 eligibility, dates, qualifying marks, and others.

GATE Exam Eligibility for B.Sc. Students

Either a B.Sc. student or any degree holder should check the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam. Candidates in their 3rd year or 4th year can also apply for the GATE. Below is a detailed description for the GATE eligibility criteria:

GATE Qualifying Requirements 2026

Degree

Qualifying Requirements

B.E./B.Tech./B. Pharm.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma in Engineering/Technology)

B. Arch.

Bachelor’s degree of Architecture (5-year course)/Naval Architecture (4-year course)/Planning (4-year course)

B.Sc. (Research)/B.S.

Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2)

Pharm. D. (after 10+2)

A Professional Pharmacy doctoral program of 6 years duration after 10+2 which includes 1 year of internship or residency

M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc.

Professional Medical degree programs - M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc.

M.Sc./M.A./MCA or equivalent

Master’s degree in any branch of Arts/Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent

Int. M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.)

Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering/Technology (4-year program)

Int. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2)

Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering/Technology (5-year program)

B.Sc./B.A./B.Com.

Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Commerce (3-year program)

Int. M.Sc./Int. B.S./M.S.

Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S. - M.S. program

Professional Society* Examinations (equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch.)

B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE (e.g. AMIE by the Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India and so on)

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry)

4-year program

Benefits of Taking the GATE Exam for B.Sc. Students

B.Sc. graduates can take the GATE exam to get admission into PhD and M.Sc. courses. The GATE 2026 allows B.Sc. students to get admission into top colleges like IITs, IISc, and NITs. Some B.Sc. students holding an integrated degree (in technology) are also eligible for M.Tech courses. A good score in GATE can also help students to get jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Overall, a B.Sc. students can either take admission into courses like PhD, M.Sc., and M.Tech. or can take a government job in the PSUs from the GATE exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many attempts are allowed for GATE?
A:

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for GATE.

Q: Is there any age limit for B.Sc students appearing for GATE 2026?
A:

No, there is no age limit to appear for the GATE Exam.

Q: Can a B.Sc. students appear for the GATE Exam 2026?
A:

Yes, B.Sc students in their 3rd year or higher, or those who have completed their B.Sc degree, are eligible to appear for GATE 2026.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can access the question papers along with the answer key on the careers360 website. Careers360 also provides students with preparation tips that will help them in preparing and the mock test and analyse their in-depth performance.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/last-15-years-gate-papers-solutions

Thank you.

Hello aspirant,

If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or

Hi Aanchal,

Balancing Engineering semester exams with competitive exam preparation can feel confusing but with right and realistic routine makes it very achievable.

Start by dividing your day into two parts: use college hours and afternoons for semester prep and keep early mornings or late evenings for GATE prep.

Make

If you are interested in Development Studies and planning to appear for GATE XH C6 (Sociology), then you are already moving in the right direction. Having a backlog does not disqualify you from pursuing higher studies, as long as you clear it before the admission process begins. Since you mentioned