GATE Age Limit 2026 Category Wise for Exam, PSU - Latest Updates

GATE Age Limit 2026 Category Wise for Exam, PSU - Latest Updates

Team Careers360Updated on 27 Nov 2025, 05:56 PM IST

GATE Age Limit 2026— Aspirants can check the GATE 2026 age limit on this page. IIT Guwahati has not specified any age limit for appearing in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Candidates only need only to fulfil the GATE eligibility criteria to apply. However, participating institutes and PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, etc may have a maximum age limit for applying through the GATE exam. Students of any age who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology or a Master’s degree in a relevant science field can take the GATE 2026 exam. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. GATE 2026 Age Limit
  2. GATE 2026 Age Limit for PSUs
  3. GATE Age Limit for PhD
GATE Age Limit 2026 Category Wise for Exam, PSU - Latest Updates
GATE Age Limit for Exam, PSU

The official GATE authority, IIT Guwahati, has not specified any GATE exam age limitation for its candidates. Candidates giving the exam can use GATE college predictors to find their expected colleges and courses. Read the complete article to know more about the age limit for GATE 2026 for different categories and subjects. Generally, candidates under the reservation category get more age relaxation than those in the general category.

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GATE 2026 Age Limit

The GATE exam age limit 2026 for various categories is specified here. Read the article to know more about the age limit for GATE 2026 for different categories and subjects.

GATE 2026 Age Limit for Various Categories

The GATE 2026 age limit for different reservation categories is the same. IIT Guwahati has not specified any maximum age to apply for the GATE 2026 exam. The basic qualification that candidates need to fulfil is that they have a qualifying degree.

GATE 2026 Age Limit for PSUs

While there is no age limit for the GATE exam, candidates applying for PSUs have an age limit. Typically, the GATE exam age limit for PSU is set according to the caste categories of the students. For instance, the GATE PSU age limit for OBC and other reserved categories is lower than the General category students. The age limit for PSUs differs according to the reservation category and the PSU. The common age limit for the PSUs for General category is 21 to 27 years. The GATE 2026 age limit for OBC is usually 3 years lower than that of the general category upper limit. The GATE maximum age for students is around 28-30 years, whereas, relaxations are available for OBC, SC/ST, and PwD categories. However, different educational institutions and organisations also may have age relaxation policies for OBC candidates.

GATE Age Limit for PhD

Candidates seeking admission into PhD programs through GATE should know that there is no GATE exam age limit for PhD. However, the eligibility for PhD admission can vary depending on the specific institution. Many institutions also offer age relaxations for OBC and SC/ST candidates. Hence, candidates are advised to check the official website of the desired institute for the GATE 2026 age limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I take the GATE exam at the age of 25?
A:

Yes, aspirants can take the GATE exam at the age of 25. As per the official notification, applicants from any age group can apply for the GATE 2026. 

Q: Is there any reservation for OBC in GATE?
A:

Yes, there is an OBC reservation in GATE 2026. Candidates who successfully provide an OBC certificate will get 10% relaxation on the General Qualifying Score at each stage of the selection process. 

Q: Can I join PSU after 30 years?
A:

The maximum age requirement varies depending on the organisation. The average GATE age limit 2026 for students is around 28-30 years. However, some PSUs have different age limits. For instance, the GATE age limit for General category is 33 years. Hence, candidates must refer to the official website for detailed age limit information.

Q: Is there any age limit for applying for GATE 2026?
A:

No, there is no age limit to appear for the GATE exam 2026.

Q: What is the age limit for ONGC GATE?
A:

According to the official ONGC Recruitment 2024, the GATE upper age limit for ONGC is between 28 years to 30 years. GATE age limit for OBC is between 30-33 years and approximately 35 years for SC/ST candidates. 

Q: What is the age limit for OBC through GATE in NTPC?
A:

The age limit for OBC through GATE in NTPC is 30 years. The average age limit for General students is 27 years. However, a relaxation of 3 years is allowed for OBC candidates. 

Q: Is GATE valid for lifetime?
A:

No, GATE is not valid for a lifetime. GATE exam scores are only valid for three years. Students can use their GATE scorecard for up to three years to get admission to top engineering colleges. 

Q: How many attempts for GATE?
A:

GATE has no restrictions on the number of attempts. Candidates can apply for as many attempts as they wish. 

Q: Can I write GATE after 30 years?
A:

Yes, candidates can apply for GATE after 30 years. GATE has no maximum age limit. Therefore, students can write the exam at any age.

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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 also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time effectively in preparartion.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-metallurgical-question-papers

Thank you

Hello,

Yes, you can get admission in M.Tech CSE without GATE .

  1. Through university entrance exams
    Many universities conduct their own M.Tech entrance exams. You have to qualify the test and sometimes attend an interview.

  2. Through JET for M.Tech
    JET (JAIN Entrance Test) is conducted by Jain University.
    It is

Hii

No  you cannot get admission to IIT for M Tech if your B Tech is not completed at the time of admission, even if you clear the GATE cutoff but Yes, you can appear for GATE 2028 in your 3rd year of B Tech even if your degree is

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.