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

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

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GATE Age Limit 2026— Aspirants can check the GATE 2026 age limit in this article. IIT Guwahati has not specified any age limit to appear for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Candidates 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 theGATE 2026 exam. The GATE 2026 registration form was available till October 13, 2025. The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for 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 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 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 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 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,

No,For Mtech you are not eligible to give GATE examination in 2nd year diploma and after completing your diploma degree

Only bachelor's degree holders can give GATE examination

Thank you

Hello

If you're in 2nd year right now, you can’t register for GATE 2026 just yet.
The exam is only open to students in the 3rd year or beyond in their degree.
It’s mainly because the GATE tests subjects that are usually taught later in your course.
But don’t worry, you are in a great position to start preparing early!
Focus on your basics, practice problem-solving, and build strong concepts now.
By the time you reach 3rd year, you’ll be well ahead of the game.

Hello,

If your GATE 2026 application shows "under scrutiny," continue to monitor your applicant portal and registered email for updates, as this is a routine process where officials verify your details.  An "under scrutiny" status does not mean your application is rejected; you may be notified of discrepancies and given a chance to correct them during the application correction window, which opens later. Keep your application details accurate and prepare for the exam while waiting for the correction window to open.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

In the GATE application form , you should enter your name exactly as it appears in your official ID proof , even if the order is different.

For example:

  • If your ID proof shows Surname + First Name , enter it in the same way in the form.

  • Do not change the order to First Name + Surname.

This is important because your GATE admit card and scorecard will match your ID proof.

Keep it exactly the same to avoid any issues later.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, you as a Bachelor of Science graduate in home science can appear for the GATE 2026 exam, as the eligibility criteria include graduates from "Science" and other fields, as well as those in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate program.

I hope it will clear your query!!