GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - IIT Guwahati will publish the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria on the official website. The eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 will be released for different degrees. The conditions cover details on nationality, age limit and academic qualification, among others. Those who have completed 10+2+2 or 10+3+1 & are in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate course are eligible for GATE 2026 exam. Aspirants must go through the eligibility before applying for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. Also Check: GATE 2026 registration
GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Who can Apply, Age Limit, Qualification
GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria along with the information brochure. Interested candidates must go through the eligibility conditions before starting the GATE application form process. It’s important to note that eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 are different for the type of graduation degree. The eligibility criteria includes academic qualifications like a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology or a Master’s degree in a relevant science field. GATE is a national-level engineering postgraduate entrance exam for engineering postgraduate programs. Below is the detailed eligibility criteria for GATE, based on the previous year's notification.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria (General)
Criteria
Eligibility
Nationality
Indian nationality candidates will be eligible
Candidates from other than India will also be eligible
Qualification for the GATE exam
Candidates must have passed graduation in engineering/technology or a Master’s degree in any relevant science subject.
Candidates in the pre-final or final year of their qualifying degree are also eligible to appear for GATE 2026
Candidates who have obtained/are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India: Must be currently in the 3rd or higher years or completed their Bachelor’s degree (duration: at least 3 years) in Engineering / Technology / Science / Arts / Commerce.
GATE Age Limit
There is no age limit for GATE 2026
GATE attempt limit
There is no restriction in the GATE attempt limit
Note:
Candidates pursuing any higher degree or in possession of a degree higher than that mentioned in the table below will be allowed to appear for GATE 2026.
Candidates with B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. degrees (3-year program) desirous of seeking admission to Masters programs in IITs and IISc.
VIT Bhopal University | M.Tech Admissions 2025
M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now
Candidates should be aware of the GATE 2026 exam eligibility criteria before filling out the forms. Check the degree-wise eligibility criteria of GATE from the table given below.
Bachelor degree in any branch of Science / Arts / Commerce (3-year program)
Currently in the 3rd year or already completed
2026
Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S. / M.S.
Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.-M.S. program
Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed
2027
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)
Completed Section A or the equivalent of such professional courses
Enrolled Upto 31st May 2013*
B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry)
4-years B.Sc program
Currently in the 3rd/4th year or already completed
2026
Professional Societies Conducting Examination Equivalent to B.E./B.Tech
Some of these Professional Societies/Institutions, which conduct examinations in various fields of engineering, are as follows:
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
The Institution of Engineers (India) (IE)
The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE)
The Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, including the Polymer and Environmental Group (IIChemE)
The Indian Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM)
GMAT™ Exam
Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
What if a candidate is pursuing a qualifying degree from another country?
There may be cases where candidates have obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India. In such cases, the given GATE eligibility criteria will be followed:
Candidates must be currently in the 3rd or higher years or must have completed their Bachelor’s degree (of at least three years duration) in Engineering/ Technology/ Science/ Architecture/ Humanities.
Note: If a candidate is pursuing any higher degree or has already obtained a degree higher than that mentioned in Table 1, the candidate should select the minimum required qualifying degree while filling out the application form of GATE 2026.
Candidates applying for the GATE entrance exam have to upload certain documents to support the GATE exam eligibility criteria 2026. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 certificates have to be uploaded while filling out the application form. Mentioned below are some important points related to eligibility documents to be uploaded by candidates:
Candidates who will complete the mentioned qualifying examinations in 2026 or earlier, will be required to submit the degree certificate/provisional degree certificate/course completion certificate/membership certificate as issued by the designated authorities.
If a candidate is expected to meet the GATE eligibility criteria in 2026 or later, then he/she has to upload their Provisional Certificate Letter (as issued by the Head of the Institute/Dean/Registrar/Head of Department) or a copy of the marks card for Section A of AMIE, etc.
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category candidates will be required to upload a PwD certificate issued by a recognized authority. Candidates who have at least 40% impairment irrespective of the kind of disability will only be provided a concession in the application fee. Candidates will also be required to submit the certificate at the allotted institute at the time of admission.
Candidates with backlogs (failed subjects) in any of the subjects in their qualifying examination will have to upload a copy of any of the mark sheets of the final year issued from the institute where he/she will pursue their qualifying examination. It has to be noted that the internet-downloaded mark sheet will not be accepted under any circumstances.
SC/ST category candidates have to upload a valid document proof to avail of a concession in the application fee. Certificates issued by authorized officials will only be considered for concession.
Dyslexic candidates are required to submit a certificate stating the same issued by authorities to get the services of a scribe.
Note: The GATE 2026 eligibility certificate, as applicable, will need to be uploaded only while filling out the online application form and not to be sent by post.
GATE qualified candidates will be offered admission in M.Tech courses at different IITs, NITs, IIITs, and some CFTIs. There will be no counselling process conducted by IIT Roorkee along with GATE. Instead, candidates have to apply separately for different counselling processes. For admission to M.Tech courses in IITs, candidates must complete GATE 2026 registration through COAP which is carried out separately. Candidates seeking admissions in NITs, IIITs, and some CFTIs, will have to apply through Centralized Counselling for M.Tech 2026 (CCMT).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.How many GATE papers can a candidate apply for?
Candidates will be able to apply for one or two GATE papers that is appropriate for the discipline of the undergraduate engineering course they are appearing for.
2.Is there any age limit for applying for GATE 2026?
As per last year's notification, there is no age limit to appear for the GATE exam 2026.
3.Is there any eligibility criteria regarding the nationality of a candidate?
Candidates from India as well as other countries, can apply for GATE 2026.
4.Have passed my final year of engineering in 2026 but I have not got my degree, am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to appear for GATE 2026 if you have passed your B.Tech in 2026. Candidates who have not received their degree can upload their final year marksheet.
5.Who is eligible for GATE 2026?
Applicants with a BE, B.Tech, B.Sc., or a bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline, or those in the final year or semester of their course, are eligible for GATE 2026.
Numerous coaching centers and online websites provide GATE study material, lectures, and test series in Hindi.
There are GATE books, YouTube channels, and apps that provide explanations in Hindi.
But the GATE exam question paper comes only in English (except for Humanities and Social Sciences, which has a possible Hindi option).
Therefore, though you can read and comprehend concepts in Hindi, you need to feel at ease reading and answering questions in English during the actual test.
In short:
You can certainly prepare for GATE in Hindi, but the final test would be in English (for the majority of papers), so practice reading technical words in English as well.
If you're aiming for
M.E./M.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
through GATE, you'll need to appear for the
GATE EE (Electrical Engineering)
paper. The syllabus covers a broad range of topics like:
Engineering Mathematics
– Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Complex Numbers, etc.
Electric Circuits
– Network theorems, Transient & Steady State Analysis, etc.
Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) Baroda offers 18 seats for the M.E. in Structural Engineering. The exact number of seats filled via GATE admissions can vary yearly. For accurate data, contact the university or check their official website.
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
A career in the aviation industry always sounds exciting. But, there is no scope for the slightest error as it may cost the lives of many people. A Flight Engineer role comes with the responsibility of monitoring the aircraft engine and control systems while in flight. Whenever the aircraft is away from the home station, he or she is required to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.
Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
