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GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026 – Qualification Marks & Criteria

GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026 – Qualification Marks & Criteria

#GATE
Team Careers360Updated on 14 Oct 2025, 11:46 AM IST

GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026: IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. According to the notification, the GATE exam 2026 eligibility percentile not specified on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE exam eligibility percentage on this page. As per the GATE 2026, there is no mention of any specific exam eligibility percentage for the GATE exam. Therefore, to apply and appear in the Graduate Aptitude Test, no minimum or maximum GATE 2026 exam percentage requirement is currently specified. Further, the basic eligibility for candidates to appear is that they should've completed or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree for the GATE exam.

GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026 – Qualification Marks & Criteria
GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026 – Qualification Marks & Criteria

GATE Exam eligibility percentage 2026 refers to the minimum score candidates must achieve to participate in the exam, as well as the rank they need to secure for admission to institutes and colleges. The GATE exam eligibility percentage for 2026 for admission will vary as per the course candidates want to apply for and the institute they want to apply to. Aspirants must go through the eligibility criteria and percentage before beginning the GATE 2026 registration. Students will find detailed information in the following article.

GATE Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026

For the GATE exam 2026, candidates must make sure that they fulfill the following eligibility requirements as per the exam’s organization. The conducting body has released the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria along with the information brochure. As per IIT Guwahati, there is no specific percentage or CGPA criteria to appear for the GATE exam. Furthermore, candidates must make sure that they have a bachelor’s degree or are in their final year in any field to be eligible for the GATE exam 2026.

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There are a few institutes and PSUs that set a specific percentage or CGPA that students must secure in their bachelor’s degree to get admission to their offered programs. To get into a postgraduate degree offered by IITs, NITs, IIITs, and PSUs, candidates typically need to secure a minimum of 60 percent in their three-year degree and 55% for SC/ST.

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Eligibility Percentage for GATE 2026: Admission

GATE admission percentile indicates a candidate's performance in the exam compared to other participants. If a candidate scores in the 90th percentile, it means they scored higher than 90% of the candidates who appeared for that particular GATE paper. Generally, a GATE percentile of 90 or above is considered good for admission to top IITs and NITs, as well as for securing PSU jobs. However, the specific percentile needed can vary based on the engineering discipline and the competition within that field.

Calculation of GATE Score for All Test Papers

For papers with only one session, candidates' actual scores will be used to calculate their GATE 2026 Score. For multi-session papers, scores will be normalized based on the raw marks, and then the GATE 2025 Score will be calculated using these normalized marks.

The GATE score will be calculated using the following formula:

  • GATE score = Sq + (St-Sq) x M-Mq/Mt-Mq

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Further, the Gate exam eligibility percentage 2026 for special categories is calculated using the following formula:

  • Cut-off for OBC-NCL/EWS categories = (9/10) x GENERAL cut-off

  • Cut-off for SC/ST/PwD categories = (2/3) x GENERAL cut-off

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GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

The GATE eligibility criteria determine who qualifies to participate in the exam. Therefore, applicants are advised to go through the eligibility criteria before proceeding to the application process. Further, IIT Guwahati has notified the complete list of documents required for GATE 2026 registration. Tabulated below is the detailed information on GATE 2025 eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2026 (General)

Criteria


Nationality

  • Indian nationality candidates will be eligible


  • Candidates from other countries 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 have 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 on the GATE attempt limit

Aspirants need to follow the GATE photo and signature guidelines while registering for GATE 2026. They are advised to prepare the documents required for GATE 2026 beforehand to avoid last-minute confusion.

GATE Eligibility Criteria for 2026: Course-wise

GATE is a national-level examination that offers admission to Master's in Technology (MTech) degree and direct PhD admissions to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other institutes/universities across India. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field are eligible to apply for the exam. Find below a detailed list of degrees along with their qualifications.

GATE 2026 Degree Wise Eligibility Criteria

Degree Name

Qualifying Degree/Examination

Description of Eligible Candidates

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)

Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed

B.Arch

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

Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed

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

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

Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed

Pharm. D. (after 10+2)

6-year degree program, consisting of internship or residency training, during the third year onwards

Currently in the 3rd/4th/5th/6th year or have already completed

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

Degree holders of M.B.B.S./ B.D.S./ B.V.Sc. and those who are in the 5th/6th/7th semester or higher semester of such programme

5th/6th/7th higher semester or already completed

M.Sc./ M.A./ M.C.A. or equivalent

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

Currently in the first year or higher, or already completed

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

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

Currently in the 1st/ 2 and/3rd/4th year or have already completed

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)

Currently in the 3rd / 4th/5th year or have already completed

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

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

Currently in the 3rd year or have already completed

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

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

Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed

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

B.E./ B.Tech./ B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognised 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 equivalent of such professional courses

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry)

4-year program

Currently in the 3rd/4th year or have already completed

Students should be aware that institutes accepting GATE have specific eligibility criteria that must be met in addition to the general GATE eligibility requirements. In summary, simply qualifying for the GATE exam does not guarantee admission.IIT Guwahati

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the minimum criteria for the GATE exam?
A:

The minimum criteria for the GATE exam are completion of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.

Q: Who is eligible for the GATE 2026 exam?
A:

Candidates who have completed 10+2+2 or 10+3+1 & are in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate course are eligible for the GATE 2026 exam.

Q: Does GATE have a 75 percent criterion?
A:

No, as per the GATE eligibility criteria there is no requirement for 75% criteria for admission. Candidates must secure at least 60% for admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs.

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Have a question related to GATE ?
Gate exam for DA subject. Give the sample papers

Hello,

Here is a link for the sample papers for GATE Exam with DA subjects. Tap on the link given below to open it:

https://engineering.careers360.com/user/update-profile?destination=https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-da-data-science-and-artificial-intelligence-question-papers

Thankyou.

Read Complete Answer
K
Kamakshi
19 Dec'25
i didnt do my corrections in gate 2026 please tell me what to do i have to change my surname

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 helpline and explain your issue with valid proof like your Aadhaar or school documents. They sometimes allow corrections in genuine cases, but it depends on their approval. Make sure to keep all documents ready when you contact them.

FOR REFERENCE : https://engineering. careers360.com/articles/gate-application-form-correction

THANK YOU

Read Complete Answer
S
Sachin
9 Dec'25
I am 2nd year engineering student so how study I confused . how manage time for semester and gate exam preparation both

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 weekly targets instead of daily pressure, revise class notes on the same day.

Use weekends for mock tests, previous year papers and deeper revision.

Try to limit social media, study in 40 to 50 mins focused blocks and take short breaks.

Most importantly stay consistent and give yourself patience.

With consistent timetable and steady effort you can manage both in smooth. All the best Aanchal!

Read Complete Answer
A
ABINAYA VARSHINI A D
4 Dec'25
hi sir I am BCA student but i did not pass i did have some backlog still have one I am preparing for GATE XH C6 paper i like sociology and i want study development studies i can clear before February exam 2026 my cgp is 6.9 what you think

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 that you can clear the backlog before February 2026, it should not affect your eligibility for PG admissions. Most universities require a completed bachelor’s degree with no active backlog at the time of admission.

Your CGPA of 6.9 is acceptable for many institutes, although some top institutes may have higher cutoffs. Your interest in sociology and Development Studies will be helpful because the GATE XH paper tests conceptual understanding. If you prepare consistently and score well in GATE, you can apply to reputed institutes offering Development Studies such as IITs, TISS, JNU, Azim Premji University, and others.

Focus on clearing your remaining backlog and continue your GATE preparation strongly. If you balance both, you can build a good academic profile for admission into Development Studies. All the best.


Read Complete Answer
A
Ayshwarya Mahadevan
4 Dec'25
How to change my category in gate application

Hello,

You can change your category in the GATE application by logging into the GOAPS portal during the correction window and using the "Edit GATE Application Form" option to make the change. You will likely need to pay an additional fee for the change and may need to provide a valid category certificate.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Read Complete Answer
R
Rahul Mandal
27 Nov'25
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