Can Commerce Students Apply for GATE 2026: Eligibility, Age Limit, Paper, Books, & Scope
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26
Can commerce students apply for GATE: If you are from a commerce background and wondering "Can I appear for GATE exam?" you are not alone. Every year, lakhs of applicants register for GATE to try their luck for higher studies, research or PSU jobs. But confusion lie, does GATE accept commerce students?. Read article to know more about eligibility, career oppotunities, etc.
Can Commerce Students appear for GATE exam? If you are from commerce background and searching for questions, then you've landed on right page. Here in this article, we have mentioned complete details what students need to know about GATE commerce eligibility.
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GATE 2026 registrations are now closed. GATE 2026 correction window is also closed. Branch-wise exam dates have been released. Candidates with a commerce background can check their eligibility below. GATE 2026 exam dates are scheduled on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts.
No, applicants cannot opt for any paper from the combination list. Candidates can only select from the options provided by the GATE authorities in the GATE 2026 paper combination list. For example, a CS student has the free will to choose from the following set of exam papers: DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST.
You can apply for two GATE papers (maximum). While filling out the GATE application form, you need to select the primary and secondary paper. The GATE secondary paper must be from the subject list prescribed by the GATE authorities. Before adding the paper, go through the subject combination list and GATE paper codes.
Candidates opting for two GATE papers will have to pay double the fees mentioned -
For example,
- If a general category candidate is applying for two GATE papers, then he/she has to pay a fee of INR 4000 (during the regular timeline) and INR 5000 (during the extended period).
- The same applies to the female, SC, ST, and PwD category candidates, INR 2000 (during the regular time period) and INR 3000 (during the extended period).
Before we start understanding GATE 2026 commerce eligibility, let's get to know what exactly GATE exam is and what benefits you can get after qualifying.
Also Check: GATE 2026 Admit Card Release Date Live Updates
Let's get into the GATE Exam in Brief:
Here's a quick information regarding GATE exam, for applicants to understand GATE path and what career opportunities it holds -
- GATE is conducted by IITs and IISc Bangalore every year on rotational basis.
- Exam mode is online for three hours and is conducted for 30 test papers.
- Entrance test offer admission to postgraduate and research-based programmes. Also GATE score allows candidates to apply for PSU jobs.
- To stay financially independent, GATE offers a scholarship of INR 12400 per month to MTech and INR 37000 for first two years and INR 42000 from 3rd to 5th year for PhD candidates.
| This year, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is conducting GATE exam. The GATE 2026 exam dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15. |
- Can Commerce Students Apply for GATE?
- GATE 2026 Exam Pattern of XH
- Top GATE Subjects for Non-Engineering Backgrounds
- Benefits after Qualifying GATE
- Common Myths about GATE Commerce Applicants
- GATE Preparation Tips for Commerce Background Students
- Recommended Books for Commerce Students Applying for GATE 2026
Can Commerce Students Apply for GATE?
Yes, commerce students can apply for GATE 2026. However, it is important is know criteria, such as educational qualification, age limit, eligible disciplines, etc. Check below -
- Students who are third or final year from commerce can apply
- Must be AICTE-approved
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Age Limit
There is no age limit to attempt GATE exam. Candidates appearing must check all instructions and details on website and GATE information brochure. Eligible non-engineering streams are commerce, arts and humanities.
Can Commerce students apply for GATE: Eligible Paper for Aspirants
For commerce aspirants, the GATE authorities have introduced a paper - Humanities (XH) with Economics as an optional section. GATE XH-C1 syllabus 2026 can be checked below -
| Section/Paper | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| XH-B1 Reasoning and Comprehension (compulsory for all XH candidates) | Reading comprehension, Expression, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning |
| XH-C1 - Economics (Microeconomics) | Theory of Consumer Behaviour, including the cardinal approach and ordinal approach | The theory of revealed preference, uniqueness and stability of market equilibrium and efficiency criteria. |
| Macroeconomics | National Income Accounting, including closed economy concepts and measurement and open economy issues, etc. |
| Statistics, Econometrics, and Mathematical Economics | Probability theory, including concepts of probability, probability distributions, etc. |
| International Economics | Theories of International Trade Imperfect Competition in International Trade, etc. |
| Public Economics | Asymmetric Information, Public Goods, Public Revenue, Progressive and Non-Progressive Taxation, Public expenditure, Environment as a Public Good, Market Failure and Coase Theorem, Cost-Benefit Analysis |
| Development Economics | Theories of Economic Development, Concepts and Measurement Issues, Models of Economic Growth: Harrod-Domar, Solow, Ramsey Technical Progress, etc. |
| Indian Economy | Economic Growth in India: Pattern and Structure, Rural and Urban Development, Public-Private Partnerships, Tax Reforms - Goods and Services Tax, India's Balance of Payments, India's Exchange Rate Policy, etc |
| DOWLOAD GATE 2026 XH SYLLABUS | |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern of XH
Candidates appearing for exam must go through GATE 2026 exam pattern. Check marking scheme and pattern below -
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total marks of GATE question paper | 100 marks |
| Sections included | General aptitude (15 marks) + Subject marks (85 marks) |
| Negative Marking included | 1/3 mark for 1-mark questions, 2/3 mark for 2-mark questions |
| Types of questions asked | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
Also read:
The eligible GATE 2026 two-paper combinations for XE, XH, and XL are as follows -
| GATE paper code | Eligible two paper combinations |
| XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, and PI |
| XH | ST |
| XL | BT, CY, and EY |
Qualifying mark of GATE exam usually varies every year depending on certain factors. Candidates can refer to expected cutoff based on last year's trends
- General - 25 to 32
- OBC - 22 to 28
- SC/ST/PwD - 17 to 25
- GATE Most Underrated Branches that can lead to high-paying careers: salary, scope and more
- Will GATE 2026 be tougher than GATE 2025? Here's what experts say
Top GATE Subjects for Non-Engineering Backgrounds
If you want to appear for GATE, here are subjects that commerce-background students can opt for -
- Statistics (ST): Great for those with accounting or mathematics background.
- Economics (XH-C2): Perfect for commerce graduates with economics specialization.
- Mathematics (MA): For those who love numbers.
Benefits after Qualifying GATE
After qualifying GATE, here's what you can do -
- MTech or M.E admissions at IITs, NITs, and IISc
- PSU recruitment
- Study abroad admissions
- Research and fellowships -
- Opportunities in DRDO, BARC, and other research bodies.
Common Myths about GATE Commerce Applicants
Myth 1 - GATE exam is only for engineers
The reality is GATE is eligible for any candidates from following disciplines apart from engineering- (technology/science/architecture/commerce/arts or humanities)
Myth 2 - PSUs do not hire commerce background students
The reality is there are some PSUs that accept GATE qualified commerce applicants for jobs
GATE Preparation Tips for Commerce Background Students
Find GATE preparation tips for the upcoming 2026 GATE exam, if you're from the Commerce background.
- Work on Quantitative Aptitude Skillset: Focus on statistics, algebra, etc.
- Go through the syllabus carefully: Check the GATE syllabus to know what topics to prepare.
- Practice Mock Tests Regularly: Mock tests give a structure of the topics to help with the paper's difficulty level.
- Try building skills around your discipline: Commerce background students can have the best careers as data analysts and market researchers.
Recommended Books for Commerce Students Applying for GATE 2026
Here are some books that aspirants can refer to preparing for GATE 2026 examination -
| Section | Recommended GATE books for Commerce Students |
|---|---|
| Core Economics | Microeconomics from HL Ahuja, Macroeconomics by Mankiw, Indian Economy by Uma Kapila, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, and Managerial Economics by Peterson and Lewis |
| Accounting and Finance | Financial Accounting by S.N. Maheshwari, Financial Accounting by RL Gupta, and M Radhaswamy, Financial Management by I.M. Pandey, Financial Management by Prasanna Chandra |
| Reasoning and Comprehension | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal and General Aptitude by GKP publications |
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 23 hours ago
Chandigarh University does not reserve admission seats exclusively for GATE Exam 2026-qualified candidates. Admission to M.E. programs is open to all eligible students, regardless of whether they have appeared for GATE. However, when it comes to GATE fellowship benefits, the university allocates fel
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 23 hours ago
Yes, the GATE Exam 2026 fellowship is available for the entire duration of the M.E. program, provided the student continues to meet all fellowship conditions. The M.E programme typically spans two academic years, and the fellowship can be continued across semesters. However, continuation of the fell
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
The GATE Exam 2026 fellowship at Chandigarh University is primarily merit-based, with the GATE score being the most important factor. However, it is not the only criterion. Eligible candidates must also qualify through an interview process, where their teaching aptitude and subject understanding are
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
Yes, you can apply to Chandigarh University before GATE Exam 2026 results are deaclared.The university allows candidates to initiate the admission process based on their acdemic eligibility.Students who are confident about qualifying GATE can submit their applications early and provide the GATE scor
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered Yesterday
At Chandigarh University, the GATE Exam 2026 score is used primarily for scholarship and fellowship purposes, not for admission priority. Admission to M.E. programs is based on eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and minimum marks, rather than GATE ranking. Students with or wi
Z
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Yes, if a student does not have a GATE exam 2026 score, chandigarh university provides an alternative admission pathway CUCET (Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test). CUCET allows non GATE candidates to demonstrate their academic aptitude and become eligble for admission as well as certain scho
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
No, there is no upper age limit for GATE Exam 2026-qualified candidates applying for M.E. programs at Chandigarh University. The university follows an inclusive admission policy that focuses on academic eligibility rather than age criteria. As long as a candidate meets the required educational quali
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
Students awarded GATE exam 2026 fellowship at Chandigarh University are required to take teaching assistantship duties as a mandatory condition for receiving and continuing fellowship. These responsibilities generally include assisting faculty with tutorials, lab sessions, evaluations and other acad
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Chandigarh University does not declare a fixed minimum GATE Exam 2026 score for Electrical Engineering or Electronics and Communication Engineering branches. However, higher GATE scores are generally preferred for fellowship allocation, especially due to limited availability. For competitive branche
Beginner-Level 2
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Yes, Chandigarh University allows PG engineering admission without GATE Exam 2026, and CUCET can be used as an optional pathway for scholarships, not as a replacement entrance exam. Admission is primarily granted after checking graduation eligibility. If you choose to appear for CUCET, it may help y
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Beginner-Level 4
Yes, candidates having qualifying degree in B.Com can apply for GATE exam to get admission to the master's programmes in IITs and IISc. Candidates must go through the GATE information brochure carefully before applying. Also, students in 3rd year or final year in commerce are also eligible for GATE.