GATE 2026 Preparation: Here's what aspirants are targeting, IIT and NIT admission tops the Shiksha Poll
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )
GATE 2027 Application Form Release Date
27 Aug '26
What motivates aspirants to crack the GATE exam 2026: A recent Shiksha poll with 993 votes reveals students motivation to crack GATE exam. Read below to know more.
Recently, Shiksha conducted a poll on "What motivates you most to crack GATE 2026" and with 993 votes, majority of aspirants have opted for IITs and NITs. Let's get deeper to understand, what does number say about aspirants goals.
Quick update:
- IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026.
- The GATE 2026 application form fees are revised for all categories. For more details, visit the GATE 2026 admission and exam details.
- A new sectional paper, Energy Science (XE-I), is introduced under Engineering Sciences. The
- GATE 2026 examination was held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts.
Admission to Top IITs and NITs through GATE 2026
For decades, IITs and NITs have been a top priority for engineering students. With 45% votes, it clearly shows its consistency among GATE aspirants for MTech and research.
⭐Why they shine so bright: An IIT/NIT admission through GATE more than a degree. Students who enter these institutes get high-package placements, research opportunties and more.
A Dream PSU Job with 42% Votes
42% of aspirants have said their motivation is securing a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) job through GATE. PSUs like ONGC, SAIL, GAIL, NTPC, and AAI have great job security, salaries, and additional perks and benefits. In addition, they offer better work and personal space with financial stability.
The close percentage difference between IIT/NIT admission and PSU jobs shows how equally popular both career routes have become among GATE aspirants.
Financial Stability
While only 13% of students selected financial stability as their top motivation, this number cannot be overlooked. For many aspirants, cracking GATE is a means to a secure and comfortable life. Both MTech admissions and PSU jobs are in a way offer rewarding career, but some aspirants prefer GATE as a mode of lifting their family's financial condition, making it personal
Also read:
Commonly asked questions
Indian Institute of Technology released GATE cutoff 2026. The IITG GATE 2026 result has been declared. The conducting body releases the exam result and cutoff for all 30 subjects. The cutoff for GATE 2026 is available category-wise. Candidates securing the minimum cutoff will be eligible to participate in counselling.
Note: The minimum qualifying cutoff is different for all subjects.
GATE 2026 CSE cutoff (category-wise) can be checked here -
General | OBC-NCL EWS | SC/ST and PwD |
30 | 27 | 20 |
The cutoff is the minimum mark that is required for all candidates to qualify for the exam. IIT Guwahati announced GATE result 2026 on March 19.
The GATE CCMT cutoff for CSE (round 1) at NIT Delhi can be checked below -
- Minimum GATE score - 668
- Maximum GATE score - 741
A GATE score of 550 in mechanical engineering will fetch you a rank range of 1500 - 3000. Students with this GATE score range can opt for M.Tech at NIT Calicut, NIT Trichy, etc.
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
31 Mar '27
21 Aug '26 - 27 Aug '26
What the Shiksha Poll Reveals About GATE 2026 Aspirants
Thus, the poll highlights that -
- IIT and PSU remains neck to neck competition
- Apsirants are more career and tech focused now.
The GATE exam continues to be a gateway to multiple opportunities, whether it is pursuing advanced education at IITs and NITs, landing a dream PSU job, or achieving financial stability.
The Shiksha poll for GATE 2026 reveals a clear picture: most aspirants are motivated by academic and career goals, with financial security as a strong underlying factor.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
If additional amount is deducted while filling GATE exam form 2027, then extra amount will be refunded within 15 to 20 days.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
No, GATE conducting body allows candidates to attempt for two subjects only. Candidates can select one primary and secondary paper based on their relevant degree during GATE registration.
H
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 days ago
GATE 2027 is a computer-based national test administered by IIT Madras. Candidates must be currently enrolled in atleast 3rd year or have completed a bachelor's degree in engineering, Science or technology. The exam duration is of 3 hours and covers 100 marks. It has no age limit.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
IIT Bombay M.Tech cutoff 2026 was 600 for the M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering course for the General AI category. Hence, students need to secure a score of at least 600 if they want admission at IIT Bombay. To know the minimum score required by other categories for the same course, check the lsit b
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
IIT Bombay COAP cutoff 2026 for the General AI category ranged from 325 to 650 in the first round. As per this range, General AI category need to score at least 325 to be considered eligible for admission. Refer to the list below to know the round 1 cutoff range for other categories under the All In
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
SC AI students have to score at least 217 if they want admission at IIT Bombay. The higher the score, the better chances of admission. Those who want admission to more popular courses will have to score higher, ie, for M.Tech CSE course, a score of at least 400 is needed.
See below to know which cou
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
GATE scorecard is valid for three years, starting from the result declaration date. Candidates who have qualified GATE exam can download their scorecard and use it for admission to IITs/NITs/IIITs/GFTIs or PSU recruitment.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
NIT Nagaland CCMT cutoff 2026 has been released till Round 6 for admission to the M.Tech course and its various specialisations. For the General AI category, admission to the M.Tech CSE course was possible with a score of 377. The higher the score, the better the chance of admission.
Students can che
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can check their GATE 2027 exam city allotment (where their exam centre is located) by logging at GOAPS. Based on city allocated they can plan their travel arrangements.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
IIT Madras will announce GATE 2027 exam city allotment list on January 4, 2027. Candidates who have registered can check using their enrolment ID and password.
P
Contributor-Level 8
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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