GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility: Who can Apply, Attempt, Age-Limit, and Qualification

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )

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GATE 2027 Application Form Release Date

14 Aug '26

UPASANA
UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Aug 11, 2026 16:04 IST
GATE Exam Eligibility 2027: IIT Madras have released complete details regarding GATE exam eligibility at gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Aspirants preparing for the exam must note that GATE 2027 have no age and attempt limit. In addition, candidates pursuing bachelor’s degree in third or final year along with passed out graduates can also apply. Read more

GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility: IIT Madras have released complete details regarding GATE exam eligibility at gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Aspirants preparing for the exam must note that GATE 2027 have no age and attempt limit. In addition, candidates pursuing bachelor’s degree in third or final year along with passed out graduates can also apply. Read degree-wise GATE eligibility criteria, subject paper, minimum qualifying mark for GATE exam, and more. 

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GATE Exam Eligibility: Who can apply, Attempt Limit, Age Limit, Degree Wise Criteria, Minimum Marks Needed

GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is India’s one of the most sought-after national engineering entrance exam for higher studies. Qualifying GATE opens opportunities for MTech and research admissions at IITs, NITs, IIITS, IISc, and GFTIs. Not only that qualifying GATE 2027 also offers high-salaried PSU jobs. 

Before you start your GATE 2027 preparation, understanding GATE exam eligibility criteria 2027 is important. This article clearly explains everything you need to know about eligibility, age and attempt limit, qualification for GATE exam, category-specific requirements, etc. 

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Table of contents
  • GATE Exam Eligibility 2027
  • GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Highlights
  • GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility (Degree-Wise)
  • GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility for Students Enrolled with Professional Bodies
  • Professional Societies or Institutions Exams that are Equivalent to BE/BTech
  • Does GATE Exam have a Minimum Qualifying Percentage Requirement
  • GATE Exam Eligibility Branches
  • GATE 2027 Exam Eligibilty Documents Required
  • How to Check if You are Eligible for GATE 2027?
  • Is 75% required for GATE 2027?
View More

GATE Exam Eligibility 2027

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, have released GATE 2027 eligibility criteria along with information brochure. Candidates who want to apply for GATE exam, must check the eligibility before filling the application form. It is important to go through the criteria, because GATE exam eligibility is different for each degree/course program. 

The criteria for the GATE exam include: Academic qualification for GATE, such as Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology or Science, etc. or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline for research programs. 

GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Highlights

Candidates can check a brief overview of GATE exam eligibility 2027 below:

GATE Exam Criteria

GATE eligibility criteria

Nationality

Indian and International candidates are eligible to apply for GATE 2027

Educational qualification requirement for Indian nationals for GATE exam

Candidates must have passed graduation in Engineering/Technology/Science/Arts/Humanities or a Master’s degree in any relevant discipline

Candidates in third or final year can also apply for GATE exam

Candidates who have obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India: must be currently in 3rd year or higher year or have completed bachelor’s degree (at least 3 years can also apply)

GATE exam eligibility for international candidates

Must be currently in third year or higher studies or must have completed their bachelor’s degree (of duration at least three years) in Engineering/Technology/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities can also apply

Candidates who are pursuing any higher degree or have obtained a degree higher than the acceptable degree are eligible to appear for GATE 2027

GATE Exam Age Limit

There is no age limit to appear for GATE 2027

GATE Attempt Limit

There is no attempt limit, unless to meet the above exam criteria for GATE

Important Note:

  • Candidates pursuing any higher degree or in possession of a degree higher than that mentioned are eligible for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

  • Candidates with BSc/B.com/B.A degree (three-year program) seeking admission to master’s program at IITs and IISc can also apply for GATE exam

Also read:

GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility (Degree-Wise)

Candidates must check GATE eligibility criteria according to their degree carefully before filling GATE application form 2027. Check degree-wise GATE exam eligibility below:

Degree/program

Qualification for GATE Exam

Who can apply for GATE 2027

GATE eligibility criteria for BE/BTech and BPharm

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after BSc/Diploma in Engineering/Technology

Currently in 3rd or final year or have already completed

BArch GATE Eligibility Criteria

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

Currently in 3rd or final year or have already completed

BSc (Research)/B.S 

Bachelor’s degree in science (post-diploma/4 years after 10+2

Currently in 3rd or final year or have already completed

Pharma D (after 10+2) GATE 2027 eligibility criteria

Professional medical degree programs - MBBS/BDS or BVSc

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

MBBS or BDS GATE 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Degree holders of MBBS or BDS who are in 3rd/4th/5th/6th can apply for GATE exam

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

MSc/MA/MCA

Master’s degree in any branch of arts/science/maths/statistics/computer applications or equivalent are eligible for GATE 2027 exam

Currently in first or higher or have completed their degree

Integrated ME/MTech (Post BSc)

Post BSc Integrated Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology (4-year course program)

Currently in any year

Integrated ME/MTech/MPharm or Dual Degree (after diploma or 10+2)

Integrated master’s degree program in engineering/technology (5-year program)

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

GATE eligibility criteria for BSc/BA/B.Com

Bachelor’s degree in any branch of science/arts/commerce (3-year program)

Currently in 3rd year or have completed

Int. M.Sc./Int. B.S./M.S. 

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

Currently in 3rd year or have completed

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 Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India, etc. 

Completed section “A”or equivalent to professional courses

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) 

4-year BSc Program

Currently in 3rd/4th or have already completed

GATE 2027 Exam Eligibility for Students Enrolled with Professional Bodies

Students who are enrolled with professional bodies and institutions as per MHRD OM (No. 11-15/2011-AR (TS.II)) with permanent recognition upto May 31, 2013, stand recognised. It states the following:

  • Certificates are only valid for higher education and central government jobs if the student is enrolled in the course on or before May 31, 2013

Professional Societies or Institutions Exams that are Equivalent to BE/BTech

Some professional societies and institutions that conduct exams in various fields of engineering can be checked below:

  • The Institution of Engineers (India) (IE)

  • The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

  • The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE)

  • The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) 

  • The Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, including Polymer and Environmental Group (IIChE) 

  • The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) 

  • The Indian Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIIE)

Candidates who possess certification from any such professional societies must ensure that those examinations are approved by MoE/AICTE/UGC/ UPSC as being equivalent to B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch/B.Planning, etc. 

Does GATE Exam have a Minimum Qualifying Percentage Requirement

This is the most common question asked among aspirants, whether a minimum percentage or CGPA required GATE exam or not. The GATE exam eligibility criteria 2027 itself do not impose a minimum academic score. One can sit for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering regardless of one's percentage. 

However, one must keep in mind that individual institutes such as IITs set their own minimum percentage or CGPA requirement for admission after qualifying GATE. So, ensure that you check institute specific GATE exam cutoff beforehand. 

Note:

GATE Exam Eligibility Branches

Candidates have the flexibility to choose subject based on the relevant discipline. GATE two paper combination list allows candidates to choose at least two subjects to increase their chances of qualifying.

For example, a GATE CSE student can also opt for either Data Science or new paper GATE Robotics and Automation. Candidates can opt for a secondary paper while filling GATE exam form 2027. In case, a candidate want to change their secondary paper, then they do so at the time of form correction. 

GATE 2027 Exam Eligibilty Documents Required

Along with GATE eligibility criteria, candidates need to understand the list of documents required for GATE 2027 registration. It must be noted that document uploading is mandatory as per the specifications mentioned by the authorities. Candidates must upload the GATE documents in the designated boxes only, otherwise the candidature will be cancelled. 

According to latest update by IIT Madras, candidates must update or signup for DigiLocker account before registration. They must check if their name, mobile number, email ID, ID proof details are correct. Apart from that, candidates need to upload the following documents in GATE 2027 application form:

  • Scanned Photograph and Signature in JPG or JPEG

  • Valid ID proof in PDF format

  • Category or PwD or Dyslexic certificate (if applicable)

Reserved category candidates while submitting their documents must note that-

  • The category certificate must be issued by authorised officials

  • The same document must be submitted at the time of GATE counselling and admission to allocated institute

Also read: How to upload photo and signature in GATE 2027 exam form

GATE 2027 Documents Update on OBC and EWS Candidates

OBC-NCL and EWS candidates are not required to submit/upload any category certificate while filling the online application form. 

How to Check if You are Eligible for GATE 2027?

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to know if you meet the GATE eligibility criteria 2027 -

  • Understand your academic qualification (if you are in 3rd/4th or final year) align with above GATE 2027 eligibility branch-wise

  • Verify if your institution or degree is recognised by MoE, AICTE UGC or UPSC

  • If you are an international applicant, confirm country and check relevant GATE exam eligibility

  • Keep all documents ready before filling GATE exam form at GOAPS

Also read:

Is 75% required for GATE 2027?

There is no minimum qualifying percentage or CGPA required to appear for GATE paper. However, at the time of MTech admission to IITs and NITs, a minimum of 60% or 6.0 CGPA is needed. Also, some premiere IITs, such as IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur might prefer a minimum of 75% or above in Bachelor’s degree.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can CSE students apply for GATE Robotics and Automation paper?
A: 

Yes, CSE students can also apply for GATE Robotics and Automation paper. They can either take it as a primary or secondary paper.

Q:   Who is eligible for GATE Robotics and Automation paper?
A: 

Candidates with following engineering background are eligible for GATE Robotics and Automation Engineering paper:

  • GATE Computer Science and Engineering

  • GATE Data Science

  • GATE Electrical Engineering

  • GATE Mechanical Engineering

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the cutoff score in GATE?
A: 

The cutoff score in GATE is the minimum mark required to qualify for the exam. The conducting body releases the qualifying cutoff along with result. It determines, whether a candidate is eligible to participate in the counselling round or not. 

The cutoff score in GATE varies every year (category-wise), depending on the number of students registered, difficulty level of the question paper, and previous year's trends. The GATE cutoff score are mainly of two types - admission and qualifying cutoff.

Q:   Can commerce students apply for GATE exam?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What is the highest GATE cutoff score for NIT M.Tech admission?
A: 

The highest GATE cutoff score for NIT M.Tech admission typically ranges from 800 to 850 in the first round. Some of the top NITs include NIT Surathkal, NIT Trichy, and NIT Warangal, accept admissions with GATE score 800 above for branches like EC, CS, ME, and EE.

Qualified candidates have to register at the CCMT portal to participate in the GATE counselling. The counselling process will begin in June/July.

Q:   Is GATE rank valid for three years?
A: 

Yes, GATE rank is valid for three years. However, some PSUs might not accept previous year's GATE scorecard. Therefore, it is better to go through guidelines and official notification before applying. If a candidate has more than two GATE scorecard, then they must use the one with best score and rank. 

GATE 2026 scorecard will be made available for free download from March 27 to May 31. Later from June 1 to December 31, the scorecard can be downloaded by paying a fee of INR 500. The GATE scorecard 2026 will remain valid till 2029.

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   My score is 550/1000 in Mechanical Engineering. How much rank will I get in GATE?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What is the rank for 40 marks in GATE?
A: 

40 marks in GATE will approximately give a rank between 2000 to 5000 depending on the paper difficulty level and the number of registered candidates in that particular branch.  Obtaining 40 marks is mainly considered average, opening chances to a few new IITs (less popular branches) and NITs.

However, rank for 40 marks in the Graduate Aptitude in Engineering can give a different rank value for different branches and disciplines. For example, 40 marks in GATE CSE can correspond to 9000 to 10000 rank. On the other hand, 40 marks in GATE ME, can correspond to 6000 - 7100 rank. 

Advice to students who secured 40 marks in GATE exam: Better to apply in some state-level colleges or new NITs. 

Q:   How much GATE score is required for M.Tech at IIT?
A: 

A GATE score of 700 to 800 is mainly required for M.Tech admission at IIT (especially for top IITs). However, the score also depends on the IIT popularity, branch popularity, and other factors. For new IITs, a GATE score of 500 to 600 is mainly required. 

It is advised to check the past year's GATE cutoff trends before opting for counselling and admission. 

Q:   What is the expected GATE cutoff marks?
A: 

IIT Guwahati has released GATE 2026 cutoff mark on its official page. Candidates who have appeared exam, can check qualifying marks now. The GATE passing mark differs for each branch paper.

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will IIT Guwahati release GATE 2026 cutoff?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What is the GATE cutoff for CSE?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What was the last year GATE CCMT Round 1 cutoff for National Institute of Technology Delhi CSE?
A: 

The GATE CCMT cutoff for CSE (round 1) at NIT Delhi can be checked below -

  • Minimum GATE score - 668
  • Maximum GATE score - 741
Q:   Can I apply for CCMT offline?
A: 

No. Candidate can apply online only for CCMT. The candiadtes must visit the official website to apply for the counselling during the dates specified. Offline submission of CCMT application form is not allowed by the authority. Candidates must create a registration ID to access the CCMT result portal.

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About the Author
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UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial

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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Answered 2 days 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

Shiksha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days 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

Piyush Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days ago

No, the GATE form correction facility 2027 will remain open from October 14, 2026 to October 21, 2026.

S

Shiksha Gaurav

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, candidates can change their name during the form correction process. However, they must upload a name change document in PDF format with a file size between 10 to 600 kb.

S

Sumridhi Sinha

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days ago

No, GATE exam registration is not free for girls. Female applicants will have to pay half of the registration fee. The GATE exam fee for female applicants is INR 1000 (regular timeline) and INR 1500 (during extended timeline).

H

Himanshi Choudhury

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 days ago

Candidates can apply for GATE 2027 exam starting from August 14, 2026 onwards. The application form last date is September 21, 2026 with regular fees and September 30, 2026 with extended fees.

A

Abhay Choudhury

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

GATE scholarships do not automatically cover the full annual M.Tech fees, but they provide a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 (amounting to INR 2,97,600 over two years), which closely offsets a major portion of the baseline Category 1 tuition fees.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No, M.Tech admission at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering is based on the marks obtained by the candidates in a university-level entrance test. Seats are allocated through the counselling conducted by VTU (the affiliating university). However, GATE-qualified candidates are given first preferenc

...Read more

H

Himanshi Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates with following engineering background are eligible for GATE Robotics and Automation Engineering paper:

  • GATE Computer Science and Engineering

  • GATE Data Science

  • GATE Electrical Engineering

  • GATE Mechanical Engineering

T

Taru Shukla

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 weeks ago

The GATE "Robotics and Automation" (RA) question paper will have a total of 100 marks. 

  • General Aptitude: 15 marks

  • Subject Questions: 85 marks

The marking scheme and time duration remain the same. GATE "RA" paper structure can be checked below:

  • Part "A" is common, which carries 60 marks. It is compulsor

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Uniyal

Contributor-Level 8