How to get into Top IITs with GATE scorecard: We all know reputation and prestige GATE exam holds. Every year, thousands of applicants appear for exam just with one purpose, and that is either to get into top IITs or NITs or PSU jobs. In this article, we will discuss how you can convert your GATE scores with right strategy to get into top IITs for admission. From GATE marks, to cutoff, to counselling tips, you can all information here.
Also Read:
Why one should aim for IITs through GATE scores?
Admission to IITs through GATE scores increases your chances to access the following -
| World-class education and research facilities |
High-placement packages and opportunities |
| Alumni network |
Strong and collaborative research work |
- Tips and Hacks to get into Top IITs using your GATE scores
- GATE 2025 Cutoff (Branch-Wise) OUT
- Go through the last five year's GATE cutoff trends
- GATE COAP 2026 Counselling Dates
- How to get into Top IITs with GATE scorecard: Register at COAP Portal
- How to get into Top IITs using GATE Scores: Tips to Research Smartly
Tips and Hacks to get into Top IITs using your GATE scores
First and foremost, check your eligibility
- To apply for IITs through GATE, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with good academic scores
- A valid GATE score of 750+ (if you are targetting top branches like CSE or ECE)
Understand GATE Score vs Rank vs Marks
- The GATE marks is the raw marks evaluated out of 100
- GATE score is normalised out of 1000, which is used for admissions
- GATE rank is the AIR in the respective branch paper.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
No doubt, 2000 rank is a decent rank in JEE Advanced exam. Candidates securing this much of rank will surely get selection at IIT Hyderabad. However, for top courses like CSE and AI, they need to secure lesser than that. As per IIT Hyderabad JEE Advanced cutoff 2024, the required rank stood between 656 and 9551, wherein, the most sought-after course was BTech in CSE. Candidates can check out below the courses available under 2000 rank at IIT Hyderabad for the General AI quota:
| Course | 2024 |
|---|---|
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering | 2105 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 4469 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 5757 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 7898 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Science | 3835 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 4932 |
| B.Tech. in Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering | 8197 |
| B.Tech. in Biomedical Engineering | 8493 |
| B.Tech. in Industrial Chemistry | 9551 |
| B.Tech. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics | 8524 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering (IC Design and Technology) | 2147 |
EWS AI category students need to attain a rank of at least 20 according to the IIT Bombay CSE cutoff for 2026. EWS AI female students need a rank of at least 127 to be considered qualified for admission. Students should know that final seat allocation is based on various factors, like the total number of available seats, the number of applications, etc.
IIT Kharagpur offers BTech and Integrated BTech courses based on JEE Advanced scores. Based on candidates' scores, the institute released the IIT Kharagpur cutoff 2024 for various categories belonging to the All India quota. As per the last-round, the JEE Advanced cutoff for BTech in Computer Science and Engineering programme stood at 415 for the General AI category candidates. To check category-wise cutoffs, candidates can check out the table below:
| All India Categories | 2024 |
|---|---|
| General | 415 |
| OBC | 209 |
| SC | 137 |
| ST | 67 |
| PWD | 22 |
| EWS | 67 |
No, JEE exams are not mandatory for BSc admissions at IIT Madras. Candidates who wish to take admissions into the BSc course at IIT Madras must appear for IISER entrance examination. The admissions into IIT Madras BSc courses are decided on merit basis where, the scores obtained by candidates in the IISER entrance exam are taken into account to decide the admissions.
GATE 2025 Cutoff (Branch-Wise) OUT
| Paper Code | Test Paper | No. Candidates Registered | No. Candidates Appeared | Cut-off (GEN) |
Cut-off (OBC-NCL/EWS) |
Cut-off (SC/ST/PwD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE | Aerospace Engineering | 7576 | 6009 | 28.9 | 26 | 19.2 |
| AG | Agricultural Engineering | 3095 | 2624 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| AR | Architecture and Planning | 10898 | 8501 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| BM | Biomedical Engineering | 2682 | 2165 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
| BT | Biotechnology | 24927 | 20048 | 28 | 25.2 | 18.6 |
| CE | Civil Engineering | 101596 | 79951 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
| CH | Chemical Engineering | 18009 | 14843 | 27.7 | 24.9 | 18.4 |
| CS | Computer Science and Information Technology | 207851 | 170825 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
| CY | Chemistry | 33058 | 25698 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| DA | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 75854 | 57054 | 29 | 26.1 | 19.3 |
| EC | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 97394 | 81475 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| EE | Electrical Engineering | 83355 | 67701 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| ES | Environmental Science and Engineering | 9073 | 6631 | 26.1 | 23.4 | 17.4 |
| EY | Ecology and Evolution | 3509 | 2713 | 39.5 | 35.5 | 26.3 |
| GE | Geomatics Engineering | 3616 | 2726 | 25.7 | 23.1 | 17.1 |
| GG1 | Geology and Geophysics (Geology) | 6837 | 5352 | 38.4 | 34.5 | 25.5 |
| GG2 | Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics) | 917 | 684 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| IN | Instrumentation Engineering | 14680 | 11935 | 25.6 | 23 | 17 |
| MA | Mathematics | 16953 | 13171 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 79830 | 62015 | 35.8 | 32.2 | 23.8 |
| MN | Mining Engineering | 8881 | 7438 | 30.6 | 27.5 | 20.4 |
| MT | Metallurgical Engineering | 4420 | 3571 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| NM | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 538 | 395 | 25.1 | 22.5 | 16.7 |
| PE | Petroleum Engineering | 1731 | 1320 | 31.1 | 27.9 | 20.7 |
| PH | Physics | 24747 | 19225 | 26.8 | 24.1 | 17.8 |
| PI | Production and Industrial Engineering | 4791 | 3547 | 35.6 | 32 | 23.7 |
| ST | Statistics | 3063 | 1967 | 30.2 | 27.1 | 20.1 |
| TF | Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | 2355 | 1889 | 34.7 | 31.2 | 23.1 |
| XE | Engineering Sciences | 14937 | 11156 | 35.4 | 31.8 | 23.5 |
| XH-C1 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics) | 4161 | 2973 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XH-C2 | Humanities and Social Sciences (English) | 5665 | 4132 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XH-C3 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Linguistics) | 378 | 297 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XH-C4 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Philosophy) | 702 | 531 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XH-C5 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Psychology) | 5709 | 4125 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XH-C6 | Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociology) | 2147 | 1546 | 40 | 36 | 26.6 |
| XL | Life Sciences | 50084 | 41086 | 31.3 | 28.1 | 20.8 |
| TOTAL | 936019 | 747319 |
Go through the last five year's GATE cutoff trends
Go through the last year's cutoff trends (5 years) to see what GATE scores allow branches (based on their category). Candidates can check an approx data of the cutoff scores accepted every year.
| Reputable IITs |
Branch |
GATE score (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Madras |
ME |
700+ |
| IIT Delhi |
EE |
720+ |
| IIT Kanpur |
EC |
730+ |
| IIT Bombay |
CS |
750+ |
Candidates must note that every IIT has different GATE cutoff criteria and admission selection processes. Also, GATE cutoff marks vary yearly depending on exam difficulty, seat availability, and number of applicants who appeared and qualified. Therefore, it is essential to go through instructions and guidelines carefully.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
IIT Hyderabad released its first round of cutoff list for admission to the B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence for various All India Quota categories. For the General AI category, the IIT Hyderabad Artificial Intelligence cutoff 2026 was 906.
Among all categories, PWD AI had the toughest competition for this branch. Students can refer to the table below to know the IIT Hyderabad JEE Advanced cutoff 2026 for other categories.
| Category | IIT Hyderabad JEE Advanced cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
| General | 906 |
| OBC | 368 |
| SC | 212 |
| ST | 92 |
| EWS | 122 |
| PWD | 49 |
Yes, the entry in most M.Tech programs at the IIT Hyderabad requires a valid score in GATE. But the institute can give exceptions of candidates not selected in GATE but can be eligible based on special categories such as sponsored seats or working professionals in the internal evaluation process.
Find below the seats that are offered for the PhD course at IIT Ropar:
| Courses | Seats |
|---|---|
| PhD in Mechanical Engineering | 20 |
The IIT Goa BTech cutoff 2026 was released for the first rounds for various All India categories. For the General AI category, the round 1 cutoff ranged from 6448 to 12299. As per this range, B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering was the toughest couse for admission.
Students can refer to the table below to know the round 1 category-wise closing cutoff range.
| Category | IIT Goa BTech cutoff 2026 | Most Competitive Course |
|---|---|---|
| General | 12299 | BTech CSE |
| OBC | 4785 | |
| SC | 2567 | |
| ST | 1187 | |
| EWS | 1769 |
Explore colleges based on GATE
GATE COAP 2026 Counselling Dates
| Round No | Time window for candidates to view offers and take a decision |
Accept & Freeze | Retain & Wait | Reject & Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | May 17 (10:00 AM) to May 20 (09:00 AM) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Round 2 | May 23 (10:00 AM) to May 26 (09:00 AM) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Round 3 | May 29 (10:00 AM) to June 02 (09:00 AM) | Yes | Yes/No | Yes |
| Round 4 | June 05 (10:00 AM) to June 08 (09:00 AM) | Yes | Yes/No | Yes |
| Round 5 | June 11 (10:00 AM) to June 14 (09:00 AM) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Round 6 | June 17 (10:00 AM) to June 20 (09:00 AM) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Round 7 | June 23 (10:00 AM) to June 26 (09:00 AM) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Round 8 | June 29 (10:00 AM) to July 01 (09:00 AM) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Round 9 | July 04 (10:00 AM) to July 06 (09:00 AM) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Round 10 | July 09 (10:00 AM) to July 10 (06:00 PM) | Yes | No | Yes |
How to get into Top IITs with GATE scorecard: Register at COAP Portal
COAP portal is used for admissions to IITs through GATE scores. This year, IISc Bangalore conducted the COAP counselling 2025. Registrations began from May 17 onwards. The steps to register can be checked below
- First candidate has to visit the official website and register themselves to generate a COAP ID.
- Enter their GATE and scorecard details and once the counselling process starts, the applicants have to fill out the choices
- Lock within the deadlines.
Note: COAP does not make offers; it is a platform through which you can view and accept offers from participating institutes.
Students can also apply individually
Each IIT open the registration window separately. Candidates have to visit the IIT they want to apply for and register themselves by uploading the GATE scorecard and other documents and details. The results will be updated on COAP portal.
Prepare for GDs and Personal Interviews
Apart from GATE scores, some IITs do conduct Technical interviews, departmental written test, etc.
Have a Backup Plan with NITs and IIITs
Incase, you don't land in your dream IIT, then do have a backup plan. Make a list of NITs and IIITs you wish to get admission. Plan in advance. For NITs and IIITs, counselling will be conducted by CCMT.
Also Read:
How to get into Top IITs using GATE Scores: Tips to Research Smartly
Here are some tips that candidates can follow to secure a seat in their dream college -
- Keep a list of IITs, IIITs, NITs, and other institutions beforehand.
- Go through their last five year's cutoff scores (of your specific branch)
- Check their ROI and placement records
- Check their department-based research work.

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Student Forum
Answered 2 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 a week 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 a week 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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