MTech Exams other than GATE: Dates, Admission Process, and Eligibility
MTech exams other than GATE: Looking for other MTech exam options other than GATE 2026? There are several institute and state-level MTech engineering entrance exams, such as TS PGECET, AP PGECET, BITS HD, etc., that are conducted yearly. The difficulty level and competition is low compared to GATE, and can be highly beneficial for students with low score in GATE 2026. Read below to know more.
MTech exams other than GATE: We are all aware of the popularity and competitiveness that Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering exam holds in India. The entrance test holds reputation in India as well as abroad for higher and research studies. So, in short, due high demand, number of test takers and high cutoff rank, not everyone is able to bag a seat in their desired college through GATE.
In addition, PSU recruitment through GATE, has low student to seat ratio.
Now, real question lies: what happens to candidates who were not able to secure a seat in GATE counselling? Do they have any alternate options? So to clear the confusion, here are a list of alternate MTech exam options that you can take other than GATE. The benefits might not be as broad as GATE, but with the right mindset and dedication these state- level MTech entrance exams might make your dreams come true.
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MTech Entrance Exams other than GATE
Aspirants who want to pursue MTech can check alternative PG entrance exams other than GATE below-
TS PGECET
Telangana Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test is a state-level engineering exam that offers admissions to ME, MTech, MPharm, MArch programmes. JNTU, Hyderabad is the conducting body. Admissions usually start in March, followed by an entrance test, and counselling rounds depending on seat availability. Qualified students are offered admissions to MTech colleges in Telangana. Candidates can check TS PGECET registration and exam timeline below -
- Online Registrations - February 27 to May 6 (without late fees)
- Exam dates - June third week (conducted on multiple dates) in Hyderabad and Warangal. As per the latest update, the TS PGECET exam dates have been announced and will be conducted from May 28 to 31, 2026
Best Colleges Accepting TS PGECET Scores in Telangana - JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad, Anurag University, GRIET Hyderabad, and Vardhman College of Engineering.
AP PGECET
Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Common Entrance Test is yet another state-level entrance exam conducted by Andhra Pradesh University on behalf of APSCHE. The exam offers admission to MTech and MPharm. Selection process includes registration, followed by appearing in test and counselling. Qualified students are offered seats in MTech colleges of Andhra Pradesh. AP PGECET admisision and registration date can be checked below
- Online Registrations - Feb 6 to March 16 (without late fee)
- Exam dates - The authorities have announced Andhra Pradesh PGECET exam date. The entrance test will be conducted on April 28 to 30.
Best colleges that accept AP PGECET scores for admission - JNTU Kakinada, KL College of Engineering, KL University, and Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology
CEETA PG
Common Engineering Entrance Test and Admissions is a state-level entrance test conducted by Anna University to offer admissions to ME, MTech, MArch, MPlan, etc at University Departments at Anna University, Chennai, Annamalai University, and Government and Government Aided Engineering Colleges. Candidates can check CEETA PG admission timeline below -
- Registrations - January/February
- Exam dates - March third week
OJEE MTech
OJEE MTech or OJEE is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the OJEE Cell (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board- OJEEB). Admission is done annually to offer MTech programmes in various private and state colleges in Odisha.
- Online Registrations - January
- Exam dates - May first week (conducted on multiple dates)
Institute Level MTech Entrance Examinations
Several institutes also conduct entrance examinations for MTech admissions. Check below
| MTech entrance test other than GATE |
Conducting Body |
Admission Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Vellore Institute of Technology |
Online registrations - OPEN Exam dates - April 28 and May 3, 2026 |
|
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
Online registrations -ongoing Exam dates - Phase 1 exam date (March 14) |
|
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science |
Online registrations - Feb 19 - April 20 Exam dates - May 25 and 26 |
|
| International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad |
Online registrations - February 20 to March 31 Exam dates - May 2, 2026 (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm) |
MTech Exams Other than GATE Eligibility
| MTech exams |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Karnataka PGECET |
BE or BTech degree from a recognised institute with a minimum of 50% marks |
| TS PGECET |
Nationality must be Indian, Must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum qualifying mark of 50%, Only for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh residents |
| AP PGECET |
Must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university, Minimum age should be 21 years |
| OJEE MTech |
Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks in qualifying exam |
| CEETA PG |
Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks in qualifying exam |
| SRMJEEE PG |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 60% marks in qualifying exam |
| IIITH PGEE |
Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks in qualifying exam |
| BITS HD |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 60% marks in qualifying exam |
Candidates willing to register for above exams must be aware of their application form release dates, along with registration fees and pattern.
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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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