Students’ Speak: A low GATE score is not the end of the road
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
By: Yash Singhal
If you want to drop a year for the exam, I only advise you to do so only if you are confident enough that you can crack the gate exam with a good score.
Cracking GATE exam is always a dream for almost all the engineering students who want to make a successful career in their respective field. But it is not all who prepares for this exam get the expected results. But what to do if the percentile is low or below expectation?
First, don’t get disappointed after seeing the result as it is not the end of your life. It only a single exam that can’t define your ability or talent. Accept the result and look for the alternative, what else can be achieved at this score. Search as many fields that accept GATE score and will be suitable for your dream career. There will be certainly some companies or colleges that will accept your low score as well, but the only problem that you can get is the environment. But no matter prepare once more if you want or else explore more things that you can do after joining the organisation.
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If you want to drop a year for the exam, I only advise you to do so only if you are confident enough that you can crack the gate exam with a good score. Otherwise, I won’t suggest you drop a year for the same. What if you drop and are unable to crack it again? It will be more difficult to move on. Additionally, looking at the current economic scenario, a drop year can bring down your chances of being employed at a good organisation.
If you have scored great marks but still are unable to make it to your dream PSU, don’t get disappointed as there are several interview calls from other such organisations.
There are several opportunities even after this exam, you can apply for the IES exam and will be able to get a government job or you can apply for the other organisation’s field-specific departments. For instance, an electronics engineer can apply for BHEL engineers recruitment and other departmental opportunities. If you have cracked the exam, you will be given preference in the private job interviews, too. Additionally from this exam, you can get into any field-specific course and from there into different ministries. Do the best whatever you can and you will certainly get success in other exams.
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About the Author:
Yash Singhal is a student of NIET, Aurangabad pursuing his BTech in ESE. Singhal writes articles as a mentor and has been in the field of guiding and counselling students to get into the right stream by smart work instead of hard work.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7