Why GATE Data Science and AI Is Emerging as the New-Age CSE: The Next Big Career Path
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
In recent years, the GATE exam has expanded beyond the traditional engineering disciplines. From a total of 10 to 12 papers to 30 engineering papers, the GATE has developed so much. Out of 30 papers, GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, introduced in 2024, is gaining popularity. Let's know how and why GATE DA is becoming the next big thing after CS in this article. So, what driving interest? Let’s get into it in detail, capturing the minds of thousands of aspirants, especially those with a CS background.
In the competitive world of AI and technnology, computer science and engineering have held the crown for a very long time, making it one of the most popular branches in engineering field. However, for the past two years, a new contender has been emerging rapidly, and that is none other than GATE DA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence). Check to know about GATE DA syllabus, careers and scope below.
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What is GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GATE DA)?
GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GATE DA) is a specialised paper introduced in the GATE exam to assess candidates' understanding of core concepts in data science, machine learning, and AI. The GATE paper was launched in 2024. It is designed for egraduates who have strong foundations in programming, statistics, mathematics, etc. It combines topics like linear algebra, probability, algorithms, and deep learning creating a path for future-ready tech roles.
GATE 2026 DA Syllabus
Many PSUs accept the GATE score for recruitment. Here are some top PSUs that accept GATE scores for jobs -
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
- Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Most of the PSUs accept the current GATE scorecard for recruitment. Therefore, it is important to stay updated with the recruitment notifications.
For the General AI quota, the IIT Madras CSE cutoff 2025 stood at 171 in the first round. Till the last round, the cutoff remained the same, indicating all seats got filled after the first round of the JEE Advanced cutoff. For IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, the CSE cutoff ranks were closed at 126 and 66, respectively, for the same category. So, considering the cutoff ranks, the IIT Madras cutoff for CSE was comparatively less competitive for admission among the Engineering aspirants as compared to that of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
With a lesser syllabus bandwidth, unique career opportunities and high ROI, career scope in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, GATE DA will gain immense popularity in the next 5 years.
GATE 2026 DA Syllabus: Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, Calculus and Optimisation, Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management and Warehousing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. The programme is curated to upskill in tech-driven industry.
Why has Data Science been included in the GATE by IITs?
The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper has been included by the IITs for several reasons -
Rising Demand for Data Science Professionals
- With industry-wise digital transformation, demand for data scientists, AI engineers, and machine learning experts has seen a steep rise.
- Major top IITs and technical education institutes have introduced M.Tech and MS programs with specialisation in Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning.
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Meeting the Current Industry Standards
- Fields like Artificial Intelligence, big data, and analytics are expected to grow rapidly.
Promoting Research and Tech-based Innovation
- Data science and AI are the foundation for innovations in sectors such as finance, robotics, healthcare, and climate modelling.
- The paper supports research-oriented candidates entering PhD or research programs in emerging areas.
For 2022, cut off was 61 for General category candidates in All India quota for B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering in IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology. For female candidates in general category under All India quota, 305 was the closing rank. B.Tech cut off varies depending on the category and domicile/quota of the applicant.
The course outline of mechanical in IIT Delhi or IIT Bombay is similar and is quite well aligned with the course structure of top ranked international universities and the mechanical is one of the most desired and demanded branches in the IITs. The universities stand on similar QS ranking level and the facility and quality of infrastructure on average is almost the same in both the campuses, IITB has a lake, a pretty larger campus than that of IITD whereas IITD stands in a very desired location of Delhi ( in Hauz Khas) which stands very close to the international airport and various railway stations and is comparatively very green and clean than the outer Delhi. The trends of placement or students going for further studies differ very less and if you are really relying on placements to be a deciding factor, you'll still be in doubt. If we look at the opening and closing ranks of the department in both the colleges, the mechanical in IITB opens before it starts at IITD and also closes some numbers before, but the range is quite same. Many people choose IITB for its past trend or some local variables and similarly people also choose IITD if they aspire to go for civil services as Delhi is the hub for the preparation for UPSC and other civil services and again the accessibility of the nearby regions. I'd say both of the campus stand on the same level if the department is considered, the selection is totally depend on the individual depending on the local variables that affects him/her.
Candidates can check out the ROI calculation based on the course fee and average package to decide, which is better among IITD and IITB. A comparison between both the institutes is presented below based on NIRF ranking and fee:
| MTech Institutes | NIRF Ranking 2023 | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | 2 | INR 3 Lacs - INR 8.7 lakh |
| IIT Bombay | 3 | INR 1.2 Lacs - INR 10 lakh |
NOTE: The fee mentioned above is taken from an unofficial source. Hence, is indicative.
The new paper opens doors for students from diverse backgrounds (not just CS or engineering) who have relevant skills in data science. It also expands the reach of GATE to non-traditional tech students and professionals. The GATE DA paper is one of the versatile papers introduced, which can be opted by candidates from any stream.
Why is GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Attracting Computer Science Graduates?
In this ever-changing world of technology, CSE has been on top chart for a long-time. But a new contender is reaching up slowly, which is none other than data science. With a focused curriculum, great career opportunities, and MTech programmes at top IITs, GATE DA is becoming the next big thing and is termed as the "NEW AGE CSE"
Ellaborative Version of CS Concepts
CS graduates mainly study programming, algorithms, database management, AI and ML in their curriculum. However, GATE DA involves building foundations, making it easier for CS students to smoothly transition into DA syllabus. Hence, the DA makes it more flexible and industry-relevant.
BONUS TIP: Mathematics plays a vital role in the GATE DA exam preparation. It is advised to be fluent with the fundamentals and core concepts.
Huge Career Potential in Data Science
Data science is known as the “hottest job of the 21st century” for a reason. No doubt, it easily offers lucrative salaries, interesting future-coded jobs in various sectors, such as finance, retail, tech, and government. Some career opportunities after DA include data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI researcher, and business analyst.
GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence can be a direct path to top MTech courses at IIT Bombay, IIT Jodhpur, IISc Bengaluru, etc.
IITs offering MTech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- IIT Madras
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT Jodhpur
- IIT Delhi
- Indian Institute of Information and Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad
Research Scope and Global Relevance
AI and data science are growing faster, with open research problems in deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and ethical AI. For candidates interested in research or pursuing PhDs, GATE 2026 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence provides a relevant and updated foundation, compared to the more theory-heavy CSE path. Additionally, global universities and research centres offer specialised training in AI/DS. A GATE 2026 DA qualification which can be great for collaboration and projects.
Better Career Alignment with Modern Job Roles
Recruiters look for applicants who have great skills and knowledge in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI and Business Analysts, etc. Overall, this specialisation will give you an edge in the corporate world.
High Package
AI/data expertise, data science and AI roles offer higher salary packages. The average package is around 10 to 40 lakhs per annum for GATE DA engineers.
Who Should Choose GATE DA?
- CS/IT or graduates from any field interested in data science careers can opt for this branch.
- Aspirants targeting research or higher education in AI, ML, or Big Data.
- Students with hands-on experience
The paper is still relatively new, meaning less competition and better chances of getting into a top institute, compared to the high-volume GATE CSE exam. And as the paper gains popularity, early movers will have the upper hand in grabbing top positions.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
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 3 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 3 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
Both the Indian Institutes of Technology are well-ranked. Given below are the comparison between the two IITs for their MSc course based on parameters including fee, ranking and eligibility criteria:
MSc Institutes
NIRF Rank '23 (Overall)
MSc Total Tuition Fee
MSc Eligibility
IIT Delhi
03
INR 40,000 - INR 4 lakh
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Science discipline with a minimum 55% aggregate
IIT Madras
01
INR 20,000 - INR 10 lakh
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Science discipline
NOTE: The fee mentioned here is taken from an unofficial source. Hence, is indicative.