GATE Eligibility

Yes, any candidate who meets the GATE 2026 eligibility will be able to appear for the exam. The criteria include the following -

• Any undergraduate student in 3rd year or higher years of any government approved programme in any of the following disciplines, such as engineering/technology/architecture/science/commerce/arts/humanities are eligible for the GATE. 
• Apart from that, the candidate must hold Indian citizenship.
• There is no age-limit or pass percentage to appear for the examination.
• Candidates from Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates can apply for GATE 2026.

Candidates from Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates can apply for GATE 2026. However, candidates need to go through the GATE eligibility criteria carefully before applying. 

The GATE 2026 will have 30 paper codes, covering wide range of disciplines including engineering, science, life sciences, humanities, and architecture. 

New papers have been introduced, which are -

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Geomatics Engineering (GE) and 
• Environmental Science (ES)

Candidates are advised to go through the GATE paper codes carefully before adding their paper choices. 

The GATE paper codes are unique identifier codes that is assigned to each GATE paper. The GATE paper codes can be checked on the official website. For example, the GATE paper code for computer Science and engineering is CS, and ME for mechanical engineering, and EC for electronics and communication engineering. 

The GATE paper codes help candidates identify their chosen subject during the GATE registration and while downloading the admit card, checking results and more. 

Yes, GATE allows candidates to choose any two paper from the approved list of GATE two paper combinations. The list is available on the official website and in the information brochure. Candidates must check the GATE paper codes and the paper eligibility before submitting. 

Yes, candidates can apply for GATE 2026 even if they have backlog, as long as you are in the final year or have completed your degree. GATE does not disqualify candidates with backlogs. However, candidates must clear their backlogs before taking M.Tech admission or getting into PSU. However, during the counselling or recruitment process, it can hamper in the selection process. 

Yes, candidates having a foreign degree can also apply for GATE. In such cases, the applicant must be in their final year (bachelor's degree) or relevant fields. It is advised to go through the GATE eligibility criteria and conditions before filling the application form.

NOTE: Applicants must note that there will be no international exam centres for the examination. Candidates need to travel to India in order to attempt the GATE exam. 

No, there is no age-limit for attempting GATE exam. Whether you are a fresh graduate, or a working professional, or someone who want to get into PSUs can apply for the GATE exam 2026, as long as you can meet the eligibility. Apart from the age-criteria, the GATE eligibilty relies on other factors, such as educational qualifications, category, etc. 

Thus, having no age-limit in GATE, gives an upperhand and a flexible option for candidates who are planning higher studies or applying to PSUs at any stage in their career. 

To be eligible for the GATE 2025 COAP/CCMT counselling, candidates must fit the following criteria -

• Candidates must have a valid GATE score (2025/2024/2023)
• A bachelor's degree from a recognised institute. 
• A minimum qualifying percentage of 60% in the relevant discipline. 
• A relaxation of 5% is applicable for the reserved category candidates. 

To know the GATE 2025 counselling process in details, read here - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-counselling