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GATE 2026 is now open for applications, welcoming candidates from Engineering, Science, Architecture, Commerce, and Humanities backgrounds. Both graduates and final-year students can apply, and there is no age limit or restriction on the number of attempts. Applicants from recognized professional societies and even international candidates are also eligible. The application process will run from 25 August to 06 October 2025, giving you the right time to begin your GATE journey. Knowing the eligibility rules is the first step to planning your preparation wisely. Read this article for complete details.
GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026- Overview
The Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) is an important examination in India that tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. It’s used for admissions to postgraduate programs (Master’s and Ph.D.) and recruitment purposes by several public sector companies. The aspirants are required to have a piece of information related to the GATE Eligibility 2026 given in the table below:
| GATE Eligibility 2026 | |
| GATE Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) |
| Total No. of Papers | 30 |
| GATE Application Dates | 25th August to 6th October 2026 |
| Qualifying Degree | UG degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, or Humanities |
| Eligible Academic Year | 3rd year, 4th year, or already completed |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Minimum Education Required | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years or equivalent) |
| Eligibility for Final Year UG | Yes, final year students are eligible |
| Number of Attempts Allowed | Unlimited (as long as eligibility is met) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Conduct | Conducted in Computer-Based Mode (CBT) for 30 papers |
GATE Eligibility Criteria In Detail
The GATE Exam is the most adaptable test in the specialized field of Engineering. The principal point of the test is to give a smooth entrance into the post-graduate and Ph.D. courses in the specialized field, and also gives a candidate the liability to choose a career in one of the most renowned PSUs. The candidates can check the detailed GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026, focusing on educational qualification and the age limit given below.
GATE Age Limit
There is no particular age limit for a contender to apply for the GATE Examination 2026. Since the test is directed at the applicants who wish to apply for the expert courses in the specialized field, no upper age limit bar is set by the leading authority of the GATE Exam.
GATE Educational Qualification
The educational qualifications required to apply for GATE 2026 are listed in the table below. Candidates must check the discipline-wise eligibility criteria based on their degree program. Whether you’re pursuing or have completed Engineering, Science, Architecture, Commerce, or related fields, make sure your academic background aligns with the GATE 2026 eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
| Degree | Qualifying Degree | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| B.E. / B.Tech. / B. Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/ Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc. / Diploma in Engineering / Technology) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| B. Arch. | Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (5-year course)/ Naval Architecture (4-year course) / Planning (4-year course) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma / 4 years after 10+2) |
Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| Pharm. D. (after 10+2) |
6-year degree program, consisting of internship or residency training, during the third year onwards | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th/ 5th/ 6th year or already completed |
| M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc. | Degree holders of M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc. and those who are in the 5th/ 6th/ 7th semester or higher semester of such a program. | 5th/ 6th/ 7th or higher semester or already completed |
| M. Sc. / M.A. / MCA or equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Arts / Science / Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Applications or equivalent | Currently in the first year or higher, or already completed |
| Int. M.E. / M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) |
Post-B.Sc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering / Technology (4-year program) | Currently in the 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd/ 4th year or already completed |
| Int. M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Pharm or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering / Technology (5-year program) | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th/ 5th year or already completed |
| B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. | Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Commerce (3-year program) | Currently in the 3rd year or have already completed |
| Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S. / M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.-M.S. program | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| Professional Society Examinations (equivalent to B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch.) | B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognized by MoE / UPSC / AICTE (e.g., AMIE by the Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India, and so on) | Completed Section A or the equivalent of such professional courses |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) | 4-years program | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th year or have already completed |
GATE Eligibility Criteria For M.Tech
- Candidates who pass the GATE exam can apply for M.Tech courses at various IITs, NITs, and IIITs and select CFTIs. There is no separate counseling process specifically for GATE.
- To get into M.Tech. For courses at IITs, candidates need to register for the GATE Exam through the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP). This process is done separately, and candidates must follow the given instructions.
- Those who want to join NITs, IIITs, and some CFTIs for M.Tech programs must apply through the Centralized Counselling for M.Tech 2026 (CCMT).
- By understanding and following these different counseling processes, GATE-qualified candidates can secure admission to the M.Tech courses they want at top institutions across India.
Documents Required For GATE Eligibility Criteria
When applying for the GATE exam, candidates need to upload certain documents to prove they are eligible for GATE. These documents must be uploaded while filling out the GATE application form. Here are some key points about the required documents:
- Completed or Ongoing Qualifying Examinations: If you finished your qualifying exams in 2026 or earlier, you need to upload your degree certificate, provisional degree certificate, course completion certificate, or membership certificate from the relevant authorities.
- Expected Qualifying Examinations: If you will complete your qualifying exams in 2026 or later, you must upload a Provisional Certificate Letter from your institute’s Head/Dean/Registrar/Head of Department, or a copy of the marks card for Section A of AMIE (Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers).
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Candidates in the PwD category should upload a PwD certificate from a recognized authority. Only candidates with at least 40% impairment will receive a discount on the application fee. This certificate will also be needed during admission at the institute.
- Backlogs in Qualifying Examinations: If you have any failed subjects (backlogs) in your qualifying exam, you must upload a copy of your final year mark sheet from your institute. Internet-downloaded mark sheets are not accepted.
- SC/ST Category: SC/ST candidates need to upload valid proof documents to get a discount on the application fee. Only certificates issued by authorized officials will be accepted.
- Dyslexic Candidates: Dyslexic candidates should submit a certificate from authorities stating their condition to access the services of a scribe.
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