The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a high profile national level examination which is held to enter postgraduate courses (M.E./M.Tech./Ph.D.) and even to be recruited in the best Government undertakings (PSUs). Eligibility details are an important part to keep in mind by an aspirant aiming to appear in GATE 2026 so that his or her application is valid and he or she passes the exam.
This article is your one-stop resource for all things on a clear path for the GATE Exam, covering topics including age limit, qualifications, etc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Age Limit
- Qualification Criteria
- Minimum Required Marks
- Documents Required
- Step-Step Application Process
- Significance of Eligibility Criteria
- Tips to Avoid Mistake
- Summary Checklist
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. AGE LIMIT FOR GATE EXAM
A lot of applicants fear the age limit, but GATE aspirants have great news! There is no age restriction to appear for the GATE 2026. Applicants may be fresh graduates up to any age of experience about the required post.
How many attempts for GATE: GATE gives unlimited chances! You can write as many times as possible after considering your educational credentials only.
Exam date: The exam is held typically in February every year, and is conducted over two weekends. It is usually on Saturdays and Sundays.
2. QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
You have to still be in the process of getting or already possess a degree in one of the following categories:
Category A
Engineering / Technology / Architecture
- B.E./B. Tech. B.Arch
- M.E/M.Tech integrated after 10 + 2 and Post B. Sc. M.E/ M.Tech.
- Dual degree Programs (of engineering subjects)
Category B
Life Sciences:
B.Sc.(Research)
B.S
B.V.Sc
B. Pharma (4 year)
Category C
Physical Sciences
B.Sc.,M.Sc.,M.S.(in physics /mathematics / statistics / computer applications)
Category D
Humanities / Social Sciences
M.Sc., M.A., B.A. Economic, Statistics etc.
Category E
Professional degrees
i.e., B.Pharm., B.Sc. (Engineering) etc.
THINGS TO NOTE:
- Students in their last year of study may apply (the degree has to be completed by 31 December 2026).
- The nationals of India and abroad are allowed to apply, irrespective of nationality, provided he or she fits in the criteria.
- Some special groups of individuals such as diploma holders are not admitted unless they fit with the specified engineering degree requirement.
3. MINIMUM REQUIRED MARKS
GATE, unlike most others, does not have a minimum percentage in the qualifying degree to take. But others PSUs or institutes can demand:
Minimum possible CGPA of 60 per cent or 6.0 CGPA of earlier degree (e.g. B.Tech).
Postgraduate minimum 60 percent or 6.0 CGPA in post-graduate course work (apply M.Tech application or PSU recruitment)
Tips:
- When rounding rules apply (e.g. convert 5.98 into 6.0), consult the policy of your educational institution.
- Your scores should be prominently indicated in a transcript and in the mark sheets. It may be required to convert CGPA to percentages.
4. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Here’s a breakdown of documents you must prepare for the GATE 2026 online application:
A. Personal Details & ID Proof
- Scanned copy of Passport or Aadhaar card
- Class 10 certificate showing date of birth
- Passport-size colored photograph (as per specifications, e.g. JPEG)
B. Degree / Academic Proof
- Degree certificate or provisional certificate (if final year)
- Final year mark sheets or consolidated mark sheet
- For final-year students, an official enrollment certificate or letter from your college/university
C. Other Supporting Documents
- SC / ST / OBC-NCL / PwD / EWS certificate (if applicable) in the latest format
- Ex‑servicemen / Defence category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate in prescribed format, if applicable
D. Payment Details
- Proof of online payment for the application fee, if the interface requires manual upload.
- Format & Size Guidelines
Each file must be in the specified format (PDF, JPEG, PNG), and adhere to maximum size limits (usually 500 KB for photograph, 1 MB for certificates). Check the official brochure for GATE.
5. STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
STAGE
REQUIREMENT
Education
Completed or pursuing a qualifying degree
Final Year/ Incomplete
Upload provisional certificates or enrollment proof
Citizenship
Indian / NRI / Foreign - All are eligible
Category Certificate
Upload if applied for under reserved quota
PwD/other status
Upload valid certificate
No age restrictions
Unlimited attempts permitted
Marks proof
Upload mark sheets; some PSUs may require minimum CGPA
6. SIGNIFICANCE OF GATE EXAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Rejection of application: Being rejected can come due to incorrect documents or absence of evidence from final-year students.
- PSU admissions: PSUs frequently sieve through databases on a criterion such as percentage of academics, SC/ST/PwD, etc.
- Subject paper eligibility: Your subject eligibility (ex CS vs Electrical) will be based upon your degree discipline.
7. TIPS TO AVOID MISTAKES
- High resolution scan of documents should be done within file size constraints.
- To ensure completion of your study, confirm your enrollment letter (final year) with the official letter head.
- During your ID proofs, make sure that you use your name in the form exactly in the same way.
- Provide category/PwD certificates in the official format, otherwise, the claim on eligibility can be denied.
- Store all the documents and screenshot receipt /confirmation.
8. SUMMARY CHECKLIST
Eligibility Factor
Requirement for GATE 2026
Age Limit
None
Academic Qualification
Eligible degree completed or in final year
Minimum Marks
No minimum marks for application; PSU may require >= 60%
Final-year students
Eligible, but degree must be completed by the end of the year
Nationality
All allowed
Required Documents
ID Proof, Degree/ Provisional Certificate, Marksheets, Photo, Category/PwD certificate
Correction Window
Minor edits allowed
10. FAQs
Q1: Does GATE 2026 have the age limit?
A1: No, there is no old or young age limit under GATE. Anybody is eligible to apply.
Q2: Do the holders of diplomas (3 year poly technology graduates) have eligibility to appear on the GATE Exam?
A2: No. Only persons with an eligible 4-year engineering/technology degree or equivalent will be allowed.
Q3: Permission to final-year students?
A3: Yes, final-year students can make applications, as long as they graduate before 31 December 2026.
Q4: Can I apply with a bare minimum score in my undergraduate degree?
A4: There are no minimum marks to obtain the GATE application itself. But usually PSUs and institutes demand a minimum of 60% (or 6.0 CGPA) to consider the candidates in short listing later on.
Q5: What documents do I have to upload?
A5: To apply online, you require scanned copies of proof of identity, education certificate (degree or provisional), mark sheets, category or pwd certificate (if any), photograph/signature in a specified format.
Q6: Is GATE to foreign students (e.g. NRI/foreigners)?
A6: Yes, the foreign nationals and NRI candidates can definitely fit in provided they pass the academic requirements.
Q7: What would happen in case I would fail when uploading documents or categories?
A7: Although the slight corrections can be done within the correction window, any discrepancy between the uploaded documents and those that you possess can lead to rejection of the application. Double-check carefully.
10. FAQs
Q1: Does GATE 2026 have the age limit?
A1: No, there is no old or young age limit under GATE. Anybody is eligible to apply.
Q2: Do the holders of diplomas (3 year poly technology graduates) have eligibility to appear on the GATE Exam?
A2: No. Only persons with an eligible 4-year engineering/technology degree or equivalent will be allowed.
Q3: Permission to final-year students?
A3: Yes, final-year students can make applications, as long as they graduate before 31 December 2026.
Q4: Can I apply with a bare minimum score in my undergraduate degree?
A4: There are no minimum marks to obtain the GATE application itself. But usually PSUs and institutes demand a minimum of 60% (or 6.0 CGPA) to consider the candidates in short listing later on.
Q5: What documents do I have to upload?
A5: To apply online, you require scanned copies of proof of identity, education certificate (degree or provisional), mark sheets, category or pwd certificate (if any), photograph/signature in a specified format.
Q6: Is GATE to foreign students (e.g. NRI/foreigners)?
A6: Yes, the foreign nationals and NRI candidates can definitely fit in provided they pass the academic requirements.
Q7: What would happen in case I would fail when uploading documents or categories?
A7: Although the slight corrections can be done within the correction window, any discrepancy between the uploaded documents and those that you possess can lead to rejection of the application. Double-check carefully.
