GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2026 is an entrance exam for post-graduation in engineering admission for the academic year 2026-2026. Students who are going to apply for GATE 2026 must first check the eligibility criteria for GATE 2026. If the GATE authority finds that the candidate is not eligible after payment of the application fee, then his/her application will be rejected. No fee refund will be issued. In this article, candidates can find the eligibility for GATE 2026

Click here for GATE 2026 Application form

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam that unlocks opportunities for postgraduate studies, research, and lucrative jobs in public sector undertakings (PSUs). Understanding the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria is a fundamental step for any aspirant planning to appear in GATE 2026.

GATE 2026 eligibility criteria are broad and inclusive, targeting a variety of disciplines and educational backgrounds. The GATE 2026 exam is open to Indian and select international candidates without any age or attempt restrictions, providing a flexible path to higher education and career advancement.

Key GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications

Undergraduate Candidates:

• Candidates in the third year or higher of a four-year undergraduate program (like B.E., B. Tech, B. Arch) are eligible to apply.
• Candidates who have already completed their undergraduate degrees can apply.

Postgraduate Candidates:

• Final-year (or completed) candidates of postgraduate degrees like M.Sc., M.A., M.S. in Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Applications are eligible.

Integrated and Dual Degrees:

• Candidates in the second/third/fourth/fifth year of five-year integrated Master’s programs (e.g., B.Tech + M.Tech or B.S.-M.S.) can appear.
• Candidates in the fourth or fifth year of a dual-degree program (such as B.Tech + MBA) are also eligible.

Professional Society Examinations:

• Candidates who have completed Section A of recognized professional society exams (such as AMIE, AMICE, AMIETE) can apply, provided their certification is UGC/AICTE recognized.

2. Flexible Year Requirements:

• GATE 2026 allows third-year undergraduate candidates to appear for the exam, making it more flexible compared to earlier years when only final-year candidates could apply. This expands the pool of eligible candidates.

3. Academic Streams Accepted:

A wide array of degrees is accepted, including:

• Engineering & Technology (B.E., B.Tech, B.Pharm)
• Architecture (B.Arch, Planning)
• Science (B.Sc., B.S., B.Sc. in Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture)
• Humanities (M.A., M.Sc., MCA, integrated degrees, professional society exams)
• Other: MBBS/BDS/BVSc, Pharm.D., Integrated MSc/BS-MS.

4. No Age Limit or Attempt Restriction:

• There is no maximum or minimum age limit for appearing in the exam.
• The number of attempts is unlimited – candidates may appear for GATE as many times as they wish.

5. Nationality Criteria:

• Indian nationals are eligible.
• International candidates from Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and UAE meeting similar educational requirements can also apply. However, there are no international exam centers outside India.

6. Pass Percentage:

• GATE 2026 does not have a minimum percentage requirement in the qualifying degree. Candidates with backlogs can apply, but they must clear all backlogs before seeking admission or PSU jobs.

7. Important Exclusions:

• Candidates in the first or second year of a four-year undergraduate program are not eligible (unless in a three-year degree).
• Candidates in the first year of a master's program cannot apply.

Course-Wise GATE 2026 Eligibility at a Glance:

FAQs:

Q1. Can a third-year engineering student apply for GATE 2026?

Ans. Yes, candidates in the third year or higher of a four-year undergraduate degree like B.E. or B. Tech are eligible to appear for GATE 2026.

Q2. Is there any age limit to appear for GATE 2026?

Ans. No, there is no age limit for GATE. Candidates of any age who meet the academic requirements can apply.

Q3. Can candidates from arts and science backgrounds apply for GATE?

Ans. Yes, candidates enrolled in (or graduated from) M.A., M.Sc., MCA, or related programs are eligible, as long as they are in the final year or have completed their degree.

Q4. Are candidates with backlogs eligible for GATE?

Ans. Candidates with backlogs can apply for GATE 2026. However, they must clear all backlogs before seeking admission to postgraduate courses or PSU recruitment.

Q5. Can foreign nationals apply for GATE 2026?

Ans. International candidates from specified countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, UAE) can apply if they meet the educational requirements. However, they have to write the exam in India as there are no international centers.

Get the details related to GATE 2026 Application form