Quick eligibility check
- GATE eligibility covers qualifying degrees in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, and Humanities, along with specified professional qualifications.
- For many bachelor's programmes, candidates can apply from the third year; some master's, medical, and integrated programmes have different eligible stages.
- The GATE 2027 criteria overview linked below states no age limit, minimum percentage requirement, or cap on attempts.
Qualifying degrees and eligible study stage
The table summarises degree categories and stages shown in the GATE 2026 official eligibility criteria. Equivalent or higher qualifications may also qualify; confirm the exact wording in the brochure for the paper and year you plan to take.
| Degree or programme | Qualification | Eligible stage |
|---|---|---|
| B.E., B.Tech., or B.Pharm. | Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology (4 years after 10+2, or 3 years after a relevant diploma or B.Sc.) | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Arch. | Architecture (5-year), Naval Architecture (4-year), or Planning (4-year) degree | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Sc. (Research) or B.S. | Bachelor's degree in Science (post-diploma or 4 years after 10+2) | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Pharm.D. after 10+2 | Six-year professional pharmacy doctoral programme, including internship or residency | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| M.B.B.S., B.D.S., or B.V.Sc. | Professional medical degree programme | 5th semester or higher, or completed |
| M.Sc., M.A., MCA, or equivalent | Master's degree in Arts, Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Applications, or equivalent | 1st year or higher, or completed |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech. after B.Sc. | Four-year post-B.Sc. integrated Master's programme in Engineering or Technology | Any year, or completed |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. or dual degree | Five-year integrated or dual-degree programme after a diploma or 10+2 | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| B.Sc., B.A., or B.Com. | Three-year Bachelor's degree in Science, Arts, or Commerce | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Integrated M.Sc. or integrated B.S.–M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or five-year integrated B.S.–M.S. programme | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
| Professional Society qualification | An examination recognized as equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. by the relevant government body | Section A or equivalent completed |
| B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry | Four-year Bachelor's programme | 3rd year or higher, or completed |
If you are studying outside India
The GATE 2026 criteria state that candidates pursuing or holding a qualifying degree from another country must be in the third year or higher, or have completed a Bachelor's degree of at least three years in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities. Check the current brochure for updated rules.
GATE eligibility is not an admission guarantee
- Meeting GATE's criteria lets you apply for the exam; it does not automatically meet a university, programme, or PSU's separate eligibility requirements.
- Check the admission or recruitment notice for accepted GATE paper codes, qualifying degrees, marks, and other conditions.
- Candidates with qualifications higher than those listed may also be eligible under the applicable brochure rules.
- Professional Society examinations must have the required recognition or equivalence specified in the official notice.
Verify the rules for your exam year
Eligibility details can be revised between exam cycles. Use the latest official GATE brochure as the final authority, especially before submitting your application.