GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Check Who Can Apply, Age Limit, Educational Qualification

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2026 eligibility criteria has been released by IIT Guwahati in online mode on the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. According to the GATE eligibility criteria 2026 for B.Tech/B.E., you should have passed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology after 10+2 or hold a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or Technology. Those who are in the final year of these programmes can also apply for the GATE 2026 exam. There is no age limit to appear for the entrance exam. However, you should know that the eligibility criteria for all GATE disciplines vary, and you need to fulfill the same to secure admission to your desired program. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria for the GATE exam will be able to fill out the GATE 2026 registration form and sit for the exam. You can read about GATE 2026 detailed eligibility criteria - qualification, age limit, nationality etc. on this page. 

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

Here is an overview of GATE eligibility criteria 2026:

Will There be Any Change in GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

The eligibility criteria for GATE 2026 will likely remain the same for the upcoming academic year. As per the GATE eligibility criteria 2026 laid down by the conducting body, those who are currently pursuing the 3rd year of graduation degree or higher years, as well as those who have completed a degree in Science/ Technology/ Architecture/ Engineering/ Humanities from a government recognized university are qualified to sit for the GATE 2026 examination.

GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification

As per GATE 2026 eligibility criteria, the basic educational qualification requires you to have a Bachelor's degree in any of the disciplines, namely Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Humanties, Science, or a related field. If you are in the final or pre-final year of your degree program, you may appear for the GATE exam. Furthermore, if you have completed a Master's degree in a relevant science subject or hold a degree from an international institute, you are eligible to sit for the exam. However, you must ensure that the qualifications/ certificates are recognized by the Indian Ministry of Education, MoE, UGC, AICTE, UPSC.

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GATE Paper Wise Eligibility Criteria 2026

The qualifying degree paper-wise GATE 2026 eligibility criteria are given in the table below:

GATE 2026 Age Criteria

There is no age limit to appear for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam. The official authorities do not specify any age restrictions for those aiming to appear in the exam. You can be of any age but you must meet the educational qualification criteria to be eligible for GATE exam 2026. 

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GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Nationality

Nationality is an important factor in deciding GATE 2026 eligibility criteria. The GATE exam is open to international students. However, this opportunity is limited to those from specified nations. The following is a full list of countries from which applicants can apply for the GATE 2026 exam.

• Nepal

• India

• Bangladesh

• Ethiopia 

• United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)

• Sri Lanka

• Singapore

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Documents Required for GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026

You must submit the following documents to support the GATE 2026 eligibility criteria:

• If you have completed one of the qualifying examinations as mentioned in the table above or earlier, then he/she has to submit the degree certificate/provisional degree certificate/course completion certificate/membership certificate as issued by the society or institute.

• If you are expected to complete one of the qualifying norms in 2026 or later as mentioned in the table above, then he/she has to upload their Provisional Certificate Letter (as issued by the Head of the Institute/  Dean/ Registrar/ Head of Department) or a copy of marks card for Section A of AMIE etc.

• All the documents have to be uploaded only while filling out the online application. It does not have to be sent by post.

• Those who have backlogs (failed subjects) in any of the subjects in their qualifying examination had to upload a copy of any of the mark sheets of the final year issued by the institute where he/she was studying.

GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026 for International Students

GATE 2026 eligibility criteria for foreign students are different from the normal eligibility rules. Scroll down to check the eligibility criteria required to be fulfilled by foreign students to appear in GATE 2026:

• Those who are still pursuing or have obtained a degree from countries except India in technology or engineering (at least four years) can apply. Final-year students can also apply for GATE 2026.

• Those who are pursuing or have obtained a postgraduate degree in any subject related to Science are also eligible to register for GATE 2026.

*Important Note: Those who are pursuing or have obtained a higher degree other than the courses mentioned above must select the minimum qualifying degree while filling out the application form for GATE 2026.

GATE Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Non-Indian Universities Candidates

Those who have acquired or are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India will be subject to the following GATE eligibility criteria 2026:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Technology: You must have completed or be in the final year of your Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology. The course should last at least four years.

• Postgraduate Degree in Relevant Science Subjects: You must have finished or be in the last year of a postgraduate degree in one or more relevant science subjects. The duration of the postgraduate degree should be at least two years.