GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026
The pinnacle examination for engineering graduates in India testing comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in Engineering, Sciences, and Humanities for postgraduate admissions and premier Maharatna/Navratna PSU jobs.
Eligibility Criteria & Age Relaxations
Category-Wise Age Limit & Attempts
| Reservation Category | Relaxation / Permitted Attempts |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for GATE; PSU recruitment age limits vary (typically 26-30 years for General, +3 for OBC, +5 for SC/ST) |
Multilingual Preparation Blueprints
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Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Official Syllabus Breakdown
Previous Years' Cut-off Trends
Category-wise qualifying scores from previous editions:
2025 Cutoff
2024 Cutoff
Recommended Books & Resources
Standard references recommended by previous rankers:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit and attempt limit for GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)?
The general age limit is between 20 and 35 years. Category relaxations apply: OBC candidates receive +3 years relaxation, SC/ST candidates receive +5 years, and PwD candidates receive +10 years.
What is the marking scheme and negative marking in GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)?
The total marks are 100 Marks. Negative marking penalty: 1-mark MCQs: -0.33 mark; 2-mark MCQs: -0.66 mark. No negative marking for MSQs & NAT questions.
How often is GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) conducted, and where can I verify the official schedule?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is conducted Once a Year (February) by the IISc Bengaluru & Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Candidates should always check the official authority portal (https://gate2026.iitr.ac.in) for verified registration opening and examination calendar notifications.
What are the recommended books and study material for GATE?
Aspirants must focus on standard NCERT textbooks, followed by authoritative reference books such as Laxmikanth, HC Verma, or standard previous year solved papers (PYQs).
Target GATE 2026
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