GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Cut-Off Marks
Official GATE qualifying cut-off marks are published by IISc Bengaluru & Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories. Clearing the Prelims/Tier 1 benchmark requires scoring approximately 45%–55% of the total 100 Marks, evaluated after negative marking (1-mark MCQs: -0.33 mark; 2-mark MCQs: -0.66 mark. No negative marking for MSQs & NAT questions).
GATE Category-Wise Cut-Off Matrix
Official scores published by IISc Bengaluru & Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
2024 - Computer Science (CS)
Total: 100| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 27.60 | Qualifying marks out of 100 for M.Tech/PSU applications |
| General | 27.60 | Qualifying marks out of 100 for M.Tech/PSU applications |
2024 - Mechanical (ME)
Total: 100| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 28.40 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
| General | 28.40 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
2024 - Electrical (EE)
Total: 100| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 25.70 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
| General | 25.70 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
2024 - Civil (CE)
Total: 100| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 28.20 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
| General | 28.20 | Qualifying marks out of 100 |
2023 - Computer Science (CS)
Total: 100| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 32.50 | Qualifying marks for CS paper in 2023 |
| General | 32.50 | Qualifying marks for CS paper in 2023 |
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4 Factors That Determine GATE Cut-Offs
Total Vacancies Notified
An increase in vacancies directly lowers the qualifying cut-off multiplier, whereas a reduction intensifies competition.
Difficulty of Question Paper
A tougher question paper lowers raw qualifying marks. Multi-shift examinations apply mathematical normalization to maintain parity.
Applicant Volume
Rising registration numbers across India elevate competition density, especially within the General, OBC, and EWS tiers.
Reservation Norms
Central/State statutory quotas (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwD) govern the distribution of qualifying thresholds across all stages.
Recommended Safe Target Score for 2026/2027
Based on 5-year statistical cut-off fluctuations, our academic faculty recommends aiming for +10% to +15% above the previous year's threshold to guarantee a comfortable selection margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the previous year cut-off for GATE (General / UR Category)?
For GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), the qualifying score benchmark varies by exam stage. In recent cycles, candidates in the General (UR) category required roughly 45% to 55% of the total maximum marks to qualify for the next stage or final merit list.
How much concession is given to OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates in GATE cutoffs?
Cut-offs for OBC and EWS categories typically track within 2% to 6% of the General merit list, while SC and ST cutoffs typically range 12% to 25% lower, subject to government reservation guidelines and category-wise seat distribution.
What factors cause fluctuations in GATE cut-off scores each year?
Cut-offs fluctuate primarily based on three key factors: (1) Total vacancies officially notified by IISc Bengaluru & Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), (2) Difficulty level and shift normalization of question papers, and (3) The total number of candidates appearing for the examination.
Where can I predict my rank and qualifying probability for GATE?
You can calculate your estimated percentile, category qualifying probability, and college/service allocation using the TargetClasses Rank & Cut-off Predictor, or consult our academic counselors at +91 63528 74776.
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