Dreaming of cracking GATE 2026? Before you start your preparation journey, the most important question is –“who can apply for GATE 2026″? Many aspirants spend hours searching for the GATE eligibility criteria, often confused about qualifications, age requirements, and the type of degrees accepted. Here’s a clear guide to end the confusion.
In this article, we will explain in detail of the GATE 2026 eligibility – including qualifications, professional degrees, foreign students rules, and minimum requirements.
Key Highlights of GATE 2026 Eligibility
- Minimum Qualification: Candidates must be in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate degree program OR must have already completed a recognized degree.
- Accepted Degrees: Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities, and approved Professional Society Examinations (AMIE, AMICE, IETE, etc.) .
- Medical & Allied Fields: Students pursuing MBBS, BDS, BVSc, BSc (Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture) are also eligible from the 5th semester onwards.
- Integrated/ Dual Degrees: Candidates in integrated M.Tech/ M.E., M.Sc., or similar dual degree programs are eligible from their 3rd year onwards.
- Foreign Students: International candidates can apply if they are in the 3rd year or higher of a recognized UG program or already hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years).
- No Age Limit: There is no upper age restriction for appearing in GATE 2026.
- No Attempt Limit: Candidates can appear for GATE any number of times.
- Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026.
- Exam Dates: 7, 8, 14, and 15 February 2026.
GATE 2026 Qualification Criteria
A candidate is eligible for GATE 2026 if they are:
- Currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of their degree program OR must have already completed the qualifying degree.
- Degrees must be recognized by MoE/ AICTE/ UGC/ UPSC or equivalent.
- Both Indian and foreign nationals are eligible if they meet the degree requirements.
Degrees Accepted for GATE 2026
Here is the complete list of degrees and eligibility year:
Undergraduate Degrees
- B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Pharm. (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after Diploma/ B.Sc.)
- B.Arch. / B.Planning / Naval Architecture (4–5 years)
- B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. (4 years after 10+2)
- B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. (3-year UG programs in Science/ Arts/ Commerce)
Postgraduate Degrees
- M.Sc. / M.A. / MCA or equivalent (any branch of Science/ Arts/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Computer Applications)
- Integrated M.E. / M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) – 4-year integrated programs
- Integrated M.E. / M.Tech. / Dual Degree (after 10+2 or Diploma) – 5-year programs
- Integrated M.Sc. / B.S.-M.S. – 5-year integrated programs
Professional Programs
- Pharm. D. – 6-year doctoral program in Pharmacy after 10+2
- MBBS / BDS / BVSc. – Professional medical degree programs
- B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry – 4-year professional programs
Professional Society Examinations (Equivalent to B.E./ B.Tech./ B.Arch.)
Candidates who have qualified or are pursuing professional examinations recognized by MoE/ AICTE/ UPSC/ UGC are also eligible. Examples include:
- AMIE (Institution of Engineers, India)
- AMICE (Institute of Civil Engineers, India)
- IETE (Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers)
- AeSI (Aeronautical Society of India)
- IIChE (Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers)
- IIM (Indian Institute of Metals)
- IIIE (Indian Institute of Industrial Engineers)
| Degree / Program | Eligibility Requirement | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm. (4 yrs after 10+2 or 3 yrs after B.Sc./Diploma) | 3rd year or higher | Eligible |
| B.Arch./Naval Arch./Planning (4–5 yrs) | 3rd year or higher | Eligible |
| B.Sc. (Research)/B.S. (4 yrs after 10+2) | 3rd year or higher | Eligible |
| Pharm.D (after 10+2, 6 yrs) | 3rd–6th year | Eligible |
| MBBS/BDS/BVSc | 5th semester or higher | Eligible |
| M.Sc./M.A./M.C.A. or equivalent | 1st year or higher | Eligible |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc., 4 yrs) | 1st–4th year | Eligible |
| Integrated Dual Degree (after 10+2 or Diploma, 5 yrs) | 3rd–5th year | Eligible |
| B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. (3 yrs) | 3rd year or completed | Eligible |
| Integrated M.Sc./BS-MS (5 yrs) | 3rd year or higher | Eligible |
| Professional Society Exams (e.g., AMIE, ICE, IETE, AeSI, IIChE, IIM, IIIE) | Section A or equivalent completed (recognized by MoE/AICTE/UPSC) | Eligible |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) (4 yrs) | 3rd or 4th year | Eligible |
(Source: GATE 2026 Information Brochure – IIT Guwahati)
Eligibility for International Students
- Must be in 3rd year or higher OR have completed a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- Exam will be conducted only in India (no international centres for GATE 2026).
GATE 2026 Age Limit
- No upper or lower age limit.
- Anyone fulfilling the degree criteria can apply, whether a fresher, working professional, or repeat candidate.
Documents Required for Eligibility Verification
When applying for GATE 2026, candidates must upload valid documents to prove their eligibility. The exact documents depend on whether you are a current student or have already completed your degree.
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License)
- Degree certificate (if completed) or College ID/Bonafide Certificate (if studying)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD), if applicable
Who Can Apply for GATE 2026?
- UG/PG Students – Those in their 3rd year or higher of undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
- Graduates – Holders of degrees in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
- Medical & Allied Fields – Students of MBBS, BDS, BVSc, B.Sc. Agriculture/Forestry/Horticulture, from the 5th semester onwards.
- Professional Society Exam Holders – Candidates with AMIE/IETE/ICE/AeSI/IIChE/IIM/IIIE certificates (if recognized as equivalent by MoE/AICTE/UPSC).
- International Students – Foreign nationals with an equivalent Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) or in the 3rd year of UG.
FAQs on GATE 2026 Eligibility
1. Is there any age limit for GATE 2026?
No, there is no age restriction. Any candidate who meets the educational qualification criteria can apply for the exam, irrespective of their age .
2. Can a 3rd-year B.Tech student apply for GATE 2026?
Yes, candidates who are currently studying in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate degree program in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities can appear for GATE 2026 .
3. Can arts and commerce students apply for GATE 2026?
Yes, GATE 2026 eligibility is not limited to engineering students alone. Candidates who are pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (B.A.) or Commerce (B.Com.) are also eligible, provided they are in their 3rd year or higher of study or have already completed the program.
Since 2021, GATE allows students from Arts, Commerce, and Humanities backgrounds.
4. Are diploma holders eligible for GATE 2026?
No, diploma holders alone are not eligible for GATE 2026. The exam requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, Architecture, or Humanities.
However, candidates who have completed a diploma and then joined a B.E/B.Tech. program (lateral entry) are eligible to appear for GATE from their 3rd year onwards.
5. Can foreign students apply for GATE 2026?
Yes, candidates from outside India are eligible if they are currently in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate degree program, or have already completed a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, Architecture, or Humanities.
Final Words
GATE 2026 keeps its eligibility criteria broad and student-friendly – with no age limit and acceptance of candidates from various degree backgrounds. If you are already in your 3rd year of a UG program or beyond, you can apply.
For students in Assam and across India, this is the perfect time to begin your preparation. A good GATE score can open doors to M.Tech admissions, PSU careers, and scholarships.
Stay tuned to Bodopedia.com for the latest updates on GATE 2026 – including the official notification, application dates, syllabus, admit card, and results.