Have you checked all the boxes to appear for GATE 2024? From general requirements across papers to specific criteria per discipline, document needs, and rules for foreign applicants, this definitive guide examines overall qualifications. Understand the exact exam prerequisites before applying to avoid last-minute surprises.
Table of Contents
Overview of GATE 2024 Eligibility Criteria
The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, has published the eligibility criteria for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2024 on the official website gate2024.iisc.ac.in. Meeting the specified eligibility criteria is mandatory for aspirants to appear in the GATE. The eligibility criteria specify details related to nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and percentage required in qualifying exams.
There are also relaxations in age and percentage for reserved category candidates. Aspirants must check if they satisfy all specified criteria to avoid application or admission issues later. Additionally, relevant supporting documents need to be submitted by the candidates during the application process as proof of their eligibility. Without these documents confirming all norms, the candidates will not be allowed to take the exam.
General GATE Eligibility Criteria 2024
Let’s learn about who can apply for GATE 2024, so you will know whether you are the right candidate or not.
| Eligibility Criterion | Description |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Commerce/Arts/Architecture from a recognized university or institute |
| Qualifying Degree Duration | Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years duration |
| Current Year Students | Candidates in the third or higher years of an undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply. |
| Nationality | Indian nationals as well as foreign nationals are eligible to apply. |
| Number of Attempts | There is no limit on the number of attempts for the GATE exam. |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit for appearing in the GATE exam. |
- Rather than a bachelor’s degree, candidates who have certificates from any Professional Society need to ensure that the examinations are conducted by AICTE/MoE/UGC/UPSC.
- For general category candidates, a minimum of 6.5 CGPA, or 60% marks, is required in graduation. SC/ST/PWD category candidates receive a 5% relaxation, requiring a minimum of 6 CGPA or 55% marks.
- Recently, IIT Kanpur published the latest eligibility criteria for GATE 2024. Candidates who have completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines are now eligible to apply. Earlier, only 4-year bachelor’s graduates could appear for GATE.
- Foreign nationals pursuing their bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines from institutions outside India need to either be currently in the 3rd year or higher of their program or must have completed the degree to be eligible for GATE 2024.
- Two new subjects are introduced for GATE 2024: Humanities & Social Sciences and Environmental Science and Engineering. With the addition of these subjects, students from commerce and arts backgrounds can now also apply for GATE. (IIT Kanpur)
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GATE Paperwise Eligibility Criteria
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an examination conducted for admission to postgraduate courses in engineering and science. The following table summarizes the eligibility criteria for GATE 2024 across various degrees and programs:
| Degree/Program | Qualifying Degree/Examination | Eligible Candidates | Expected Year of Completion |
| B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma / 4 years after 10+2) | Pursuing 3rd year or above years or completed the program | 2024 |
| Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S. / M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.-M.S. program | Pursuing 3rd year or above or completed the program | 2025 |
| Pharm. D. (After 10+2) | 6 years degree program, consisting of internship or residency training, during the third year onwards | Pursuing 3rd/4th/5th/6th year or completed the program | 2026 |
| B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. | Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Commerce (3-year program) | Pursuing 3rd year or completed the program | 2024 |
| Professional Society Examinations (Equivalent to B.E. /B.Tech./B.Arch.) | B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent examinations of professional societies, recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE (e.g., AMIE by the Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India, and so on) | Completed Section A or equivalent component of such professional courses | NA |
| B.E./B.Tech./ B. Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering /Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc. / Diploma in Engineering / Technology) | Pursuing 3rd year or higher or completed the program | 2024 |
| M. Sc. / M.A. / MCA or Equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Arts/Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent | Pursuing first year and onwards or completed the program | 2024 |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) | 4-years B.Sc program | Pursuing 3rd/4th year or completed the program | 2024 |
| M.B.B.S./B.D.S. | Degree holders of M.B.B.S./B.D.S. and those who are in the 5th/6th/7th semester or higher semester of such a program | Enrolled in 5th semester and higher or completed the program | 2024 |
| Int. M.E./ M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering/Technology (4-year program) | Can be in any year of the 4-year program | Any year |
| B. Arch. | Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (5-year course) / Naval Architecture (4-year course) / Planning (4-year course) | Pursuing 3rd year or above or completed the program | 2025 (for 5-year program), 2024 (for 4-year program) |
| Int. M.E./ M.Tech./M.Pharm or Dual Degree (After Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering/Technology (5-year program) | Pursuing 3rd/4th/5th year or completed the program | 2025 |
Documents Required for GATE 2024 Eligibility
Aspiring GATE 2024 candidates must present a collection of mandatory documents and certificates, collectively known as GATE 2024 eligibility documents, to satisfy the required eligibility criteria for participating in the GATE 2024 examination:
| Document Required | Description |
| Degree Certificate, Course Completion Certificate, or Provisional Degree Certificate | Official certification issued by the society or institute upon completion of the respective degree program |
| Provisional Certificate Letter or Copy of Marks Card for Section A of AMIE, etc. | Documentation is required if the candidate anticipates completing the qualifying criteria in 2024 or beyond. |
| Mark Sheets of Final Year | Essential for candidates who have failed subjects (backlogs) in their qualifying examinationThis should be a copy of the final year’s mark sheets from the respective institute. |
| Dyslexia Certificate | Necessary certification for dyslexic candidates to avail of the services of a scribeA scanned copy of this certificate is required. |
| PwD Certificate | This is mandatory for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). A certificate issued by a recognized authority confirming at least 40% impairment is needed for fee concession and admission. A scanned copy of the certificate is required. |
| Category Certificates for SC/ST Candidates | Mandatory for SC/ST category candidates to avail fee concessionsValid certificates issued by authorized officials are required. Scanned copies of these certificates must be provided. |
GATE Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals
The GATE exam is open to foreign nationals from countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and the United Arab Emirates to apply for postgraduate programs at Indian institutes.
- Foreign nationals need to have completed or be in the final year of their undergraduate degree in disciplines like engineering, technology, architecture, arts, commerce, science, or equivalent programs.
- Foreign candidates need to fulfill the same age limit criteria as Indian candidates; no upper age limit is specified and the minimum age is 18 years.
- By meeting the basic eligibility criteria set for Indian nationals, interested foreign candidates from select countries can appear for the GATE exam.
FAQs
What are the benefits of clearing GATE exam?
The key benefits of clearing GATE exam are: securing admission to postgraduate programs like MTech in top colleges across India with scholarship benefits; becoming eligible for PSU jobs through the GATE score shortcut; and improving the chances of getting hired by top private companies.
What is the minimum GATE score eligible for IITs?
The minimum score requirement varies per program and institute selected, with top IITs demanding scores in the 95+ percentile bracket.
Are B.Sc. students eligible for GATE?
Yes, B.Sc. graduates from streams like mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and alike can appear for the GATE exam in relevant papers as per their eligibility. There is no minimum percentage requirement in the qualifying BSc program for GATE exam eligibility.
What is the percentage required for B.Tech. candidates to appear in GATE examination?
There are no percentage criteria for BTech degree holders to be eligible for GATE exam. Having a BTech degree is the only requisite academic qualification mandate. All categories of BTech candidates can appear in GATE exam.
How many GATE attempts are allowed?
GATE exam allows unlimited attempts for candidates, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria. There is no specific number of attempts applicable for GATE exam candidates. One can appear any number of times if you have a bachelor’s degree.