Expected GATE Cut-Off 2026:
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is one of the most
competitive national-level examinations for graduates in engineering and
science streams. The exam is organized by IIT Guwahati and serves as a gateway
for M.Tech admissions, PSU recruitment, and PhD programmes at leading
institutions across India. With the completion of the GATE 2026 examination,
candidates are eager to assess the likely cut-off marks to gauge their chances.
The official GATE 2026 cut-off will be published by IIT Guwahati along with the
declaration of results. Candidates securing marks equal to or above the
prescribed cut-off will qualify for subsequent admission and recruitment
stages. Based on analysis of previous year cut-offs, exam difficulty level, and
subject-wise trends, we present the expected GATE 2026 cut-off below.
GATE 2026 Expected Cut Off
The conducting authority announces category-wise qualifying marks along with the GATE result. The GATE 2026 results are expected to be released on March 19, 2026. Several parameters such as the number of available seats, total number of applicants, and overall difficulty level of the exam influence the cut-off marks. Based on expert evaluations, the anticipated GATE 2026 cut-off is provided here. Candidates who appeared for the exam can refer to the subject-wise expected cut-off marks listed below once the examination process concludes.
GATE 2026 Qualifying Marks (Expected)
| Branch | General | OBC-NCL / EWS | SC / ST / PWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Technology | 35 – 37 | 32 – 34 | 25 – 27 |
| Mathematics | 25 – 27 | 23 – 25 | 16 – 18 |
| Chemistry | 25 – 27 | 23 – 25 | 16 – 18 |
| Physics | 30 – 32 | 28 – 30 | 22 – 24 |
| Life Sciences | 32 - 33 | 28 – 30 | 20 – 22 |
Factors Influencing GATE Cut-Off
As mentioned earlier, IIT Guwahati will announce the GATE 2026 cut-off after the results are declared. Multiple factors play a role in determining the qualifying marks each year. Some of the major influencing elements are listed below:
- Difficulty level of the examination: This is the most crucial factor impacting the cut-off. A more challenging question paper generally results in a lower cut-off, while an easier paper may push the cut-off higher.
- Number of candidates appearing for the exam: Approximately 8 lakh candidates applied for GATE 2026, which is considerably more than last year. A higher number of test-takers usually leads to increased competition and a higher cut-off, whereas fewer candidates can result in a lower cut-off.
- Number of candidates qualifying the exam: The total number of candidates who successfully clear the GATE exam is directly proportional to the cut-off marks.
- Availability of seats: The total number of seats offered by participating institutes also affects the cut-off. Limited seat availability often leads to a higher qualifying score requirement.