GATE Cut-offs Needed to Get Into IITs and NITs

The GATE cutoff is the first thing you need to know about getting into postgraduate engineering programmes in India. For many people who want to take the exam, the biggest challenge is not just passing it but getting a score high enough to get into top schools like the IITs or get a steady job in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). The problem is that there are two types of cut-offs: the "qualifying cut-off" set by the IIT that runs the exam and the "admission cut-off" imposed by each school. Understanding the difference between these two cut-offs is the first step towards a successful M.Tech path. This report shows you the trends for 2024 and 2025 so you can set reasonable goals for your preparation.

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What is the Difference Between Qualifying GATE Cutoff vs. Admission GATE Cutoff?

It is important to differentiate between the marks needed to "clear" GATE and the marks needed to get a seat.

• Qualifying Cut-off: This is the minimum score required to be "GATE qualified". It is usually between 25 and 35 marks for the General category.

• Admission Cut-off: This threshold is the score used by IITs and NITs for shortlisting. This cutoff is much higher and varies significantly based on the popularity of the branch and the reputation of the college.

Comparison Between GATE Cutoff 2024 & Gate Cutoff 2025

The cutoff for 2025 saw a slight increase in competitive branches due to the rising number of applicants. Below is a comparison of qualifying marks for top streams:

Note: These are qualifying marks. For admission to an IIT, your score (out of 1000) is what the institutions primarily look at during COAP or CCMT counselling.

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What are the Target Scores for GATE Cutoff for IIT Bombay?

IIT Bombay remains one of the most desired destinations. The cutoff for IIT Bombay is very high, especially for Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

• Computer Science: Expect a score of 750–820 for the General category.

• Electrical Engineering: Usually ranges between 700–850 depending on the specialisation (e.g., VLSI or Control Systems).

• Mechanical Engineering: A score of 700+ is typically the safe zone for core branches.

• Interdisciplinary Programmes: Programmes like industrial engineering or operations research might accept scores in the 650–700 range.

Scores Required to Get Into NITs via CCMT

If your score falls in the mid-range (450–650), NITs are excellent options. Unlike IITs, which use the COAP portal, NITs conduct a centralised process called CCMT.

1. Top NITs (Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal): Usually require a score of 600+.

2. Mid-Tier NITs: Admissions are often possible with scores between 500–580.

3. Newer NITs: You may secure a seat even with a score near the 400–450 mark in less competitive branches.

Check Out: Computer Science & IT and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude Combo Set of 2 Books

GATE Cutoff for PSU Recruitment

For many, the ultimate goal is a "Maharatna" or "Navratna" job. The cutoff for PSU is calculated based on marks out of 100 rather than the normalised score.

• Top PSUs (IOCL, NTPC, ONGC): For General category candidates, the cut-off marks often exceed 75–80.

• Civil/Mechanical: These branches face the highest competition, often requiring a rank under AIR 200-300 for a PSU call.

• Specialised Roles: Mining or Chemical engineering students might find opportunities with slightly lower marks compared to CS or ME.

Tips to Clear the Gate Cutoff for 2026

To ensure you stay ahead of the cutoff for GATE 2025 or 2026 trends, focus on these three pillars:

• Accuracy over Attempts: Since GATE has a negative marking, prioritise solving questions correctly rather than attempting everything.

• Mock Tests: Use the cutoff 2024 data to benchmark your performance in full-length mock tests.

• General Aptitude: Never ignore the 15 marks of aptitude; it is often the deciding factor in pushing your score above the IIT threshold.

Read More: List of M.Tech Colleges Without GATE Score

GATE Cutoff FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between GATE marks and GATE scores?

GATE marks are the actual raw marks you obtain out of 100. The GATE score is a normalized value out of 1000, calculated to ensure fairness across different sets and branches.

Q2. Is qualifying for GATE enough to get into an IIT?

No, just meeting the qualifying cutoff only makes you eligible to apply. Actual admission requires a much higher score, usually determined by the specific department's requirements.

Q3. Can I get a PSU job with a score of 600?

Generally, a score of 600 is low for top-tier PSUs in popular branches like ME or CE. However, for reserved categories or specific niche branches, it might lead to an interview call.

Q4. What was the cutoff for 2024 for IIT Delhi?

While it varies by branch, most core M.Tech programmes at IIT Delhi in 2024 required a GATE score between 650 and 800 for General category applicants.

Q5. How often does the GATE cutoff change?

The qualifying cut-off changes every year based on the difficulty of the paper and the average performance of the top 0.1% of candidates.