GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria: A Complete Guide

1. Introduction to GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an important national-level entrance exam for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate programs at IITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutions. GATE 2025 is being organized by IIT Roorkee. This guide details all the eligibility requirements for candidates who wish to apply.

2. General Eligibility Requirements

To appear for GATE 2025, candidates must be currently studying in the third year or higher of any undergraduate program or must have completed any government-approved degree program in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.

3. Recognized Professional Societies

Candidates from professional societies such as the Institution of Engineers (India), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), and others are eligible to apply, provided these certifications are equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. degrees and are recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) or relevant authorities.

4. Eligibility Criteria Based on Degree Programs

Below are the eligibility criteria based on different degree programs for GATE 2025:

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). Candidates must be in their third year or higher or have already completed the degree.

B.Arch.

Bachelor’s degree of Architecture (5-year course) / Naval Architecture (4-year course) / Planning (4-year course). Candidates must be in their third year or higher or have already completed the degree.

B.Sc. (Research) / B.S.

Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma / 4 years after 10+2). Candidates must be in their third year or higher or have already completed the degree.

Pharm. D. (after 10+2)

This is a 6-year degree program, which includes internship or residency training. Candidates must be in their third, fourth, fifth, or sixth year, or must have already completed the degree.

M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc.

Degree holders or students in their 5th, 6th, or 7th semesters or higher of M.B.B.S., B.D.S., or B.V.Sc. are eligible. Candidates must be in their final semesters or have already completed the program.

M.Sc. / M.A. / MCA or equivalent

Master’s degree in any branch of Arts, Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Applications. Candidates must be in their first year or higher or have already completed the degree.

Int. M.E. / M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.)

Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering / Technology (4-year program). Candidates must be in their first, second, third, or fourth year or have already completed the degree.

Int. M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Pharm or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2)

Integrated Master’s degree or Dual Degree programs in Engineering / Technology (5-year program). Candidates must be in their third, fourth, or fifth year or have already completed the degree.

B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com.

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Arts, or Commerce (3-year program). Candidates must be in their third year or have already completed the degree.

Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S.-M.S.

Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.-M.S. programs. Candidates must be in their third year or higher or have already completed the degree.

Professional Society Examinations (Equivalent to B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch.)

Examinations conducted by recognized professional societies that are equivalent to B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch., as recognized by the MoE, UPSC, or AICTE. Candidates must have completed Section A or an equivalent of such professional courses.

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry)

A 4-year program in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry. Candidates must be in their third or fourth year or have already completed the program.

5. Important Notes

Candidates with B.Sc., B.A., or B.Com. degrees (3-year programs) who are interested in seeking admission to Masters programs at IITs and IISc are also eligible to apply for GATE 2025. Candidates must meet the respective institution's admission criteria.

6. Additional Guidelines for International Candidates

Candidates who have obtained or are pursuing their qualifying degree from countries other than India must be in their 3rd year or higher or must have completed their Bachelor's degree (of at least three years duration) in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.

7. Special Cases for Professional Society Certifications

Candidates possessing certifications from recognized professional societies must ensure that these exams are approved by MoE, AICTE, UGC, or UPSC as equivalent to B.E., B.Tech., B.Arch., or B.Planning. Examples include certifications from the Institution of Engineers (India), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), and others.