GATE 2026 Cut-Off Trends: What Score Do You Need for IITs & PSUs?

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is not another competitive exam, but it is a passport to the most prestigious institutes of India, such as IITs, and to the reputed PSUs which provide the best engineering jobs in India. As GATE 2026 is near, the question that arises in the mind of the aspirants is: What score is really good to get in IITs and PSUs? We are going to decode the cut-off trends, category-wise benchmarks, and self-expectations that you must have in this blog.

We will also advise you on how studying with the GATE Aptitude book, the best book of engineering mathematics for GATE, and solving the GATE exam question paper can influence your performance and help you to pass the cut-off bar. 

GATE 2026 Cut-Off Trends: A Deep Dive

GATE cut-offs vary every year depending on:

• The difficulty level of the paper

• Number of applicants

• Availability of seats in IITs/NITs

• Recruitment needs of PSUs

Here’s a quick view of the past 3-year GATE cut-off trends for selected branches:

Previous Year GATE Cut-Offs (2023–2025)

🔍 Note: These cut-offs are qualifying marks, not selection ranks for IITs or PSUs. Actual selection cut-offs are much higher.

What GATE Score Do You Need for IITs?

Qualifying for GATE doesn’t guarantee IIT admission. You must aim for much higher scores for top IITs like Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, and Kharagpur.

Estimated GATE Score for IIT M.Tech Admission

Important Note:

• Cut-offs vary every year for each specialization.

• Admission also depends on GATE rank, not just score.

• You should practice previous GATE exam question paper sets to understand difficulty patterns and score strategically.

GATE Cut-Offs for PSUs

PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) such as ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, and HPCL hire through the GATE scores. Such cut-offs tend to be higher than IIT M.Tech cut-offs (general category).

This is what is seen:

• In the case of the best PSUs, a GATE score of more than 850 is usually needed.

• Candidates in the reserved category are relaxed, yet they require competitive scores (700+).

• GATE score is given weightage (about 85%), and the remaining weightage is given to interview/Group Discussion.

Tip: GATE books can be used smartly, and it is always better to solve high-weightage topics first in order to achieve PSU cut-off marks. 

How Are GATE Cut-Offs Calculated?

GATE cut-offs are based on:

1. Normalization of marks (for multi-session papers)

2. Difficulty level

3. Number of candidates

4. Available seats or vacancies

5. Historical trends

Your final GATE score is calculated using a formula:

GATE Normalized Score =
Sq + (St - Sq) × (M - Mq) / (Mt - Mq)

Where:

• Sq = Score assigned to Mq (qualifying mark)

• St = Score assigned to top mark

• M = Candidate's marks

• Mq = Qualifying mark

• Mt = Top mark

This method helps maintain fairness across different sessions.

Read More: 7 Month Preparation Plan for GATE 2026 – With Daily Goals

What Score Should I Aim For in GATE 2026?

Let’s break it down by goals:

What Subjects Matter Most for High GATE Scores?

To get the best score and score above the cut-offs:

• General Aptitude: This is always 15 marks, and here the GATE Aptitude book comes in very handy.

• Engineering Mathematics: weightage of 13-15 marks - this is best learnt with the best book of engineering mathematics GATE.

• Core Subject: 70 marks - focus on the main concepts, definitions, and formulae.

All three areas make up 100 percent of your score. You cannot leave out any of them.

Can I get into IITs with just the qualifying GATE score?

No, passing score is only the minimum requirement. To enter IITs, you usually require:

•Rank within the top 1000 for Tier-1 IITs

•Score above 700 for most departments

•Plus, meet academic and departmental criteria

It is not enough to qualify. Rather, aim for high accuracy in core and mathematics. Solve several sets of GATE exam question papers.

Which GATE rank is good to get recruited in PSU?

The typical good GATE rank amongst PSUs is:

• General category below 200

• OBC - below 500

• Less than 1000 SC/ST in certain PSUs

However, this depends upon the discipline and company. As an example, NTPC and IOCL will need very high scores. To do this, concentrate on solving time-bound problems with your GATE books and do real-time mock tests.

Is 650 a good GATE score?

650 is a good score and can earn you:

• NIT admissions

• IIITs or new IITs

• Part of the medium-level PSUs (according to the vacancy and category)

However, it is not enough to be older IITs or leading PSUs. Practice on the subjects that have scored high in the GATE Aptitude book and increase your speed by taking mock tests.

What is the number of students who give GATE each year?

More than 8 to 9 lakh students take the GATE annually. However, only 15-18 percent qualify for the exam. That makes it a stiff competition.

With a good GATE Aptitude book, the best book for engineering mathematics for GATE and practice of the sources of GATE exam question papers, you are already much ahead.

Does a PSU job depend on the GATE score?

No. Even though you have a good score:

• PSU shortlist is based on GATE score + interview + GD performance

• There are medical fitness and academic percentage requirements in some PSUs

• The last stage is based on the number of vacancies

Therefore, though GATE books can get you through, interviews should also be prepared.

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Final Thoughts: Score Higher, Plan Smart

In summary, when you are serious about GATE 2026 and you want to get into IITs or be recruited in the best PSUs, then you should aim high. Study your GATE Aptitude book and GATE books regularly, study mathematics with the best book on engineering mathematics to prepare for GATE, and solve sets of real GATE exam question papers regularly.

Cut-off trends are dynamic, but your dedicated preparation and disciplined approach will always be the same, which makes you either succeed or fail. Remember:

• The qualifying is only the first step
• It is rank, not score, that is important
• Intelligent work is better than hard work

GATE 2026 is the year you not only pass the exam but you win it.