GATE Data Science and AI Eligibility Criteria 2026, Qualifications, Age Limit

GATE Data Science and AI Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati will organize the GATE 2026 in February, 2026 (tentative). The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence subject was introduced by IISC Bangalore in GATE 2024 which is denoted by the paper code "DA,". Data Science and AI have become highly sought-after disciplines in today's tech-driven world.

In order to take the GATE DA Exam 2026, candidates must possess a degree in computer science, electronics and communication, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, and physics. Qualifying for GATE 2026 DA will unlock a multitude of opportunities for applicants in the domains of data science and artificial intelligence. Applicants aiming to write this paper must go through the GATE eligibility criteria 2026 for the Data Science and AI paper in this article.

The online registration window for the GATE 2026 DA Exam was made live in August, 2025 (tentative) at gate.iitg.ac.in and the applications will be accepted till September, 2025 (tentative) (without late fees). Candidates meeting the GATE Data Science and AI Eligibility Criteria 2026 can submit their application form by visiting the official portal.

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GATE Data Science and AI Eligibility Criteria 2026

IIT Guwahati has released the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Syllabus along with GATE DA Exam Pattern on its official website at gate.iitg.ac.in. Furthermore, to be eligible for the GATE 2026 Data Science and AI paper, applicants must fulfill the following requirements related to age, nationality, and educational qualifications:

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Paper - Nationality

Not only applicants with Indian citizenship but aspirants with foreign citizenship from the below mentioned countries can also apply for the GATE Data Science and AI paper, along with the remaining 29 papers. The foreign countries eligible for the GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Paper include Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Paper - Age Limit

Applicants from every age group can opt for the GATE Data Science and AI (Intelligence Artificial) paper as long as they meet other eligibility criteria.

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Paper - Educational Qualifications

A bachelor's or above degree in engineering, technology, science, or the humanities is eligible to apply for the GATE DA 2026 examination.nHowever, for the data science and artificial intelligence paper, a degree in computer science, electronics and communication, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, and physics is considered to be more relevant.

Applicants in their 3rd year of the bachelor's program are also eligible to apply for the GATE 2026 Data Science and AI paper.

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Eligibility -  Number of Attempts

For GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper, applicants have the benefit of unlimited attempts, as there are no restrictions or limits imposed. This means that applicants have the freedom to apply for the GATE DA paper as many times as they desire, providing them with ample opportunities to improve their performance and achieve their desired scores. This flexibility underscores GATE's commitment to promoting a fair and open assessment process for applicants pursuing excellence in Data Science and AI (Artificial Intelligence).

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Paper Highlights

The GATE 2026 Data Science and AI paper consists of topics like Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, Calculus and Optimization, Programming, Data structures and Algorithms, Database management and warehousing, Machine learning, and AI.

• With the introduction of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper, applicants now have the option to select a second paper from the following subjects: CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, and XE.
• The GATE 2026 DA paper will comprise questions from both the general aptitude and the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence syllabus 2026.
• The GATE 2026 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper will include a total of 65 questions, collectively worth 100 marks. Within this, the general aptitude section will contribute 15% to the total score, while the subject-specific section will carry the remaining 85% weightage.

GATE 2026 Data Science and AI Eligibility - Documents Required

Applicants applying for the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence examination are required to provide the following documents as proof of their eligibility for the GATE DA exam criteria 2026. It's important to note that these eligibility documents must be uploaded when completing the application form. Here are some key points regarding the eligibility documents that applicants need to upload:

Qualifying Examinations Completed in 2026 or Earlier : Applicants who have completed the qualifying examinations in 2026 or earlier should submit their degree certificate, provisional degree certificate, course completion certificate, or membership certificate as issued by the concerned authorities.

For Final Year Applicants : If applicants are in their final year of graduation, they should upload their Provisional Certificate Letter (issued by the Head of the Institute/Dean/Registrar/Head of Department) or a copy of the marks card for Section A of AMIE, and so on.

Persons with Disabilities (PwD) : PwD category applicants need to upload a PwD certificate issued by a recognized authority. Concessions on the application fee will only be provided to applicants with at least 40% impairment, regardless of the type of disability. The certificate will also be required at the time of admission.

Applicants with Backlogs : Applicants with backlogs (failed subjects) in their qualifying examination must upload a copy of any mark sheet from the final year issued by the institute where they will pursue their qualifying examination. Please note that internet-downloaded mark sheets will not be accepted.

SC/ST Category : SC/ST category applicants must upload valid documentary proof to avail of a concession in the application fee. Only certificates issued by authorized officials will be considered for the concession.

Dyslexic Applicants : Dyslexic applicants should submit a certificate confirming their condition, issued by the relevant authorities, in order to receive the services of a scribe during the examination.

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