GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 Highlights
According to the GATE ECE eligibility criteria 2026, applicants should have a valid undergrad degree in the relevant subjects. However, students in their third year are also eligible to apply. Check out the highlights of the GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 in addition to the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering in the table outlined below.
| GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 |
| Particulars |
Details |
| Name of Examination |
GATE ECE |
| GATE Full Form |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Administering Body |
IIT Guwahati |
| Level of Examination |
National |
| GATE ECE Paper Language |
English |
| GATE ECE Age Limit |
There is no defined age limit. |
| GATE ECE Educational Qualification |
Pursuing a third year of college coursework or having completed an undergraduate degree program in relevant subjects |
| Number of Attempts |
There’s no restriction on the number of attempts |
| Mode of Examination |
Online |
| Types of Questions in GATE ECE Paper |
Numerical answer type (NAT), multiple choice questions (MCQ), and multiple select questions (MSQ) |
| GATE ECE Exam 2026 Duration |
3 Hours |
| GATE Exam Date 2026 |
February (Anticipated) |
| GATE Official Website 2026 |
To be release |
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GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Educational Qualifications
In accordance with the GATE ECE eligibility criteria 2026, applicants with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a master’s degree in relevant science subjects from an AICTE or UGC-approved institution are eligible to sit for the GATE Electronics paper.
Furthermore, as per the GATE ECE eligibility criteria, students in their third year of degree coursework in the applicable science stream are invited to sit for the exam. Refer to the table below to learn more about it.
| GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Educational Qualifications |
| Qualifying Degree |
Details |
| Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) |
Applicants who have completed or are in their 3rd or last year of a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Bachelor of Engineering/Technology/Pharmacy (B.E./B.Tech/B.Pharm) |
Applicants who have completed or are in their 3rd or last year of a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Professional Society Examinations (equivalent to B.E./B.Tech/B.Arch.) |
Applicants who have finished Section A or a professionally equivalent course |
| Master of Engineering or Technology Program (Post B.Sc.) - Integrated M.E., or M.Tech |
Aspirants who have completed or are currently pursuing the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year |
| Bachelor of Science (Research)/B.S. |
Applicants who have completed or are in their 3rd or last year of a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Master of Science/M.A./MCA or equivalent |
Applicants who have completed or are in their 3rd or last year of a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Integrated Master of Science/Int. B.S.-M.S. |
Applicants who have completed or are in their 3rd or last year of a bachelor's or master's degree |
| Integrated Master of Engineering/M.Tech. or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) |
Applicants currently pursuing the 4th or 5th year or those who have already completed it |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (after 10+2) |
Applicants who have completed or are currently pursuing the 4th, 5th, or 6th year |
Suggested Read: GATE ECE Previous Year Papers
Gate 2026 ECE Eligibility Criteria - Age Limit
Applicants from all age groups are welcome to appear for the GATE Electronics and Communication paper as long as they fulfill the aforementioned educational qualifications. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering extends this opportunity to appear and pursue higher education from top IITs, NITs, etc. to diverse age groups of aspirants.
Gate 2026 Eligibility Criteria for ECE - Nationality
Another important parameter of the GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the nationality of the test takers. The good news is that not only Indians but aspirants from the following international countries can take part in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering:
- India
- Ethiopia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
Read: GATE ECE Syllabus 2026
GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Number of Attempts
There are no limitations on the number of attempts as per the GATE ECE eligibility criteria 2026, which implies that applicants can take the exam multiple times as per their choice.
Hence, applicants are permitted to appear for the GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering paper once a year.
GATE ECE Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Vital Documents
Applicants who fulfill all the other GATE ECE eligibility criteria 2026 outlined above must ensure to possess the following list of documents:
- A degree certificate, provisional degree certificate, course completion certificate, or membership certificate provided by the particular institute or university
- Students in their 3rd or final year of graduation are required to provide any one of the following documents: a) Provisional Certificate Letter signed by the Head of the Institute, Dean, Registrar, or Head of Department b) A copy of the mark card for Section A of AMIE or relevant documents
- For students with backlogs (failed subjects) in their qualifying examination, ensure to provide any final year mark sheets issued by their respective institute or university.
- A colored and recent passport-size photo
- A clear signature scanned copy of an applicant
- SC or ST caste certificate as per the applicant's selected category
- A PwD (person with disability) certificate, if applicable
- Certificate of Dyslexia, if applicable
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