GATE 2025 Cutoff Marks (Out)- Branch-wise Cutoff for IITs, NITs, Marks vs Ranks and College Predictor

The IIT Roorkee has officially released the GATE cut off marks along with the GATE 2025 Results, which are available on the official website. The cutoff includes the qualifying cutoff and the admission cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to pass the exam, while the admission cutoff is higher and varies according to the institutes. This year, more than 9.3 lakh candidates registered for GATE 2025 for 30 different subjects, out of which over 7.4 lakh candidates appeared for the exam.

The highest mark obtained in GATE 2025 Computer Science was 100/100; in mechanical engineering, the highest marks are 95.33. The majority of the toppers were placed in the top 5 in the country, achieving scores of more than 85 marks in their respective papers.

The qualifying marks for the reserved categories in GATE 2025 were fixed at 90% (OBC-NCL/EWS) and 66% (SC/ST/PwD) of the General category cut-off.

In GATE 2024, the topper in CSE got 90.67 marks (AIR 1) with a General cut-off of 32.5 marks, whereas in Mechanical Engineering, the topper obtained 92.66 marks against a General cut-off of 28.4 marks.

GATE Cutoff Mark 2024

GATE Marks vs Rank 2025

GATE 2025 Scores and Normalization

GATE scores are normalized to account for variations in difficulty across multiple sessions. The score is calculated out of 1000, while the raw marks are out of 100. The normalization formula ensures fairness by adjusting scores based on the relative performance of candidates across different sessions.

• High Scores for Top Ranks: Achieving top ranks typically requires scores above 85 marks, varying slightly by discipline.
• Normalization Impact: In multi-session papers, normalization can significantly influence scores, especially if session difficulty varies.
• Strategic Preparation: Aiming for higher marks increases the likelihood of securing admission to prestigious institutions or coveted PSU positions.

Is 25 a Good Score in GATE?

A score of 25 in GATE is below average and typically close to or below the qualifying cutoff for most branches. Whether it is considered "good" depends on the following:

• Qualifying Cutoff: The qualifying cutoff for GATE varies by branch and category. For most branches, the General category cutoff is 25–35 marks (out of 100).
• Opportunities:
  • A score of 25 may not qualify for General and OBC categories in competitive branches like CSE, ME, or CE.
  • For SC/ST/PwD categories, it may qualify but is insufficient for admission to top institutes or PSUs.

A rank of 25 marks might correspond to a rank of 10,000–30,000 depending on the branch and number of candidates.

“A score of 25 may allow basic eligibility but provides limited opportunities. Retaking the GATE with improved preparation is advisable for better prospects.”

What is 700 Marks in GATE?

A GATE score of 700 is considered exceptional and typically corresponds to:

• Rank Range: Between 1–500, depending on the branch.
• Raw Marks (Out of 100): Generally between 65–85 marks, depending on the branch and paper difficulty.
• Opportunities:
  • Postgraduate Admissions: Admission to top-tier IITs, IISc, and NITs for M.Tech/Ph.D. programs in core and interdisciplinary branches.
  • PSU Recruitment: Eligible for interviews in PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, and BHEL.
  • Scholarships: Eligible for financial aid like the MHRD scholarship of ₹12,400/month during M.Tech programs.
  • Career Prospects: High placement potential in both core and interdisciplinary domains.

“A GATE score of 700 is a highly competitive score that opens doors to the best opportunities in academia, PSUs, and research.”

What is the Rank for 70 Marks in GATE?

A score of 70 marks (out of 100) in GATE typically translates to a rank in the range of 100–500, depending on:

• Branch: The rank is higher (better) in less competitive branches and slightly lower in competitive branches like CSE and ME.
• Difficulty Level: In a difficult paper, 70 marks could result in an even higher rank.

Example Insights (Based on Historical Data):

• Mechanical Engineering (ME):
  • 70 marks → Rank ~150–300.
• Computer Science (CSE):
  • 70 marks → Rank ~100–200.
• Civil Engineering (CE):
  • 70 marks → Rank ~250–500.

“A score of 70 marks generally guarantees admission to IITs and top NITs, with excellent opportunities for PSU interviews and other career options.”

GATE Score, Marks, and Rank based on the discussed scenarios:

• 25 Marks:
  • Qualifying cutoff is usually 25–35 for General/OBC (varies by branch).
  • Limited opportunities in top institutes or PSUs.
• 700 GATE Score:
  • Corresponds to high raw marks and excellent rank.
  • Opens doors for premier institutions, scholarships, and PSU recruitment.
• 70 Marks:
  • A top score that translates to high ranks (within the top 500).
  • Provides flexibility in selecting preferred branches and institutions.

GATE Cutoff Qualifying Marks

Is GATE score 40 good?

A GATE 2025 score of 40 is commendable and qualifies you for further opportunities. A GATE score of 40 is above the cut-offs for most streams, except Architecture & Planning (41.5).

• Streams like Biotechnology (38.9) are above the cutoffs, whereas ECE, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering (25) are below the cutoffs.
• Core branches like ME, EE, and CE have scores in the 25-30 range. Although this will make one eligible for M.Tech, it might not be sufficient to be competitive for IITs, NITs, or PSU recruitments.
• The candidate needs to verify specific cut-offs and PSU trends to have more opportunities.

Interpretation of a 40 Marks Score:

• Qualification Status: At 40, you exceed qualifying marks for all of the above-discussed disciplines.
• Rank Estimation: As exact ranks vary annually depending on exam toughness and candidate performance, a score of 40 generally places candidates in the rank band between about 5,000 to 10,000.

Opportunities with a 40 Marks Score:

• IITs and Top NITs: These premier institutions often require higher GATE scores for admission. A score of 40 might be below the typical cutoff for popular courses in these institutes.
• Other NITs and State Universities: A score of 40 could make you eligible for M.Tech programs in several NITs and state universities, especially in core engineering branches.
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Many PSUs utilize GATE scores for recruitment. However, they generally prefer higher scores, and a score of 40 might be on the lower side for shortlisting.

If 39 good score in the GATE?

A mark of 39 would be sufficient for a candidate in fields where the cut-off is lower than 39, in Civil Engineering (predicted cut-off: 29.3) and Mechanical Engineering (predicted cut-off: 27.6), a mark of 39 exceeds the qualifying marks.

• But in extremely competitive fields such as Computer Science, Electronics, and Petroleum Engineering, the cut-off marks are higher, and hence 39 might not be enough for the best colleges or PSU recruitment.
• Though this score makes one eligible for most professions, better grades are normally necessary for top-level admissions and employment opportunities in highly competitive industries.

GATE Qualifying vs. Admission Cutoffs

GATE scores, it is important to make a distinction between qualifying cutoffs and admission cutoffs. While the qualifying cutoff indicates whether or not a candidate has cleared the exam, the admission cutoff represents the minimum score needed for obtaining a seat in an M.Tech course at a particular institute.

What is the GATE Qualifying Cutoff?

The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to pass the GATE exam. It is determined by the exam authorities (IISc or IITs) and varies each year based on:

• Exam difficulty level
• Total number of candidates
• Category-wise reservation policies

Example of GATE 2024 Qualifying Cutoff (General Category)

What is the GATE Admission Cutoff?

The admission cutoff is the minimum score required to get admission into IITs, NITs, and IIITs for M.Tech/M.E programs. This cutoff is much higher than the qualifying cutoff and varies based on:

• High IITs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras have cutoffs greater than 750+ GATE scores for highly competitive streams such as CSE and EE.
• NITs' cutoffs for admissions are relatively lower, averaging 600-700 GATE scores.
• The greater the competition, the greater the cutoff admission.

GATE Admission Cutoffs

Differences Between Qualifying and Admission Cutoffs

If you just aim to qualify in GATE, you need to aim for the qualifying cutoff of 25-40 marks as per the subject. But if you want admission in IITs or NITs, you will need a very high GATE score, i.e., 700+, to get a seat in premier programs.

For PSU hiring, the majority of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have their own cutoff marks, usually a 750+ GATE mark for shortlisting in the top companies such as ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC.

GATE Cutoff 2025 for GAIL

The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) hires Executive Trainees based on the scores obtained in the GATE. For GAIL Recruitment via GATE 2025, applicants need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria and score the required cutoff marks to be eligible for the selection process.

GATE 2025 Cutoff for GAIL Recruitment:

The cutoff scores for GAIL recruitment vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the GATE exam, and the availability of vacancies.

The application link will be available from February 17, 2025, to March 18, 2025.​

GAIL Selection Process:

1. Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their GATE 2025 scores.
2. Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in GD and PI rounds.
3. Medical Fitness Test: Candidates who clear the GD and PI rounds will undergo a medical fitness test before the final selection.

Minimum GATE 2025 Score

The exact minimum score for GATE 2025 cannot be predicted without considering the overall number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and other data from the ongoing session. According to the trends in the last few years, we can expect that:

• For Computer Science, the minimum score for the general category may stay in the range of 28 to 32.
• For Mechanical Engineering it would be ranging between 34 and 37.
• Civil Engineering should have a minimum score range of 30 to 32.

Category-wise GATE 2025 Minimum Score

The minimum scores vary significantly across different categories.

• Mechanical Engineering (ME) has the highest expected cutoff range (34-37), which shows how competitive it is.
• Civil Engineering (CE) and Electrical Engineering (EE) have almost similar expected cutoffs, at around 30-33, implying a ranking is slightly lower but still competitive as compared to ME.
• While Computer Science (CS) has the lowest expected cutoff in the General category at 28-32, it is still very competitive.

Minimum GATE 2025 Score for IITs

Based on past trends and this year's levels of competition, we can also expect that IITs are going to offer at least some more marks on the minimum front in 2025 for popular branches like CS and EE as compared to earlier years, though it may become steady or improve slightly for other branches like ME, CE, and so forth.

Here is an estimated scale for 2025 (General Category):

• CS: 820-850
• EE: 770-810
• ME: 780-810
• CE: 740-770
• CH: 760-790
• Aerospace Engineering (AE): 740–770

What is the lowest GATE Score for IITs?

Here’s an overview of the minimum GATE score for General category candidates in popular branches across IITs based on previous years’ data, along with estimated values for 2025:

Category-wise Minimum GATE Scores for IITs

The minimum GATE score is different for each category. The following table provides an approximate idea of the cutoff score for different categories based on previous year trends.

Minimum GATE Score for AAI

Considering the past trends, we can assume that for GATE 2025, the minimum GATE scores for General category candidates would be:

• Civil Engineering: 70–80
• Electrical Engineering: 75–85
• Electronics and Communication Engineering 80–90
• Computer Science: 85–95

For the reserved category (OBC, SC, ST, and PwD), the probable cutoff will go down by at least 10–15 marks, depending upon the post/role and as per the candidature in this category.

Category-wise Minimum GATE Scores for AAI

AAI follows a category-based cutoff system. The minimum GATE score required for candidates in OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories will be lower than for General category candidates. Here are approximate cutoff ranges for various categories:

M.Tech Chances in IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay based on Gate Score, EE and EC Analysis

M.Tech Chances in IIT Delhi

• For the candidates of General Category, the lowest GATE score that will make a candidate qualify for IIT Delhi in EE is in the range of 800–850. In Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), the General Category cutoff for IIT Delhi is higher than EE, generally at 850-900.
• For candidates in OBC-NCL Category, it is around 750–800 for IIT. For Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), candidates belonging to the OBC-NCL Category, it is around 800–850.
• Candidates belonging to SC/ST category have their cutoffs significantly lower, cutoff ranges from 650–700 for EE discipline. As per Electronics and Communication (EC) In the case of SC/ST category candidates, cutoffs for IIT Delhi are more or less in the range of 700–750.
• For PwD candidates, the lowest score needed is different as IIT Delhi demands a score of 600–650 IN EE Subject and as per EC PwD candidates have lowered cutoffs; has a range of 650–700.

M.Tech Chances in IIT Bombay

• IIT Bombay slightly lesser in range 750–800 in EE, the range is at 820-870 in EC for the Genral category.
• For OBC-NCL category the score from 720 to 770 in EE and for EC 780–820 marks for IIT Bombay.
• The score between 600 and 650, for IIT Bombay in EE and in EC are within the range of 700–750 for the candidates belongs to SC/ST Category.
• For PwD category, IIT Bombay requires a score between 550–600 in EE and a lower range of 650–700 in EC.

GATE Score vs. Admission Probability

Factors Influencing GATE 2025 Cutoffs

The cutoff for GATE 2025 will be determined by several factors such as the difficulty of the exam, the number of applicants, available seats, reservations category-wise, PSU recruitment, and normalization.

Difficulty Level of the Exam: The difficulty of the exam paper plays a crucial role in determining the cutoff. A tougher paper generally leads to a lower cutoff, while an easier paper results in a higher cutoff.

• In GATE 2022, the Computer Science (CSE) paper was moderate, and the cutoff was 25 (General Category).
• In GATE 2021, the paper was relatively easier, so the cutoff was 26.1 (General Category).

Number of Candidates Appearing: More candidates generally increase the competition, leading to higher cutoffs.

• In GATE 2023, around 6.8 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, affecting cutoff variations across disciplines.
• A rise in candidates appearing for popular branches like CSE, ECE, and Mechanical Engineering often results in higher cutoffs.

Total Number of Seats in IITs/NITs: The number of seats available in IITs, NITs, and IIITs for M.Tech admissions influences the cutoffs. If more seats are available, the cutoff may decrease.

IITs & NITs Intake Trends:

• IITs (2024): Approximately 8,500 seats
• NITs (2024): Around 23,000 seats

Impact on Cutoff: If more seats are available, lower ranks may still get admission, leading to a lower cutoff.

Previous Year Cutoff Trends: The previous years' cutoff trends provide an approximate idea of expected cutoff marks.

• GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Cutoffs (General Category):
  • 2023: 28.4
  • 2022: 28.1
  • 2021: 33

The cutoff dropped in 2022 and 2023 due to the difficulty level of the exam and candidate performance.

Normalization Process (For Multi-Session Papers): For disciplines conducted in multiple sessions, GATE applies a normalization process to ensure fairness in scoring.

• Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Electrical Engineering (EE) have multiple sessions, so scores are normalized using a formula considering the mean and standard deviation of all sessions.
• This ensures no unfair advantage to candidates who got an easier or tougher question set.

Category-Based Reservations: Cutoffs are lower for reserved categories (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD candidates).

• GATE 2023 Cutoff for Civil Engineering:
  • General: 26.6
  • OBC-NCL: 23.9
  • SC/ST/PwD: 17.7

Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Recruitment Trends: Many PSUs recruit through GATE, and higher demand for GATE-qualified candidates can increase the cutoff. PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, and BHEL offer job opportunities based on GATE scores, leading to higher competition and cutoffs in fields like Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering.

Impact of COVID-19 and Other External Factors: In 2021 and 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted exam participation, leading to lower cutoffs.

GATE 2025 Safe Marks for IITs, NITs and PSUs

The GATE 2025 is a gateway to admission in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and top PSUs. Thousands are competing for limited seats. In this regard, the safe marks regarding different disciplines, like computer science engineering (CSE), mechanical engineering (ME), and electrical engineering (EE) fields of previous years, which used to range between 750-850 for the IITs and 650-750 marks for NITs and PSUs, depending on the category and competition level.

Safe Marks for IITs

The GATE cutoff for admission into IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) is generally within the range of 750-900+; this is considered stream-specific and category-specific with respect to institute.

• Computer Science (CS) tends to have a slightly higher safe mark due to the competitive nature of the stream.
• Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Electrical Engineering (EE) also have high safe marks for General category.

For SC/ST/PwD candidates, the safe marks drop considerably, generally between 550-650 depending on the stream and the institution.

Safe Marks for NITs

For NITs (National Institutes of Technology), the GATE cutoff is typically lower than that of IITs. However, NITs still follow a similar pattern, with slightly lower safe marks required for admission compared to IITs.

For General category students, safe marks for NITs are slightly lower, especially in comparison to IITs. OBC candidates require fewer marks to secure a seat in NITs, and the cutoffs for SC/ST/PwD candidates are much lower than for the General category.

Safe Marks for PSUs

For PSU recruitment through GATE, the safe marks vary according to the specific PSU and the stream. The cutoff for PSUs tends to be higher for streams like CS, EE, and ME. PSUs like BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, etc., usually have high GATE cutoff scores.

• For PSUs, Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Electrical Engineering (EE) have some of the highest safe marks. Civil Engineering (CE) and Chemical Engineering (CH) have slightly lower safe marks for recruitment.
• Computer Science (CS) has high cutoffs due to the large number of applicants and the competitive nature of the stream.

Why only 17% Students clear the GATE Cut off every year?

GATE, one of the highly competitive exams in India, has, according to historical data, cleared at a 17-18% rate for the average candidate. Here's a detailed analysis of the key reasons and trends:

High Level of Competition

• Data Insight: Out of 8.6 lakh candidates who registered for GATE 2024, only 1.5 lakh cleared the cut-off, which brings the pass percentage to 17.4%.
• Trend: The competition has increased with every passing year, especially in the most sought-after branches like Computer Science (CS), Electronics (EC), and Mechanical Engineering (ME).

Tough Exam Pattern

• Reason: GATE tests conceptual understanding, numerical ability, and application skills, which makes it a tough exam to crack.
• Example: In 2023, average qualifying marks obtained in CS was 32.5 marks out of 100, for the level of competition.

Trends in Cut-off at the Branch Level

Trend Analysis:

• CS (2024): Cut-off: 32.5, Qualifiers: 18%
• EC (2024): Cut-off: 25.0, Qualifiers: 16%
• ME (2024): Cut-off: 28.4, Qualifiers: 15%

These trends suggest that clearing GATE is more difficult for the stream with a cut-off.

Lack of Time Management

• Only 3 hours to answer 65 questions adds stress and the answers will be incompete/erroneous.
• More than 50% of students experience the constraint of time while writing and this leads to a dip in scores.

Lack of Practice

• Observation: Students who do not attempt mock tests or solve previous years' question papers perform poorly.
• Trend: Qualifiers claim to have practiced at least 20 mock tests and solved 10 years of GATE papers.