GATE Age limit 2026: Category wise Age Limit, Relaxation

Get a detailed guide on GATE Age Limit 2026 covers minimum and maximum age requirements, category-wise eligibility, and clarification on age relaxation. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional, know how age affects GATE and PSU opportunities to plan your career smartly.
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GATE Age limit 2026: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering(GATE Exam 2026) is one of the most prestigious Exams in India. Every year, thousands of students apply for GATE Exam to get admission for higher studies and PSU jobs in Engineering sectors under Government and private authorities. GATE Exam offers admissions for M.Tech, M.S. and PhD programmes in IITs, IISc, NITs and other Engineering Institutes. Candidates are often confused and eagerly want to know what is GATE Age Limit 2026?

Knowing GATE Age Limit 2026 plays an important role for appearing and for repeater aspirants of GATE Exam 2026 

In this article, we will provide complete details on GATE Age Limit 2026, including age relaxation, maximum and minimum age limit, upper age limit for GATE Exam 2026 and more for aspirants.   

GATE Age Limit 2026 Category Wise

GATE Age Limit 2026 was released on 21 August 2025 in GATE Exam Notification 2026 by IIT Guwahati. Candidates can check detailed GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria from the Official Notification provided on official website. Generally, there is no GATE age limit 2026; candidates who meet required Educational Qualification can apply for GATE Exam at any age.  

GATE Age Limit 2026 category wise is provided in the table below 

CategoryMinimum AgeMaximum AgeAge Relaxation
GeneralNo minimum age (typically 20+)No upper limitNot applicable
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)No minimum ageNo upper limitNot applicable
SC/STNo minimum ageNo upper limitNot applicable
EWSNo minimum ageNo upper limitNot applicable
PwDNo minimum ageNo upper limitNot applicable

GATE Age Relaxation 2026

There is no means of GATE Age Relaxation 2026 in GATE Exam. There is no GATE Age Limit 2026, that’s why no need for GATE AGE Relaxation 2026

But for PSU recruitment through GATE Scorecard 2026, age limit will be applied for candidates. As well as Age relaxation, will be provided to the reserve categories according the norms of Government of India. 

GATE Age Relaxation 2026 based on PSU recruitment is given below 

CategoryAge Relaxation in PSU Jobs (through GATE)Remarks
SC/ST5 yearsStandard relaxation as per Government of India norms
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)3 yearsApplicable only for non-creamy layer OBC candidates
PwD (Persons with Disabilities)Up to 10 yearsDepends on PSU rules and recruitment notifications
General/EWSNo relaxationMust meet the PSU’s general maximum age limit

Also read GATE Application form 2026 

Minimum Age for GATE Exam 2026 

Minimum Age for GATE Exam 2026 is not fixed. Candidates who meet Educational Qualification Criteria are Eligible to apply for GATE Exam 2026

According to the required Educational qualification, Minimum Age for GATE Exam 2026 can be guessed based on the data given below 

  • A student typically completes Class 12 at 17–18 years.
  • Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.) or B.Sc. degree takes 3–4 years.
  • Hence, most candidates become eligible for GATE by the age of 20–21.

Maximum Age for GATE Exam 2026

GATE Exam did not introduce any sections regarding maximum Age for GATE Exam 2026. Interested candidates can appear numbers of times as they want and can use their desired GATE Scorecard what they want to use for Recruitment and admission. They have to follow, GATE Scorecard must be valid for the session they are applying for admission or Jobs. 

Also read GATE PYQs 

Upper Age Limit For GATE Exam

Candidates who want to appear in GATE Exam 2026 can apply for this whatever age they are. In simple words, the Upper Age Limit for GATE Exam 2026 is unlimited. Candidates can apply for GATE Exam at any age. There is no GATE Age Limit 2026.

Upper Age Limit for GATE Exam 2026 is provided below 

  • No maximum age restriction for GATE exam.
  • Candidates above 30, 35, or even 40+ years can appear for GATE.
  • Same rule applies across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD). 

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GATE Age Limit 2026 FAQs

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There is no minimum age limit for GATE Exam 2026 mentioned in gate Exam notification 2026.

There is no maximum age limit for GATE exam 2026. Candidates of any age can apply for GATE Exam 2026.

No, there is no restriction on upper age limit for GATE Exam 2026. Candidates of any age can apply.

Yes, PSU recruitment through GATE provides an age relaxation category wise to the candidates. Read the above article for detailed information.

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