GATE Geology Cutoff 2026: Qualifying Scores, Category-Wise Trends & Counselling Dates
From 26.1 (SC/ST/PwD) to 39.3 (General), the GATE Geology Cutoff 2026 spanned across various categories. The GATE Geology Cutoff 2026 is the minimum qualifying score required for admission to M.Tech programs and PSU recruitment, with the General category cutoff settling at 39.3 marks. This year’s cutoffs were officially released on March 19, 2026, following the examination held in February.
GATE Geology Qualifying Cutoffs 2026
The table below details the minimum qualifying marks for GATE Geology (GG1) and Geophysics (GG2) across different categories for the 2026 examination.
| Category | GATE Geology (GG1) Cutoff 2026 | GATE Geophysics (GG2) Cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General | 39.3 | 37.1 |
| OBC-NCL/EWS | 35.3 | 33.3 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 26.1 | 24.7 |
Year-on-Year GATE Geology Cutoff Trends
Analyzing the GATE Geology cutoff over recent years provides insight into the fluctuating qualifying scores for the GG1 paper.
| Category | GATE Geology (GG1) Cutoff 2026 | GATE Geology (GG1) Cutoff 2025 | GATE Geology (GG1) Cutoff 2024 | GATE Geology (GG1) Cutoff 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 39.3 | 38.4 | 42.0 | 38.9 |
| OBC-NCL/EWS | 35.3 | 34.5 | 37.8 | 35.0 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 26.1 | 25.5 | 28.0 | 25.9 |
GATE 2026 Important Dates
Key dates for the GATE 2026 examination, from application to result announcement, are summarized below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | August 28, 2025 |
| Online Registration Closes (without late fee) | September 28, 2025 |
| Online Registration Closes (with late fee) | October 9, 2025 |
| Admit Cards Available for Download | January 13, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examinations | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Announcement of Results | March 19, 2026 |
COAP 2026 Counselling Schedule
The Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) facilitates M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitment based on GATE scores. Here are the important dates for COAP 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| COAP 2026 Registration Begins | March 27, 2026 |
| COAP 2026 Round 1 Offers | May 11 – May 13, 2026 |
| COAP 2026 Round 2 Offers | May 17 – May 20, 2026 |
| COAP 2026 Main Offer Rounds | May 11 – June 10, 2026 |
| COAP 2026 Additional Rounds Begin | June 13, 2026 |
| COAP 2026 Counselling Concludes | July 10, 2026 |
FAQs
Q: What is a good GATE Geology score for IIT admissions?
A. For admission to top IITs, a GATE score typically above 700 is considered safe for highly competitive branches, though specific admission cutoffs vary by institute and program.
Q: How is the GATE Geology cutoff determined each year?
A. The GATE Geology cutoff is influenced by several factors, including the overall difficulty of the exam paper, the total number of candidates who appeared, and the availability of seats in M.Tech programs at participating institutions.
Q: Can I get a PSU job with my GATE Geology score?
A. Yes, many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) utilize GATE scores for their recruitment processes. Candidates meeting the specified GATE Geology cutoff for PSUs are eligible to apply for these positions.
Q: Is there a difference between qualifying cutoff and admission cutoff for GATE Geology?
A. Yes, the qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to pass the GATE exam, making you eligible for further processes. The admission cutoff, however, is generally higher and represents the minimum score needed to secure a seat in a specific M.Tech program at an institute or a PSU job.
Q: How long is the GATE score valid for M.Tech admissions?
A. A GATE score is valid for a period of three years from the date of the announcement of the results. For example, a GATE 2026 score will be valid until March 31, 2029.
