Top IITs & NITs Accepting GATE Scores – Branch-Wise List

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is not only a ticket to further education but also a great privilege that can open the doors of opportunities in the leading engineering institutes in India. GATE is taken by thousands of candidates each year with the hope that they will be able to get a seat in the top institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). In case you are intending to do M.Tech, MS, or PhD programs based on GATE, it is very important to know which IITs and NITs will consider your GATE score in your branch.

This blog shows a branch-wise list of the best IITs and NITs that accept GATE scores. We also discuss the importance of GATE score cutoffs and ranks in the admission process, and how, by studying with the appropriate material like GATE books, attempting GATE exam question papers, and revising topics in a GATE aptitude book, you can increase your chances.

What is the Importance of the GATE Score?

IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other institutes use the GATE score to admit students to postgraduate engineering programs and to recruit in PSUs. The better the score, the better are your chances of getting into the best IITs and NITs, particularly in the competitive streams of Computer Science, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering.

GATE admission is not only about passing the exam, it is about scoring a high percentile that will help you get admission in institutes that are very competitive and premium. Institutes shortlist candidates based on GATE score and either directly admit or take the candidates through interviews, depending on the program.

Branch-Wise IITs Accepting GATE Scores

Here is a detailed table outlining the top IITs and the branches they offer through GATE.

The top IITs often have very competitive GATE cutoffs, and your admission chances will heavily depend on your All India Rank (AIR), GATE score, category, and performance in any interviews (if applicable).

Read More: GATE 2026 Cut-Off Trends: What Score Do You Need for IITs & PSUs?

Branch-Wise NITs Accepting GATE Scores

The following table represents some of the top NITs that accept GATE scores for various branches:

These NITs also conduct centralized counselling through CCMT (Centralized Counselling for M.Tech/M.Arch/M.Plan), and your admission is based on GATE score, cutoff, and seat availability.

Admission Process Using GATE Score

Admission to M.Tech/MS/PhD in IITs and NITs follows a standardized process:

1. GATE Qualification: You must qualify with a valid GATE score.

2. Apply on the Institute Portal: Each IIT has its application process. NITs follow CCMT.

3. Shortlisting: Based on your GATE score and eligibility.

4. Interview/Written Test: Some programs, especially MS/PhD, may require interviews.

5. Final Admission: Based on the merit list and seat allocation.

Remember, while institutes use your GATE score as a primary filter, your academic record, category, and sometimes interviews carry additional weight.

GATE Cutoff Trends in IITs and NITs

The difficulty level, number of candidates, and the number of seats also change, and GATE cut-offs are different each year. For example:

• IIT Bombay could need a GATE score of 750+ in CS in the general category.

• NIT can take CS applicants with GATE scores of 600-650.

It is better to study the trend of GATE exam question papers of the last few years to know the way the scores vary. Regular practice on the previous GATE exam question paper will also assist you to determine trends and concentrate on the scoring areas.

Role of Aptitude and Preparation

One of the main features of the GATE exam is the General Aptitude (GA), which has 15 marks in each paper. A good score here will give you a good score, which will raise your rank. It is advisable to have a firm hold over this portion with the help of a concentrated GATE aptitude book, particularly for those who are weak in technical subjects.

Along with that, it is significant to use the standard GATE books of each branch. However, it is not sufficient to have GATE books and do nothing with them; their regular revision, solving last year's GATE exam question paper, and doing mock tests can make a difference.

GATE Branch-to-Institute Mapping for M.Tech

Here’s a detailed mapping of branches with specialized IITs/NITs that focus heavily on that domain:

Selecting the correct specialization in your area of interest and strength may determine how good you perform not only in GATE but also in your M.Tech course.

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Tips for Targeting Top IITs & NITs

1. Prepare in advance and make yourself stick to a schedule.

2. Spend 30 minutes every day on General Aptitude with a nice GATE aptitude book.

3. Attempt one of the GATE exam question papers at least once a week.

4. Select standard GATE books and revise them several times rather than hoarding a lot.

5. Monitor institute-wise GATE cutoffs and strategize.

Final Thoughts

The competition to get into the top IITs and NITs is intense, but with the right approach and smart use of resources, it is achievable. Knowing which institutes are within reach of your branch helps in targeting your efforts better. Whether it’s solving every GATE exam question paper from the last 10 years or revising formulas from your GATE books, your discipline and consistency will make the difference.

Every hour spent solving numerical problems, reading a GATE aptitude book, and studying theory from GATE books is an investment toward your future.

If you’re targeting top IITs and NITs, be strategic — choose your specialization wisely, stay updated with the counselling process, and always prepare intending to score in the top percentile.