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Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

Updated on 4 Sept, 2026 by Kollegeapply

The GATE 2021 General cutoff has been released by the IITs and IISc. This page shows General cutoff trends across colleges and courses (All & Female where available). Check the official site https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ for notifications.

We’ve analyzed GATE cutoffs for 2021 to help you gauge admission chances at top colleges.


GATE 2021 General category cutoff ranges from 354 to 527 score. Candidates with score under 504 have high chances of getting top colleges like NIT Uttarakhand, NIT Andhra Pradesh, and IIIT Sri City.


GATE 2021 Cutoff Highlights

The GATE 2021 cutoff represents the minimum score required to qualify for admissions into participating colleges.

The cutoff is released by the IITs and IISc and is used for counselling and seat allocation.


Key Highlights

  • Exam Name: GATE 2021
  • Conducting Body: IITs and IISc
  • Cutoff Type: Score
  • Total Counselling Rounds: 5
  • Total Colleges Participating: 9
  • Top Courses: M.Tech in Computer science , M.Tech in Environmental Engineering, M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering
  • Quota Types: All India

GATE 2021 Cutoff Overview

The table below provides complete details of the GATE 2021 cutoff including exam structure, categories, and admission scope.

ParticularsDetails
Exam NameGATE
Conducting BodyIITs and IISc
Cutoff TypeScore
Courses AcceptingM.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.E.
Total Rounds5
Total Colleges Participating9
Official Websitehttps://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/
QuotasAll India
Top CoursesM.Tech in Computer science , M.Tech in Environmental Engineering, M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering

Status

  • Cutoff Status: Released
  • Last Updated: September 2026

GATE 2021 General Cutoff Category Wise for Government and Private Colleges

The GATE 2021 General category-wise cutoff highlights the opening and closing score range for admission into government and private colleges across different categories. The cutoff varies based on factors such as category reservation, seat availability, and college type, with government institutes generally having more competition compared to private colleges.

CategoryGovernmentPrivate
General354 - 467433 - 527

Can You Get a College with Your Score?

The GATE 2021 score plays a crucial role in determining your chances of admission into top institutes across India. Based on previous cutoff trends, the table below highlights what type of colleges you can expect at different eligibility ranges.

Eligibility RangeTop Colleges
Below 1,000NIT Uttarakhand, NIT Andhra Pradesh, IIIT Sri City, IIIT Vadodara, NIAMT

GATE 2021 Marks vs Rank

The table below shows the relationship between marks scored and the corresponding rank in GATE 2021. Understanding this mapping helps candidates estimate their expected rank based on marks scored and compare it against historical cutoff trends.

MarksRank
0 - 30050000 - 100000
300 - 34935000 - 50000
350 - 39925000 - 35000
400 - 44918000 - 25000
450 - 49912000 - 18000
500 - 5498000 - 12000
550 - 5995000 - 8000
600 - 6493000 - 5000
650 - 6991500 - 3000
700 - 749800 - 1500
750 - 799400 - 800
800 - 849150 - 400
850 - 89950 - 150
900 - 94910 - 50
950 - 10001 - 10

GATE 2021 Expected vs Actual Cutoff

The GATE 2021 cutoff comparison between expected and actual values helps candidates understand trend accuracy and exam competitiveness.

CategoryExpected (Score)Actual (Score)Difference
General533 - 537354 - 527Stable

Why Did the Cutoff Change?

The variation between expected and actual cutoff is influenced by:

  • Exam Difficulty Level: Slightly easier paper can increase cutoff, while tougher papers may reduce it.
  • Number of Candidates: Higher participation generally raises competition and affects closing trends.
  • Normalization Process: Session-wise normalization may create minor variation in final cutoff outcomes.
  • Seat Availability: Stable seat intake usually keeps cutoff movement within an expected range.

Accuracy Analysis

  • Prediction Accuracy: Previous-year based estimates are generally close to actual cutoff outcomes.
  • General Category: Shows comparatively tighter competition and visible year-to-year movement.
  • Overall Insight: GATE 2021 cutoff remained stable with minor fluctuations.

GATE Cutoff Trend (2021 vs 2020)

The GATE cutoff trend over the last few years helps candidates understand how competition and qualifying percentiles have evolved.


Year-wise Cutoff Trend

YearGeneral
2021527
2020537

Key Insights

  • Overall Stability: General cutoff remains stable around 90-91 percentile
  • Increase from 2022 to 2023: Due to higher competition post-COVID normalization
  • Minor Fluctuations (2020-2021): Caused by normalization and paper difficulty
  • Reserved Categories: Gradual increase in cutoff due to rising participation
  • ST Category: Shows highest variation due to lower applicant pool

Insight: Cutoff trends show consistent competition growth with slight yearly variation


Category-wise College Cutoff Comparison (General Category)

This table shows how college-level cutoffs have changed over the last 3 years for General category.

College20212020
NIT Uttarakhand467533
NIT Andhra Pradesh453537
IIIT Sri City504-
IIIT Vadodara527-

Insights

  • Top Colleges: Slightly more competitive in recent years
  • Mid-tier Colleges: Wider variation based on seat changes
  • Overall Trend: Competition increasing gradually

College wise GATE 2021 Cutoff (Category-wise Opening & Closing Scores)

The GATE 2021 college-wise cutoff includes opening and closing scores for top colleges like NIAMT and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research across categories. These cutoffs are released during counselling and vary based on college, branch, category, and quota

CollegeBranchCategoryOpening ScoreClosing Score
NIAMTM.Tech in Environmental EngineeringGeneral370370
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and ResearchM.Tech in Computer scienceGeneral419419

Insight: NIAMT and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research close within top 370-419 scores for core branches.

Key Insights

  • Cutoffs vary significantly by college tier and branch popularity.
  • M.Tech in Environmental Engineering has the lowest closing score (370), indicating highest competition.
  • 2 colleges close within top 20,000 scores, while 2 are within top 30,000 scores.
  • Final cutoff depends on counselling rounds, preferences, and seat matrix.

College-wise GATE 2021 Cutoff (General Opening & Closing Scores)

CollegeAll
NIT Uttarakhand467
NIT Andhra Pradesh407 - 453
IIIT Sri City433 - 504
IIIT Vadodara508 - 527
NIAMT370 - 410
National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research354 - 419
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research415 - 419

Safe Score for GATE 2021

The GATE safe score is the minimum marks range required to secure admission into good colleges without high risk. It varies based on category, branch preference, and competition level.


Safe Score for Top Colleges

150-180+ marks

What this means:

  • Strong chance in top colleges with competitive branches.
  • Possible entry into M.Tech in Environmental Engineering and M.Tech in Computer science in good institutes.
  • Score range typically under 370-370 for stronger options.

Safe Score for Other Good Colleges

120-150+ marks

What this means:

  • Good chance in institutes offering M.Tech in Environmental Engineering and M.Tech in Computer science.
  • Access to mid to top institutes with strong placement records.
  • Score range typically under 370-419.

Pro Tip: Always keep a buffer of +10-20 marks above the safe score due to normalization and yearly cutoff variation.


What Score is Required for Top Colleges?

The GATE score is the most critical factor in securing admission to top colleges. Based on previous trends, the table below shows what score is required for NIAMT and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research across categories.


Score under 419

College NameGeneral
NIT Uttarakhand467
NIT Andhra Pradesh407 - 453
IIIT Sri City433 - 504
IIIT Vadodara508 - 527
NIAMT370 - 410
National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research354 - 419
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research415 - 419

Score under 419

  • Strong chance in colleges like NIAMT and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research.
  • Likely branches: M.Tech in Environmental Engineering and M.Tech in Computer science.
  • Category advantage applies for better branch outcomes.

Insight: Best range for highly competitive colleges in current trends.


Score under 370

  • Admission possible in colleges like NIAMT.
  • This range keeps more realistic options open across counselling rounds.
  • Wider branch flexibility is usually available compared to lower score bands.

Insight: Ideal for balanced college and branch targets with strong placement potential.


Final Takeaway: Under 419 scores target top-tier options, under 419 scores strengthen access to Top Colleges, and under 370 scores open broader options like Good Colleges.

  • Under 419: 2 strong cutoff outcomes in current trend set.
  • Under 370: 1 broader cutoff outcomes in current trend set.

Top Colleges Accepting GATE 2021 Cutoff

Explore the top engineering colleges accepting GATE 2021 scores. Click below to check detailed branch-wise opening & closing scores and cutoff trends.

CollegeFeesMedian SalaryCoursesRanking
NIAMT₹ 3.40 Lakhs₹ 6.70 Lakhs12NIRF #150
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research₹ 89,392-17-

Top M.Tech in Computer science Colleges - 2021 Cutoff (General Opening & Closing Scores)

The GATE 2021 cutoff for M.Tech in Computer science highlights category-specific closing ranks for top colleges. This branch continues to see strong demand among candidates.

CollegeAll
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research419

Key Insights

  • Top 3 colleges (National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research) close within top 419 ranks.
  • M.Tech in Computer science remains a high-demand branch across top colleges.

Insight: To secure M.Tech in Computer science in top colleges, aim for under 335 rank for stronger outcomes.


Top M.Tech in Environmental Engineering Colleges - 2021 Cutoff (General Opening & Closing Scores)

The GATE 2021 cutoff for M.Tech in Environmental Engineering highlights category-specific closing ranks for top colleges. This branch continues to see strong demand among candidates.

CollegeAll
NIAMT370 - 410

Key Insights

  • Top 3 colleges (NIAMT) close within top 410 ranks.
  • M.Tech in Environmental Engineering remains a high-demand branch across top colleges.

Insight: To secure M.Tech in Environmental Engineering in top colleges, aim for under 328 rank for stronger outcomes.


Top M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering Colleges - 2021 Cutoff (General Opening & Closing Scores)

The GATE 2021 cutoff for M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering highlights category-specific closing ranks for top colleges. This branch continues to see strong demand among candidates.

CollegeAll
NIT Andhra Pradesh453

Key Insights

  • Top 3 colleges (NIT Andhra Pradesh) close within top 453 ranks.
  • M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering remains a high-demand branch across top colleges.

Insight: To secure M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering in top colleges, aim for under 362 rank for stronger outcomes.


All India M.Tech in Computer science Cutoff 2021 – Opening & Closing Scores


The GATE 2021 cutoff for M.Tech in Computer science shows the opening and closing scores for top colleges under the All India quota. M.Tech in Computer science remains highly competitive, with relatively lower closing scores in top institutes.

CollegeAll
OpeningClosing
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research419419

All India M.Tech in Environmental Engineering Cutoff 2021 – Opening & Closing Scores


The GATE 2021 cutoff for M.Tech in Environmental Engineering shows the opening and closing scores for top colleges under the All India quota. M.Tech in Environmental Engineering remains highly competitive, with relatively lower closing scores in top institutes.

CollegeAll
OpeningClosing
NIAMT370370

Course-wise Cutoff Range (All India) 2021 — General

CourseGeneral
M.Tech in Computer science419
M.Tech in Environmental Engineering370 - 410
M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering453
M.Tech. in Manufacturing Engineering407
M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (IOT)415
M.Tech. in Machine Design467
M.E. in Computer Science and Engineering354 - 419
M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (Artificial Intelligence)508
M. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)527

All India and Home State Cutoff 2021 — General

All India Cutoff 2021

College TypeGeneral
IIIT433 - 527
NIT407 - 467

College Wise Cutoff 2021

Explore college-wise cutoff pages for 2021 to check detailed branch-wise opening & closing scores and admission trends.


GATE Cutoff Scores for Top IIIT

NameCutoff Links
IIIT Sri CityView Cutoff
IIIT VadodaraView Cutoff

GATE Cutoff Scores for Top NIT

NameCutoff Links
NIT Andhra PradeshView Cutoff
NIT UttarakhandView Cutoff

GATE Cutoff Scores for Top Colleges

NameCutoff Links
NIAMTView Cutoff
National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and ResearchView Cutoff
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and ResearchView Cutoff

GATE 2021 Cutoff FAQs

What is the cutoff for GATE 2021?
The cutoff for GATE 2021 is expected to be around 354-527 score for General category, while reserved categories may have lower cutoffs based on previous year trends and exam difficulty.
What is the expected cutoff for GATE 2021 (category-wise)?
The expected cutoff for GATE 2021 is:
  • General: 354-527 score
  • OBC: data not available yet
  • SC: data not available yet
  • ST: data not available yet
These values are based on trend analysis and difficulty level.
What was the cutoff for GATE 2020?
In 2020, the cutoff for GATE was:
  • General: 533-537 score
  • OBC: data not available yet
  • SC: data not available yet
This helps estimate the expected cutoff for 2021.
What marks are required for top percentile in GATE 2021?
To achieve 99 percentile in GATE 2021, candidates typically need around latest trend range marks, depending on exam difficulty and normalization.
What marks are required for 90 percentile in GATE 2021?
Candidates scoring around latest trend range marks can expect approximately 90 percentile in GATE 2021, based on previous session data.
What rank can I get with 90 percentile in GATE 2021?
With 90 percentile, candidates can expect a rank between 370-370, depending on the number of candidates appearing for GATE 2021.
Is 95 percentile good in GATE 2021?
Yes, 95 percentile in GATE 2021 is considered good, and may allow admission to good to excellent colleges, depending on category and branch preference.
What score is required for top colleges through GATE 2021?
For top colleges accepting GATE 2021:
  • Top tier colleges: Score under 370
  • Mid-tier colleges: Score under 370
Admission depends on branch and category.
What is a safe score for GATE 2021?
A safe score for GATE 2021 is typically 120-150 to 150-180, which increases the chances of admission to top colleges based on previous year trends.
Will the cutoff for GATE 2021 increase or decrease?
The cutoff for GATE 2021 is expected to stable due to factors like similar difficulty level, candidate participation, and seat availability.
What factors affect the cutoff for GATE 2021?
The cutoff for GATE 2021 is influenced by:
  • Difficulty level: similar difficulty level
  • Total seats: 9+ participating college options
Can I get a top college with my score in GATE 2021?
With a good score, candidates may get into NIAMT and National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, depending on branch preference and category cutoff trends.
What is the difference between qualifying and admission cutoff in GATE 2021?
The qualifying cutoff for GATE 2021 is 354-527 score, while admission cutoffs vary by college and can go much higher depending on demand and seat availability.
Where can I check college-wise cutoff for GATE 2021?
Candidates can check detailed college-wise and branch-wise cutoff for GATE 2021 on KollegeApply, including opening and closing scores for top institutes.

Related Cutoff Links