PrepMaticExam glossary · GATE
GATE scorecard: download, fee and validity
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The GATE scorecard is the official document that carries your GATE score. Only candidates who reach their category's qualifying mark get one. You download it from the GATE portal, it is free for a set window, and it costs Rs.500 per paper after that, up to 31 December 2027. No scorecards are issued from 1 January 2028, and none are sent as hard copies.
Key facts for the GATE 2027 cycle
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who gets one | Candidates at or above their category's qualifying mark |
| Result date | 19 March 2027, liable to change |
| Download | Free for a set window, then Rs.500 per paper up to 31 December 2027 |
| From 1 January 2028 | No scorecards issued |
| Format | Online download only, no hard copy |
| Validity of the score | Three years from the result date |
The exact free-download dates for 2027 have not been announced as of 9 October 2026.
A timing point worth noting
If the result is declared on 19 March 2027 as scheduled, the score is valid until around March 2030. But the scorecard can be obtained only until 31 December 2027. The practical advice is to download your scorecard during the free window and keep several copies, so that you do not depend on the paid window or on being able to request one later. For example, COAP 2026 accepted scores from GATE 2026, 2025 and 2024.
What the scorecard is used for
- Admissions: M.Tech, MS and PhD applications, where institutes ask for your GATE score.
- Recruitment: PSU recruitment shortlists on the score.
- Scholarships: the M.Tech stipend depends on a valid score.
Your scorecard shows the marks and score that the GATE score formula produces. Check the details on it carefully on the day you download it. The GATE result guide covers what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
What if I did not reach the qualifying mark?
You do not receive a scorecard or a GATE score. Only qualified candidates do.
Can I get a hard copy of the GATE scorecard?
No. Scorecards are not issued as hard copies.
Official sources
- GATE 2027 information brochure: scorecard and validity rules.
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- GATE scoreThe GATE score runs up to 1000 and is worked out from your marks, the qualifying mark and the top scorers' average. See the formula, an example, validity.
- GATE qualifying marksGATE qualifying marks are the minimum marks for a scorecard: max(25, min(40, mean + SD)) for General. See the OBC and SC/ST/PwD rules and 2026 values.
- COAPCOAP is the portal where GATE candidates accept, retain or reject M.Tech offers from IITs and IISc. See how it works, what it is not, and who can register.
- GATE resultThe GATE 2027 result is scheduled for 19 March 2027. See who gets a scorecard, the download fee and deadline, score validity and what to do after the result.
- GATE score & normalisationHow the GATE score is calculated from your marks: the formula with a worked example, normalisation across sessions, qualifying marks by category and validity.
More in GATE
- GOAPSGOAPS is the GATE Online Application Processing System. See what it is used for, the GATE 2027 dates and fees, DigiLocker and photo rules, and documents.
- M.Tech stipendGATE qualifiers admitted to M.Tech can get Rs.12,400 a month, generally for 22 months. See the rules, the direct-PhD fellowship and why it is not automatic.
- MSQAn MSQ in GATE has four options with one or more correct answers, no negative marking and no partial credit. See how it is scored and how to attempt it.
- CCMTCCMT is the centralised counselling for GATE-based M.Tech, M.Arch and M.Plan seats at NITs and IIITs. See how it differs from COAP and what to check.
- Multi-session paperA multi-session GATE paper is held in more than one session, and you sit only one. See how sessions are assigned, why marks are normalised and the key facts.
- NAT questionA NAT question in GATE has no options. You key in a number on a virtual keypad, with no negative marking. See how it is scored and how to attempt it well.
- Normalised marksNormalised marks adjust raw marks so candidates in different sessions of one GATE paper can be compared fairly. See the formula with a worked example.
- Answer key challengeThe GATE answer key challenge lets you contest a provisional key on set dates for a fee. See the sequence, how to prepare a challenge and what is not announced.