GATE XE Expected Minimum Passing Marks 2026GATE XE Expected Minimum Passing Marks for 2026: It is anticipated that GATE XE Expected Minimum Passing Marks for 2026 may be slightly higher than they were the previous year. Experts predict that GATE XE 2026 cutoff for general candidates shall range between 35 and 37 marks, which is slightly higher than it was in the previous years. Cutoffs for SC/ST/PwD candidates may be around 23–25 marks, while the expected range for OBC/EWS candidates is 31–33 marks. Although the paper scored highly at the top, the general category cutoff in 2025 was 35.4 marks, OBC/EWS was 31.8, and SC/ST/PwD was 23.5. This indicates a competitive cutoff zone.
GATE XE Expected Minimum Passing Marks 2026
Based on two-year trends, the expected GATE 2026 qualifying cutoff for XE is depicted in the tabular format below.
| Category | Expected Cutoff (100) | Expected Qualifying Score (1000) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 35–37 | 345–360 |
| OBC/EWS | 31–33 | 300–315 |
| SC/ST/PwD | 23–25 | 190–210 |
The GATE XE paper statistics from previous years highlight a sharp rise in participation and competition. In 2024, a total of 3,953 candidates appeared for the XE paper, out of which 819 candidates qualified. The paper remained competitive, with top scores approaching the maximum scale. In 2025, the number of candidates appearing increased significantly to 11,156, and 2,292 candidates qualified, indicating a broader participation base. The highest marks in 2025 reached 88.33, with the maximum GATE score touching 1000, showing that while the paper allowed high scorers to excel, competition around the qualifying range remained intense.
GATE XE Qualifying Cutoff (2024 vs 2025)
Year | Category | Cutoff Marks (100) | Qualifying Score (1000) |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | General | 36.2 | 350 |
OBC/EWS | 32.5 | 299 | |
SC/ST/PwD | 24.1 | 204 | |
2025 | General | 35.4 | 350 |
OBC/EWS | 31.8 | 303 | |
SC/ST/PwD | 23.5 | 193 |
In 2025, the highest marks in XE reached 88.33, with the maximum scaled score touching 1000. At the same time, a large proportion of candidates were clustered between 20 and 40 marks, showing intense competition just above and below the cutoff.
Final Review by CollegeDekho Experts
Yes, the qualifying cutoff for GATE XE 2026 may increase slightly, especially if the paper remains moderately difficult. For you, this means that merely touching the cutoff may not be enough; aiming for 40+ marks would place you in a far safer zone for IIT admissions and interdisciplinary research programs.
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