Before starting the application process, the candidate must ensure that he/she meets the eligibility criteria of GATE 2017 given in the following table:
| Qualifying Degree (Short) | Qualifying Degree/Examination (Descriptive) | Description of Eligible Candidates |
| B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm | Bachelor’s degree holders in Engineering/ Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after Diploma in Engineering/Technology) and those who are in the final year of such programs. | Currently in the final year or already
completed
|
| B. Arch. | Bachelor’s degree holders of Architecture (Five years course) | Currently in the final year or already
completed
|
| B.Sc. (Research)/ B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science(Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2) | Currently in the 4th year or already
completed
|
| M. Sc./M.A./MCA or equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Applications or equivalent | Currently in the final year or already
completed
|
| Int. M.E/M.Tech(Post-B.Sc.) | Post-BSc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering / Technology (Four year program) | Currently in the 2nd/3rd/4thyear or already
completed
|
| Int. M.E./ M.Tech or Dual Degree(after Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering / Technology (Five year program) | Currently in the 4th/5th year or already
completed
|
| Int. M.Sc/Int. B.S.-M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or Five year integrated B.S.-M.S. program | Currently in the final year or already
completed
|
| Professional Society Examinations (equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch.) | B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent examinations, of Professional Societies, recognized by MHRD/UPSC/AICTE (e.g., AMIE by Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India) | Completed section A or equivalent
of such professional courses
|
NOTE: If a candidate is pursuing any higher degree or already obtained a degree higher than that mentioned in the above table, then the candidate can select the relevant minimum required qualifying degree while filling the application form.
In case a candidate has passed one of the qualifying examinations as mentioned above in 2015 or earlier, he/she has to submit the degree certificate / provisional certificate / course completion certificate / professional certificate / membership certificate issued by the society or institute. In case, the candidate is expected to complete one of the qualifying criteria in 2017 or later as mentioned above, he/she has to submit a certificate from Principal or a copy of marks card for section A of AMIE.
Candidates who have to submit a certificate from their college Principal, as determined from the above table, have to obtain a signature from their Principal/HOD along with the seal on the “Certificate from the Principal” format that will be printed on the application PDFfile which is generated after completion of the online application submission.
Candidates who have appeared in the final semester/year exam in 2015, but with a backlog (arrears/failed subjects) in any of the papers in their qualifying degree should
1. submit a copy of any one of the marks sheets of the final year,
OR
2. have to obtain a declaration from their Principal along with the signature and seal beforehand and upload the same during the online submission of the application form