GATE 2026 EE Expected Cut Off: Category-Wise Marks and Safe Score Analysis
GATE 2026 EE cut off is expected around 25-27 marks. Moderate paper difficulty with core subjects like Electrical Machines deciding rankings. Scores above 60 may secure good ranks for PSU and M.Tech admissions.
AC Team
The GATE 2026 Electrical Engineering exam is done, and if you appeared for it, you probably have one big question on your mind: what's the expected cut off?
Good news. The paper was moderate in difficulty, and the cut off prediction sits somewhere around 25 to 27 marks for qualifying. That should calm some nerves.
Let's break down what this means for your score, your rank, and your chances at PSU interviews or top M.Tech seats.
What is the Expected Cut Off for GATE 2026 EE?
Based on expert reviews and previous year trends, here's what the numbers look like:
- Expected qualifying cut off: 25 to 27 marks
- Safe score for a good rank: 55 to 70 marks
- Score above 60: Strong chances for PSU interviews or admission to top M.Tech institutes
- Below 50 marks: You fall into a competitive zone where rank fluctuation is common
These numbers may shift a bit after normalisation and the official result declaration. But the overall movement is expected to stay stable.
How Difficult Was the GATE 2026 EE Paper?
The paper struck a balance. Not too easy, not brutal either.
General Aptitude and Network Theory fell on the easier side. Engineering Mathematics and Signals took time but were not too tough conceptually. Core subjects like Electrical Machines, Power Systems, and Electromagnetic Field Theory (EMFT) tested understanding and decided who ranked where.
Because of this balance, the cut off is not expected to jump sharply.
Subject-Wise Breakdown: What Affected Your Score
General Aptitude
This section was kind to students. Most questions were quantitative and number-based. There was one basic triangle geometry problem. Overall, easy to moderate. If you spent your time wisely here, you scored quick marks.
Engineering Mathematics
The questions were lengthy, not difficult. Linear Algebra had multiple select questions (MSQs) that took attention. Differential equations, probability, and complex analysis each needed around two to three minutes. The time factor reduced attempts, which kept the cut off stable.
Measurements
Very straightforward. Wheatstone bridge balance conditions, average power, and power factor questions showed up. This section helped improve the overall scoring average.
Signals and Systems
Three questions appeared, two from Digital Signal Processing (DSP). Sampling came from previous year questions, and Z-transform was covered in standard notes. Moderate level. If you practiced cross-branch previous year questions, you had an edge.
Analog Electronics
Simple questions on op-amp, diode, BJT-Zener, and amplifiers. Around six to seven easy marks were available here. A major score booster that prevented the cut off from dropping.
Digital Electronics
Only two questions for EE students. Logic family power and logic gate basics. Limited weightage, but easy to score.
Network Theory
Basic conceptual questions on Thevenin resistance, AC circuits, and independent sources. Easier than expected, supporting a moderate cut off.
Control Systems
Mostly easy. Questions on rise time, settling time, and Bode plots appeared. One state-space transformation question was tricky. Balanced difficulty, neutral impact on cut off.
Electrical Machines (The Rank Decider)
High weightage here. Easy autotransformer question, tricky DD10 transformer connection, induction motor from previous years, and synchronous excitation concepts. Strong focus on understanding, not just formulas. This subject played a major role in determining the cut off.
Power Systems and Power Electronics
A mix of direct formula-based and conceptual trap questions. Jacobian order and boost converter were simple. Moderate contribution to the final score.
EMFT (The Game Changer)
Around four to five questions. Divergence and electrostatics ring were easy. Work-done and magnetostatics were moderate. Faraday's law took time. This subject decided ranks and kept the cut off around the mid-20s.
Score vs Rank: What to Expect
Here's a rough guide based on expected trends:
| Score Range | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| 25 to 27 | Qualifying cut off zone |
| 40 to 50 | Average rank, limited PSU chances |
| 55 to 70 | Good rank, M.Tech or PSU possibility |
| 70+ | Top rank zone |
Key Trends From This Year's Paper
A few things stand out:
- The paper was balanced, not extreme in any direction
- Core subjects decided who ranked higher
- Lengthy maths reduced the number of attempts
- Easy sections like Analog and Measurements increased overall scoring
- Final cut off is expected to stay near previous years
Is 60 a Good Score in GATE 2026 EE?
Yes. A score of 60 or above can lead to a good rank. It opens doors for PSU interviews and admission to top M.Tech institutes. If you scored around this range, you are in a comfortable position.
What Should You Do Now?
Wait for the official answer key. Cross-check your responses. If you attempted a decent number of questions correctly from core subjects, your rank should reflect that effort.
Stay calm. The cut off is not going to surprise you with a sudden jump. Prepare for what comes next, whether that's PSU interviews, M.Tech counselling, or planning for another attempt.
Your score tells a story. Make sure you understand it before the results arrive.
-177139678605923.png)
