- GATE 2026 is organised by IIT Guwahati, with an application fee of ₹1,000 per paper for female, SC, ST and PwD candidates and ₹2,000 for all others
- The GRE General Test in India costs ₹22,550 and now runs under two hours across five computer-delivered, section-adaptive sections
- GRE Subject Tests remain only in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
What Is the GATE Exam?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE, is a national-level exam conducted in India that tests understanding of undergraduate engineering and science subjects. Jointly administered by the IITs and IISc, GATE scores are used for postgraduate admissions, PSU recruitment and research fellowships. For 2026 it is organised by IIT Guwahati.
GATE is jointly conducted by the older IITs and the Indian Institute of Science on a rotating basis, with IIT Guwahati organising the 2026 edition. The application runs entirely online through the GATE Online Application Processing System, known as GOAPS, where candidates submit their details and supporting documents.
GRE vs GMAT — Which Test Should You Take?Read →What Is the GRE Exam?
The Graduate Record Examinations, or GRE, is a standardised test accepted by universities worldwide for graduate admissions. Owned by ETS, the GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. Since 2023 it is a shorter, computer-delivered exam lasting under two hours. Subject Tests are offered in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service, ETS. Candidates register through a My GRE Account, choose a test date and centre or the at-home option, and pay online. Since the September 2023 revision the General Test has no unscored experimental section and delivers scores faster.
Best Universities for GRE Score 300-310Read →How Do GATE and GRE Differ?
GATE is an Indian engineering-focused exam used for postgraduate admissions to IITs, NITs and IISc, plus PSU jobs and research fellowships. The GRE is an international test for admission to graduate programmes abroad, spanning most disciplines. GATE is subject-specific to engineering and science, while the GRE assesses general reasoning and writing skills.
| Feature 2026 | GATE | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | IITs and IISc (IIT Guwahati for 2026) | ETS |
| Main purpose | PG admissions in India, PSU jobs, fellowships | Graduate admissions abroad |
| Scope | Engineering and science subjects | Most disciplines |
| Format | Computer-based, 3 hours, single paper | Computer-delivered, section-adaptive, about 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Application fee | ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per paper | ₹22,550 (General Test, India) |
| Score validity | 3 years | 5 years |
In short, GATE and GRE rarely compete for the same candidate. GATE suits engineers targeting Indian postgraduate programmes or public-sector careers, while the GRE suits students of any discipline heading abroad. Some Indian engineers take both when they want to keep their options open across India and overseas.
Beginners Guide to GRE FormatRead →Why Should You Choose GATE?
Choose GATE if you want to study or work in India. A good GATE score opens postgraduate seats at IITs, NITs and IISc, recruitment into government-funded PSUs, and research fellowships with monthly stipends. The 2026 application fee is just ₹1,000 for women and reserved categories and ₹2,000 for others per paper.
- Qualifies you for postgraduate admission at IITs, NITs, IIITs and IISc.
- Recruitment into many government-funded PSUs is based on GATE scores.
- Opens research fellowships and scholarships that carry monthly stipends.
- A single exam serving both higher study and public-sector jobs.
- Some foreign universities also accept GATE scores for admission.
Why Should You Choose GRE?
Choose the GRE if you plan to study abroad. It is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide across most subjects, not just engineering. A strong GRE score can offset a low GPA, support scholarship applications and strengthen your profile. In India the GRE General Test fee is ₹22,550 for 2026.
- Accepted by thousands of universities across most countries and subjects.
- A strong score can offset a lower undergraduate GPA.
- Supports applications for scholarships and assistantships abroad.
- Available at test centres and as an at-home test year-round.
- Scores stay valid for five years, giving flexibility to apply later.
Which Exam Should You Take?
Take GATE if your goal is a master's degree in India, a PSU job or a research career in engineering. Take the GRE if you aim to pursue graduate studies overseas in almost any field. They serve different destinations, so your choice depends on where you want to study or work.
There is no universally better exam. Match the test to your destination: GATE for India, GRE for abroad. If you are still deciding between graduate admission tests, compare the GRE with other options before committing time and money to preparation.