GATE 2026 DA Cutoff Out Soon: Expected Marks, Safe Score & Trends
2 minute read
• Updated on 25 Mar, 2026, 11:03 AM, by Ishita Tanwar
GATE 2026 DA cutoff is expected to remain competitive this year. The qualifying marks may vary slightly based on exam difficulty and candidate volume. Past trends suggest a stable cutoff range for all categories.
GATE 2026 DA cutoff is expected to be released soon along with the result updates. Aspirants can check expected qualifying marks and safe scores for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA). The cutoff will be published on the official GATE 2026 portal by IIT Guwahati.
GATE 2026 DA Expected Cutoff (Category-wise Marks)
Based on previous year trends, the cutoff for DA is likely to remain within a close range. A slight variation may occur depending on paper difficulty. Below is the expected cutoff table for quick reference:
These marks indicate the minimum qualifying score required to pass the exam.
GATE 2026 DA Safe Score for IITs and PSUs
Qualifying the exam is different from securing admission. A higher score is needed for top IITs and PSU recruitment.
- Safe score for IITs (DA): 45–65+ marks
- Top IITs (AI/DS specialisation): 65+ marks preferred
- PSU shortlist range: 70+ marks (varies by recruiter)
Higher scores improve chances for premium institutes and job offers.
GATE DA Previous Year Cutoff Trends
Past trends help in understanding expected cutoffs more accurately. The DA paper has shown moderate fluctuations in recent years.
- Cutoff usually stays around 28–33 marks for General category
- OBC/EWS cutoff remains 2–4 marks lower
- SC/ST/PwD cutoff stays significantly lower due to reservation norms
This trend indicates that GATE 2026 DA cutoff is unlikely to see drastic changes.
Factors Affecting GATE 2026 DA Cutoff
The final cutoff will depend on multiple academic and competition factors.
- Exam Difficulty Level: Tough papers reduce cutoff by 1–3 marks
- Number of Candidates: Higher participation increases competition
- Normalization Process: Multi-session exams use score normalization
- Seat Availability: Impacts admission cutoff, not qualifying marks
These factors collectively determine the final qualifying marks.
What is GATE DA Paper Used For?
The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper in GATE is used for:
- Admission to M.Tech and PhD programmes in IITs and NITs
- Recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Opportunities in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science roles
The paper includes 65 questions for 100 marks and is conducted for three hours.
GATE 2026 DA Cutoff Release Date
The official cutoff will be released along with or after the GATE 2026 result in March 2026. Candidates can check it on the official website once published. Aspirants are advised to compare their scores with expected cutoffs to estimate admission chances early.
Entrance Exam News
NEET PG 2026 Answer Key: Supreme Court Hearing on October 15, Check Key Details
AP ECET Pharmacy Counselling 2026: Phase 1 Allotment Released, Report by October 15
Karnataka NEET UG Stray Vacancy Round 2026: Registration Begins for MBBS Seats
Tripura NEET PG Counselling 2026: Candidate List Released, Check PDF, Eligibility and Registration
Karnataka AYUSH UG 2026: Mock Allotment Result Out; Edit Options by October 14
MHT CET 2027 Exam: Centre Allotment May Be Linked to Class 12 College PIN Code
Assam NEET PG 2026: Check Additional Weightage Application Deadline, Eligibility and Documents
XAT 2027 Form Correction Window: Check Editable Details, Registration Deadline Here
MP NEET PG Counselling 2026 Registration Underway: Check Schedule, Last Date and Documents Required
MET 2027 Registration Last Date Revised: Check New Schedule Here
GATE News
LIVEGATE 2027 Correction Window Live Updates: Know what Details to Edit, Fee, Steps Here
GATE 2027 Registration With Late Fee (Ongoing): Know Application Status Details
GATE 2027 Registration Last Date Live: Apply before Oct 5, Know Exam Fees, Application Status
GATE 2027 Registration Last Date: Deadline, Fees and GOAPS Steps
GATE 2027 Registration: Last Date, GOAPS Form and Fees Details
GATE 2026: Check Statistical Report, Performance Data and Cutoff
GATE Registration 2027: Only 5 Days Left for Regular Deadline, Apply Now, Direct Link Here
GATE 2027 Registration Out: Check Fees, Steps and Other Details Here
GATE 2027 Registration Link Out: Apply Now at GOAPS Portal, Check Fees, Last Date Here
GATE Application Form 2027: Registration Date Soon, Check Documents to Keep Ready Before GOAPS Opens
