GATE 2025 Answer Key Released: Objection Deadline, Challenge Process, and Score Calculation

The GATE 2025 answer key is now available. Provisional candidates are not permitted to participate in the challenge process but can view their responses through the candidate login portal. The challenge or contest on questions and keys will be available on the GOAPS portal from today, February 27 to March 1, 2025.

GATE rank less than 200 can be considered good for M.Tech admission to top IITs. Meanwhile, GATE rank between 350-800 can be considered good for M.Tech admission to NITs.

NITs have slightly lower cutoffs, usually between 70 and 80 for General category students, although the range varies based on discipline. In NITs, General Category candidates' cutoffs usually ranges from 70 to 80, depending upon the discipline. As in the case of NITs, OBC (NCL) candidates' cutoffs are around 10% lower than General category cutoffs, and the cutoffs of SC/ST/PwD candidates are normally around 50% of General category cutoffs.

The cutoff marks for IITs are generally higher than those for NITs due to limited seat availability and intense competition. For OBC candidates, the cutoffs are normally around 10% less than that of the General Category candidates, whereas cutoffs for SC/ST/PwD candidates are normally around 50-60% of that of the General category cutoff.

A GATE score above 85 typically places candidates within the top 50 ranks, while scores between 70 and 85 generally correspond to ranks ranging from 100 to 400—sufficient for securing admission to IITs and NITs. Candidates can estimate their probable ranks based on previous trends by correlating their GATE scores with expected rankings.

Expected Rank Range for General Category Candidates:

• Objection Fee: ₹500 per question for Indian candidates and USD 10 for international candidates.
• Refund Policy: If the objection is found to be valid, the fee paid for that specific question will be refunded. If the objection is rejected, the fee will not be refunded.

Challenging the GATE Answer Key is a crucial process that ensures fairness and accuracy in examination results. Incorrect options in the provisional key can negatively impact your estimated score. Identifying and correcting errors in the provisional key helps refine the final answers, preventing unfair score deductions and maintaining the credibility of the examination process. 

The GATE scorecard remains valid for three years. A valid score can be used for admission to master's and doctoral programs in engineering, science, technology, commerce, arts, and humanities. It is also accepted for doctoral programs in relevant disciplines at institutions supported by the MoE and other government agencies. Additionally, candidates can use the GATE score for PSU recruitment.

During the challenge window, candidates can challenge the GATE 2025 answer key through the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal. The objection fee is INR 500 per question. You can predict your GATE rank by entering your scores to check eligible colleges for admission.

The official GATE 2025 question paper and answer key PDF will be released after all exam shifts conclude. To download them, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official GATE website – gate2025.iitr.ac.in.
2. Click on the question paper and answer key link.
3. Select the subject paper code and download the PDF.

Yes, the GATE 2025 answer key can impact the final score. If a challenge is accepted, IIT Roorkee will update the final answer key, affecting all candidates' marks. The provisional answer key is expected to be released soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Once the objection window closes, IIT Roorkee will review all challenges and release the final GATE 2025 answer key within 2-3 days. The GATE 2025 results will be officially declared on March 19, 2025.