The GATE Percentile Calculator is a tool that helps candidates understand how they performed in comparison to others who appeared for the same paper in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). This percentile score is not the same as the GATE score or marks. Instead, it indicates the percentage of candidates who scored lower than a particular candidate.
For instance, if a candidate has a percentile of 90, it means they performed better than 90 percent of the total candidates who appeared for the same paper.
This calculator is especially helpful because the raw scores and ranks alone don’t give a full picture. The percentile helps candidates assess their relative performance quickly and easily. It also allows institutions and recruiters to evaluate candidates effectively.
GATE Percentile Calculator falls under the "Educational Calculator" category.
Formula
1. GATE Percentile Formula
Percentile = ((N − R) / N) × 100
Where:
Percentile = GATE percentile score (out of 100)
N = Total number of candidates who appeared for the exam in that paper
R = Rank secured by the candidate (All India Rank, AIR)
2. Alternative Expression (Optional Rearrangement)
Percentile = 100 − (R / N) × 100
Both expressions give the same result, just presented differently.
3. Important Notes
- A lower rank (R) results in a higher percentile.
- Percentile shows how many candidates scored less than you.
- This formula applies separately for each GATE paper since the number of candidates differs for each discipline.
Commonly Used Reference Table
Here is a simple reference table for quick estimation of percentile based on rank and total candidates:
| Total Candidates (N) | Rank (R) | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 100000 | 100 | 99.90 |
| 100000 | 1000 | 99.00 |
| 100000 | 5000 | 95.00 |
| 100000 | 10000 | 90.00 |
| 100000 | 25000 | 75.00 |
| 100000 | 50000 | 50.00 |
| 100000 | 75000 | 25.00 |
| 100000 | 90000 | 10.00 |
| 100000 | 99000 | 1.00 |
This table helps users quickly understand where they stand without doing any manual calculations. It is especially useful when internet access is limited or while making quick judgments.
Example
Let’s say you appeared for a GATE paper where 150,000 candidates took the test, and your All India Rank (AIR) is 3,000.
Using the formula:
Percentile = ((150000 − 3000) / 150000) × 100
Percentile = (147000 / 150000) × 100
Percentile = 0.98 × 100
Percentile = 98.00
So, your percentile is 98. This means you performed better than 98 percent of all candidates who appeared for the same paper.
Most Common FAQs
A good GATE percentile is generally above 90. However, for admissions to top IITs or for PSU recruitment, a percentile above 98 is often required. It varies depending on the discipline and competition.
Both matter, but in different contexts. The percentile is useful for comparing your performance with others, while the GATE score (normalized score) is used by institutions for admissions and recruitment.
Yes, some institutions and organizations use GATE percentile as a basis for setting cutoffs, especially when comparing performance across years or papers.