How to get an IIT with a low GATE score?

To get into an IIT with a lower GATE score, target newer IITs or less competitive branches where cut-offs are relatively lower. If selected, prepare for the department's internal test or interview. Also, explore part-time programs with flexible criteria. 

Getting a lower GATE score makes your admission journey a little difficult. If you have scored moderately in the gate exam, you can manage to get admission into IITs. So not worry or panic if you get a lower score in the GATE exam; you just need a smarter approach to understand the options you are left with the lower GATE score.

Smart Strategies to Get into an IIT with a Lower GATE Score

Some smart strategies to get admission into an IIT with a lower GATE score are:

• What you need to understand is that not all IITs and their branches have the same cut-off. The GATE exam cut-off varies in terms of streams, number of applicants, and availability of seats in the stream. Famous and popular branches like CSE are very competitive, especially in older institutes. But if you check the CSE cut-off in the new IITs, they'll have comparatively lower cut-offs.
• By any chance, if you score close to the previous year's GATE cutoff, you can still get admission into IITs,s as many departments and streams shortlist their candidates within a range and call the candidates in that score range for interviews or written test, so make sure that you are making your practical concepts very clear to pass the interview or written test.
• Cracking the interview should be your top priority. Professors taking the interview usually check your fundamentals and understanding of your final year project. During these interviews, no cramming works - they just want clarity of concepts and your genuine interest.
• Don't stick to a single branch at one IIT; this will lower your chances of admission. Be open to related specialisations in different IITs as well. This will help you get admission into an IIT with a lower GATE score. Choosing a closely related branch can still help you fulfil your long-term goals.
• While the GATE exam is the primary source of admission into IITs, a good academic profile, including strong projects, good internships, and conference papers, can be a plus point during departmental evaluation. If you've got a lower GATE score, make sure you're doing something extraordinary. 
• Some IITs offer sponsored M.Tech for working professionals, part-time M.Tech, direct PHD programs, and department-specific written tests. If you've got a low GATE score but have work experience or a strong academic background, you can still get into an IIT. Check each IIT's admission brochure carefully.

Conclusion 

Getting into an IIT with a lower GATE score is tough, but not impossible. You'll need to make smart application choices, prepare thoroughly for departmental tests or interviews, and be flexible with your branch and IIT choices. 

If you are scoring a rank close to the previous year's cut-off, make sure that you are preparing very well for the interview performance. If you think that the score you acquired in the gate exam is far below the previous year's cut-off, you must consider retaking the gate exam.

There are many factors because of which you from securing a good rank. These factors can be stress, time management, health, or even small mistakes. That does not mean that you don't have the potential to get into an IIT with a stream of your choice. What truly matters is how you respond after the GATE score. Whatever decision you take, make sure that you are analysing and understanding the situation very well. Whether it is improving your GATE score next year or applying smartly to a suitable department in IITs, make sure that you are well prepared for what comes your way next.