Low GATE Score? 10 Interdisciplinary Branches in Top IITs You Should Apply for via COAP

Most undergraduate engineers believe that a low GATE score ends their aspirations, but it is not a reality. You can still get admission in top interdisciplinary branches in IITs with a low GATE score. If you look at the best Interdisciplinary Branches closely, then you can see various paths that meet your goals. You can use your low GATE score smartly and complete your dreams of studying in IITs.

If you do not get enough score to pursue MTech in IITs, then you can choose the Interdisciplinary Branches like M. Tech Research (M.S) and Direct Ph.D (after B.Tech) at the IITs. If you need guidance on it, then you must read this blog. Here we tell you the top 10 COAP 2026 new branches in IITs, even with a low GATE score.

List of IITs Accepting Low GATE Scores 2026

Here are the top IIT institutes that accept low GATE scores and allow you to enroll in PG courses easily 

Institute type	Institute Name	NRF Ranking	Placement percentage
IIT	IIT Gandhinagar	18	57.80%
IIT	IIT Jodhpur	30	79.23%
IIT	IIT Indore	14	84.62%
IIT	IIT Dharwad	93	79.82%
IIT	IIT Mandi	33	83.96%
IIT	IIT Bhubaneswar	47	92.91%
IIT	IIT Ropar	22	84.50%
IIT	IIT Palakkad	69	75.35%
IIT	IIT Jammu	67	72.66%
IIT	IIT Bhilai	81	86.32%
IIT	IIT Tirupati	59	85.03%

Relevant Articles Related to GATE Scores:

Top NITs for ECE with Low GATE Score in 2026

How to get an IIT with a lower GATE score?

Which IIT Branch Accepts Low GATE Scores 2026?

Here is the list of 10 interdisciplinary branches in IITs that help you to enroll by COAP.

Industrial Engineering & Operations Research – IIT Bombay

Industrial Engineering & Operations Research focuses on optimizing complex systems involving people, machines, data, and processes. The program emphasizes analytics, optimization techniques, logistics, and decision science instead of core mechanical depth. It attracts fewer applicants than traditional branches, so GATE cut-offs are lower. Graduates find strong opportunities in consulting, analytics, operations management, and interdisciplinary research roles.

Environmental Engineering – IIT Delhi

The other best COAP 2026 new branch you can enroll in with a low score is Environmental Engineering. This field teaches you about water, air, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure. It allows students from the civil, chemical, and related fields to enroll in it. 

As this branch focuses on sustainability and climate resilience, it provides opportunities to candidates to get jobs at environmental consulting firms, government projects, and NGOs in India and abroad. 

Biomedical Engineering – IIT Madras

Biomedical Engineering is the emerging branch that combines medical and biological sciences principles, and allows you to pursue it with low GATE scores. Even this branch has attracted more candidates than the core CSE or ECE because of specialized studies and low competition. 

The students who are interested to learn about the imaging systems, medical devices, and biomechanics can enroll in this field. It is suitable for candidates aiming for research-driven careers, healthcare startups, or higher studies, even with an average GATE score.

Energy Science & Engineering – IIT Kharagpur

It is another branch that teaches you about energy storage, power systems, renewable resources, and sustainable technologies. The students from various engineering backgrounds can get admission in this branch, because it has less competition than other branches. Graduates preferred this branch because of the high investment opportunities in electric mobility and clean energy, and to make their career successful across electrical companies, energy startups, and research labs..

Materials Science & Engineering – IIT Kanpur

The other COAP 2026 new branch to enroll with a low GATE score is Materials Science & Engineering. It allows the candidates to enroll in IIT Kanpur and learn about the design and development of advanced materials like semiconductors, composites, and nanomaterials. 

It is the right option for students with lower GATE ranks. If you are interested in the research-focused field and want to pursue PhDs, R&D roles in aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing industries further, then this is an ideal branch for you. 

Systems & Control Engineering – IIT Hyderabad

Those who have interests to study about robotics, automation, intelligent systems, and control theory can enroll in the Systems & Control Engineering branch. From the mechanical to electrical and instrumentation fields, this branch facilitates you to enroll in any specific field for higher studies. A low GATE score at IIT Hyderabad is accepted for this branch. After enrolling, you will find career growth in robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, and AI-enabled control sectors. 

Chemical Engineering (Interdisciplinary Tracks) – IIT Guwahati

The chemical engineering branch at IIT Guwahati also accepts low scores. The students interested in mtech in IIT with low scores and have interests to learn about the energy systems, materials, and biochemical processes can enroll in this branch. It has less competition, due to fewer candidate applications than traditional chemical engineering programs, making it accessible for students with lower GATE scores. Students gain strong lab exposure and industry-related skills, leading to careers in process industries, specialty chemicals, energy sectors, and applied research organizations.

Climate Science & Technology – IIT Bhubaneswar

Enroll in the climate science and technology branch at IIT Bhubaneshwar to learn about environmental data analysis, climate modeling, and mitigation strategies. You can easily enroll in this new program with a low GATE score. It fits candidates from engineering and science backgrounds. Graduates work with research institutes, international organizations, and government climate initiatives.

Robotics & Artificial Intelligence – IIT Jodhpur

IIT Jodhpur also accepts low GATE scores and helps you to enroll in the Robotics & Artificial Intelligence branch. It focuses on applied AI, intelligent machines, and autonomous systems instead of computer science theory. This branch reduces competition compared to CSE. The program accepts students from the mechanical, electrical, and electronics fields. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in robotics startups, AI companies, industrial automation, and advanced research labs.

Manufacturing Science & Engineering – IIT Tirupati

Manufacturing Science & Engineering focuses on smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, and production systems. As a niche discipline, it has reduced application pressure, making it suitable for candidates with modest GATE scores. The curriculum is industry-oriented, preparing graduates for roles in manufacturing firms, quality engineering, operations management, and industrial research environments.

Also Check: Top NITs for CSE with Low GATE Score in 2026

Conclusion

In interdisciplinary branches, the competition is lower since only a few students are aware of these fields. Additionally, there are many opportunities abroad for MS admissions. It is important to note that there are still many paths that aspirants can explore.

A low GATE score does not mean the journey ends here. With the right guidance and strategy, aspirants can use their GATE scores wisely to achieve their goal of studying MTech in IIT with a low score. The IITs offer various programs in both core and interdisciplinary branches, and those with low GATE scores can also consider newer IITs for their higher education. Focus on your goals and believe in yourself; you can turn your dream of studying at an IIT into reality.