I incorrectly mentioned my category general instead of obc ncl during my gate application process and I'm unable to register for coap 2025 as my marks doesn't meet up to the general cutoff marks. Can I apply for colleges using the scorecard where coap is not required?

Hello,

Yes, you can still apply to certain M.Tech colleges that do not require COAP for admissions. While IITs use COAP for seat allotment , many NITs, IIITs, and other institutes have their own admission processes.

What Can You Do?

1. Apply to NITs, IIITs, and Other Institutes via CCMT

• NITs, IIITs, and some GFTIs admit M.Tech students through CCMT (Centralized Counseling for M.Tech) .

• COAP is not required for CCMT.

• The eligibility is based on the GATE cutoff for your category , but since you mistakenly applied as General, your score may not meet the General cutoff in some cases.

2. Apply for Direct Admissions in Private/State Universities

Some top private and state universities offer M.Tech admissions based on GATE scores but do not use COAP , such as:

• BITS Pilani (Direct admission or written test)

• VIT Vellore (VITMEE exam or GATE score)

• Manipal University

• SRM University

• Shiv Nadar University

3. Contact IITs for Category Correction Appeal

If your score meets the OBC-NCL cutoff but not the General cutoff , you can try:

• Contacting GATE authorities (IISc/IITs) to check if corrections are possible for COAP registration.

• Some IITs allow category correction appeals if you provide valid proof (OBC-NCL certificate before the GATE deadline).

4. Use Your GATE Score for PSU or Other Opportunities

• Some PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) recruit using GATE, and their application process is separate from COAP.

• Other M.Tech programs (like sponsored seats or self-sponsored seats ) may not strictly follow COAP rules.

Next Steps

1. Check NIT/IIIT admission through CCMT.

2. Look into private universities with direct M.Tech admissions.

3. Contact IIT admission offices to ask about a correction appeal.

4. Explore PSU or industry-based GATE opportunities.