GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 OUT: Check List of Paper, and Steps to Add Paper, Codes, and More
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
GATE Two Paper Combination 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 two-paper combination list on the website. The combination list for GATE 2026 examination is available on the official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE 2026 official notification is OUT, and GATE registration 2026 started on August 28. Candidates can check the complete details on how to register for the secondary paper in GATE, along with instructions and guidelines below.
GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combination: The authorities have released the GATE 2026 two-paper combination list on the official website. Candidates can check the primary and secondary list here. The IIT Guwahati have activated the GATE 2026 application form window on August 28. During the registration process, candidates will be able to add the paper of their choice (as per prescribed combinations by the authorities). Candidates can choose a GATE primary paper out of 30 subject options. On the other hand, the secondary paper is available for 30 subject papers.
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NOTE: Check the codes carefully before selecting the primary and secondary papers.
Latest Updates: GATE 2026 application form last date extended to October 6 (with no late fees), apply now
Is there any change in the GATE 2026 paper combination?
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. The exam timings are Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Branch-wise dates will be updated at gate2026.iitg.ac.in
There are two shift timings for the GATE exam. Candidates can find the details of the shift timing on the official website. The GATE shift timings are as follows -
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Candidates can also find the exam timing details mentioned in the GATE admit card. Candidates are advised to appear for the GATE 2026 exam on the date prescribed in the hall ticket.
No, there is no change in the paper combinations this year. However, a new sectional paper has been introduced under Engineering Sciences (XE). The paper name is Energy Science (XE-I). Candidates can check the GATE two paper combination 2026 list below -
IIT Guwahati GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 List
| Code of the First Paper | Code of the Second Paper | Code of the First Paper | Code of the Second Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE | CE, ME, XE | GG | GE |
| AG | CE | IN | BM, EC, EE, ME |
| AR | CE, GE | MA | CS, DA, PH, ST |
| BM | BT, IN | ME | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| BT | BM, XL | MN | - |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE | MT | XE |
| CH | ES, PE, XE | NM | CE, ME |
| CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST | PE | CH |
| CY | XE, XL | PH | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
| DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE | PI | ME, XE |
| EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH | ST | CS, DA, MA, XH |
| EE | DA, EC, IN, PH | TF | - |
| ES | CE, CH, GE | XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
| EY | XL | XH | ST |
| GE | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG | XL | BT, CY, EY |
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What are the primary and secondary papers in GATE?
In the GATE two-paper concept, the primary paper is related to the candidate's undergraduate discipline. On the other hand, the GATE secondary paper allows candidates to use their knowledge in the related field. For example, for a candidate appearing in the GATE computer science and information technology, the allowed paper combinations are XE/BT/EE/ME/DA/EC/GE/MA/PH/ST. Candidates must note that there is no need to fill out another application form. Candidates must go through the GATE 2026 official notification carefully before applying.
How to apply for the GATE 2026 second paper?
Candidates can apply for the secondary paper while filling out the GATE 2026 application form. The secondary paper can be added after registration, but you have to extra amount. Instructions to apply for the secondary paper are mentioned below:
- Go to GATE official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Click on the "GATE application form" link.
- Complete the registration and fill the form
- Add the desired paper combination, upload the documents, and pay the fees.
- Submit the form and take printouts of the form.
The GATE 2026 application fee has been revised by IIT Guwahati. Candidates can check the fees below -
| Category | Regular Period (August 28 to September 28, 2025) |
During the Extended Period (September 29 to October 9, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates (per test paper) | 1000 | 1500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals (per test paper) | 2000 | 2500 |
The GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till 2029. Candidates can download the scorecard using their enrollment ID and password. Candidates can use the scorecard for M.Tech or PhD admissions, or PSU recruitment.
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in more than 200 cities across eight zones in India. There are no international centres. Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must travel to India. The details regarding the test city and address will be mentioned in the GATE admit card.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 exam dates on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 dates below -
| Events | Dates |
| GATE 2026 application form release date | August 28 |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (without late fees) | October 7 (REVISED) |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (with late fees) | October 13 |
| GATE 2026 form correction submission last date | November 10 |
| GATE 2026 admit card release date | January 2 |
| GATE 2026 exam date | February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 result date | March 19 |
| GATE scorecard download date | March 27 to May 31 (free download) till December 31 (by paying a fee of INR 500) |
Benefits of taking the GATE Two-Paper Combination 2026 option
Here are some benefits of opting for two papers in GATE 2026 -
- It offers candidates a broader scope to show how proficient they are in the two branches..
- Chances of scoring better in the GATE exam increase.
- Chances of jobs in PSUs and private sector increase.
GATE 2026 Application Form and Exam Dates
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 registration and exam dates on the official website -
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 application form submission timeline (during the regular period) | August 28 to October 6 |
| GATE 2026 application form submission timeline (during the extended period) | September 29 to October 9 |
| GATE exam dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| Announcement of the GATE 2026 result date | March 19 |
What are some of the popular GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 lists?
Here are some of the popular GATE two paper combinations opted by students so far -
| Primary Paper | Secondary Paper (Combinations) |
|---|---|
| Computer Science (CS) | Data Science & AI (DA), Electronics & Communication (EC), Geomatics (GE), Mathematics (MA), Physics (PH), Statistics (ST) |
| Electronics & Communication (EC) | Computer Science (CS), Data Science & AI (DA), Electrical Engineering (EE), Instrumentation (IN), Physics (PH) |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | Data Science & AI (DA), Electronics & Comms (EC), Instrumentation (IN), Physics (PH) |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Aerospace Engineering (AE), Data Science & AI (DA), Instrumentation (IN), Naval Architecture (NM), Production & Industrial (PI), Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | Aerospace Engineering (AE), Agricultural Engineering (AG), Architecture & Planning (AR), Environmental Science (ES), Geomatics (GE), Naval Architecture (NM), Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Data Science & AI (DA) | Computer Science (CS), Electronics & Communication (EC), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mathematics (MA), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Physics (PH), Statistics (ST), Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Biomedical Engineering (BM) | Biotechnology (BT), Instrumentation (IN) |
| Biotechnology (BT) | Biomedical engineering (BM), Life Sciences (XL) |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | Aerospace engineering (AE), Civil engineering (CE), Chemical engineering (CH), Chemistry (CY), Data Science & AI (DA), Mechanical (ME), Metallurgical (MT), Physics (PH), Production & Industrial (PI) |
| Life Sciences (XL) | Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry (CY), Ecology & Evolution (EY) |
Here's why -
- GATE Computer Science and Data Science are a good fit for students who want to pursue a career in artificial intelligence and computer science.
- Electronics and Communication with Electrical Engineering are both popular and emerging branches with overlapping topical areas and wide industry needs.
Candidates must note that they can choose paper combinations as mentioned by the GATE authorities only. Interested candidates must go through the GATE eligibility and keep all their documents ready before the application form window opens.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The GATE cutoff changes every year depending on seat intake, number of applicants appeared in exam, toughness of question paper, and previous cutoff trends. Candidates who meet cutoff score can participate for counselling.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates who are appearing for the GATE exam must carry a valid ID proof along with a passport-size photograph, transperant water bottle, and pen (blue or black) along with GATE 2026 hall ticket. We advise to carry atleast two to three copies of admit card to the centre.
A
Contributor-Level 7
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, will be conducting the GATE 2026 exam. The dates are OUT now. IIT Guwahati last conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Candidates who want to apply for M.Tech or any research programmes can apply for GATE. The application window is available till October 7 without late fees (revised), till October 13 (with late fee) and the exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.