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 )
Registration - 28 Aug '25 - 6 Oct '25
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: Before adding the primary and secondary papers, while filling out the GATE 2026 application form, ensure that you check the paper codes carefully.
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?
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 apply 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. Candidates can also add the second paper after submitting the form; however, candidates need to pay an extra amount apart from the prescribed GATE application fees. The step-by-step process to apply for the secondary paper is as follows -
- Visit the GATE's official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Click on the application form available on the GOAPS portal.
- Register and fill out the application form
- While entering details regarding the exam, candidates can find the option to add the secondary paper.
- 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 |
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 showcase their proficiency in two different disciplines/branches.
- Increases chances of scoring better in the GATE exam.
- Increases job chances in the competitive engineering sector.
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 factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Well,
As such, the GATE authorities have not mentioned anything regarding the black and white or colour printout of the GATE admit card to be carried or not. But it is better to carry a colour printout of the hall ticket to the exam centre Also, the admit card of GATE must be in A4 size format.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
If there are any details missing in the GATE admit card, then he/she must contact the GATE zone helpline centre. The candidate must raise their concern, mentioning the issue they are facing with the hall ticket. They will have to provide complete details regarding the information that are missing in
S
Contributor-Level 7