GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 OUT: Check List of Paper, Branch-Wise Exam Dates OUT
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26
GATE Two Paper Combination 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has released GATE 2026 two-paper combination list on 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. GATE Branch-exam dates 2026 are now available. 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 GATE 2026 two-paper combination list on the official website. Candidates can check the primary and secondary list here. The IIT Guwahati had activated GATE 2026 application form window on August 28. During the registration process, candidates were able to add 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 Branch-wise exam dates released
GATE 2026 Exam Schedule Released
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 have been announced 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.
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- Is there any change in the GATE 2026 paper combination?
- What are the primary and secondary papers in GATE?
- How to apply for the GATE 2026 second paper?
- Benefits of taking the GATE Two-Paper Combination 2026 option
- GATE 2026 Application Form and Exam Dates
- What are some of the popular GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 lists?
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 |
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.
GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till 2029. Candidates can download their scorecard using their enrollment ID and password. It can be used for MTech, PhD, Research work admissions and PSU recruitment.
Students can check GATE exam dates on IIT GATE Guwahati website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The dates have been released for GATE admit card, branch-papers, and results. Dates for answer key and counselling will be made available soon.
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE CSE exam on February 8, 2026 in two shifts. The CS1 will be held in first shift and CS2 in second shift. The exam timings can be checked below-
- CS1 paper - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- CS2 paper- 2:30 am to 5:30 pm
The GATE 2026 application fee has been revised by IIT Guwahati. Candidates can check the fees below -
| Category | Regular Period | During the Extended Period |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 7 |
| GATE 2026 application form submission timeline (during the extended period) | October 8 to 13 |
| 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.
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
GATE 2026 hall ticket can be downloaded anytime till the scorecard availability. The admit card will be required at the time of counselling process. Candidates can download their scorecard of GATE exam in two timeline, which can be checked below -
| Scorecard (free download) | March 27 to May 31, 2026 |
| Scorecard (by paying a fee of INR 500) | June 1 to December 31, 2026 |
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
IIT Guwahati will release GATE entrance admit card for MTech, M.Pharma, ME, PhD, and other programmes soon. To download, candidates have to login at GOAPS using their enrollment ID and password. Students appearing for GATE exam must download their hall ticket in advance and keep it safe till counsel
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
To download GATE admit card, students have to enter their enrollment ID and password along with arithmetic expression at GOAPS portal
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
No, GATE authorities do not release any notification regarding dress code. However, it is advised to wear simple and comfortable clothing, as it will ease the checking process.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
No, passport size is not mandatory to carry. Along with GATE hall ticket, students must carry their valid ID proof, pen or pencil and water bottle. Scribe applicants can carry their assistive devices.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
GATE CSE exam will take place on February 8 in two sessions. CS 1 and 2 shift timings are-
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
Official website for GATE admit card download is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. GOAPS portal link is goaps.iitg.ac.in. Students must provide their enrollment ID and password to download their hall ticket.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
GATE admit card release date has been postponed. The revised date for hall ticket will be announced soon.
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, the TS PGECET and GATE syllabus remains the same for M.Tech admission. However, GATE questions are trickier and conceptual compared to TS PGECET. Students who want to appear both TS PGECET and GATE must prepare accordingly-
- Go through pattern of both exams and syllabus
- Solve mock test and questio
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Candidates can check their offer status using their login ID and password obtained during COAP registration. GATE COAP offers will be displayed on given date and time only, where students have to confirm their choices.
I
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.