GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 OUT: Check List of Paper, Branch-Wise Exam Dates OUT
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Result - 19 Mar '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 conducted GATE 2026 exam on Feb 7 and 8 in two shifts. Then on Feb 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 exam dates has been released on official website - 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.
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 13 |
| 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) |
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.
The GATE 2026 paper code of XE stands for Engineering Sciences, XH stands for Humanities and Social Science, and XL stands for Life Sciences.
For GATE Paper "XE"
- General aptitude carries a total of 15 marks
- Engineering mathematics contains 11 questions of 15 marks
- Sectional option papers (from B to I) - contains 22 questions carries a total of 35 marks
For GATE Paper "XH"
- General aptitude section carries 15 marks
- Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) carries 16 questions of 25 marks.
- Option section (from C1 to C6) - contains 39 questions of 60 marks.
For GATE Paper "XL"
- The general aptitude section carries 15 marks.
- Chemistry (compulsory) section contains 17 questions of 25 marks.
- Optional section (Q through U) - contains 19 questions of 30 marks.
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 19 hours ago
Securing 25 marks in GATE is just reaching the qualifying cutoff. For SC/ST or PwD applicants, 25 marks can be average and safe for securing good GFTIs. However, targeting core branches can be impossible.
In addition, 25 marks in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering can give different results, base
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 19 hours ago
GATE qualification is relatively low compared to other postgraduate engineering entrance exams. On average, acceptance rate falls between 15 - 20%.
Last year, as per statistical report, out of 936019 registered candidates, 747319 candidates appeared, and 8761 students qualified.
Overall, general cu
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
No, objections cannot be raised after the declaration of GATE results. Candidates can only challenge provisional answer key.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
After the declaration of GATE result, the qualified candidates will have to participate in counselling process. It must be noted that, IIT Guwahati does not conduct GATE counselling.
Admission counselling is done by COAP and CCMT portals.
Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) is the centralised port
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 20 hours ago
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati will release GATE provisional answer key 2026 in the last week of February. The provisional answer key will have answers created by authorities. With help of answer key, students will be able to tally their responses and calculate probable scores.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
GATE final answer key 2026 is most likely to release along with result, which is March 19. Candidates who appeared for exam can check final answer key at GOAPS.
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
GATE final answer key is prepared based on objections sent by students. After raising objections, authorities review answers, and if they are satisfied, then they will include in final answer key.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 21 hours ago
Once answer key of GATE is released, the authorities will allow students to challenge answer key. Candidates who want to raise an objection must pay a fee of INR 500 per question and submit their challenges within given date. Based on challenges, authorities will review and release final answer key
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 21 hours ago
IIT Guwahati will release GATE answer key online only. The link to download answer key response sheet will be activated at GOAPS portal. Students will have to login using their enrollment ID and password to access the answer key of GATE 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 22 hours ago
According to last year's dates, it is expected that GATE response sheet and answer key will be released by Feb 25 -28, 2026.
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.