GATE Two Paper Combination 2026 OUT: Check List of Paper, Branch-Wise Exam Dates OUT
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
GATE 2026 Scorecard by paying a fee of INR 500 per test paper
1 Jun '26 - 31 Dec '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.
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
- 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 |
Commonly asked questions
Candidates who have applied for GATE 2026 must check event datesheet so they don't miss out on any dates. IIT Guwahati has released GATE 2026 exam dates along with branch-wise schedule at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till March 31, 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.
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 | 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 |
Explore colleges based on GATE
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
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 |
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
5 Jul '26
6 Jul '26
10 Jul '26
2 Jul '26 - 9 Jul '26
27 Jul '26 - 14 Aug '26
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.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
6 Jul '26 | JEE Main counselling round 3 a... |
10 Jul '26 | JEE Main counselling round 4 a... |
5 Jul '26 - 7 Jul '26 | TS EAMCET 2026 MPC Counselling... |
7 Jul '26 | TS EAMCET 2026 MPC Counselling... |
1 Jul '26 | AP EAPMCET Result 2026 |
25 May '26 | AP EAMCET 2026 Answer Key Rele... |
Jul '26 | Special OJEE admit card 2026 r... |
13 Jun '26 - 28 Jun '26 | Special OJEE registrations 202... |
Jun '26 | AISECT Joint Entrance Exam 202... |
Jun '26 | AISECT Joint Entrance Exam 202... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
A GATE score of 70 would not get you admission at NIT Goa in the third round. As per the NIT Goa GATE cutoff 2026, the General AI category faced a cutoff ranging from 353 to 552. Hence, a score of at least 353 would be required for admission.
Among the OBC AI quota, students need to attain a score o
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The General AI category requires a score of at least 552 in the third round for M.Tech CSE course admission. The minimum score will vary as per the round and category. Students can check the table below to know the minimum score needed by all categories for the M.Tech CSE programme.
| Category | Minimum score required for M.Tech CSE |
|---|---|
| General | 552 |
| OBC | 496 |
| SC | 400 (R2) |
| ST | 334 (R1) |
| EWS | 518 (R2) |
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes its accepted
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 days ago
NIT Andhra Pradesh M.Tech cutoff 2026 ranged from 410 to 495 for the General AI category in the third round. The NIT Andhra Pradesh cutoff 2026 was released for the third round for admission to the M.Tech course based on the CCMT counselling process.
Students can check the table below to know the
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Dear reader,
While evaluating your M.Tech. admission options at IIT Bhilai and IIT Patna based on your GATE score provides a good foundation for your academic planning, Lovely Professional University (LPU) serves as an excellent alternative. LPU offers premier engineering postgraduate programs featu
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
IIT Ropar CSE cutoff 2026 has been released based on the GATE entrance exam, followed by the COAP counselling process. For the General AI category, the Round 7 cutoff score for CSE admission was 682. For other categories, check out the table below:
| Category | GATE Cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
| General | 682 (R7) |
| OBC | 628 (R6) |
| SC | 489 (R6) |
| ST | 375 (R7) |
| EWS | 678 (R7) |
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
For the OBC category students, the GATE cutoff scores ranged between 335 and 610 up to Round 6 for M.Tech admission across multiple specialisations. Based on the Round 6 cutoff scores, CSE was the most competitive branch. To view the latest round cutoff for all the M.Tech specialisations in the OBC
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
GATE is not mandatory for all MTech colleges in Hyderabad. While top government colleges and NITs require a valid GATE score, many private colleges in Hyderabad accept TS PGECET scores or offer direct admission based on BTech marks and personal interviews. However, having a good GATE score gives you
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IITRAM M.Tech cutoff 2026 has been released, wherein the first round score for admission to the M.Tech in Electrical Infrastructure course was 354 for the students belonging to the General AI quota.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
GATE is not compulsory everywhere, but it is strongly recommended for the best colleges. Admission to top M.Tech colleges in Bangalore commonly requires qualifying exams such as GATE or Karnataka PGCET. Some colleges also arrange their own entrance examinations, and a few M.Tech colleges in Bangalor
T
Contributor-Level 10
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,
Read Full Bio