GATE 2026 Branches, List Of GATE Branches & Codes

GATE 2026 Branches: The Graduate Aptitude Test In Engineering for the forthcoming academic year 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati. As per the official GATE Notification 2026  , the exam will be held for 30 different branches of Engineering/Technology, Science, and Humanities. This year, the authorities have introduced new branch ENERGY SCIENCE (XE-I).

The online registration process for the various branches of GATE 2026 will start on August 28, 2025 onwards at the official portal, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Aspirants who wish to apply for this highly esteemed entrance examination can choose their preferred branches from the total number of 30 GATE 2026 branches.

Furthermore, while the choice of branches must align with an aspirant's interests and career objectives, it is recommended to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria before filling out the registration form for the respective GATE 2026 branches.

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GATE 2026 Branches or Papers

The GATE 2026 is one of India's most prestigious competitive exams for engineering and scientific graduates. What sets GATE apart is its broad array of branches or specializations, which cater to a wide range of subjects in science and engineering. For the GATE 2026  , the officials have added one more branch, named ENERGY SCIENCE (XE-I). Thus, the total number of GATE 2026 branches is still 30. Candidates must select the best branch for GATE 2026 Exam based on their eligibility. Moreover, can choose the two branches as per the GATE Paper Combination to explore more opportunities.

Read: GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy

How Many Branches Are There in GATE 2026?

The total GATE branches are 30, after the new addition of the Data Science and AI branch or discipline. The Indian Institute of Technology is going to organize the GATE 2026 examination for all branches on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026.

All the GATE 2026 branch or subject names are outlined below along with their respective paper codes for aspirants' reference.

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Which Branch Is Best for the GATE Exam?

Aspirants preparing for or planning to appear for the GATE examination often find themselves wondering about this question: "Which branch is best for the GATE exam?

While the answer to this question may vary depending on the applicant's engineering discipline, area of interest, and career ambitions, this section provides an overview of some of the popular GATE branches.

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GATE Civil Engineering Branch

Civil engineering can be considered one of the most difficult GATE 2026 Branches to grasp due to its complex blend of thorough theoretical knowledge and detailed numerical sections, as well as the variety of rules and concepts that must be acquired.

However, the journey through GATE Civil Engineering is not without its rewards. This GATE branch opens doors to a plethora of promising opportunities in the public sector. Renowned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as HPCL, NLC, IOCL, and RITES actively seek Civil Engineering graduates to contribute their expertise to various projects.

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GATE Mechanical Engineering  Branch

Mechanical Engineering is another demandable branch in GATE exams. It combines principles of engineering physics and mathematics with materials science to design, construct, analyze, and maintain mechanical systems.

Despite being challenging, the GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) branch offers numerous career benefits. Highly esteemed Maharatna PSUs like BHEL, SAIL, IOCL, and GAIL, among others, along with prominent Navratna PSUs like BEL, Power Grid, Oil India Limited, and more, actively float various PSU recruitments through GATE with the aim of hiring eligible applicants through the GATE Mechanical Engineering branch.

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GATE Electrical Engineering  Branch

The GATE Electrical Engineering branch is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the exploration, creation, and utilization of equipment, devices, and systems powered by electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

This multidimensional GATE branch plays an important role in shaping today's modern world by powering an array of technologies and innovations. Every year, various government jobs and PSUs actively seek and recruit well-qualified candidates from the GATE Electrical Engineering branch.

This reflects the high demand for expertise in this branch and the significant career opportunities it offers in the public sector.

Also Read: GATE Electrical Engineering Syllabus

GATE Computer Science Engineering  Branch

The GATE Computer Science Branch encompasses a wide array of subjects, including Digital Logic, Boolean Algebra, Computer Organization and Architecture (COA), Programming and Data Structures.

The GATE Computer Science Branch is in high demand these days given the major impact of computer technologies across all sectors. Not only within government organizations but also in numerous multinational corporations (MNCs), many candidates land their dream jobs in IT sectors through the GATE Computer Science Engineering Branch.

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GATE Electronics & Communication Engineering Branch

The GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Branch (GATE ECE) is a highly sought-after branch within the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. This branch includes a wide range of subjects related to electronics, communication systems, and electrical engineering.

A good GATE score in the Electronics and Communication branch opens up advanced higher education opportunities and career prospects. Highly esteemed IITs and IISc, among others, offer admission into M.Tech. or Ph.D. courses through the ECE branch of GATE.

Furthermore, a secure seat can be secured within respectable PSUs via GATE's Electronics and Communication Engineering Branch.

Also Read: GATE ECE Syllabus 2026

How to Choose the Right GATE 2026 Branch?

Choosing the right branch for the upcoming GATE 2026 examination is an important decision that can have a big impact on an applicant's career trajectory. When making this decision, aspirants must take the following considerations into account:

• Passion and Interest: The applicant's passion and interest in the branch or subject should be the most important aspects. Because enthusiasm for the chosen GATE branch will motivate them to succeed in their studies as well as in their career.
• Career Prospects: One must analyze the career opportunities and growth prospects in their preferred branch of the GATE exam, which means researching the industries and sectors where professionals in that field or branch are in demand.
• Academic Background: The applicant's undergraduate degree in engineering or science or educational background can influence their choice. It's often advisable to pursue a postgraduate degree in a relevant GATE branch to leverage one's existing knowledge.
• Marketplace Trends: Keep up-to-date on market trends and developing technologies in one's preferred GATE branch. This insight can aid in the alignment of studies with industry demands.

GATE branches represent the diversity and richness of science and engineering careers. The GATE examination provides a platform that allows applicants to pursue goals and build a successful career path, whether they aspire to be a computer scientist, a civil engineer, a physicist, or a biologist.

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