GATE 2026 Two Paper Combination Out, List of Primary and Secondary Papers
Riya Sharma21 Aug, 2025
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GATE 2026 Paper Combination: The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, will conduct the GATE 2026 examination across 30 different branches to facilitate postgraduate admissions and job opportunities in PSUs. The two-paper combination in Graduate Aptitude in Engineering is a unique feature that allows candidates to attempt two different subjects within the same examination cycle.
Candidates select a primary paper, which is typically aligned with their undergraduate discipline, and a secondary paper from a list of allowed combinations as specified by the GATE conducting body. Candidates need to select the two-paper combination while submitting the GATE Application Form through the GOAPS Portal.
GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combination Out
IITG has launched GATE 2026 Two Paper Combination on its official website @gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Aspirants can choose the two papers for GATE 2026. Attempting two papers presents a wide range of opportunities to aspirants in core and interdisciplinary specializations. Candidates are required to pay a separate fee for both GATE papers.
For the ease of applicants, we have mentioned the list of two paper combinations for GATE 2026 published by IIT Guwahati:
| GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combinations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XE | 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 |
GATE Two Paper Combination Fees 2026
The GATE two-paper combination fee is calculated by adding the applicable fee for each paper. For GATE 2026, the fee structure is as follows:
| GATE 2026 Two Paper Combination Fee | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Fee (Regular Period) | Fee (Extended Period) | Fee for Two Papers (Regular) | Fee for Two Papers (Extended) |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | INR 1000 per paper | INR 1500 per paper | INR 2000 | INR 3000 |
| All Others (including foreign nationals) | INR 2000 per paper | INR 2500 per paper | INR 4000 | INR 5000 |
Advantages of the GATE Two Paper Combination
GATE conducting authority permits applicants to choose two papers instead of one, which provides various benefits to individuals who want to enhance their knowledge and explore new disciplines to advance their careers. Here are some of the benefits of selecting a GATE 2026 two-paper combination:
- Diversified Knowledge: By taking two GATE papers, applicants can expand their knowledge and skill set. A civil engineering graduate, for example, can choose secondary papers for AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, and XE in addition to the core CE paper. This can help in gaining expertise in multiple areas.
- Increased Career Opportunities: The GATE two-paper combination can significantly enhance career opportunities. By choosing secondary papers, applicants can make themselves more appealing to potential employers. For instance, an applicant with a combination of Computer Science (CS) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) papers can access emerging fields like embedded systems or robotics, where expertise in both domains is needed.
- Improved Scoring and Ranking: Choosing two GATE papers might also be a smart scoring method. Some applicants may thrive on one paper while struggling on another. Choosing two papers allows students to aspire for a better combined score, enhancing their overall GATE scores and opening doors to more renowned colleges and scholarships.
GATE 2026 Two Paper Combination - Key Points to Remember
- Applicants should keep in mind that while opting for the second paper, it is mandatory to follow the GATE 2026 two-paper combination list as provided above.
- Aspirants who can modify their two paper combinations for GATE 2026 through the correction window.
- If authorities announce new paper combinations in the future, details will be announced at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- Moreover, if any combination of papers gets canceled by the exam-conducting authorities, applicants will be eligible to get a refund of the second paper fee.
- The examination center may be different for the second paper. After downloading the GATE Admit Card, aspirants must check their respective examination centers carefully.
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GATE 2026 Paper Combination FAQs
Can I appear for two GATE papers in one year?
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