The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has published the official GATE two paper combination 2026 list on their official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE 2026 two-paper choice allows each candidate to increase their career scope while providing them with a facility of selecting a primary paper from a total of 30 subject areas, then they can select a second paper from a consolidated list of 29 eligible secondary papers.
This option is an advantage to candidates who aspire to pursue a career across two or more fields. It is essential that candidates select one primary paper, and whilst they can choose a second paper, there are strictly prescribed GATE two paper combinations in order to respect the relevance of the academic context. The GATE 2026 exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, and in multiple shifts on these days.
→ If candidates seek admission or recruitment opportunities, it is recommended that they review the GATE two paper combinations 2026 list before entering the details on the application form.
GATE 2026 Two Paper Combination
Students can check out the GATE two paper combinations below.
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 |
How to Choose GATE Two Paper Combinations 2026 Carefully
- Check Official List: Only the combinations approved by IIT Guwahati are valid. Before deciding your subjects, check the official GATE 2026 two-paper combination table.
- Keep In Line With Your UG Discipline: Select your main paper based on your primary UG specialization to ensure that you can prepare well, and be eligible in M.Tech/PSU recruitments.
- Select a Related Secondary Paper: Choose a second paper that relates to your primary subject (e.g., Mechanical + Aerospace, CS + Data Science); it creates interrelated options.
- Look at the Overlap of Syllabus: Look for combinations with a large number of common topics. This will save preparation time and allow you to score well in both subjects.
- Consider Career Prospective: If you are looking at higher studies and applying to IIT's, NITS or IISc, see what combinations they accept. If you are looking at PSU jobs, make sure the secondary paper is hired by the companies.
- Avoid unrelated pair: Do not pick up a secondary paper that is totally unrelated to your area of academics, unless you have some strong advance knowledge of it.
- Plan Time Management: It is no easy feat; preparing for two subjects takes discipline. Pick a mutually workable combination that you can take before the exam dates (Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026).
Best GATE 2026 Two Paper Combinations
Students may refer to the following table to check out some of the best GATE two paper combinations for 2026 academic year.
Primary Paper | Recommended Secondary Paper | Why This Combination Works |
Computer Science (CS) | Data Science & AI (DA) | Strong overlap in algorithms, ML, programming; good for IT/AI careers. |
Electronics & Communication (EC) | Electrical Engineering (EE) | Covers circuits, networks, signals; relevant for PSU and M.Tech admissions. |
Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Aerospace Engineering (AE) | Similar mechanics and thermodynamics topics; useful for research/DRDO/ISRO. |
Civil Engineering (CE) | Environmental Science (ES) | Overlap in sustainability, hydrology; valuable for govt. jobs and higher studies. |
Electrical Engineering (EE) | Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Common control systems & electronics; PSU preference in energy, power sector. |
Physics (PH) | Mathematics (MA) | Strong theoretical overlap; ideal for research/academic careers. |
Chemical Engineering (CH) | Biotechnology (BT) | Combines chemical processes with bio-sciences; helpful in pharma, R&D. |
Life Sciences (XL) | Biotechnology (BT) | Both focus on biology-related topics; good for interdisciplinary research. |
Civil Engineering (CE) | Architecture & Planning (AR) | Shared focus on design, structures, and planning; relevant for govt. exams. |
Note: Students must rely on their future plans while opting for GATE two paper combination 2026 and they are advised to do a proper research of the professional field they want to step in. Students are recommended to be aware of GATE 2026 branch wise calendar along with the subject specific exam pattern to make right choices.
