GATE 2026 Multi-Disciplinary Papers – Should You Attempt More Than One?

The GATE 2026 registration process is set to begin on 25th August 2025. Students will have the option to register for and choose between several different branches of the exam. However, students also have the option to register for two different branches of the GATE exam as well. This article highlights some of the key benefits and drawbacks for deciding to give multiple branches of the GATE exam. Knowing these benefits and drawbacks can help students make better informed decisions when the registration process for the GATE examination opens in August. Making this decision at the earliest is very important as the GATE exam is highly competitive and difficult to crack.

GATE 2026 Branches

Here is an overview of the several branches of the GATE examination that students can aim for when preparing for the examination. Students can choose to give one or two examinations for GATE depending on their interests and goals. The branches are as follows:
Aerospace Engineering

• Agricultural Engineering
• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Geomatics
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mining
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Physics
• Statistics
• Life Sciences

GATE 2026 Why Give Multiple Exams?

While it can be intimidating to give multiple examinations for the GATE exam, there are several benefits that can be availed by students who prepare for them. Provided below are some reasons students can consider to give multiple branches of the GATE examination:

Overlapping Syllabus

The overlapping of syllabus for two GATE exam subjects can be quite useful in studying. It can help students cover a lesser amount of syllabus when studying for the exam, helping them be a lot more efficient with their preparation as well.

Students can spend time researching which branches of the GATE examination overlap in order to make better use of their overall time.

More Scope

Giving two exams for different branches for the GATE examination opens up several horizons for students. Different branches of IITs or NITs accept different exams for the same MTech, MS or PhD programs. This significantly broadens a student’s horizons in terms of the courses they can get into while still keeping their original goals intact.

Interdisciplinary Careers

Giving multiple exams for the GATE examination can help in students being able to pursue multiple different types of careers. Often these careers may interlink with one and another. It can boost a student’s academic profile and give a boost to their professional lives’ as well. For instance, a CS and MA cross-discipline can help students land AI, Data and Economics jobs in equal proportion due to the interdisciplinary nature of their study.

Backup

Another key benefit of multiple exams is having a backup. In case one examination does not work out, students can always rely on the other to get into a good course or college through the GATE examination. The examination can be quite tricky and unpredictable. Having a backup exam just in case can act as a safety net for students to get into their preferred college or course.

Students Can Also Read: GATE 2026 Application Mistakes

Drawbacks of Giving Multiple Exams for GATE

However, while there are several benefits to giving multiple examinations for GATE, students must consider the drawbacks of giving multiple examinations as well. Keeping these drawbacks is important for students to consider.

The drawbacks for giving multiple examinations for GATE are as follows:

Increased Workload

This is especially possible if the courses chosen by students to give do not overlap. This can significantly increase a student’s workload and cause them to put in significantly more effort when preparing for the exam. The GATE is a difficult exam that requires a lot of focus and determination to crack. Doing two papers can affect a student’s performance negatively. A low score on one of the GATE exams can also negatively affect a student’s admission process for the other exam as well.

Increased Fees

Another key point to consider is students who give two exams for GATE will be required to pay more in terms of fees as well. The fees for giving two exams for GATE can cost students up to INR 5000 depending on when they register for the exam and their category. This is a crucial factor for students to consider when thinking about giving two examinations for GATE.

Scheduling Conflicts

Some exams that are part of GATE may have dates that overlap with one another. Due to this, students must consider thoroughly on the branches they wish to take. Students may be required to give two exams on the same day, which for an exam such as GATE can add a lot of burden to their already stressful preparation process.

Conclusion: Is it Better to Give Multiple Exams for GATE?

Students should thoroughly consider the benefits and drawbacks of giving multiple branches for the GATE exam. The benefits can vary from one student to another depending on their interests, stream and dates of the examination. While there are significant pros of giving multiple branches, the risks can seriously dampen a student’s overall performance on the GATE exam as well. However, it is up to each individual student to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding upon what to do when it comes to giving multiple exams for GATE.

GATE 2026 Important Dates

Provided below is an overview of the important dates for the GATE 2026 examination. It is very important for students to keep themselves updated with the key dates about the GATE exam. Keeping up with these dates ensures students are updated on key events and deadlines about the GATE 2026 examination.

The important dates and overall schedule for the GATE 2026 exam are as follows:

Also Read:

• GATE 2026 Branch Selection Guide
• GATE 2026 Syllabus Energy Science