The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has released the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 two-paper combination list. This is aimed at enabling candidates to select a second paper according to their preference. Candidates applying for two papers are required to choose their primary and secondary papers only from the combinations provided in the official list. The combination is available on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
GATE 2026 Registration: All you need to know
This year, for the 2026 session, IIT Guwahati has also introduced a new sectional paper titled Energy Science (XE-1) under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category. In total, GATE 2026 will be conducted across 30 papers, including both full and sectional papers.
First Paper Code | Second Paper Code |
AE | CE, ME, XE |
AG | CE |
AR | CE, GE |
BM | BT, IN |
BT | BM, XL |
CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
CH | ES, PE, XE |
CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST |
CY | XE, XL |
DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE |
EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH |
EE | DA, EC, IN, PH |
ES | CE, CH, GE |
EY | XL |
GE | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG |
GG | GE |
IN | BM, EC, EE, ME |
MA | CS, DA, PH, ST |
ME | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
MN | – |
MT | XE |
NM | CE, ME |
PE | CH |
PH | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
PI | ME, XE |
ST | CS, DA, MA, XH |
TF | – |
XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
XH | ST |
XL | BT, CY, EY |
IIT Guwahati has clarified that all GATE 2026 test papers will be conducted in English. Candidates applying for two papers must first select a primary paper and then choose the secondary paper strictly from the approved list.
Other combinations will not allowed during the regular or extended registration periods. The institute has further said that additional paper combinations may be introduced later, depending on infrastructure and scheduling feasibility.
Further, they have stated that due to logistical constraints, the examination centre for the second test paper may differ from the first, though it will remain in the same city. IIT Guwahati has also stated that in unforeseen cases, some combinations might be withdrawn at a later stage. If such a situation arises, the fee paid for the second test paper will be refunded.
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts each day. The registration window for online applications will open on August 25; candidates will be able to register on the official portal.