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    GATE Subjects List 2026 with Paper Codes – Check Full List & Details

    GATE Subjects List 2026 with Paper Codes – Check Full List & Details

    RanjeetaUpdated on 18 Nov 2025, 11:15 AM IST

    GATE Subjects List 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 subjects list on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates who wish to appear for the national-level GATE exam must check the subject list on this page. It is important to know the subjects and the available combinations before GATE 2026 registration. Aspirants must refer to the list of GATE subjects along with the test paper codes. Candidates can find the detailed list of subjects and information about the latest two paper combinations on this page. The GATE 2026 exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026. Knowing the right test paper codes will enable the candidates to choose the desired subjects during the GATE 2026 registration. The authority will conduct the GATE exam in online mode.

    GATE Subjects List 2026 with Paper Codes – Check Full List & Details
    GATE Subjects List 2026

    GATE Subjects List 2026 and Paper Code

    Candidates must be aware of the GATE exam subjects list to avoid confusion while filling up the application form. Along with the complete list of subjects, candidates must also be aware of the test paper codes for the GATE 2026 exam. The authority published the GATE syllabus and exam pattern for all 30 papers on the official website. The GATE exam is conducted for admission to postgraduate programs at IITs, IISc, and other premier institutes and to secure jobs at various PSUs. The table below comprises the list of GATE subjects 2026 along with their paper codes.

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    GATE Exam Subjects List 2026 with Paper Code

    Paper

    Code

    Paper

    Code

    Architecture and Planning

    AR

    Geology and Geophysics

    GG

    Biotechnology

    BT

    Mathematics

    MA

    Aerospace Engineering

    AE

    Physics

    PE

    Agricultural Engineering

    AG

    Engineering Sciences

    XE*

    Chemical Engineering

    CH

    Life Sciences

    XL**

    Civil Engineering

    CE

    Instrumentation Engineering

    IN

    Computer Science and Information Technology

    CS

    Mining Engineering

    MN

    Electronics and Communication Engineering

    EC

    Mechanical Engineering

    ME

    Electrical Engineering

    EE

    Textile Engineering and Fiber Science

    TF

    Chemistry

    CY

    Production and Industrial Engineering

    PI

    Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

    DA

    Biomedical Engineering

    BE

    Ecology and Evolution

    EY

    Petroleum Engineering

    PE

    Statistics

    ST

    Metallurgical Engineering

    MT

    Environmental Science and Engineering

    ES

    Humanities and Social Sciences

    XH

    Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering

    NM

    Geomatics Engineering

    GE

    GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XH

    XH Paper Sections

    Code

    Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory) 25 marks

    B1

    Any of the following Optional Subjects (60 marks)

    Economics

    C1

    English

    C2

    Linguistics

    C3

    Philosophy

    C4

    Psychology

    C5

    Sociology

    C6

    GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XE and XL

    XE Paper Sections

    Code

    XL Paper Sections

    Code

    Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory)

    A

    Chemistry (Compulsory)

    P

    Fluid Mechanics

    B

    Biochemistry

    Q

    Materials Science

    C

    Botany

    R

    Solid Mechanics

    D

    Microbiology

    S

    Thermodynamics

    E

    Zoology

    T

    Polymer Science and Engineering

    F

    Food Technology

    U

    Food Technology

    G



    Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

    H



    Related links:

    GATE 2026 College Predictor
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    GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combinations

    The authority allows candidates to appear in either one or two GATE test papers. However, candidates who want to attempt the GATE 2026 exam for 2 papers can only choose from the predetermined combinations available. The two-paper combination allows candidates to choose a primary paper and a secondary paper, with some restrictions to allow flexibility and greater opportunity for candidates. The authority carefully prepares the GATE two-paper combination to make it academically meaningful. Candidates appearing for two papers have to make their choices of the two papers out of the given combinations only. Students can check the table below to know the GATE 2026 paper combinations. The second paper codes available based on the candidate’s choice of the first paper are updated below.

    GATE Two-Paper Combinations 2026

    Code of the first paper

    Code of the second paper

    AE

    GE

    AG

    XE

    AR

    GG, XE

    BM

    DA, EE, XE

    BT

    ES, EY, CS, DA

    CE

    DA, TF, EE

    CH

    CY, XL, DA

    CS

    XE, BT, EE, ME

    CY

    CH, XH

    DA

    BM, CE, IN, CH, MT, BT, XH, GE

    EC

    XL

    EE

    BM, XL, CS, CE

    ES

    BT, EY

    EY

    BT, MA, ES

    GE

    MN, XE, AE, DA

    GG

    AR, MN, XE

    IN

    DA

    MA

    EY

    ME

    CS

    MN

    GE, GG

    MT

    PI, DA

    NM

    XE

    PE

    XE

    PH

    XL

    PI

    MT

    TF

    XE, CE

    XE

    AG, AR, BM, CS, GE, GG, NM, PE, TF

    XH

    DA, CY

    XL

    CH, EE, PH, EC

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: How many subjects are there in GATE?
    A:

    There are a total of 30 GATE exam papers. The newest addition to the GATE exam papers is the Energy Science optional paper under the Engineering Sciences. 

    Q: Is GATE paper 2 compulsory?
    A:

    No, candidates who wish to appear for 2 GATE papers can do so by selecting their choice of papers from the two-paper combination list however, candidates do not need to appear for two GATE exam subjects compulsorily.

    Q: Are there any common subject for all GATE 2026 sections?
    A:

    The GATE 2026 general aptitude paper is common for all the GATE exam papers.

    Q: Which GATE subject is easy?
    A:

    There is no such easy subject for the GATE exam. With a proper preparation strategy, conceptual clarity and rigorous practice, candidates can crack the GATE 2026 exam for any subject.

    Q: Can I write GATE in 2 subjects?
    A:

    Yes, Candidates can appear for two GATE papers. The authority provides the GATE two-paper combination for candidates to choose their primary and secondary papers.

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    Questions related to GATE

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GATE ?

    Hello,

    GATE 2026 score of 320 (OBC, AIR 1633 in XE), admission to top IITs will be difficult. However, you may get opportunities in newer IITs or lower-demand branches in later or spot rounds. You have better chances in NITs, IIITs, and state universities through CCMT counseling. PSU opportunities are

    Every PSU has different cut-off marks and eligibility. Hence, it is suggested to apply for PSU after checking the eligibility. Also, they do not reveal the marks of the finally selected candidates. So, wait for the final merit list.

    Yes. You can. GATE eligibility specifies that students in their 3rd year and above can appear for the exam. Since the results are valid for 3 years, you can use the same for your admissions.