GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE Subjects List 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the complete list of GATE 2026 subjects on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates who wish to appear for the national-level GATE exam should check the subject list on this page. The Graduate Aptitude Test will be conducted for a total of 30 subjects. A detailed list of GATE exam subjects is available in this article. The GATE 2026 exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026, in online mode for all papers. Candidates can find the detailed list of subjects and information about the latest two paper combinations on this page. The last date for GATE 2026 registration without a late fee is September 28, 2025.
GATE 2026 exam aspirants must refer to the list of GATE subjects along with the test paper codes. Knowing the right test paper codes will enable the candidates to choose the desired subjects during the GATE 2026 registration.
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.
Paper | Code | Paper | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
Architecture and Planning | AR | Geology and Geophysics | GG |
BT | MA | ||
AE | PE | ||
AG | XE* | ||
CH | XL** | ||
CE | IN | ||
CS | Mining Engineering | MN | |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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. Candidates 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.
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)
The GATE 2026 general aptitude paper is common for all the GATE exam papers.
There are a total of 30 GATE exam papers. The newest edition to the GATE exam papers being the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper.
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.
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.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).
You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.
Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
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