PrepMaticExam questions answered · GATE
Can I write two GATE papers?
Yes. In GATE 2027 you may take one paper or two, but the second paper must be on the allowed list for your primary paper, and both go in one application. Not every pair is allowed: for example, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering is not a permitted combination.
The rules
- One application only. Both papers are entered in a single application. Multiple applications are rejected without refund.
- The second paper must be allowed for the first. IIT Madras publishes a table of allowed combinations. It says it may open additional ones later.
- The second paper may be at a different centre in the same city.
- In a multi-session paper you sit only one assigned session.
- You pay for both papers. The brochure says two papers cost twice the single-paper fee, but the website's extended-period table does not match that rule, so check the amount on the payment page before you pay.
Sample allowed pairs, GATE 2027
| Primary paper | Allowed second papers |
|---|---|
| CS (Computer Science) | DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST |
| EC (Electronics) | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH, RA |
| EE (Electrical) | DA, EC, IN, PH, RA |
| ME (Mechanical) | AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA, XE |
| CE (Civil) | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
| DA (Data Science and AI) | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST, XE |
Notes from the table:
- CS with EE is not allowed, in either direction.
- MN (Mining) cannot be paired with any other paper.
- Popular pairs include CS with DA, EC with EE, ME with XE and EE with RA.
- The full list for all 30 papers is in the GATE exam pattern guide.
Is a second paper a good idea?
It gives a second chance at a qualifying score, and some combinations fit one stream of study, such as DA with CS. But it splits your preparation, and the syllabi were revised for every paper in 2027. A sensible test: add a second paper only if its syllabus overlaps heavily with your first and you can finish both syllabi before your mock phase. If not, a single well-prepared paper usually serves you better.
A second paper does not make a second attempt. It is part of the same application; see how many times you can attempt GATE.
Also check the paper list: the count and codes changed for 2027, with RA added and TF folded into XE (how many papers are in GATE 2027).
Official source
IIT Madras publishes the two-paper combinations at gate2027.iitm.ac.in and in the Information Brochure. The table can be extended, so check it when you apply.
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- Number of GATE 2027 papersGATE 2027 has 30 papers. Robotics and Automation (RA) is new, and Textile Engineering (TF) is now section XE9 of Engineering Sciences. The list and new codes.
- GATE attempts allowedGATE has no limit on attempts, so you can sit every year. Each attempt needs a fresh application and fee, and a score stays valid for three years.
- GATE application feeThe GATE 2027 fee per paper is ₹1,000 for women, SC, ST and PwD and ₹2,000 for others, or ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 in the late window that closes 12 October 2026.
- GATE exam patternGATE 2027 pattern: 65 questions, 100 marks, 3 hours, MCQ, MSQ and NAT, negative marking, marks split by paper, 30 papers and two-paper combinations.
More in GATE
- What is a good GATE score?There is no single good GATE score. What 350 and 900 mean on the score scale, how qualifying marks work and how to set a target for your institute or PSU.
- Third-year students and GATEGATE 2027 is open from the third year of any undergraduate degree, not just final year. Which degrees qualify, from when, and the 12 October late-fee deadline.
- PSU jobs through GATEPSUs recruit engineers on GATE scores only when they advertise for your paper. How it works, a verified POWERGRID 2027 example and what GATE does not promise.
- Number of questions in GATEGATE has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: 10 General Aptitude and 55 subject questions, worth 1 or 2 marks. The marks split by paper and question types.
- MSQ negative marking in GATEGATE has no negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions, only for MCQs (1/3 or 2/3 mark). MSQs give no partial credit, so pick every correct option.
- M.Tech stipend after GATEM.Tech students admitted with a valid GATE score can get ₹12,400 a month, generally for 22 months. Direct PhD fellowship amounts and who decides who gets it.
- GATE score validityA GATE score is valid for 3 years from the result date. For GATE 2027, scorecards are issued only until 31 December 2027, so download yours. Key dates inside.
- GATE previous year papersThe official GATE 2027 site has question papers from 2007 to 2026 and papers with answer keys for 2021 to 2026. Where to find them and how to use them for 2027.