What Is the Best GATE Two Paper Combination?

Falak Khan

Updated On: December 02, 2024 02:35 PM | GATE

The GATE two paper combination allows you to sit for two papers in a single year. Consider factors like syllabus, career plans, and eligibility criteria to choose the best GATE two paper combination. CS+DA, EE+ECE, EE+IN, etc are some of the best GATE paper combinations. 

What Is the Best GATE Two Paper Combination

What Is the Best GATE Two Paper Combination: GATE authorities allow students to sit for two different engineering specializations GATE papers in a single year. The GATE two paper combination list is released by the exam conducting authorities from which students can choose their two papers. The first paper is a primary paper which you can select as per your choice. However, you have to choose the secondary paper from the options provided by the authorities only. IIT Roorkee has released the GATE 2025 two paper combinations list for all 30 papers. In addition to that, a new GATE 2025 paper combination list has also been released. With so many options available the question arises, which is the best GATE two paper combination? Well, it depends on your educational background, your future goals, and the extent of GATE 2025 exam preparation you are willing to do. If you want to work in the AI sector then Computer science Data Science and Artificial intelligence (CS + DA) are the best GATE two-paper combinations for you. Similarly, you can go for an Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering (EE+ECE) paper combination as both of the syllabus are almost similar. To know more about the best GATE 2025 two paper combinations read this post.

If you want to take part in the PSU recruitment through GATE 2025, then make sure you check out what GATE 2025 paper scores your desired PSU is accepting. Accordingly, choose the GATE two paper combination.

Also Check - GATE 2025 Paper Codes

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What Is the Best GATE Two Paper Combination?

The GATE 2025 paper combinations released by the authorities are all interrelated disciplines. However, for some of the two GATE paper combinations the syllabus is very different and, for the other, it’s the same. Since the GATE exam requires thorough preparation, we recommend that you choose engineering specializations whose GATE 2025 syllabus PDF are similar and you just have to dedicate extra time to the secondary subject. Your future career goals are another important factor that you must consider while choosing a GATE two paper combination.

Check out the best GATE two paper combinations 2025 below.

Best GATE Two Paper Combinations 2025

Primary Paper

Secondary Paper

Why choose this combination

Computer Science and Information Technology  Paper 2 (CS 2)

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

The syllabus for both papers is almost the same. Both subjects combined are interrelated and will offer you good career opportunities. AI and Computer Science Engineering are two emerging and in-demanding sectors.

Mechanical Engineering (ME)

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

Preparing for both papers will be easy since the syllabus is almost similar.

Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)

Or Electrical Engineering (EE)


If you want a PSU job and IN is your primary paper, then go for EC or EE Paper Many PSU do not recognize IN as the main branch. They consider EC or EE as the main branch. So, if you want PSU and IN as your main paper, take EC or EE as a second to maximize your chances of a PSU job.


Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Both discipline's syllabus are almost same.

Civil Engineering  (CE)

Engineering Sciences (XE)

The syllabus for both the papers is almost the same and you have to study only 15% extra for Engineering Sciences.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

Computer Science and Information Technology  Paper 2 (CS 2)

The GATE DA and CS 2 syllabus are around 80% similar, so preparing for both papers will be easy.

Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)

Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

The GATE EC and IN syllabus overlap so it will be easy for exam preparation

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

Maths syllabus is common in GATE EE and DA paper therefore it will be easy to prepare. Also, electrical engineering students are usually good in Maths so studying for both the paper can be managed.

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)

Almost 60 to 70 marks syllabus is common in Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering. Topics like Networks, Control systems, Signal Systems, and  Analog Electronics are there in both syllabus, so students can prepare for both subjects well.

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

The syllabus for both papers is common, so students can study for both examinations easily.

Statistics (ST)

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Syllabus is almost common for both papers

Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

Both are currently in demand for engineering specialization and have good scope for the future. The syllabus for both engineering disciplines is interrelated and easy to prepare.

Statistics (ST)

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)

The syllabus is similar for both papers so preparation will be easy.

Also Check - GATE 2025 Syllabus: CE, ME, CSE, ECE, EE, Download Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF

How to Decide GATE Two Paper Combination?

There are GATE paper combinations for all 30 papers. You can choose the first paper of any engineering specialization you like. Make sure you fulfill the eligibility criteria for the paper you are choosing You can choose GATE Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, etc any paper of your choice from the GATE 30 papers options available. However, for the second paper, you can only opt from the GATE two paper combinations list. Suppose, you are choosing GATE Computer Science Engineering as your primary paper then your secondary papers can either be Engineering Sciences, Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.

But the question arises, which secondary paper to choose and how do decide? Here you have to consider several factors before choosing the GATE two-paper combination.

  • Your Base Knowledge: Don't pick a two-paper combination of which you have no previous knowledge or you haven't studied that subject in your undergraduate. Pick those two GATE Paper combinations in which you have basic knowledge and you can understand the syllabus and prepare it.

  • Consider the Syllabus: Check out the syllabus of both the GATE papers in which you are planning to sit. If the syllabus of one GATE paper is huge and the other is small you can choose that. If you think the syllabus of both GATE 2025 papers is huge and you will not be able to finish it, then consider other secondary papers from the options available.

  • Your Career Goal: Choose GATE papers that align with your professional goals. For example, if you wish to make a career in artificial intelligence, combining Computer Science and Engineering (CS) with Mathematics (MA) or Electronics and Communication (EC) could be useful. Similarly, if you want to make a career in the construction industry or interior designing industry then you can choose Civil Engineering as the primary paper and Architecture and Planning or Environmental Sciences and Engineering as a secondary paper.

Also Check - GATE 2025: Dates (Out), Syllabus, Pattern, Question Papers, Preparation Tips

List of New GATE Two Paper Combinations 2025

IIT Roorkee has recently released a second list of GATE 2025 paper combinations. Students can choose from the new two-paper combination list or from the previous GATE two-paper combination list.  The second list which was released by IIT Roorkee is in addition to the previous GATE two paper combinations.

Students who had previously taken only one paper can select a second paper from the new GATE 2025 two paper combinations. Those who have previously taken two papers could only change the second one. Those who desired to add a second paper from the existing GATE two paper combinations could do so for a standard cost with a penalty.

Code of the First Paper

Code of the Second Paper

Code of the First Paper

Code of the Second Paper

AE

GE

GG

AR, MN, XE

BM

XE, DA, EE,

ME

CS

AG

XE

IN

DA

AR

GG, XE

MA

EY

EE

XL, CS, CE, BM

XE

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

BT

ES, EY, CS, DA

MN

GE, GG

CE

DA, TF, EE

MT

PI, DA

CH

CY, XL, DA

NM

XE

CS

BT, EE, ME, XE,

PE

XE

DA

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

PI

MT

EC

XL

TF

XE, CE

CY

CH, XH

PH

XL

ES

BT, EY

XH

DA, CY

EY

BT, MA, ES

XL

CH, EE, PH, EC

GE

MN, XE, AE, DA

GATE 2025 Two Paper Combination List

Code of the First Paper

Code of the Second Paper

Code of the First Paper

Code of the Second Paper

AE

CE, ME, XE

GE

AR, CE, CS, ES, GG

CE

AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE

MT

XE

AR

CE, GE

IN

BM, EC, EE, ME

AG

CE

GG

GE

BM

BT, IN

MA

CS, DA, PH, ST

BT

BM, XL

ME

AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE

EC

CS, DA, EE, IN, PH

ST

CS, DA, MA, XH

CH

ES, PE, XE

NM

CE, ME

CS

DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST

PE

CH

CY

XE, XL

PH

CS, EC, EE, MA, XE, DA

DA

EC, EE, CS, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE

PI

ME, XE

EY

XL

XL

BT, CY, EY

EE

DA, EC, IN, PH

XE

AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI

ES

CE, CH, GE

XH

ST

What are the Benefits of GATE Two Paper Combination?

GATE authorities allow students to sit for two engineering specializations papers which provides numerous advantages to students who want to expand their knowledge and explore other subjects in order to develop their professions. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a GATE 2025 two-paper combination:

  • Improves Your Score and Rank: By sitting for two GATE papers your chances of passing the exam will increase. You will get a good rank in the GATE 2025 result . Some students may excel on one paper but struggle on another. Choosing two papers allows you to get a higher combined score, which improves your overall GATE 2025 cutoff and opens doors to more prestigious universities and scholarships.

  • Saves One Year: If you sit for one GATE branch paper, and due to some reason you could perform well in it. This will destroy your 1 year of preparation. However, if you are sitting for another GATE paper, you will still have a chance to give your best in it and pass the exam. GATE 2025 two papers save your precious year and offer you the opportunity to take admission to your dream college.

  • Increases Job Opportunities: The GATE two-paper combination can greatly improve job prospects. Choosing secondary papers will allow you to make yourself more desirable to potential employers. For example, an applicant with a combination of Computer Science (CS) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) papers can pursue a career in emerging sections such as embedded systems or robotics, which require knowledge in both domains.

  • Admission to Desired College: The GATE two paper combination allows you take admission into your preferred GATE 2025 participating colleges . Suppose you are targeting IIT with your primary paper, but couldnt get it due to low scores. With the GATE 2025 two paper option, you still have a chance to get admission into your dream college with the scores of your secondary paper.

If you are sitting for two GATE papers know the GATE 2025 exam pattern and syllabus of each paper. Follow the GATE 2025 exam preparation tips to study for both papers. It's important that you choose the best books for GATE 2025 exam preparation .

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FAQs

What are the secondary paper options for GATE CSE?

The secondary paper options for GATE CSE are Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. As per the latest new GATE paper combination list released, the second options for CSE are Engineering Sciences, Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Is it compulsory to select GATE paper 2?

No, it is not compulsory to select two papers in GATE. You can appear for a single paper also in GATE.

 

What is the fee for two paper combinations in GATE 2025?

The GATE fee for one paper is INR 900/-. Students who want to give two paper combinations in GATE 2025 have to pay INR 1800/-. 

 

What is the benefit of 2nd paper in GATE?

The major benefit of the 2nd paper in GATE is that it can help students score better overall GATE rank. If students didn't perform well in one paper, they still have the option to appear for a second paper and improve their scores.

What is the combination of two papers in GATE?

The GATE two paper combinations offer students the opportunity to sit for two different engineering specialization papers in a single year. The primary paper can be any paper of your choice there is no restriction on that. However, for the secondary paper, you have to choose from the paper options given by the authorities only. 

 

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