The GATE is one of the hardest exams in India and there are numerous branches of the exam. Although the GATE 2026 offers many branches, certain branches of engineering have caught extreme popularity among students due to demand in both the academic and industrial diversifications. GATE CS Branch (Computer Science and Information Technology) is the top aspirant selection for many candidates who are pursuing a career in IT, software and research through GATE 2026.
Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) and Electrical Engineering (EE) are likewise demanded not only due to the availability of PSUs and governmental organizations, but also for the core industries that long for higher returns upon investment. Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Civil Engineering (CE) from GATE Branches still attract large proportions of applicants due to authorizing high amounts of candidates to the manufacturing, infrastructure, and public sectors.
Other new branches of GATE such as Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) and Biomedical Engineering (BM) started to emerge recently for applicants who wish to make up for lost time, which reflects modern day technology implementations. These branches make up the majority of GATE preferences and drive careers in countless sectors.
GATE Popular Branches 2026
Refer to the following table to check out all the GATE popular branches.
Branch / Paper | Code |
Computer Science & Information Technology | CS |
Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC |
Electrical Engineering | EE |
Mechanical Engineering | ME |
Civil Engineering | CE |
Chemical Engineering | CH |
Energy Science & Engineering (New) | XE-I |
GATE Popular Branches | Why are these Popular?
To know the reason behind these selective branches of GATE, students must read the following.
1. Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
Computer Science is the most demanded course that attracts the highest possible number of GATE aspirants each year. The employment opportunities are enormous as the IT sector is expanding at a rapid rate. Software development, artificial intelligence, and other data-related technologies are in huge demand currently. Placement schemes and companies keep computer science graduates on the top.
2. Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
Electronics and Communication is one of the most demanded GATE branches, even for those candidates who are looking for PSU employment in the field of telecom, semiconductors, and the government sector. With so many applications of VLSI designs, communication systems, and embedded technologies, it is not surprising why so many students opt for electronics.
3. Electrical Engineering (EE)
Remaining evergreen, GATE Electrical Engineering branch is one of the most significant branches of exam for roughly 50 odd years with priorities laid in its career and inter-disciplinary career avenues makes it obvious to see why this branch continues to be a favourite among candidates.
4. Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Like the above three branches, Mechanical Engineering has always had a huge number of candidates every season, but the catch is that it includes manufacturing, design, production, and R&D of any kind. Mechanical Engineering also has some excellent PSU jobs, automobile-related jobs, and heavy engineering work socializing this branch.
5. Civil Engineering (CE)
Civil Engineering is suitable for individuals who prefer infrastructure, urban planning, and construction. It is a sought-after option with excellent employment opportunities in government projects, government organizations, and higher education. Civil Engineering is also a secure GATE paper as it offers high employment opportunities.
6. Chemical Engineering (CH)
Chemical Engineering is a crucial department in energy, oil, and chemical companies. With drug companies, energy plant companies, and oil refineries all increasingly looking towards new technology to provide energy, there must be numerous prospects for Chemical Engineering GATE candidates.
7. Energy Science in Engineering (XI) Introduced in GATE 2026
Energy Science in Engineering GATE branch is a new discipline. This is because there is a heavy demand for professionals in new energy, renewable energy, sustainable power systems, and environmental engineering. With other nations moving towards green technologies, GATE Energy Science & Engineering has good prospects for post-graduation, research, employment, and other new energy domains.
GATE 2026 All Branches
Students may refer to the following table to check out all branches of GATE 2026. Students must fill out the paper code carefully while applying for the examination.
GATE Test Paper | Code | GATE Test Paper | Code |
Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology & Geophysics | GG |
Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
Architecture and Planning | AR | Mathematics | MA |
Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
BT | Mining Engineering | MN | |
Civil Engineering | CE | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
Chemical Engineering | CH | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
Computer Science & Information Technology | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | Statistics | ST |
Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE |
Ecology and Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH |
Geomatics Engineering | GE | Life Sciences | XL |
Note: Students are advised to be familiar with all the GATE paper codes for 2026 academic year for a smooth process. Candidates must note that they will need their paper name and paper code during GATE registration 2026 as well as exam time. GATE aspirants opting to appear in two test papers must have a primary choice of test paper.
