GATE Syllabus 2026: Comprehensive Exam Pattern & Subject-Wise Topics PDF

Manish
Jun 13, 2026 07:12 AM
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The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination conducted annually for engineering graduates. It serves as a gateway for M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D. admissions at prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs, and also opens doors to lucrative Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) job opportunities. Candidates aspiring to appear for the GATE exam must familiarize themselves with the comprehensive GATE Exam Pattern and Syllabus to strategize their preparation effectively. The GATE exam is administered in a computer-based format across 30 distinct papers, with candidates eligible to attempt only one paper of their choice. 

GATE Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

The GATE examination is scheduled for a duration of 3 hours, with a total of 100 marks. This article provides an in-depth overview of the GATE Syllabus and Exam Patterns to aid your preparation journey. Continue reading for detailed insights into the GATE 2026 Paper Pattern. The exam structure includes three core sections: General Aptitude (MCQ), Engineering Mathematics, and the candidate's chosen engineering discipline. Candidates must select one of the 30 available subjects for the Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Detailed syllabus information and the exam pattern are elaborated further within this article.

GATE 2026 Syllabus
Examination ModeComputer Based Test (Online)
Duration3 Hours
SectionGeneral Aptitude (GA) and
Candidate Selected Subject 
Type of QuestionsMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs),
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Design of QuestionsApplication
Analysis and synthesis
Comprehension
Recall
Number of Questions10 (GA) + 55 (subject) = 65 Questions
Total Marks100 Marks
Marking SchemeAll of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

GATE Score Card 2026: Available Now - Check Here

GATE 2026 Toppers List: View the Rank Holders

GATE Exam Pattern 2026

The GATE examination is organized annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The GATE Exam Pattern provides crucial details regarding the total number of questions, the division of sections, question types, and the marking scheme, which are essential for candidates' preparation. 

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Marks Distribution

The section-wise mark distribution for various papers is detailed in the accompanying tables. Papers are categorized into those with three sections and those with two sections, offering a clear understanding of the examination structure.

Paper CodeMarks Distribution
Distribution of Questions in all Papers except 
AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH and XL
General Aptitude (GA) - 15, 
Engineering Mathematics -13, and
The subject of the Paper - 72 
Distribution of Questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XLGeneral Aptitude (GA)- 15 and
The subject of the Paper- 85 

GATE Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

A distinct marking scheme applies to each paper. Refer to the tables below for a comprehensive breakdown of the marking scheme for the different GATE papers.

Question Design and Paper Structure

Paper CodeGeneral Aptitude (GA) MarksSubject MarksTotal MarksTotal Time (Minutes)
AE, AR, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, CY, EC, EE, ES, EY, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, PE, PH, PI, TF, ST, and BM1585100180
GG [Part A + Part B (Section 1 Geology OR Section 2 Geophysics)]1525 + 60100180
AR [Part A + Part B (Section 1 Architecture Or Section 2 Planning)]1525 + 60100180
XE (Section A + Any TWO Sections)1515 + (2 x 35)100180
XH (Section B1 + Any ONE Section)1525 + (1 x 60)100180
XL (Section P + Any TWO Sections)1525 + (2 x 30)100180

Subjects for GATE Exam

Commencing this year, the GATE Exam will encompass 30 disciplines/subjects. Candidates are permitted to appear for only one paper from the following disciplines.

GATE PaperCodeGATE PaperCode
Aerospace EngineeringAEInstrumentation EngineeringIN
Agricultural EngineeringAGMathematicsMA
Architecture and PlanningARMechanical EngineeringME
Bio-medical EngineeringBMMining EngineeringMN
BiotechnologyBTMetallurgical EngineeringMT
Civil EngineeringCEPetroleum EngineeringPE
Chemical EngineeringCHPhysicsPH
Computer Science and Information TechnologyCSProduction and Industrial EngineeringPI
ChemistryCYStatisticsST
Electronics and Communication EngineeringECTextile Engineering and Fibre ScienceTF
Electrical EngineeringEEEngineering SciencesXE
Environmental Science & EngineeringESHumanities & Social SciencesXH
Ecology and EvolutionEYLife SciencesXL
Geology and GeophysicsGGNaval Architecture and Marine EngineeringNA
Geomatics EngineeringGE  

Note: The Engineering Sciences (XE), Humanities & Social Sciences (XH), and Life Science (XL) papers are general in nature. These two papers consist of the following sections.

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XE, XH, and XL Papers

GATE Exam Papers and Their Codes
GATE PaperCodeGATE PaperCode
Aerospace EngineeringAEGeology & GeophysicsGG
Agricultural EngineeringAGInstrumentation EngineeringIN
Architecture and PlanningARMathematicsMA
Biomedical EngineeringBMMechanical EngineeringME
BiotechnologyBTMining EngineeringMN
Civil EngineeringCEMetallurgical EngineeringMT
Chemical EngineeringCHNaval Architecture & Marine EngineeringNM
Computer Science & Information TechnologyCSPetroleum EngineeringPE
ChemistryCYPhysicsPH
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (NEW)DAProduction & Industrial EngineeringPI
Electronics & Communication EngineeringECStatisticsST
Electrical EngineeringEETextile Engineering & Fibre ScienceTF
Environmental Science & EngineeringESEngineering SciencesXE
Ecology and EvolutionEYHumanities & Social SciencesXH
Geomatics EngineeringGELife Sciences 

GATE Syllabus for General Aptitude

The General Aptitude (GA) section is a common subject for all branch papers, contributing 15% to the total marks. Questions in GA assess verbal ability and numerical ability. The two subsections within the GA section are detailed below:

1. Verbal Ability: This section covers the following topics:

  1. English Grammar
  2. Sentence Completion
  3. Verbal Analogies
  4. Word Groups
  5. Instructions
  6. Critical Reasoning
  7. Verbal Deduction

2. Numerical Ability:  This section evaluates candidates' fundamental mathematical skills. The subtopics included are as follows:

  1. Numerical computation
  2. Numerical Estimation
  3. Numerical Reasoning
  4. Data Interpretation

GATE Syllabus: Subject-Wise topics

Explore the primary topics for each subject featured in the GATE exam. A detailed syllabus for each topic/subject is provided in the table below.

General Aptitude Syllabus (Common for all papers)
Verbal AbilityNumerical Ability
Biomedical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsElectrical Circuits
Analog and Digital ElectronicsSignals and Systems
Measurement and Digital ElectronicsSensors and Bioinstrumentations
Medical Imaging SystemBiomaterials
Human Anatomy and PhysiologyBiomechanics
Aerospace Engineering Syllabus
Fourier SeriesLaplace Transforms
Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equationsNumerical integration and differentiation.
Dynamic stabilityEuler angle
Equations of motionAerodynamic forces and moments, stability & control derivatives
Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamicsLongitudinal modes; lateral-directional modes.
Orbit transferIn-plane and out-of-plane
Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layersWind Tunnel Testing
Measurement and visualization techniquesVibration of  beams
Theory of elasticityEquilibrium and compatibility equations
Airy’s stress function 
Agriculture Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsFarm Machinery
Farm PowerSoil and Water Conservation Engineering
Irrigation and Drainage EngineeringAgricultural Processing Engineering
Dairy and Food Engineering 
Architecture & Planning Syllabus
Architecture and DesignBuilding Materials, Construction, and Management
Building and StructuresEnvironmental Planning and Design
Urban DesignUrban Planning and Housing
Planning Techniques and ManagementServices, Infrastructure, and Transportation
Biotechnology Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsGeneral Biotechnology
Recombinant DNA TechnologyPlant and Animal Biotechnology
Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology 
Civil Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsStructural Engineering
Geotechnical EngineeringWater Resources Engineering
Environmental EngineeringTransportation Engineering
Geomatics Engineering 
Chemical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsProcess Calculations and Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical OperationsHeat Transfer
Mass TransferChemical Reaction Engineering
Instrumentation and Process ControlPlant Design and Economics
Chemical Technology 
Computer Science and Information Technology (GATE CSE Syllabus)
Engineering MathematicsDigital Logic
Computer Organization and ArchitectureProgramming and Data Structures
AlgorithmsTheory of Computation
Compiler DesignOperating System
DatabasesComputer Networks
Chemistry Syllabus
Physical ChemistryOrganic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry 
Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsNetworks, Signals, and Systems
Electronic DevicesAnalog Circuits
Digital CircuitsControl System
CommunicationElectromagnetics
Electrical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsElectrical Circuits
Electromagnetic FieldsSignals and Systems
Electrical MachinesPower Systems
Control SystemsElectrical and Electronic Measurements
Analog and Digital ElectronicsPower Electronics
Environmental Science & Engineering (New)
Environmental Management and Sustainable DevelopmentEnvironmental Chemistry
Environmental MicrobiologyWater Resources and Environmental Hydraulics
Water & Wastewater Treatment and ManagementAir and Noise Pollution
Solid and Hazardous Waste ManagementGlobal and Regional Environmental Issues
Ecology and Evolution Syllabus
EcologyEvolution
Mathematics and Quantitative EcologyBehavioral Ecology
Geology And Geophysics Syllabus
GeologyGeophysics
Instrumentation Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsControl Systems
Electrical CircuitsAnalog and Digital Electronics
Signals and SystemsMeasurements
Sensors and Industrial InstrumentationCommunication and Optical Instrumentation
Mathematics Syllabus
CalculusLinear Algebra
Rear AnalysisComplex Analysis
Ordinary Differential EquationsAlgebra
Functional AnalysisNumerical Analysis
Partial Differential EquationsTopology
Linear Programming 
Mechanical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsApplied Mechanics and Design
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal ScienceMaterial, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Mining Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsMine Development Surveying
Geomechanics and Ground ControlMining Methods and Machinery
Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation, and Underground HazardsMine Economics, Mine Planning, System Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsThermodynamics and Rate Process
Extractive MetallurgyPhysical Metallurgy
Mechanical MetallurgyManufacturing Process
Physics Syllabus
Mathematical PhysicsClassical Mechanics
Electromagnetic TheoryQuantum Mechanics
Thermodynamics and Statistical PhysicsAtomic and Molecular Physics
Solid State Physics and ElectronicsNuclear and Particle Physics
Production and Industrial Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsGenera Engineering
Manufacturing ProcessesQuality and Reliability
Industrial Engineering Operation Research an Operational Management
Textile Engineering Syllabus
Engineering MathematicsTextile Engineering and Fibre Science
XE-A (Engineering Mathematics Syllabus)
Linear AlgebraCalculus
Vector CalculusOrdinary Differential Equations
Partial Differential EquationsComplex variables
Probability and StatisticsNumerical Methods
XE-B (Fluid Mechanism Syllabus)
Flow and Fluid PropertiesKinematics
Integral analysisDifferential Analysis
Inviscid flowsDimensional analysis
Internal flowsPrandtl boundary layer equations
XE-C (Material Sciences Syllabus)
Processing of MaterialsCharacterization Techniques:
Structure and ImperfectionsThermodynamics and Kinetics
Properties of MaterialsMaterial types
Environmental DegradationElements of Quantum Mechanics and Mathematics
XE-E (Thermodynamics Syllabus)
Basic ConceptsLaw of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics CycleThermodynamics Relations
Ideal Gas Mixtures 
XE-F (Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus)
Chemistry of high polymersPolymer Characterization
Synthesis and propertiesPolymer blends and composites
Polymer TechnologyPolymer rheology
Polymer processingPolymer testing
XE-G (Food Technology Syllabus)
Food Chemistry and NutritionFood Microbiology
Food Products TechnologyFood Engineering
XL-P (Chemistry Syllabus)
Atomic Structure and PeriodicityStructure and Bonding
s, p and d Block ElementsChemical Equilibria
ElectrochemistryReaction Kinetics
ThermodynamicsStructure-Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms
XL-R (Botany Syllabus)
Plant SystematicsPlant Anatomy
Morphogenesis & DevelopmentPhysiology and Biochemistry
GeneticsPlant Breeding and Genetic Modification
Economic BotanyPlant Pathology
Ecology and Environment-
XL-S (Microbiology Syllabus)
Historical PerspectiveMethods in Microbiology
Microbial Taxonomy and DiversityProkaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Structure and Function
Microbial GrowthControl of Micro-organisms
Microbial MetabolismMicrobial Diseases and Host-Pathogen Interaction
Chemotherapy/AntibioticsMicrobial Genetics
Microbial Ecology 
XL-T (Zoology Syllabus)
Animal worldGenetics
EvolutionBiochemistry and Molecular Biology
Cell BiologyGene expression in Eukaryotes
Animal Anatomy and PhysiologyParasitology and Immunology
Development BiologyEcology
Animal Behavior 
XH-B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) (New)
Reading ComprehensionExpression
Analytical reasoningLogical reasoning
XH-C1 (Economics) (New)
Statistics, Econometrics and Mathematical EconomicsMicroeconomics
MacroeconomicsInternational Economics
Public EconomicsDevelopment Economics
Indian Economy-
XH-C3 (Linguistics) (New)
Areal Typology, Universals, Cross-linguistic FeaturesLanguage and Linguistics
Levels of Grammar and Grammatical AnalysisHistorical Linguistics
SociolinguisticsMethods of analysis
Applied Linguistics-
XH-C4 (Philosophy) (New)
Classical Indian PhilosophyContemporary Indian Philosophy
Classical and Modern Western PhilosophyContemporary Western Philosophy
XH-C5 (Psychology) (New)
Perception, Learning, Memory, and ForgettingCognition: Thinking, Intelligence, and Language
Research Methods and StatisticsPsychometrics
The biological and evolutionary basis of behaviorPersonality
Applications of PsychologyMotivation, Emotion, and Stress and Coping
Social psychologyDevelopment across the life span
XH-C6 (Sociology) (New)
Family, Marriage, and KinshipSociological Theory
Research Methodology and MethodsSociological Concepts
Agrarian Sociology and Rural TransformationIndian Society / Sociology of India
Social MovementsSociology of Development

GATE Syllabus PDF- Subject-wise

The comprehensive subject-wise syllabus for the GATE exam is available in PDF format. Click on the respective PDF link for the subject you wish to examine.

S.No.PapersDownload Syllabus
General AptitudeClick Here
1Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT)Click Here
2Aerospace Engineering (AE)Click Here
3Agricultural Engineering (AG)Click Here 
4Architecture and Planning (AR)Click Here
5Biotechnology (BT)Click Here
6Civil Engineering (CE)Click Here
7Chemical Engineering (CH)Click Here
8Chemistry (CY)Click Here
9Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)Click Here
10Electrical Engineering (EE)Click Here
11Environmental Science & Engineering (ES) (New)Click Here
12Ecology and Evolution (EY)Click Here
13Geology and Geophysics (GG)Click Here
14Instrumentation Engineering (IN)Click Here
15Mathematics (MA)Click Here
16Mechanical Engineering (ME)Click Here
17Mining Engineering (MN)Click Here
18Metallurgical Engineering (MT)Click Here
19Petroleum Engineering (PE)Click Here
20Physics (PH)Click Here
21Production and Industrial Engineering (PI)Click Here
22Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF)Click Here
23StatisticsClick Here
24Biomedical Engineering (BM)Click Here
25Engineering Sciences Syllabus (XE) - Any 2 optional sections
Engineering Mathematics (XE A) - Compulsory sectionClick Here
Fluid Mechanics (XE B) (optional)Click Here
Material Science (XE C) (optional)Click Here
Solid Mechanics (XE D) (optional)Click Here
Thermodynamics (XE E) (optional)Click Here
Polymer Science & Engineering (XE F) (optional)Click Here
Food Technology (XE G) (optional)Click Here
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (XE H) (optional)Click Here
26Life Sciences (XL) - Any 2 optional sections
Chemistry (XL P) - Compulsory sectionClick Here
Biochemistry (XL Q) (optional)Click Here
Botany (XL R) (optional)Click Here
Microbiology (XL S) (optional)Click Here
Zoology (XL T) (optional)Click Here
Food Technology (XL U) (optional)Click Here
27Humanities & Social Sciences (XH) (New)- Anyone optional section
Reasoning and Comprehension (XH-B1) (Compulsory)Click Here
Economics (XH-C1) (optional)Click Here
English (XH-C2) (optional)Click Here
Linguistics (XH-C3) (optional)Click Here
Philosophy (XH-C4) (optional)Click Here
Psychology (XH-C5) (optional)Click Here
Sociology (XH-C6) (optional)Click Here

GATE Syllabus 2026 Topic- Wise Weightage

Together with the GATE 2026 Notification, the GATE Syllabus 2026 will be released on the official website. Candidates can ascertain the topic-wise weightage from the provided table.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for CSE (Computer Science) 

To excel in the GATE 2026 exam, a thorough understanding of the detailed GATE 2026 Syllabus is crucial. The expected marks distribution for each topic, presented in percentage form, is outlined below.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for CSE (Computer Science)
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
Theory of Computation7.5Operating System9
Compiler Design2.75General Aptitude15
Computer Organization & Architecture9Computer Networks7.5
Programming & Data Structures10.5Soft. Engg/ Web Technology1.5
Algorithms8Engineering Maths14.75
Digital Logic5.25Database7.5

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Mechanical Engineering

Candidates preparing for the GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering paper should review the GATE 2026 syllabus to identify key topics for study. Subsequently, they can refer to the weightage marks provided in tabular form.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Mechanical Engineering
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
Engineering Mechanics2.5Thermodynamics12.75
Strength of materials7.75Refrigeration & Air Conditioning1.25
Heat Transfer6General Aptitude15
Machine Design3.75Industrial Engineering8
Fluid Mechanics7.5Engineering Maths12.25
Theory of Mechanics9Manufacturing Engineering14.25

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Electrical Engineering 

The GATE Electrical Engineering syllabus 2026 encompasses the topics essential for the GATE exam 2026. The expected weightage percentage for the GATE syllabus 2026 for Electrical Engineering is presented below. 

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Electrical Engineering- Topic- Wise Weightage
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
Network Theory11.75Analog & Digital Electronics11.25
Signal & System8.5EMT2.75
Control Systems9General Aptitude15
Power Systems9.75Engineering Maths11.75
Electrical machines8.25Power Electronics7.5
Electrical & Electronics Measurements4.5  

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Instrumentation Engineering

Candidates appearing for the GATE Instrumentation Engineering paper are advised to examine the GATE Syllabus 2026 with weightage to identify important topics. Topic-wise weightage marks can be found in the table below.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Instrumentational Engineering- Topic Wise Weightage
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
Analog circuits11.75Circuits & Networks10.25
Measurements6.25General Aptitude15
Communications1.5Signals and Systems7.75
Control System10.75Transducers12.25
Digital Circuits7Engg Maths11.75
Analytical Biomedical & Optical Instrumentation4.25Process Controls1.5

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Civil Engineering 

Topical weightage in percentage for Civil Engineering can be reviewed by candidates below.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Civil Engineering
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
SOM7.75Design of Steel Structures4.25
Structural Analysis3.5Highway & Surveying12
FM and Hydraulic machine6.75Engineering Mathematics12.25
Irrigation & Hydrology7.75General Aptitude15
RCC and Prestressed concrete6.5Environment Engg9
Geo-Technical15.25  

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Electronics and Communication Engineering

Candidates can prioritize important topics to achieve a high score in the GATE 2026 Exam. The expected weightage is detailed in the article below.

GATE Syllabus 2026 for Electronics and Communication Engineering
TopicExpected Weightage in %TopicExpected Weightage in %
Network Theory11.25Communication Systems10.75
Electronics Devices & Circuits7.25EMT9.5
Digital Circuits6Engineering Maths10.5
Signal & Systems9General Aptitude15
Analog Circuits11.75Micro Processors1.5
Control Systems9  

GATE Syllabus 2026: FAQs

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