Gate Syllabus

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam is conducted for various engineering disciplines, and each discipline has its own specific syllabus. Here's a detailed description of the GATE exam syllabus for the major engineering branches, along with an overview of the exam pattern:

General Aptitude (GA): This section is common to all papers and tests the candidate's verbal and numerical ability. It includes topics such as: Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, etc. Numerical Ability: Numerical computation, numerical estimation, numerical reasoning, etc.

1. Civil Engineering (CE): The GATE syllabus for Civil Engineering includes the following major topics:

  • Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics.

  • Structural Engineering: Structural Analysis, RCC and Steel Structures, Structural Mechanics.

  • Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering.

  • Water Resources Engineering: Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Irrigation.

  • Environmental Engineering: Water and Wastewater Quality, Air and Noise Pollution, Municipal Solid Waste Management.

2. Mechanical Engineering (ME): The GATE syllabus for Mechanical Engineering covers the following main topics:

  • Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics.

  • Applied Mechanics and Design: Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines, Vibrations, Design.

  • Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences: Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Applications.

  • Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Engineering Materials, Machining, Metal Casting, Production Planning and Control, Operations Research.

3. Electrical Engineering (EE): The GATE syllabus for Electrical Engineering includes the following key topics:

  • Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics.

  • Electric Circuits: Network Elements, Circuit Laws, AC and DC Circuits.

  • Electromagnetic Fields: Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Electromagnetic Theory.

  • Signals and Systems: Continuous and Discrete Time Signals, Systems Analysis.

  • Electrical Machines: Transformers, DC and AC Machines, Synchronous Machines.

4. Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC): The GATE syllabus for Electronics and Communication Engineering covers the following major areas:

  • Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics.

  • Networks, Electronic Devices: Network Analysis, Diodes, Transistors, Amplifiers.

  • Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits: Op-Amps, Filters, Combinational and Sequential Circuits, Number Systems.

  • Signals and Systems: Fourier Series, Laplace Transform, Z-Transform, Digital Signal Processing.

  • Control Systems, Communications, Electromagnetics: Control Systems Analysis, Communication Systems, EM Theory, Waveguides.

5. Computer Science and Information Technology (CS): The GATE syllabus for Computer Science and Information Technology includes the following major topics:

  • Engineering Mathematics: Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability.

  • Digital Logic: Boolean Algebra, Combinational and Sequential Circuits, Logic Gates.

  • Computer Organization and Architecture: Memory Hierarchy, CPU Architecture, Instruction Set.

  • Programming and Data Structures: Programming in C, Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs.

  • Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating Systems, Databases, Computer Networks, Software Engineering.

GATE Exam Pattern: The GATE exam is conducted in an online mode (Computer Based Test) for a duration of 3 hours. The exam consists of a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks. The question paper is divided into two sections:

  • General Aptitude (GA) Section: This section consists of 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks. It is common to all papers.

  • Subject-specific Section: This section consists of 55 questions carrying a total of 85 marks. The questions are based on the syllabus of the chosen engineering discipline.

The question types include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Negative marking is applicable for MCQs, while there is no negative marking for NAT questions.

Gate Exam Subjects weightage

Civil Engineering Syllabus weightage

Mechanical Engineering Syllabus weightage

The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Electrical Engineering (EE) can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Electrical Engineering:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 15-18%

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Differential Equations

    • Probability and Statistics

  2. Electric Circuits: 8-10%

    • Network Elements

    • Circuit Laws (Kirchhoff's Laws)

    • AC and DC Circuits

    • Transient Analysis

  3. Electromagnetic Fields: 8-10%

    • Electrostatics and Magnetostatics

    • Electromagnetic Waves

    • Transmission Lines

    • Waveguides and Antennas

  4. Signals and Systems: 8-10%

    • Continuous and Discrete Time Signals

    • Systems Analysis

    • Fourier Series, Laplace Transform, Z-Transform

    • Digital Signal Processing

  5. Electrical Machines: 12-15%

    • Transformers

    • DC Machines

    • Synchronous Machines

    • Induction Machines

  6. Power Systems: 15-18%

    • Power Generation and Transmission

    • Load Flow Studies

    • Fault Analysis

    • Stability and Protection

  7. Control Systems: 8-10%

    • Control Systems Analysis

    • Time and Frequency Domain Analysis

    • Root Locus, Bode Plot, Nyquist Plot

    • State Space Analysis

  8. Measurements: 6-8%

    • Measurement of Voltage, Current, Power, Energy

    • Instruments and Measurement Techniques

    • Error Analysis

  9. Analog and Digital Electronics: 6-8%

    • Diodes, BJTs, FETs

    • Amplifiers, Oscillators, Filters

    • Logic Gates, Flip-Flops, Counters

    • ADCs, DACs, Microprocessors

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Civil Engineering (CE) can vary slightly from year to year, but generally, it follows a pattern where certain subjects tend to have a higher weightage compared to others. Here's a general overview of the subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Civil Engineering:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: This subject typically carries a moderate weightage in the GATE exam. Questions from topics like Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, and Probability and Statistics are commonly asked.

  2. Structural Engineering: Structural Engineering is one of the most important subjects in the CE GATE exam. It usually carries a significant weightage, with questions covering topics such as Structural Analysis, RCC and Steel Structures, Structural Mechanics, etc.

  3. Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical Engineering is another crucial subject with a considerable weightage. Questions in this section revolve around Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, and related topics.

  4. Environmental Engineering: Environmental Engineering is also an important subject, albeit with a slightly lower weightage compared to Structural and Geotechnical Engineering. Questions focus on Water and Wastewater Quality, Air and Noise Pollution, Municipal Solid Waste Management, etc.

  5. Transportation Engineering: Transportation Engineering generally has a moderate weightage in the GATE exam. Questions cover topics such as Highway Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, etc.

  6. Water Resources Engineering: Water Resources Engineering typically has a moderate weightage similar to Transportation Engineering. Questions include topics like Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Irrigation, etc.

  7. Construction Materials and Management: This subject usually carries a relatively lower weightage compared to the core subjects like Structural and Geotechnical Engineering. Questions may cover topics related to Construction Materials, Construction Management, Project Management, etc.

  8. Surveying: Surveying is another subject with a relatively lower weightage. Questions focus on topics like Basics of Surveying, Levelling, Theodolite Surveying, Curve Surveying, etc.

  9. Other Subjects: Apart from the core subjects mentioned above, there may be questions from other topics like Concrete Technology, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Hydrology, Irrigation, Remote Sensing, etc. These subjects generally have a lower weightage compared to the core subjects.

However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Civil Engineering:

  1. Structural Engineering: 20-25%

  2. Geotechnical Engineering: 18-22%

  3. Environmental Engineering: 8-12%

  4. Transportation Engineering: 8-12%

  5. Water Resources Engineering: 8-12%

  6. Engineering Mathematics: 8-12%

  7. Construction Materials and Management: 6-10%

  8. Surveying: 4-8%

  9. Other Subjects (Concrete Technology, Fluid Mechanics, etc.): 5-10%

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Mechanical Engineering can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Mechanical Engineering:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 12-15%

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Differential Equations

    • Probability and Statistics

  2. Applied Mechanics and Design: 18-22%

    • Engineering Mechanics

    • Strength of Materials

    • Theory of Machines

    • Vibrations

    • Design

  3. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences: 30-35%

    • Fluid Mechanics

    • Heat Transfer

    • Thermodynamics

    • Applications

  4. Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: 25-30%

    • Engineering Materials

    • Machining

    • Metal Casting

    • Production Planning and Control

    • Operations Research

  5. Others (like Theory of Machines, Engineering Materials, etc.): 15-20%

It's essential to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Computer Science and Information Technology:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 15-18%

    • Discrete Mathematics

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Probability

  2. Digital Logic: 6-8%

    • Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates

    • Combinational and Sequential Circuits

    • Minimization Techniques

  3. Computer Organization and Architecture: 8-10%

    • Basic Computer Organization and Design

    • Instruction Set Architecture

    • CPU, Memory, I/O Organization

    • Cache and Virtual Memory

  4. Programming and Data Structures: 10-12%

    • Programming in C

    • Data Types, Operators, Control Structures

    • Arrays, Strings, Pointers

    • Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs

  5. Algorithms: 12-15%

    • Algorithm Design Techniques (Greedy, Divide and Conquer, Dynamic Programming, etc.)

    • Searching and Sorting Algorithms

    • Graph Algorithms

    • Complexity Analysis

  6. Theory of Computation: 8-10%

    • Regular Languages and Finite Automata

    • Context-Free Languages and Pushdown Automata

    • Turing Machines and Undecidability

  7. Compiler Design: 4-6%

    • Lexical Analysis, Parsing

    • Syntax-Directed Translation

    • Runtime Environments, Intermediate Code Generation

  8. Operating Systems: 10-12%

    • Process Management

    • CPU Scheduling, Deadlocks

    • Memory Management, Virtual Memory

    • File Systems, I/O Systems

  9. Databases: 8-10%

    • ER Diagrams, Relational Model, SQL

    • Database Design, Normalization

    • Transactions, Concurrency Control

    • Query Processing and Optimization

  10. Computer Networks: 8-10%

  • OSI and TCP/IP Models

  • Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer

  • Routing Algorithms, Congestion Control

  • LAN, WAN, Ethernet, TCP, UDP

  1. Software Engineering: 8-10%

  • Software Development Life Cycle Models

  • Software Requirements Analysis and Design

  • Software Testing and Maintenance

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


Electrical Engineering Syllabus weightage

Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus weightage

The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Electronics and Communication Engineering:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 15-18%

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Differential Equations

    • Probability and Statistics

  2. Networks, Electronic Devices: 10-12%

    • Network Analysis

    • Electronic Devices and Circuits

    • Diodes, Transistors, Amplifiers

  3. Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits: 10-12%

    • Analog Circuits

    • Digital Circuits

    • Op-Amps, Filters

    • Combinational and Sequential Circuits

    • Number Systems

  4. Signals and Systems: 8-10%

    • Continuous-Time Signals and Systems

    • Discrete-Time Signals and Systems

    • Fourier Series and Transform

    • Laplace Transform

    • Z-Transform

  5. Control Systems: 8-10%

    • Control Systems Analysis

    • Time and Frequency Domain Analysis

    • Root Locus, Bode Plot, Nyquist Plot

    • State Space Analysis

  6. Communications: 12-15%

    • Analog Communication

    • Digital Communication

    • Pulse Modulation Techniques

    • Source Coding, Channel Coding

    • Modulation Schemes: AM, FM, PM, PCM, QPSK, BPSK, etc.

  7. Electromagnetics: 8-10%

    • Electrostatics and Magnetostatics

    • Electromagnetic Waves

    • Transmission Lines

    • Waveguides and Antennas

  8. Digital Signal Processing: 10-12%

    • Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)

    • Digital Filters

    • FIR and IIR Filters

    • DSP Architectures and Processors

  9. Microwave Engineering: 6-8%

    • Microwave Tubes and Semiconductor Devices

    • Waveguides and Resonators

    • Microwave Components

    • Microwave Communication Systems

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


Computer Science Engineering Syllabus weightage

The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Information Technology (IT) can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Information Technology:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 12-15%

    • Discrete Mathematics

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Probability

  2. Digital Logic: 5-8%

    • Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates

    • Combinational and Sequential Circuits

    • Minimization Techniques

  3. Computer Organization and Architecture: 8-10%

    • Basic Computer Organization and Design

    • Instruction Set Architecture

    • CPU, Memory, I/O Organization

    • Cache and Virtual Memory

  4. Programming and Data Structures: 10-12%

    • Programming in C/C++

    • Data Types, Operators, Control Structures

    • Arrays, Strings, Pointers

    • Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs

  5. Algorithms: 10-12%

    • Algorithm Design Techniques (Greedy, Divide and Conquer, Dynamic Programming, etc.)

    • Searching and Sorting Algorithms

    • Graph Algorithms

    • Complexity Analysis

  6. Theory of Computation: 6-8%

    • Regular Languages and Finite Automata

    • Context-Free Languages and Pushdown Automata

    • Turing Machines and Undecidability

  7. Compiler Design: 5-7%

    • Lexical Analysis, Parsing

    • Syntax-Directed Translation

    • Runtime Environments, Intermediate Code Generation

  8. Operating Systems: 8-10%

    • Process Management

    • CPU Scheduling, Deadlocks

    • Memory Management, Virtual Memory

    • File Systems, I/O Systems

  9. Databases: 8-10%

    • ER Diagrams, Relational Model, SQL

    • Database Design, Normalization

    • Transactions, Concurrency Control

    • Query Processing and Optimization

  10. Computer Networks: 8-10%

  • OSI and TCP/IP Models

  • Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer

  • Routing Algorithms, Congestion Control

  • LAN, WAN, Ethernet, TCP, UDP

  1. Software Engineering: 8-10%

  • Software Development Life Cycle Models

  • Software Requirements Analysis and Design

  • Software Testing and Maintenance

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


Chemical Engineering Syllabus weightage

The weightage of subjects in the GATE exam for Chemical Engineering can vary from year to year. However, based on past trends and analysis, here's an approximate percentage distribution of subject-wise weightage for the GATE exam in Chemical Engineering:

  1. Engineering Mathematics: 12-15%

    • Linear Algebra

    • Calculus

    • Differential Equations

    • Probability and Statistics

  2. Process Calculations and Thermodynamics: 15-18%

    • Material and Energy Balances

    • Thermodynamic Properties

    • First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics

    • Phase Equilibria

  3. Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations: 10-12%

    • Fluid Statics and Dynamics

    • Bernoulli's Equation

    • Flow of Fluids through Pipes and Equipment

    • Size Reduction and Size Separation

  4. Heat Transfer: 8-10%

    • Conduction, Convection, and Radiation

    • Heat Exchangers

    • Heat Transfer Equipment

  5. Mass Transfer: 10-12%

    • Diffusion, Fick's Laws

    • Mass Transfer Coefficients

    • Stage-wise and Continuous Contact Processes

  6. Chemical Reaction Engineering: 12-15%

    • Rate Laws, Stoichiometry

    • Design of Reactors

    • Kinetics of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Reactions

    • Catalysis

  7. Instrumentation and Process Control: 6-8%

    • Measurement of Pressure, Temperature, Flow, Level

    • Control Systems

    • PID Controllers

  8. Plant Design and Economics: 8-10%

    • Equipment Design

    • Cost Estimation

    • Profitability Analysis

  9. Chemical Technology: 8-10%

    • Unit Operations and Unit Processes

    • Chemical Engineering Principles in Industries

    • Petrochemicals,Polymers, Pharmaceuticals

It's important to note that these percentages are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year. Additionally, candidates should focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly across all subjects rather than solely relying on subject-wise weightage. A comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus is essential for performing well in the GATE exam.


Information Technology Syllabus weightage