GATE 2026 Complete Syllabus Overview; Structure, Updates, and Changes
The GATE 2026 exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an important gateway for engineering graduates to enrol in M.E./M.Tech courses in Bangalore and India. It’s not just a qualifying exam for higher studies, but it’s also a significant criterion for recruiting graduates into one of the finest public sector undertakings (PSUs), and for research positions too! GATE 2026 candidates should always get familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern, which is required for them to think strategically about preparing and maximising scores.
This entire guide takes the GATE 2026 syllabus and converges all branches into one “GATE 2026 syllabus PDF download” section. The revision package includes the syllabus by branch and the latest GATE 2026 paper pattern, as well as subject/topic-wise weightage for all branches in GATE 2026. If you want to get the GATE syllabus 2026 or the GATE subjects, this is the resource that clears the section on General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Technical.
If candidates follow the GATE 2026 exam syllabus, they can immediately spend time on the topics that will give them the best contribution to their score-weighted topics. This will ensure that graduates know more about the gate syllabus for computer engineering, or the candidate gets precise information for the gate syllabus electronics, or the gate EC syllabus. For engineering graduates targeting to get admitted into Top MTech Colleges in Bangalore or placement in a PSU, knowing the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern is the first step toward success.
Download GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF, Free PDF for All Branches
Acquire full access to the GATE 2026 syllabus PDF for all branches in one location. This downloadable syllabus will assist you in developing a strategic study plan, whether you are preparing for Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or any other paper. Access to the branch-wise syllabus is available below, as well as a downloadable link to the official GATE 2026 syllabus PDF.
|
GATE Test Paper |
Code |
Download Link |
GATE Test Paper Code |
Code |
Download Link |
|
Aerospace Engineering |
AE |
Geology & Geophysics |
GG | ||
|
Agricultural Engineering |
AG |
Instrumentation Engineering |
IN | ||
|
Architecture and Planning |
AR |
Mathematics |
MA | ||
|
Biomedical Engineering |
BM |
Mechanical Engineering |
ME | ||
|
Biotechnology |
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 |
New XE Section: Energy Science Syllabus 2026, Topics & Weightage
|
XE Paper Sections |
Code |
XH Paper Sections |
Code |
XL Paper Sections |
Code |
|
Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) – 15 marks |
A |
Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory) – 25 marks |
B1 |
Chemistry (Compulsory) – 25 marks |
P |
|
Any TWO optional sections (2 × 35 = 70 marks) |
. |
Any ONE optional section (60 marks) |
. |
Any TWO optional sections (2 × 30 = 60 marks) |
. |
|
Fluid Mechanics |
B |
Economics |
C1 |
Biochemistry |
Q |
|
Materials Science |
C |
English |
C2 |
Botany |
R |
|
Solid Mechanics |
D |
Linguistics |
C3 |
Microbiology |
S |
|
Thermodynamics |
E |
Philosophy |
C4 |
Zoology |
T |
|
Polymer Science and Engineering |
F |
Psychology |
C5 |
Food Technology |
U |
|
Food Technology |
G |
Sociology |
C6 |
. |
. |
|
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences |
H |
. |
. |
. |
. |
|
Energy Science |
I |
. |
. |
. |
. |
General Aptitude (GA) Syllabus; Verbal, Numerical, Logical Ability
GA is common for all GATE papers and carries 15 marks.
Typical syllabus topics include:
|
Category |
Key Topics |
|
Verbal / English Usage |
Grammar (tenses, articles, parts of speech), Sentence completion, Para-jumbles, Synonyms/Antonyms, Analogies, Reading comprehension |
|
Vocabulary & usage |
Phrasal verbs, Idioms, Word usage in context |
|
Quantitative / Numerical Aptitude |
Arithmetic (ratio, percentage, profit & loss, time & work, mixtures), Algebra, Number theory, Logarithms, Permutations & combinations, Series, Probability |
|
Data Interpretation & Analytical Ability |
Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Deduction & induction, Patterns, Sequences, Venn diagrams, Syllogisms, Logical statements & inference |
GA is not heavy on domain knowledge, but it is a scoring section if attempted carefully.
Reasoning & Comprehension Syllabus (XH-B1), Key Topics for Logical Thinking
The GATE 2026 Humanities & Social Sciences (XH) paper has a compulsory Reasoning & Comprehension section (XH-B1) that all candidates appearing in XH must attempt, worth 25 marks. The aim of the XH-B1 section is to assess a candidate’s capability to understand, analyse, and logically interpret information; it does not assess technical knowledge.
The set of topics outlined in XH-B1 includes the following:
- Reading Comprehension:
- Comprehending passages
- Identifying main ideas and supporting details
- Inferences and conclusions
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Sentence completion
- Analogies
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Understanding relationships between words
- Logical Reasoning:
- Syllogisms
- Deductive reasoning
- Recognizing patterns
- Critical thinking and inference
- Critical Reasoning:
- Identifying assumptions and arguments
- Evaluating statements
- Drawing logical conclusions
After completing XH-B1, candidates will select one optional section to attend to from C1-C6, carrying 60 marks each.
|
Optional Section (C1–C6) |
Topics |
|
C1 – Economics |
Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics |
|
C2 – English |
Grammar, Vocabulary, Literature, Writing Skills |
|
C3 – Linguistics |
Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics |
|
C4 – Philosophy |
Logic, Ethics, Metaphysics, Epistemology |
|
C5 – Psychology |
Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology |
|
C6 – Sociology |
Social Institutions, Social Change, Research Methods |
Important Point: The XH-B1 section is focused on skills related to understanding and reasoning; this section is critical to becoming successful in the optional humanities subjects. Doing well on the XH-B1 section is important to the overall score, as well as starting strong on the XH paper.
Engineering Mathematics Syllabus 2026, Important Formulas & Chapters
Engineering Mathematics (often abbreviated to “MA” or appearing in the “A” section of some papers) is an essential element of nearly every branch of engineering and has considerable weight in most papers.
Some topics likely to be included (subject to variation between branches) are:
- Linear Algebra (e.g., matrices, eigenvalues, vector spaces)
- Calculus (e.g., limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences & series)
- Differential Equations (ODEs & PDEs)
- Complex variables
- Probability & Statistics
- Numerical Methods/Approximation Methods
- Transform theories (Laplace, Fourier)
- Optimisation, Linear Programming
All of these topics are present in most technical branches.
Top Recommended Books for GATE 2026 Preparation, Subject-wise List
Here’s a starter list of reliable books (both classic and newer ones) you can refer to alongside the syllabus:
|
Subject / Domain |
Suggested Books / Authors |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
“Higher Engineering Mathematics” by B. S. Grewal “Advanced Engineering Mathematics” by Erwin Kreyszig |
|
General Aptitude / Reasoning |
“A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R. S. Agarwal “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis |
|
Mechanical |
“A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Machines” by R. K. Bansal “Theory of Machines” by R. S. Khurmi & J. K. Gupta “Manufacturing Processes” by P. N. Rao |
|
Electrical / Electronics |
“Network Analysis” by M. E. Van Valkenburg “Microelectronics Circuits” by Sedra/Smith “Electric Machinery” by A. E. Fitzgerald |
|
Computer Science |
“Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen et al. “Operating System Concepts” by Silberschatz “Database System Concepts” by Korth |
|
Civil |
“Structural Analysis” by R. C. Hibbeler “Soil Mechanics” by Muni Budhu “Water Resources Engineering” by R. K. Sharma |
|
XE / Energy Science (for XE-I) |
(Limited standard texts yet) – Use specialised renewable energy, thermodynamics, energy engineering textbooks; research papers; class notes |
Also, solve past GATE papers regularly, take mock tests, and track subject-wise performance.
GATE 2026 Exam Dates, Subject-wise Schedule & Important Deadlines
The GATE 2026 examination timetable has been officially released, providing prospective candidates with a clear schedule so they can effectively plan their preparation. From application to result, every stage of the process has its own timeline, which candidates will want to keep in mind to avoid a last-minute scramble. This is a fast overview of all GATE 2026 key dates and events:
GATE 2026 Exam Dates & Important Timeline
- Application Start Date: August 28, 2025
- Due Date to Apply (Without Late Fee): September 28, 2025, but extended till October 7th, 2025
- Extended Deadline (With Late Fee): October 9, 2025
- Admit Card Release: January 3, 2026
- Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026
- Exam Time: Forenoon - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Afternoon - 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- Results Date: Will be announced in the official website
Want to see more details like correction window, answer keys, and counselling dates?
Then check out our previous blog - “What is GATE” for anything else you missed on the GATE 2026 process!

