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GATE Exam Syllabus 2026: Stream-Wise Topics & Exam Pattern
February 5, 2026 | By BMU
So you've decided to attempt GATE 2026. Surely a smart move, but where do you actually start?
The answer is simple: the GATE exam syllabus.
GATE isn't one of those exams where you can slack off or rely on last-minute cramming. It's massive, technical and it covers a lot of syllabus. But here's the good news: the right preparation tells you exactly what's coming. Nothing unanticipated and no hidden topics, so you know what to prepare.
To secure an M.Tech seat or a government job, it is crucial to know your syllabus very well. This knowledge is a significant part of your success. It helps you focus on what matters, skip what doesn't and plan your months ahead without second-guessing yourself.
This guide contains the complete “GATE 2026 syllabus” for every branch and everything you need to know about the exam. Let's dive in.
GATE Syllabus 2026: Paper Pattern & Weightage Breakdown
The GATE 2026 exam is structured into three key sections, each carrying a specific weightage that determines the overall scoring pattern:
| Section | Approx. Weightage |
| General Aptitude | 15 marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 marks |
| Core Engineering Subjects | 72 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
Also Read: GATE 2026: Important Dates, Exam Pattern, Admit Card & Syllabus
GATE Syllabus 2026 - List of Subjects
Candidates can find the names and codes of the subjects included in the GATE 2026 Syllabus list below:
| Serial No. | Subject | Subject Code |
| 1. | Aerospace Engineering | AE |
| 2. | Agricultural Engineering | AG |
| 3. | Architecture and Planning | AR |
| 4. | Biotechnology | BT |
| 5. | Civil Engineering | CE |
| 6. | Chemical Engineering | CH |
| 7. | Computer Science and Information Technology | CS |
| 8. | Chemistry | CY |
| 9. | Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC |
| 10. | Electrical Engineering | EE |
| 11. | Ecology and Evolution | EY |
| 12. | Geology and Geophysics | GG |
| 13. | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| 14. | Mathematics | MA |
| 15. | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| 16. | Mining Engineering | MN |
| 17. | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
| 18. | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| 19. | Physics | PH |
| 20. | Production and Industrial Engineering | PI |
| 21. | Textile Engineering and Fiber Science | TF |
| 22. | Statistics | ST |
| 23. | Biomedical Engineering | BM |
| 24. | Engineering Sciences | XE |
| 25. | Life Sciences | XL |
| 26. | Humanities and Social Sciences | XH |
| 27. | Environmental Science and Engineering | ES |
| 28. | Geomatics Engineering | GE |
| 29. | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | NM |
| 30. | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (NEW) | DA |
GATE 2026 Syllabus - Branch Wise
The GATE 2026 exam focuses on key subjects from various engineering and science fields. Here’s a brief overview of the syllabus for major GATE papers, highlighting the essential topics candidates should study for their chosen stream:
GATE CSE Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Digital Logic
- Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Programming and Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Compiler Design
- Operating System
- Databases
- Computer Networks
GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Applied Mechanics and Design
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
- Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
GATE Electrical Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electric circuits
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Signals and Systems
- Electrical Machines
- Power Systems
- Control Systems
- Electrical and Electronic Measurements
- Analog and Digital Electronics
- Power Electronics
GATE Electronics & Communication Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Networks, Signals and Systems
- Electronic Devices
- Analog Circuits
- Digital Circuits
- Control Systems
- Communications
- Electromagnetics
GATE Instrumentation Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrical Circuits and Machines
- Signals and Systems
- Control Systems
- Analog Electronics
- Digital Electronics
- Measurements
- Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation
- Communication and Optical Instrumentation
GATE Production & Industrial Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- General Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes I
- Manufacturing Processes II
- Quality and Reliability
- Industrial Engineering
- Operations research and Operations management
GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Syllabus 2026
- AI
- Linear Algebra
- Machine Learning
- Probability and Statistics
- Calculus and Optimisation
- Database Management and Warehousing
- Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms
GATE Environmental Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Mathematics Foundation
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Microbiology
- Water Resources and Environmental Hydraulics
- Water & Wastewater Treatment and Management
- Air and Noise Pollution
- Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
- Global and Regional Environmental Issues
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
GATE Exam Pattern 2026
The IIT Guwahati has released the GATE Exam Pattern on its official website, GATE 2026. This pattern outlines essential details like the exam mode, number of questions, paper sections, marking scheme and more. Candidates should familiarise themselves with both the GATE syllabus for 2026 and the exam pattern.
Here’s the table of the GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for aspirants:
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Papers in GATE 2026 | 30 Papers |
| Section | ● General Aptitude (GA)
● Candidate Selected Subject |
| Type of Questions | ● Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
● Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) ● Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Design of Questions | The questions are designed to test the listed abilities
● Application ● Analysis ● Comprehension ● Recall ● Synthesis |
| Number of Questions | 65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude) |
| Distribution of Questions in all Papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH and XL | ● Engineering Mathematics - 13 Marks
● Subject Questions - 72 Marks ● General Aptitude - 15 Marks |
| Distribution of Questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH and XL | Questions from Subject Concerned - 85 Marks
General Aptitude - 15 Marks |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | Each correct answer in the exam will be awarded either 1 or 2 marks |
| GATE Negative Marking | ● For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer
● For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer ● No negative marking for MSQs and NATs |
Conclusion
Understanding the GATE 2026 syllabus and its weightage is the foundation of a strong preparation strategy. With a clearly defined syllabus, structured exam pattern and no surprise topics, GATE rewards smart, focused study rather than random effort.
By prioritising high-weightage sections, mastering core subjects and staying consistent with revision and practice, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Whether your goal is a top IIT, PSU recruitment or academic growth, a syllabus-driven approach will keep your preparation efficient, confident and result-oriented.
FAQs
The GATE syllabus includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and core subjects of your chosen branch. It’s officially defined, detailed and doesn’t include any surprise topics.
GATE is generally tougher than JEE because it tests deep conceptual understanding and application, not just basics. It’s designed for graduates, not school-level students.
GATE currently offers around 30 subjects (papers). You choose one or two papers depending on eligibility and your academic background.
No, GATE includes MCQs, Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, making it more concept- and logic-focused than purely objective exams.
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