GATE 2026 Syllabus for Computer Science and Engineering

Introduction

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) represents one of India’s most prestigious and challenging examinations for engineering graduates seeking admission to premier postgraduate programs and lucrative public sector positions. For computer science aspirants, understanding the comprehensive syllabus becomes absolutely crucial for effective preparation and examination success.

GATE computer science syllabus encompasses a vast array of topics ranging from fundamental programming concepts to advanced theoretical computer science principles, requiring systematic study and thorough conceptual understanding. The examination tests both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities across diverse computer science domains.

This detailed guide provides a complete breakdown of GATE computer science syllabus covering all major sections, topic weightage, and preparation strategies essential for achieving competitive scores. Understanding the GATE computer science syllabus structure enables aspirants to create focused study plans, allocate time effectively across different subjects, and identify high-priority areas that significantly impact overall examination performance and career opportunities.

Overview

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) CSE paper evaluates a candidate’s grasp of both General Aptitude and core Computer Science fundamentals over a 3-hour Computer-Based Test carrying 100 marks. It comprises 65 questions: 10 on General Aptitude (15 marks) and 55 on Engineering Mathematics and CSE subjects (85 marks).

Section-Wise Syllabus

1. General Aptitude (15 Marks)

Covers basics of verbal, quantitative, analytical, and spatial reasoning. Strong performance here can boost overall score.

• Verbal Aptitude: English grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, para jumbles, reading comprehension
• Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, numerical computation, percentages, ratio, basic geometry
• Analytical Aptitude: Logical deduction, analogies, pattern recognition
• Spatial Aptitude: Visualization, paper folding, 2D/3D transformations

2. Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks)

Important across all engineering streams; relatively scoring.

• Discrete Mathematics: Logic, sets, relations, functions, lattices, graph theory, counting, recurrence relations, generating functions
• Linear Algebra: Matrices, determinants, linear systems, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, LU decomposition
• Calculus: Limits, continuity, differentiability, maxima/minima, mean value theorem, integration
• Probability & Statistics: Random variables, common distributions (uniform, normal, Poisson, binomial), measures of central tendency, conditional probability, Bayes theorem

3. Core Computer Science Subjects (72 Marks)

3.1 Digital Logic

• Boolean algebra, minimization (K-maps, Quine–McCluskey)
• Combinational and sequential circuits
• Number systems, fixed and floating-point arithmetic
  

3.2 Computer Organization & Architecture

• Machine instructions, addressing modes
• ALU, datapath, control unit
• Instruction pipelining, pipeline hazards
• Memory hierarchy: cache, main memory, secondary storage
• I/O interfacing (interrupts, DMA)
  

3.3 Programming & Data Structures

• Programming in C, recursion
• Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, binary search trees, binary heaps, graphs
  

3.4 Algorithms

• Searching, sorting, hashing
• Asymptotic analysis (worst-case time/space)
• Design techniques: greedy, dynamic programming, divide-and-conquer
• Graph algorithms: traversals (BFS, DFS), minimum spanning tree, shortest paths
  

3.5 Theory of Computation

• Regular expressions, finite automata
• Context-free grammars, push-down automata
• Pumping lemma for regular and context-free languages
• Turing machines, decidability, undecidability
  

3.6 Compiler Design

• Lexical analysis, parsing (LL, LR)
• Syntax-directed translation, intermediate code generation
• Runtime environments, local optimization
• Data-flow analysis: constant propagation, liveness analysis, common subexpression elimination
  

3.7 Operating Systems

• System calls, processes, threads
• Concurrency, synchronization, deadlock
• CPU scheduling, I/O scheduling
• Memory management, virtual memory
• File systems
  

3.8 Databases

• ER model, relational model, SQL
• Integrity constraints, normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF)
• File organization, indexing (B‐trees, B+ trees)
• Transactions, concurrency control
  

3.9 Computer Networks

• Layered architecture: OSI, TCP/IP
• Packet, circuit, virtual-circuit switching
• Data link layer: framing, error detection, MAC, Ethernet
• Routing algorithms: shortest path, distance vector, link state
• IP addressing (IPv4, CIDR), fragmentation, NAT, ARP, DHCP, ICMP
• Transport layer: UDP, TCP, flow/congestion control, sockets
• Application layer: DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP

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Preparation Tips

• Prioritize high-weightage sections: GA, Programming & Data Structures, Operating Systems.
• Create a structured timetable allocating daily slots to core subjects and weekly revision for mathematics and aptitude.
• Use official GATE previous-year papers and simulate full-length tests under timed conditions.
• Maintain error logs to track weak topics and focus revision accordingly.
• Join targeted test series for regular performance feedback and improvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total duration and marking scheme for GATE CSE?
A1: The GATE CSE exam is a 3-hour computer-based test carrying 100 marks, with 65 questions (10 on General Aptitude for 15 marks and 55 on Engineering Mathematics and core CSE for 85 marks).

Q2: Which section should I prioritize for maximum scoring potential?
A2: Focus first on General Aptitude (15 marks), Programming & Data Structures, and Operating Systems; these high-weightage areas can significantly boost your overall score.

Q3: Are there any negative markings in the GATE CSE paper?
A3: Yes. For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer; for 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

Q4: How should I prepare for the Engineering Mathematics section?
A4: Build strong fundamentals in Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, and practice solving differential equations. Regularly solve previous-year questions under timed conditions.

Q5: Are past GATE question papers sufficient for preparation?
A5: Yes, practicing previous-year papers helps you understand question patterns, difficulty level, and time management. Combine them with topic-wise mock tests for comprehensive revision.

Q6: What programming language should I use for preparation?
A6: C is the preferred language for GATE CSE, as most previous-year problems reference C-style syntax. You may use C++ or Java if you are equally comfortable, but ensure you understand core syntax and data-structure implementations.

Q7: How many mock tests should I attempt?
A7: Attempt at least 20–25 full-length mock tests spread over your preparation timeline, analyzing performance trends and revisiting weak topics after each test.

Conclusion

Thorough familiarity with each topic and disciplined, focused practice across all sections will maximize performance. Begin with a concept-wise revision plan, reinforce fundamentals through problem solving, and periodically assess progress with mock tests. This structured approach ensures comprehensive coverage and boosts confidence for GATE 2026 CSE.

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