Likhith · October 3, 2025 
Introduction
Aerospace Engineering aspirants preparing for GATE 2026 must master a comprehensive syllabus spanning core technical subjects that demand strategic prioritization based on weightage analysis and scoring potential. GATE 2026 Aerospace syllabus encompasses three main sections: Core Aerospace subjects contributing 70% weightage (70 marks, 46 questions), Engineering Mathematics 15% weightage (15 marks, 9 questions), and General Aptitude 15% weightage (15 marks, 10 questions), with the core subjects divided into five critical areas: Aerodynamics (20-25 marks, highest weightage), Flight Mechanics (17 marks average), Aircraft Structures (15-20 marks), Propulsion (8-10 marks), and Space Dynamics (6-8 marks). With IIT Guwahati conducting GATE 2026, the exam maintains its 65-question, 100-mark structure across 3 hours, requiring strategic preparation focusing on high-weightage core subjects while securing easy marks in General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics for optimal scoring potential.
Exam Overview
The GATE Aerospace Engineering paper is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test comprising 65 questions (100 marks):
- General Aptitude: 10 questions (15 marks)
- Engineering Mathematics: ~9 questions (13 marks)
- Core Aerospace Subjects: ~46 questions (72 marks)
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 65 (MCQ, MSQ, NAT) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Sections | General Aptitude, Engineering Maths, AE Core |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, Numerical Answer Type |
Section-Wise Syllabus
1. General Aptitude (15 Marks)
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, para jumbles, reading comprehension
- Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, data interpretation, ratios, percentages, basic geometry
2. Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks)
- Linear Algebra: Matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors
- Calculus: Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, Fourier series
- Differential Equations: Ordinary and partial, boundary value problems
- Probability & Statistics: Random variables, distributions, mean, variance
- Numerical Methods: Interpolation, numerical integration
3. Core Aerospace Subjects (72 Marks)
3.1 Aerodynamics (~20–25 Marks)
- Fluid mechanics fundamentals
- Airfoil and wing theory
- Compressible flows, shock and expansion waves
- Boundary layer theory
3.2 Aircraft Structures (~15–20 Marks)
- Stress and strain relations
- Bending, torsion, buckling of beams and plates
- Aeroelasticity basics
3.3 Flight Mechanics (~10–15 Marks)
- Atmospheric models
- Aircraft performance metrics
- Static and dynamic stability
- Control derivatives
3.4 Propulsion (~10–15 Marks)
- Thermodynamics of propulsion
- Turbojet, turbofan, ramjet engines
- Rocket propulsion fundamentals
3.5 Space Dynamics (~5 Marks)
- Kepler’s laws
- Orbital mechanics
- Satellite dynamics
Official source:
https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/doc/GATE2026_Syllabus/AE_2026_Syllabus.pdf
Topic-Wise Weightage Distribution
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Preparation Tip
- High-Weightage First: Master Aerodynamics, Structures, and Flight Mechanics.
- Mathematics & Aptitude: Allocate daily slots for Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude practice.
- Previous-Year Papers: Solve at least 10 years of GATE AE papers under timed conditions.
- Error Log: Track mistakes by topic and revise weekly.
- Mock Tests: Take 15–20 full-length mocks and analyze performance trends.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I download the official GATE 2026 AE syllabus?
A1: The official PDF is available on the GATE 2026 website under the AE syllabus section.
Q2: Which AE topics carry the most marks?
A2: Aerodynamics (20–25%), Aircraft Structures (15–20%), and Flight Mechanics (10–15%) are the highest-weightage areas.
Q3: How many questions come from Engineering Mathematics?
A3: Approximately 9 questions (13 marks) are from Engineering Mathematics.
Q4: Are there negative markings in GATE AE?
A4: Yes. 1/3 mark deducted for wrong 1-mark MCQs and 2/3 mark for wrong 2-mark MCQs. MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marking.
Q5: How many mock tests should I take?
A5: Aim for 15–20 full-length mock tests plus topic-wise quizzes to assess strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
A focused study plan, emphasizing core high-weightage topics, regular mock tests, and concept clarity in Mathematics and Aptitude—will ensure comprehensive coverage of the GATE 2026 AE syllabus and boost your confidence to secure a top score.
Official GATE AE 2026 syllabus PDF available on the GATE 2026 website
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