GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026, Check GATE XE Important Topics, Section-wise Weightage, Download PDF

GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026: Aspiring candidates for the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences (XE) exam are advised to review the syllabus of Engineering Sciences (XE).  IIT Guwahati has released the comprehensive syllabus for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences. This syllabus PDF outlines all the important topics that can be covered in the upcoming GATE Engineering Sciences Paper. GATE Engineering Sciences exam aspirants can check the detailed GATE XE syllabus with weightage here. We have also attached the GATE XE syllabus PDF in this article.

GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026

The syllabus of the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences (XE) exam consists of nine sections: Engineering Mathematics, Process Calculations and Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Instrumentation and Process Control, Plant Design and Economics, and Chemical Technology. The candidates are advised to go through the entire GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus 2026 before starting their preparation. In this article, we will discuss the important topics and subject-wise weightage for the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus.

GATE Engineering Sciences Section-wise Syllabus 2026

The GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) exam consists of three sections, i.e., General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Engineering Sciences subjects. The weightage of General Aptitude and  Engineering Mathematics & Engineering Sciences is 15% and 85%, respectively. The detailed topics of the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus are given below.

Engineering Mathematics

• Linear Algebra

• Calculus: 

• Functions of a Single Variable

• Functions of Two Variables

• Sequences and Series

• Vector Calculus

• Complex variables

• Ordinary Differential Equations

• Partial Differential Equations

• Probability and Statistics

• Numerical Methods

XE-B Fluid Mechanics

• Flow and Fluid Properties

• Fluid Properties

• Classification of Flows

• Hydrostatics

• Kinematics of Fluid Motion

• Integral Analysis for a Control Volume

• Differential Analysis

• Dimensional Analysis

• Internal Flows

• Bernoulli’s Equation and its Applications, Potential Flows

• Bernoulli’s Equation

• Elementary Potential Flows

• External Flows

• Prandtl Boundary Layer Equations

• Boundary Layer Characteristics

XE-C Materials Science

• Classification and Structure of Materials

• Classification of Materials

• Nature of Bonding in Materials

• Defects in Crystalline Materials

• Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Phase Transformations

• Properties and Applications of Materials

• Electronic Properties

• Magnetic Properties

• Thermal Properties

• Optical Properties

• Characterisation and Measurements of Properties

• Processing of Materials

• Degradation of Materials

XE-D Solid Mechanics

• Mechanics of rigid bodies

• Mechanics of deformable bodies

• Vibrations

XE-E Thermodynamics

• Basic Concepts

• First Law of Thermodynamics

• Second Law of Thermodynamics

• Properties of Pure Substances

• Thermodynamic Relations

• Thermodynamic Cycles

• Ideal Gas Mixtures

XE-F Polymer Science and Engineering

• Chemistry of High Polymers

• Polymer Characterization

• Synthesis, Manufacturing and Properties

• Polymer Blends and Composites

• Polymer Technology

• Polymer Rheology

• Polymer Processing

• Polymer Testing

• Polymer Recycling and Waste Management

XE-G Food Technology

• Food Chemistry and Nutrition

• Carbohydrates

• Proteins

• Lipids

• Pigments

• Food Flavours

• Nutrition

• Chemical and Biochemical Changes

• Food Microbiology

• Characteristics of Microorganisms

• Microbial Growth

• Food Spoilage

• Toxins from Microbes

• Fermented Foods and Beverages

• Food Products Technology

• Processing Principles

• Oil Processing

• Milk and Milk Products Processing

• Waste Utilization

• Food Standards and Quality Maintenance

• Food Engineering

• Momentum Transfer

• Mass Transfer

• Mechanical Operations

• Mass Transfer Operations

XE-H Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

• Atmospheric Science

• Ocean Sciences

XE-I Energy Science

• Energy Resources and Conversion Technologies

• Fossil energy resources

• Nuclear energy resources

• Solar thermal systems

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

• Biomass

• Hydropower

• Energy Storage, Economics, Environment, and Efficiency

• Energy storage systems

• Economic analysis of energy systems

• Environmental impacts of energy use

• Energy management

GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026: Official PDF

This year, IIT Guwahati is the conducting body for the GATE 2026 Exam. So, IIT Guwahati has released the official GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus PDF. Get the direct link to download the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus 2026 PDF here.

How to Prepare for the GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026?

Following a strategic approach is very important to crack the GATE exam. Here, we are sharing some tips for effective GATE preparation for the Engineering Sciences paper.

• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus and identify the most important topics of the syllabus. It will help you to identify the topics that require extra attention. Prioritise your study plan accordingly and cover all the important topics first.

• Create a Study Plan: Once you get familiar with the syllabus, make a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics given in the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus. Assign time for each topic as per your requirement.

• Conceptual Understanding: Conceptual understanding is very important to excel in the GATE exam. So, instead of just memorising things, focus on understanding the fundamental principles of each topic.

• Solve Previous Year Papers: The candidates must solve previous years' papers to understand the exam pattern and question types. Solving previous years' papers highlights the candidate’s strong and weak areas and also gives a fair idea of important topics.

• Take Mock Tests: Taking regular mock tests will make you familiar with the real exam environment. You must analyse your performance after each mock test, identify areas that still need your attention, and work on improving them. It will also help to improve your time management ability.

• Create Revision Notes: Develop a habit of writing down the important formulas, concepts, and vital points. It will help you in last-minute revision.

Best Books to Prepare for the GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus 2026

Selection of the right study material is extremely important when you are preparing for the GATE Engineering Sciences exam. Here we share a list of some highly recommended books for the GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus paper.

1. Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig

2. Theory of Machines by Ratan.

3. Fluid Mechanics by R.K. Bansal or basics from Basic Fluid Mechanics.

4. Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach by Çengel & Boles.

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 

The GATE Engineering Sciences test comprises questions related to General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Engineering Sciences topics. The GATE Engineering Sciences exam consists of 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The total allotted time for this computer-based test is 3 hours. The question types include Multiple Choice, Multiple Select, and Numerical Answer Type questions. The table below provides comprehensive details on the GATE Engineering Sciences exam pattern.

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