Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most popular exams for recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India. Leading PSUs such as IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, ONGC, SAIL, and others often recruit based on GATE scores, making it essential for candidates aiming for PSU jobs to understand the GATE syllabus thoroughly.
This guide covers the GATE syllabus for various engineering disciplines, with an emphasis on core topics that PSUs prioritize.
Overview of GATE Exam for PSU Recruitment
The GATE exam evaluates candidates’ understanding of engineering and science subjects and is held in 29 disciplines. PSU recruitments are primarily focused on core engineering branches, including:
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Chemical Engineering (CH)
GATE exams consist of 65 questions, totaling 100 marks, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
GATE Syllabus Structure
The GATE syllabus is divided into two main sections:
- General Aptitude (GA): Common to all papers, testing language and reasoning skills.
- Core Subject: Specific to each engineering discipline, covering technical subjects in-depth.
1. General Aptitude (GA) Syllabus
The General Aptitude section is common across all disciplines, testing verbal and quantitative abilities. It includes:
- Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, verbal analogies, critical reasoning, and comprehension.
- Quantitative Ability: Basic math skills, data interpretation, algebra, geometry, and probability.
2. Core Engineering Subject Syllabus
Below is an overview of the core syllabus for key engineering disciplines relevant to PSU recruitment.
Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus
The Mechanical Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods.
- Applied Mechanics and Design: Engineering Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Theory of Machines, Vibrations.
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences: Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Applications.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Engineering Materials, Casting, Forming, Machining, Production Planning, Inventory Control, Operations Research.
Electrical Engineering (EE) Syllabus
The Electrical Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods.
- Electric Circuits and Fields: Circuit Analysis, Network Theorems, Electrostatics, Maxwell’s Equations.
- Signals and Systems: Continuous and Discrete-Time Signals, Fourier Transform, Laplace Transform, Z-Transform.
- Electrical Machines: Transformers, Synchronous Machines, Induction Machines, DC Machines.
- Power Systems: Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Fault Analysis, Stability.
- Control Systems: Feedback, Stability, Compensators, System Dynamics.
- Electrical and Electronic Measurements: Measurement Systems, Instrumentation, Sensors.
- Analog and Digital Electronics: Semiconductor Devices, Logic Gates, Op-Amps, ADCs, DACs, Microprocessors.
Civil Engineering (CE) Syllabus
The Civil Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods.
- Structural Engineering: Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis, Concrete and Steel Structures.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering.
- Water Resources Engineering: Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Open Channel Flow, Hydrology.
- Environmental Engineering: Water Treatment, Air Pollution, Municipal Solid Wastes.
- Transportation Engineering: Highway Planning, Traffic Engineering, Pavement Design.
- Geomatics Engineering: Surveying, Remote Sensing, GIS.
Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Syllabus
The Electronics and Communication Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods.
- Networks, Signals, and Systems: Network Solution Methods, Fourier Series, Fourier and Laplace Transforms.
- Electronic Devices: Diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs, Op-Amps, Digital Electronics.
- Analog Circuits: Small-Signal Analysis, Amplifiers, Oscillators, Feedback.
- Digital Circuits: Logic Gates, Combinational and Sequential Circuits.
- Control Systems: Feedback, Stability, Root Locus, Bode Plots.
- Communications: AM, FM, PM, Sampling Theorem, Information Theory, Coding, Error Detection.
- Electromagnetics: Electrostatics, Maxwell’s Equations, Transmission Lines.
Computer Science Engineering (CSE) Syllabus
The Computer Science Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus.
- Digital Logic: Logic Gates, Combinational and Sequential Circuits.
- Computer Organization and Architecture: Machine Instructions, Pipelining, Memory, I/O Systems.
- Programming and Data Structures: Programming Concepts, Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees).
- Algorithms: Searching, Sorting, Complexity, Graph Algorithms.
- Theory of Computation: Regular Languages, Context-Free Languages, Turing Machines.
- Compiler Design: Lexical Analysis, Parsing, Syntax-Directed Translation.
- Operating System: Processes, Threads, CPU Scheduling, Memory Management, File Systems.
- Databases: ER Model, Relational Model, SQL, Transactions.
- Computer Networks: ISO/OSI Model, TCP/IP, Data Link Layer, Transport Layer, Application Layer.
Chemical Engineering (CH) Syllabus
The Chemical Engineering syllabus includes:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics.
- Process Calculations and Thermodynamics: Stoichiometry, Thermodynamic Laws, Phase Equilibrium.
- Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations: Fluid Properties, Flow Equations, Pumps, Agitation.
- Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Heat Exchangers.
- Mass Transfer: Distillation, Absorption, Extraction, Humidification.
- Chemical Reaction Engineering: Kinetics, Reactor Design.
- Instrumentation and Process Control: Measurement, Dynamics, Control Systems.
- Plant Design and Economics: Design Principles, Costing, Safety.
- Chemical Technology: Process Technology, Pollution Control.
Preparation Tips for GATE (for PSU Recruitment)
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the topics and focus on the core subjects relevant to PSUs.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Analyze trends in question types and difficulty levels, focusing on commonly tested topics.
- Use Quality Study Material: Refer to standard textbooks, online resources, and video tutorials for each subject.
- Focus on Core Engineering Subjects: PSU recruitment emphasizes technical subjects, so prioritize them in your study plan.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve time management and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly: Keep revisiting key topics and formulas to solidify your understanding.
Conclusion
A thorough understanding of the GATE syllabus can significantly boost your preparation for PSU recruitment exams. Focusing on core engineering concepts and regular practice will help you excel in the GATE exam and increase your chances of securing a job in top PSUs.
Prepare with dedication, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in India’s public sector.