GATE CS Syllabus
GATE CS Syllabus
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India for engineering graduates. For Computer Science (CS) aspirants, the GATE CS paper is a gateway to postgraduate admissions, public sector jobs, and career growth in software engineering and IT. Understanding the syllabus is the first step in effective preparation.
Let’s break down the GATE CS Syllabus.
General Aptitude
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | English grammar, sentence completion, verbal analogies, word groups, instructions, critical reasoning, and verbal deduction. |
| Numerical Ability | Numerical computation, numerical estimation, data interpretation, and quantitative reasoning. |
Engineering Mathematics
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Discrete Mathematics | Propositional and first order logic, sets, relations, functions, partial orders and lattices, groups, graphs, and combinatorics. |
| Linear Algebra | Matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. |
| Calculus | Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, partial derivatives, maxima and minima. |
| Probability | Random variables, probability distributions, mean, median, mode, standard deviation. |
Digital Logic
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Boolean Algebra | Boolean functions, simplification, logic gates. |
| Combinational and Sequential Circuits | Multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, counters, shift registers. |
| Number Representations | Binary, signed binary, BCD, and floating-point numbers. |
Computer Organization and Architecture
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Instructions | Data types, addressing modes, instruction formats. |
| ALU, Data Path and Control Unit | Design of ALU, single-cycle, multi-cycle, and pipeline instructions. |
| Memory Hierarchy | Cache, main memory, and secondary storage. |
| I/O Interface | Interrupts, DMA, memory-mapped I/O. |
Programming and Data Structures
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Programming Concepts | Variables, control structures, functions, recursion, basic I/O. |
| Data Structures | Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, heaps, graphs. |
Algorithms
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Algorithm Design | Greedy, dynamic programming, divide-and-conquer, backtracking. |
| Algorithm Analysis | Asymptotic complexity, best/average/worst cases, time-space complexity. |
| Graph Algorithms | BFS, DFS, shortest path (Dijkstra’s, Floyd-Warshall), spanning trees (Prim’s, Kruskal’s). |
Theory of Computation
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Languages and Finite Automata | DFA, NFA, regular expressions, pumping lemma. |
| Context Free Languages | Pushdown automata, context-free grammars, normal forms. |
| Turing Machines | Decidability, undecidability, halting problem. |
Compiler Design
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Lexical Analysis | Tokens, regular expressions, lexical analyzer. |
| Syntax Analysis | Context-free grammars, parsing techniques. |
| Intermediate Code | Three address code, syntax directed translation. |
| Code Optimization and Generation | Basic blocks, control flow graphs, loop optimization. |
Operating System
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Processes and Threads | Scheduling, synchronization, deadlocks. |
| Memory Management | Paging, segmentation, virtual memory. |
| File System | Files, directories, file allocation methods. |
Databases
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| ER Models and Relational Models | Entity-Relationship diagrams, schema design, keys. |
| Relational Algebra and SQL | Basic queries, joins, sub-queries, modifications. |
| Normalization | Functional dependencies, 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF. |
| Transactions and Concurrency | ACID properties, schedules, serializability, recovery. |
Computer Networks
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Concept of Layers | OSI and TCP/IP models, encapsulation. |
| Data Link Layer | Framing, error detection, MAC protocols, Ethernet. |
| Network Layer | IP addressing, routing (shortest path, distance vector, link state). |
| Transport Layer | UDP, TCP, flow control, congestion control. |
| Application Layer | DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP. |
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for guidance purposes only. Students are advised to verify the latest and official syllabus from the
GATE official website:
- https://gate.iisc.ac.in/
.
