GATE 2026 Computer Science – Complete Syllabus and Preparation Strategy

Introduction to GATE CSE

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is the gateway to M.Tech admissions in IITs, NITs, and PSU recruitments. GATE CSE (Computer Science and Information Technology) is one of the most popular papers with over 1 lakh candidates appearing annually.

GATE 2026 Exam Details

• Exam Date: February 1, 2, 8, 9, 2026
• Duration: 3 hours
• Total Marks: 100
• Total Questions: 65
• Question Types: MCQ and NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
• Negative Marking: 1/3 for 1-mark MCQs, 2/3 for 2-mark MCQs

Complete Syllabus for GATE CSE

Engineering Mathematics (13% weightage)

• Discrete Mathematics: Propositional logic, Sets, Relations, Functions, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Group Theory
• Linear Algebra: Matrices, Determinants, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors
• Calculus: Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration
• Probability and Statistics: Random variables, Distributions, Mean, Median, Mode

Digital Logic (3-5% weightage)

• Boolean algebra, Number systems
• Combinational circuits: Multiplexers, Decoders, Adders
• Sequential circuits: Flip-flops, Counters, Registers

Computer Organization and Architecture (6-8% weightage)

• Machine instructions, Addressing modes
• CPU design: ALU, Control unit, Pipelining
• Memory hierarchy: Cache, Virtual memory
• I/O interface, DMA

Programming and Data Structures (13-15% weightage)

• C Programming: Pointers, Arrays, Structures, Functions
• Recursion, Parameter passing
• Data Structures: Arrays, Stacks, Queues, Linked Lists
• Trees: Binary trees, BST, AVL, B-trees
• Graphs: BFS, DFS, Shortest paths
• Hashing, Heaps

Algorithms (10-12% weightage)

• Time and Space complexity analysis
• Sorting algorithms: Quick sort, Merge sort, Heap sort
• Searching techniques
• Algorithm design: Divide and Conquer, Greedy, Dynamic Programming
• Graph algorithms: MST, Shortest path
• NP-completeness

Theory of Computation (8-10% weightage)

• Regular languages: DFA, NFA, Regular expressions
• Context-free languages: CFG, PDA
• Turing machines, Decidability
• Undecidability, Rices theorem

Compiler Design (4-6% weightage)

• Lexical analysis, Parsing techniques
• Syntax-directed translation
• Intermediate code generation
• Code optimization

Operating Systems (10-12% weightage)

• Process management: Scheduling, Synchronization
• Deadlocks: Prevention, Detection, Recovery
• Memory management: Paging, Segmentation
• File systems, I/O systems

Databases (8-10% weightage)

• ER model, Relational model
• SQL: Queries, Joins, Aggregation
• Normalization: 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF
• Transactions, Concurrency control
• Indexing, B+ trees

Computer Networks (6-8% weightage)

• OSI and TCP/IP models
• Data Link Layer: Framing, Error detection
• Network Layer: IP addressing, Routing
• Transport Layer: TCP, UDP, Flow control
• Application Layer: DNS, HTTP, FTP

Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Subject-wise Preparation (4-5 months)

Focus on one subject at a time. Suggested order:

1. Data Structures and Algorithms (Most important)
2. Operating Systems
3. Database Management Systems
4. Theory of Computation
5. Computer Networks
6. Computer Organization
7. Compiler Design
8. Digital Logic
9. Engineering Mathematics

Phase 2: Problem Solving (2-3 months)

• Solve previous year GATE questions (last 15 years)
• Practice from standard books
• Focus on numerical problems

Phase 3: Mock Tests and Revision (2-3 months)

• Take full-length mock tests every week
• Analyze mistakes and weak areas
• Quick revision of all subjects

Best Resources for GATE CSE

Standard Textbooks

• DSA: Cormen (CLRS), Narasimha Karumanchi
• OS: Galvin, William Stallings
• DBMS: Korth, Navathe
• TOC: Ullman (Hopcroft), Peter Linz
• CN: Kurose and Ross, Forouzan
• COA: Morris Mano, Patterson and Hennessy

Online Resources

• NPTEL Video Lectures (Free)
• GeeksforGeeks GATE CSE
• Previous Year Papers with Solutions

Tips to Score 60+ in GATE CSE

1. Master Data Structures and Algorithms (highest weightage)
2. Practice coding problems daily
3. Solve previous year questions multiple times
4. Focus on aptitude section (15 marks – easy scoring)
5. Time management is crucial – practice with timer
6. Dont skip any subject completely
7. Make short notes for quick revision

All the best for GATE 2026!