GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026: Check Topic Wise Syllabus
The GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus 2026 outlines the core subjects and topics tested in the exam, including Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and core mechanical engineering subjects. Understanding the updated syllabus helps aspirants plan focused preparation, prioritise high-weightage topics, and improve their chances of securing top GATE ranks and PSU admissions.
GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026
If you are planning to take the GATE 2026 exam in Mechanical Engineering, it’s important to know the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026. Understanding this syllabus is the first step to preparing for the exam. Make sure to read this article to get a clear picture of what’s included in the GATE Mechanical Syllabus 2026. To do well in the GATE 2026 exam, it is important to cover everything in the syllabus.

GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026 Overview:
Read the following sections to learn in-depth about the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026:
Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
| Subject Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Linear Algebra | Matrix algebra; systems of linear equations; eigenvalues and eigenvectors |
| Calculus | Functions of a single variable; limits, continuity, and differentiability; mean value theorems; indeterminate forms; definite and improper integrals; double and triple integrals; partial and total derivatives; Taylor series in one and two variables; maxima and minima; Fourier series; gradient, divergence, and curl; vector identities; directional derivatives; line, surface, and volume integrals; applications of Gauss’s, Stokes’, and Green’s theorems |
| Differential Equations | First-order linear and nonlinear equations; higher-order linear differential equations with constant coefficients; Euler–Cauchy equation; initial and boundary value problems; Laplace transforms; solutions of heat, wave, and Laplace’s equations |
| Complex Variables | Analytic functions; Cauchy–Riemann equations; Cauchy’s integral theorem; Cauchy’s integral formula; Taylor and Laurent series |
| Probability and Statistics | Probability definitions; sampling theorems; conditional probability; mean, median, mode, and standard deviation; random variables; binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions |
| Numerical Methods | Numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear algebraic equations; numerical integration using trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; single-step and multi-step methods for differential equations |
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Section 2: Applied Mechanics and Design
| Subject Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mechanics | Free-body diagrams and equilibrium; friction and its applications (rolling friction, belt and pulley systems, brakes, clutches, screw jacks, wedges, vehicles); analysis of trusses and frames; principles of virtual work; kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies in two-dimensional motion; linear and angular impulse and momentum; energy principles; Lagrange’s equation and applications |
| Mechanics of Materials | Stress and strain; elastic constants; Poisson’s ratio; Mohr’s circle for plane stress and plane strain; thin cylinders; shear force and bending moment diagrams; bending and shear stresses; shear centre; deflection of beams; torsion of circular shafts; Euler’s theory of columns; energy methods; thermal stresses; strain gauges and rosettes; testing of materials using universal testing machine; hardness and impact testing |
| Theory of Machines | Displacement, velocity, and acceleration analysis of plane mechanisms; dynamic analysis of linkages; cams; gears and gear trains; flywheels and governors; balancing of reciprocating and rotating masses; gyroscope |
| Vibrations | Free and forced vibration of single degree of freedom systems; effect of damping; vibration isolation; resonance; critical speeds of shafts |
| Machine Design | Design for static and dynamic loading; failure theories; fatigue strength and S–N diagram; design of machine elements including bolted, riveted, and welded joints; shafts; gears; rolling and sliding contact bearings; brakes and clutches; springs |
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Section 3: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
| Subject Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Fluid Mechanics | Fluid properties; fluid statics; forces on submerged bodies; stability of floating bodies; control-volume analysis of mass, momentum and energy; fluid acceleration; differential equations of continuity and momentum; Bernoulli’s equation; dimensional analysis; viscous flow of incompressible fluids; boundary layer; elementary turbulent flow; flow through pipes; head losses in pipes, bends and fittings; basics of compressible fluid flow |
| Heat Transfer | Modes of heat transfer; one-dimensional heat conduction; resistance concept and electrical analogy; heat transfer through fins; unsteady heat conduction; lumped parameter system; Heisler’s charts; thermal boundary layer; dimensionless parameters in free and forced convection; heat transfer correlations for flow over flat plates and through pipes; effect of turbulence; heat exchanger performance; LMTD and NTU methods; radiative heat transfer; Stefan-Boltzmann law; Wien’s displacement law; black and grey surfaces; view factors; radiation network analysis |
| Thermodynamics | Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substances; behavior of ideal and real gases; zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics; calculation of work and heat in various processes; second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamic property charts and tables; availability and irreversibility; thermodynamic relations |
| Applications | Power Engineering: Air and gas compressors; vapour and gas power cycles; regeneration and reheat concepts. I.C. Engines: Air-standard Otto, Diesel and dual cycles. Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning: Vapour and gas refrigeration and heat pump cycles; properties of moist air; psychrometric chart; basic psychrometric processes. Turbomachinery: Impulse and reaction principles; velocity diagrams; Pelton-wheel, Francis and Kaplan turbines; steam and gas turbines |
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Section 4: Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
| Subject Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Engineering Materials | Structure and properties of engineering materials; phase diagrams; heat treatment processes; stress–strain diagrams of engineering materials |
| Casting, Forming & Joining Processes | Types of castings; pattern, mould, and core design; solidification and cooling; riser and gating design; plastic deformation and yield criteria; fundamentals of hot and cold working; load estimation for bulk metal forming (forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing) and sheet metal forming (shearing, deep drawing, bending); principles of powder metallurgy; welding, brazing, soldering, and adhesive bonding |
| Machining & Machine Tool Operations | Mechanics of machining; basic machine tools; single and multi-point cutting tools; tool geometry, materials, wear and tool life; economics of machining; non-traditional machining processes; work holding principles; jigs and fixtures; abrasive machining; NC/CNC machines and CNC programming |
| Metrology & Inspection | Limits, fits and tolerances; linear and angular measurements; comparators; interferometry; form and surface finish measurement; alignment and testing methods; tolerance analysis in manufacturing and assembly; coordinate measuring machines (CMM) |
| Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) | Fundamentals of CAD/CAM; integration tools; additive manufacturing |
| Production Planning & Control (PPC) | Forecasting models; aggregate production planning; scheduling techniques; material requirement planning (MRP); lean manufacturing |
| Inventory Control | Deterministic inventory models; safety stock concepts; inventory control systems |
| Operations Research | Linear programming; simplex method; transportation and assignment models; network flow models; basic queuing theory; PERT and CPM |
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GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026: Final Words
- Having a thorough understanding of the GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus 2026 is crucial for adequate preparation.
- By covering all the outlined topics in Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Design, and Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, candidates can enhance their chances of performing well in the exam.
- Remember to utilize this syllabus as a roadmap for your studies and to stay focused on mastering each subject area. Good luck with your preparation!
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FAQs: GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026
- Who releases the GATE ME syllabus 2026?
The syllabus for GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026 will be released by the official conducting body for GATE 2026.
- What are the major topics in the GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus 2026?
Key sections include:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Applied Mechanics and Design
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
- Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering
- Is there any change in the GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus for 2026?
- The core syllabus remains largely unchanged.
- But it’s always best to check the official GATE 2026 website for the most up-to-date and detailed syllabus.
- Is Engineering Mathematics compulsory for GATE Mechanical 2026?
Yes, Engineering Mathematics is a compulsory section and carries significant weightage in the exam.
- How many subjects are there in GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus is divided into four core sections, each covering multiple topics crucial for GATE preparation.
- Can I get a PSU job through GATE Mechanical?
Absolutely! A good GATE score can help you secure jobs in top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like BHEL, NTPC, IOCL, and more.
- What is the weightage of the GATE Mechanical syllabus topics?
While the weightage varies each year, Engineering Mathematics and core Mechanical subjects (such as Thermo, SOM, Fluid, etc.) usually carry the most marks.



