GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026: Download Syllabus PDF, Topic-Wise Weightage, Preparation tips and Books

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Shivam Yadav

Educational Content Expert | Updated on - Aug 15, 2025

IIT Guwahati has released the GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026 on its official website. The GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus is divided into 3 major sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Civil Engineering Subjects. 

The sectional weightage for the GATE 2026 Civil Engineering syllabus includes 15% for General Aptitude, 13% for Engineering Mathematics, and 72% for the domain subjects of GATE CE.

  • GATE Civil Engineering syllabus for engineering mathematics includes topics like Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations, Algebra, etc.
  • GATE Civil Engineering syllabus 2026 for General Aptitude includes topics like Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, and Spatial Aptitude.
  • The core GATE exam Civil Engineering syllabus includes subjects like Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering.

The recommended GATE Civil Engineering Books include Higher Engineering Mathematics by BS Garewal, Strength of Materials by UC Jindal, Basic Structural Analysis by CS Reddy, etc.

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GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026

Key Summary

  • The GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus is a combination of 3 sections, including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Civil Engineering domain subjects.
  • Sectional weightage of GATE Civil Engineering syllabus 2026 includes 15% for General Aptitude, 13% for Engineering Mathematics, and 72% for domain subjects.
  • GATE Civil Engineering syllabus for General Aptitude includes topics like Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, and Spatial Aptitude.
  • Civil Engineering Syllabus for GATE Engineering Mathematics is based on topics like Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations, Algebra, etc.
  • Subjects included in the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering.

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026

The GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026 is divided into 3 sections, including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Civil Engineering Subjects as discussed below.

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus Structure 2026

Official GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

Click on the links given to download the section-wise GATE Civil Engineering syllabus PDF:

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus Section 2026 GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus PDF
GATE General Aptitude Syllabus Download PDF
GATE Engineering Mathematics Syllabus Download PDF

Section 1- GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus for General Aptitude (GA)

The GATE CE syllabus for General Aptitude is mainly based on topics like Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, and Spatial Aptitude.

Verbal Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude
  • Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech
  • Basic vocabulary: words, idioms, and phrases in context, reading and comprehension, Narrative sequencing
  • Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing data), 2- and 3-dimensional plots, maps, and tables,
  • Numerical computation and estimation: ratios, percentages, powers, exponents and logarithms, permutations and combinations, and series
  • Mensuration and geometry, Elementary statistics and probability
Analytical Aptitude Spatial Aptitude
  • Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations, and reasoning.
  • Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Important Books for GATE General Aptitude

Book Name Author/Publisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma (McGraw-Hill)
Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha (Edgar Thorpe)
High School English Grammar Wren & Martin (S. Chand)
General Aptitude for GATE/PSUs Disha Experts

Section 2- GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus for Engineering Mathematics

Chapters included in the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus 2026 for Engineering Mathematics are listed below.

  • Calculus
  • Linear Algebra
  • Real Analysis
  • Complex Analysis
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Algebra
  • Functional Analysis
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Topology
  • Linear Programming

Important Books for GATE Engineering Mathematics

Book Name Author/Publisher
Higher Engineering Mathematics B.S. Grewal
Advanced Engineering Mathematics Erwin Kreyszig
Advanced Engineering Mathematics R.K. Jain & S.R.K. Iyengar
Advanced Engineering Mathematics H.K. Dass
Engineering Mathematics Solved Papers Made Easy Publications

Section 3- GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus for Domain Subjects

The GATE Civil Engineering syllabus PDF is based on subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering.

Engineering Mathematics Structural Engineering
  • Linear Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Differential Equations
  • Complex Variables
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Structural Analysis
  • Construction Materials and Management
  • Concrete Structures
  • Steel Structures
Geotechnical Engineering Water Resources Engineering
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Foundation Engineering
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Hydraulics
  • Hydrology
  • Irrigation
Environmental Engineering Transportation Engineering
  • Water and Waste Water Quality and Treatment
  • Air Pollution
  • Municipal Solid Wastes
  • Transportation Infrastructure
  • Highway Pavements
  • Traffic Engineering
Geomatics Engineering

Important Books for GATE Civil Engineering

The recommended GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus Books cover all the major areas with the trusted resource used by toppers.
Core structural subjects majorly rely upon the authors like U.C. Jindal, C.S. Reddy, and B.C. Punmia and S.K. Duggal for conceptual clarity and numericals.
Soil Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Hydrology use authors like Gopal Ranjan, P.N. Modi, and K. Subramanya, who together contribute about 25–30% of the previous GATE CE exams' weightage.
Transportation topics are dominated by Khanna & Justo and S.C. Saxena, while B.S. Grewal remains 15% Engineering Mathematics section.

Book Name Author/Publisher
Strength of Materials U.C. Jindal
Basic Structural Analysis C.S. Reddy
RCC Designs (Reinforced Concrete Structures) B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Arun Jain
Design Of Steel Structures S.K. Duggal
Basics and Applied Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan, A.S.R. Rao

GATE Exam Pattern for Civil Engineering

As per the GATE exam pattern for GATE Civil Engineering released by IIT Guwahati on the official website, a total of 65 questions will be asked in the GATE CE paper. 10 questions will be asked from the General Aptitude section, 10 from the Engineering Mathematics, and 45 from the Civil Engineering domain subjects.

  • General aptitude carries 15 marks, 12 marks can be scored from Engineering Mathematics and 72 marks from core GATE Civil Engineering subjects.
  • Students can score a maximum of 100 marks in GATE 2026 Civl Engineering syllabus.
Sections Marks Weightage Number of Questions Total Marks
General Aptitude 15% 10 15
Engineering Mathematics 13% 10 13
Civil Engineering Subjects 72% 45 72
Total - 65 100

Read More

GATE CE Exam Pattern

How To Prepare for GATE Civil Engineering 2026?

In the words of toppers, GATE Civil Engineering comprises 3 sections, with each section asking for different preparation strategies. Here is how you can excel accordingly:

  • Engineering Mathematics- One of the most important segments carrying around 13% weightage, it calls for a good understanding of the basic concepts and principles related to the topics. Practice can help you strengthen your hold on Engineering Mathematics.
  • Civil Engineering subjects- It comprises 6 engineering subjects you have completed in your graduation level, and hence are expected to have a good command. Go through the syllabus carefully, analyze the question papers, and estimate the part you need to focus more. This will help you get an edge over your competitors. Remember it contributes to over 72% of marks in the examination.
  • General Aptitude: Do not make the mistake of taking this section lightly ever. Contributing to 15% weightage, your command of vocabulary, grammar, verbal analogies, data interpretation, and numerical skills will be estimated here. Any wrong answer can have an impact on your overall scorecard. Try to appear for mock tests and solve sample questions to boost your confidence in General Aptitude.

Also Check

GATE Preparation: Time Table, 6 months Study Tips

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus Weightage

Here is a glimpse of the topic-wise analysis for GATE 2026 to aid in your preparation:

Subjects 1 Mark Questions 2 Marks Questions Total Marks Weightage
Structural Engineering 3 3 9 9%
Geotechnical Engineering 2 2 6 6%
Water Resources Engineering 2 3 8 8%
Environmental Engineering 2 3 8 8%
Transportation Engineering 3 3 9 9%
Surveying and Geomatics 2 2 6 6%
Engineering Mathematics 5 4 13 13%
General Aptitude 5 5 15 15%
Construction Management 2 2 6 6%

Also Read

Previous Year Question Papers for GATE CE

You can enhance your practice when following the previous year's question papers religiously. This gives you an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and the type of questions:

Recommended GATE Civil Engineering Books

Here are some most recommended resources for civil engineering that can help you prepare accordingly for the examination:

Book Name Author/Publisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma (McGraw-Hill)
Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha (Edgar Thorpe)
Higher Engineering Mathematics B.S. Grewal
Advanced Engineering Mathematics Erwin Kreyszig
Advanced Engineering Mathematics R.K. Jain & S.R.K. Iyengar
Advanced Engineering Mathematics H.K. Dass
Strength of Materials U.C. Jindal
Basic Structural Analysis C.S. Reddy
RCC Designs (Reinforced Concrete Structures) B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Arun Jain
Design Of Steel Structures S.K. Duggal
Basics and Applied Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan, A.S.R. Rao

Also Read

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus FAQs

Ques. Are numerical problems more common than theory in GATE CE?

Ans. Yes, as per the GATE previous years' question papers, around 60-70% of questions were of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) or Numerical-based MCQs, making problem–solving speed and accuracy important.

Ques. Who is eligible for GATE civil engineering?

Ans. To be eligible for the GATE Civil Engineering, the candidates must be in their 3rd year or above of a B.E./B. Tech in Civil Engineering or equivalent, or have a relevant science/engineering degree of M.Sc. in related fields.

The candidates can be from India or foreign countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, UAE, and there is no age limit to be eligible forthe GATE Civil Engineering Exam.

Ques. What are some important GATE Civil Engineering books?

Ans. Before strating the GATE Civil Engineering preparation, aspirants must collect relevant books to cover the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus 2026. Students can check some of the important GATE Civil Engineering books to consider to prepare for GATE Civil Engineering.

Book Name Author/Publisher
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand)
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma (McGraw-Hill)
Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha (Edgar Thorpe)
Higher Engineering Mathematics B.S. Grewal
Advanced Engineering Mathematics Erwin Kreyszig
Advanced Engineering Mathematics R.K. Jain & S.R.K. Iyengar
Advanced Engineering Mathematics H.K. Dass
Strength of Materials U.C. Jindal
Basic Structural Analysis C.S. Reddy
RCC Designs (Reinforced Concrete Structures) B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Arun Jain
Design Of Steel Structures S.K. Duggal
Basics and Applied Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan, A.S.R. Rao

Ques. What is the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus with weightage?

Ans. GATE Civil Engineering syllabus includes 3 sections such as General Aptitude with 15% weightage, Engineering Mathematics with 13% weightage, and Civil Engineering domain subjects with 72% weightage.

GATE CE Paper Section Weightage
General Aptitude 15%
Engineering Mathematics 13%
Civil Engineering Domain Subjects 72%

Ques. How to download Gate civil engineering syllabus pdf?

Ans. IIT Guwahati has published the GATE 2026 syllabus for Civil Engineering on the official website. Candidates can follow the steps listed below to download the GATE 2026 syllabus for Civil Engineering.

  • Visit the official website of GATE 2026.
  • On the official website, go to “GATE Papers” and click on “GATE 2026 Test Papers and Syllabus”.
  • Click on the link displaying “Civil Engineering”.
  • GATE Civil Engineering syllabus PDF will be displayed on the screen.
  • Students can save GATE syllabus for Civil Engineering for future use.

Who is eligible for GATE civil engineering?

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

GATE 2025 : 6 Answered Questions

Ques. What are the cut off marks in gate for iit indore?

IIT Indore GATE Cutoss 2023 has not been released officially IIT Kanpur will release the GATE 2023 cutoff for IIT Indore Students having valid GATE scores from 2023, 2022, or 2021 will be eligible for admission to MTech courses. Considering the IIT Indore GATE cutoff for 2021, The overall cutoff for GATE is 615 - 740 marks. Here is the branch-wise cutoff M.Tech Material Science and Engineering 615 M.Tech Communication and Signal Processing 657 M.Tech VLSI Design and Nanoelectronics 670 M.Tech Production & Industrial Engineering 740 Please note that the above cutoff is only for the general category....Read More
Answer By Jyoti Chopra 17 Jun 23
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Ques. How much GATE Score is needed to get selected in NIT Srinagar for M.Tech in Civil Engineering?

Your necessary GATE score for admission to NIT Srinagar's M.Tech programme in civil engineering is determined by the counselling round and your civil engineering specialisation (structural, geotechnical, water resources, etc.). For  2025 , the  GATE cutoff (Round 1, General category) for key Civil Engineering specializations  at NIT Srinagar is as follows: Specialization Opening Rank Closing Rank (2025, Round 1) Structural Engineering 442 543 Geotechnical Engineering 382 539 Water Resources Engineering 378 520 You need a  GATE CCMT rank within the range of 378–543  (for Round 1, General category) to get selected for M.Tech in Civil Engineering specializations at NIT Srinagar in 2025. ...Read More
Answer By Vinima Bhola 26 Jun 25
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Ques. Is it possible to get into IIT Tirupati just by the GATE qualifying marks?

Yes, it may be possible. Here are the reasons why- IIT Tirupati is a very new IIT, established in 2015. It is not well known currently, especially in North India.  It releases its applications quite early. Its MS and Phd. batches started only a few years ago, so those with better scores will prefer NITs over IIT Tirupati. The cutoff for MS is also low in IIT Madras because very few students are interested in pursuing the course. Ultimately, the number of applicants and the interview round will decide your fate. ...Read More
Answer By Divya Saraf 11 Jan 24
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Ques. Can Longterm students apply gitam gate exam?

Verify your eligibility for your desired course on the GITAM website or get in touch with the admissions office directly if you are a "longterm student"—that is, if you finished your qualifying exam several years ago. Unless otherwise noted, most programmes do not specifically exclude long-term students. Student Type Eligible for GITAM GAT? Notes/Clarification Appearing in the current year Yes For example, 12th in 2025 or graduation in 2025 Passed in the previous year Usually Yes No explicit gap year limit for most courses Long-term gap (many years) Check course-wise criteria No strict age/gap limit, but confirm for each program Yes, long-term students can generally apply for the GITAM GAT (GITAM Admission Test) exam, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the specific course they are interested in....Read More
Answer By Vinima Bhola 23 Jun 25
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Ques. My son has scored 42.33 marks in GATE (CSE). Could you please suggest which IITs, NITs, or IIITs he might be eligible for an M.Tech in Computer Science?

With a GATE 2025 score of 42.33 marks in Computer Science, your son has comfortably crossed the General category qualifying cut-off mark of 29.2 marks and can be eligible for admission into a number of top institutes in India. Here is a quick analysis of where he stands and the options that actually confront him: Admission Possibilities Institute Type Chance for Admission in CSE Top IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, etc.) Unlikely, as cutoffs are usually 55–65+ marks Newer IITs (Jodhpur, Patna, Dhanbad, etc.) Possible in later rounds or for allied CSE branches Top NITs (Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal) Competitive, but admission more likely in later rounds or for specializations like information security and data science. Mid/Lower NITs Good chance for direct admission in CSE Top IIITs (Allahabad, Gwalior, Jabalpur) Competitive; possible depending on the round and specialization Other IIITs Good chances for CSE or related programs Recommendations: Apply through COAP (for IITs) and CCMT (for NITs/IIITs). Keep looking for related fields like Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Information Technology, which may have slightly lower cutoffs. And take all rounds of counseling, including spot rounds, as cutoff trends fluctuate every year. Also visit state universities and centrally funded colleges that accept GATE scores. Your son is rightly positioned for M.Tech admissions in all NITs, IIITs, and new IITs. CSE and this score will not make the top 5 IITs feasible, but there are plenty of good colleges where he can build a strong academic and professional life. Wishing your son best of luck for future admissions....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 24 Jun 25
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General1800
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sc900
pwd900

Note: GATE 2024 Application Fee needs to be paid online through net banking or debit card or credit card facilities. Additional charges will be applicable as per the rule of the bank from where the money is being transferred. This charge will be specified on the payment portal.

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