Content Writer | Updated On - Aug 26, 2024
GATE CSE Syllabus for 2025 has been released. The syllabus breakdown includes 72% from Core Discipline, 13% from Engineering Mathematics, and 15% from General Aptitude.
The Core Discipline consists of ten subjects, namely Digital Logic, Computer Organization and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and Computer Networks. Check GATE CSE Exam Pattern
Ques. Is GATE good for CSE?
Ans. The applicants can use the GATE score for the admissions to postgraduate courses like MTech, MS, PhD offered at IITs and IISc. Candidates’ GATE score will also help them to get jobs in PSUs.
Ques. Are 3 months enough for GATE preparation?
Ans. It is advised to start preparing early, preferably in the pre-final year of the undergraduate programme so that students have ample time to cover the entire GATE syllabus. However, students with a good basic understanding of all subjects covered in the GATE can crack the exam with less preparation and that too with a good score.
Ques. Which PSU is best for CSE?
Ans. The top PSUs for CSE are BARC and IOCL. Other than that Power System Operation Corporation Ltd, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd and West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited also recruit CSE candidates.
GATE 2025 is scheduled for February 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2025. It may have single or multiple slots based on the number of applicants. The paper comprises 65 questions totaling 100 marks, with 10 questions in General Aptitude and 55 in Engineering Mathematics and Core Discipline.
Key areas like Programming and Data Structures, Computer Networks, Operating System, and Computer Organization and Architecture are expected to carry significant weightage based on previous GATE exam analyses.
Quick Links:
| GATE Mock Test | GATE Online Coaching | GATE Preparation Tips |
| GATE Cutoff | GATE Score Validity | GATE Books |
GATE CSE Syllabus 2025- Important Topics and Sub-Topics
- GATE Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) is one of the paper with the highest number of applicants each year.
- GATE Syllabus 2025 for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) consists of topics from-
- General Aptitude
- Engineering Mathematics
- Core Discipline
- The section below covers all the topics and sub-topics from GATE CSE Syllabus.
GATE CSE Syllabus General Aptitude PDF
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal 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 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 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 | Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations and reasoning |
| Spatial Aptitude | Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping Paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions |
GATE CSE Syllabus Engineering Mathematics & Core Discipline PDF
GATE CSE Syllabus Weightage of Important Topics
- Topics from GATE CSE Syllabus with the highest weightage over the years are-
- Programming and Data Structures,
- Computer Network,
- Operating System,
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Based on the previous year GATE CS Paper Analysis, given below is the sectional weightage of important topics from the syllabus. The students are advised to go through the following and then commence their preparation for the exam. This will allow them to plan their preparation strategy accordingly and see which section will require more time for preparation.
GATE CSE Weightage of Important Topics (Expected)
| Topics | Expected Weightage (Marks) | Expected Weightage (Questions) |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 | 10 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 | 10 |
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Digital Logic | 6 | 3 |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | 8 | 5 |
| Programming and Data Structures | 15 | 8 |
| Algorithms | 7 | 4 |
| Theory of Computation | 6 | 4 |
| Compiler Design | 4 | 3 |
| Operating System | 9 | 6 |
| Databases | 7 | 4 |
| Computer Networks | 10 | 8 |
GATE CSE- Previous Years’ Weightage of Important Topics
| Topics | Number of Questions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Algorithms | 6 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Data Structures and Programming | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Computer Organization | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Digital Logic | 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Computer Network | 4 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Theory of Computation | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Databases | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Compiler Design | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Operating Systems | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Discrete Mathematics | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| General Aptitude | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
GATE CSE- Previous Years’ Marks Weightage of Important Topics
| Topics | Year-wise Weightage of Important Topics (Marks) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GATE 2021 | GATE 2020 | GATE 2019 | GATE 2018 | GATE 2017 | GATE 2016 | |
| General Aptitude | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 |
| Discrete Mathematics | 11 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Digital Logic | 5 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | 6 | 11 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Programming and Data Structures | 8 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 11 |
| Algorithms | 12 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 11 |
| Theory of Computation | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
| Compiler Design | 8 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Operating System | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Databases | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Computer Networks | 8 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
GATE CSE 2025 Most Expected Questions
| Subject | Most Expected Topics |
|---|---|
| Algorithms | Complexity Analysis |
| Sorting Algorithms | |
| Graph Algorithms | |
| Data Structures and Programming | Tree |
| Linkedlist | |
| Recursion | |
| Pointers | |
| Computer Organization & Arch. | Cache Organisation |
| Pipelining | |
| Addressing modes | |
| Combinational Circuits | |
| Minimization | |
| Computer Networks | IP Adressing |
| TCP/IP | |
| Regular Expression | |
| Undecidability | |
| Databases | SQL |
| Relational Algebra | |
| Indexing | |
| Normalization | |
| Compiler Design | Parsers |
| Run time environments | |
| Paging | |
| Page Replacement Algorithms | |
| Discrete Maths | Graph Theory |
| Sets Theory | |
| Mathematical Logic | |
| Relations | |
| Engineering Mathematics | Conditional probability |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Limits |
GATE CSE Exam Pattern
- GATE CS Exam Mode: Online
- GATE CS Duration: 3 hours
- Types of Questions: MCQs and NAT
- Number of Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Core Discipline (CS)
- Total questions: 65 questions
- Check GATE CS Exam Pattern 2025
| Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 55 | 13 |
| Core Discipline- Computer Science and Information Technology | 72 | |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
GATE CSE Marking Scheme
| Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mark Questions | 2 marks Questions | ||
| General Aptitude | 5 | 5 | (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 25 | 30 | (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) = 85 |
| Core Discipline- Mechanical Engineering | |||
| Total | 30 | 35 | 100 |
- There is no provision of negative marking in NAT and MSQs.
- Meanwhile, MCQs do have a negative marking.
- 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 1 mark MCQ.
- 2/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 2 marks MCQs.
Also Check: What will be the Validity of GATE Score?
GATE CSE Preparation 2025
Although the preparation strategy for each candidate will differ depending on their learning and retaining ability, however, the section below covers a few general tips for GATE CSE Preparation.
- Start with topics that have a higher weightage and also more number of topics to cover and make sure to prepare/practice daily for this paper.
- While preparing, focus on Numerical Questions and Theoretical questions equally.
- Devote a good amount of time to maths topics daily, as it guarantees 13-15 marks easily.
- The General Aptitude section in GATE CSE paper is also quite important and can prove as a scoring section with 15 marks. Therefore, make sure to cover all the topics and practice as many mock tests as possible.
- Gather the best resources for GATE CSE Preparation. These can include YouTube videos, study manuals, best books, telegram groups, etc.
Quick Links:
| GATE 2025 Online Coaching | GATE 2025 Mock Tests | GATE 2025 Preparation |
| GATE 2025 Books | GATE 2025 Question Papers | GATE 2025 Virtual Calculator |
GATE CSE Preparation Quick Study Plan
| Time Allotment | Activities to Do |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM | Pen down the important topics and scan all the important points/Prepare your Daily Study Plan |
| 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Take a Break |
| 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Pick up a Major Topic as you planned in the morning |
| 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Take a Break |
| 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Go through all the topics that you have covered in the day or you can also continue with the preparation of Major Topic |
| 10:00 PM | A quick go through of the Notes and try to sleep early |
GATE CSE Preparation Best Books
| Books | Authors/Publisher |
|---|---|
| GATE Computer Science & Information Technology | GKP, G.K. Pub |
| TRB Lecturers ( Computer Science & Engineering ) Exam | A panel of Authors, Sura College of Competition |
| A Handbook for Computer Science /IT Engineering | Made Easy Editorial Board, Made Easy Publications |
| Graph Theory with Applications to Engineering and Computer Science | Deo and Narsingh, Prentice Hall India Learning Private Limited |
| GATE 2020: Computer Science and IT Engineering Solved Papers | ME Team, Made Easy Publications |
GATE CSE Preparation Previous Years’ Question Papers
Given below are the links for GATE CSE Previous Year Question Papers along with their answer key. The students are advised to attempt each one of them at least twice to secure the desired scores.
| Year | GATE CSE Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here |
| Check Here | |
| 2020 | Check Here |
| 2019 | Check Here |
| 2018 | Check Here |
Quick Links:
GATE Syllabus for Other Papers
It is very important to stay motivated during the time of preparation. This attitude plays a very important role in your success. Knowledge of all the vital details of GATE like syllabus, exam pattern, weightage of questions, etc will help in achieving your goal.
GATE CSE Syllabus: FAQs
Question: Based on the previous years papers can you suggest some important topics for GATE computer science?
Ans: Although all topics from GATE CSE Syllabus are important to score good in the exam, some of the topics with the highest weightage include-
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Programming and Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Operating System
- Computer Networks
Question: I have study notes from my graduation. Will these notes be enough to prepare for GATE CSE?
Ans: It is good that you have notes from your graduation because GATE CSE Syllabus is based on the topics from the graduation level. Other than these notes you can also refer to the following books:
- GATE Computer Science & Information Technology – By GKP, G.K. Pub
- A Handbook for Computer Science /IT Engineering – Made Easy Editorial Board, Made Easy Publications
Question: What will be the section-wise weightage of topics in GATE computer science?
Ans: GATE CSE Syllabus can be divided into three sections-
- General Aptitude with a weightage of 15%.
- Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13%.
- Core Discipline (CS) with a weightage of 72%.
Ques. What is the weightage of topics in GATE CSE Syllabus?
Ans. Based on the previous year exam analysis, the table below shows the expected weightage of topics from GATE CSE Syllabus-
| Topics | Expected Weightage of Important Topics (Marks) |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 |
| Discrete Mathematics | |
| Digital Logic | 6 |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | 8 |
| Programming and Data Structures | 15 |
| Algorithms | 7 |
| Theory of Computation | 6 |
| Compiler Design | 4 |
| Operating System | 9 |
| Databases | 7 |
| Computer Networks | 10 |
Question: Will there be any negative marking in GATE CSE paper?
Ans: Yes. For each paper in GATE, there is a negative marking for each incorrect MCQ while there is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs. The table below covers the further details on GATE CSE negative marking.
| Type of Question | GATE ME Negative Marking | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mark Questions | 2 Marks Questions | |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1/3 mark | 2/3 mark |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | No negative marking | No negative marking |
| Numerical Answer Type (NATs) | No negative marking | No negative marking |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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