The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 has released by IIT Guwahati , which will be a combination of core physics subjects and General Aptitude.
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Nearly 60–65% of the questions are based on problem-solving, and the remaining ones are based on conceptual understanding.
- The Physics part is of 85 marks, covering Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, and Nuclear & Particle Physics.
- The General Aptitude section is common for all the papers and is of 15 marks. It includes verbal, quantitative, analytical, and spatial aptitude.
For all the latest updates, including the exam pattern and weightage, you should stay updated with the GATE official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
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Key Summary
We write about the GATE Physics 2026 syllabus in this article, which also covers the PDF, Weightage, and Important Topics.
- IIT Guwahati has been very clear and precise in its communication by releasing the GATE Physics Syllabus PDF 2026.
- The GATE Physics Exam is of 100 marks and 3 hours long. It consists of 65 questions.
- The GATE Physics Syllabus comprises General Aptitude and Core Physics Subjects.
- The General Aptitude section carries a weightage of 15 marks, whereas the Physics section has a weightage of 85 marks.
What is the GATE Physics Syllabus 2026?
The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 has been released by IIT Guwahati, which is the detailed list of chapters from which the candidates have to take the examination.
The syllabus consists of Core Physics Subjects and General Aptitude, which together cover the essential and advanced topics of the undergraduate course to evaluate the candidate's conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Code | PH (Physics) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Sections | 1. General Aptitude (15 marks) 2. Physics (85 marks) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 or +2 for correct answers;Negative marking for MCQs only |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High (focus on conceptual and analytical Physics) |
| Key Topics | Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, Nuclear & Particle Physics |
| Official Website | GATE 2026 IIT Guwahati |
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GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
- The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 includes both core and advanced topics of Physics.
- The topics are designed to assess the candidates comprehension, skill in solving the problems, and reasoning ability at the undergraduate level.
- Besides this, there is a General Aptitude (GA) section of 15 marks, which is aimed at testing English, Reasoning and Quantitative skills.
| Section | Sub-Topics / Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Physics | Vector calculus, Fourier series & transforms, Laplace transforms, matrices, tensors, differential equations |
| Classical Mechanics | Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formalism, central force motion, rigid body dynamics, oscillations, conservation laws |
| Electromagnetic Theory | Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, boundary conditions, Poynting theorem |
| Quantum Mechanics | Schrödinger equation, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, perturbation theory, spin, identical particles |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | Laws of thermodynamics, entropy, kinetic theory of gases, canonical & grand canonical ensembles, partition function |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | Bohr model, atomic spectra, electronic configuration, molecular rotational & vibrational spectra |
| Solid State Physics | Crystal structure, Bravais lattices, X-ray diffraction, free electron theory, semiconductors, magnetic & dielectric properties |
| Electronics | Semiconductor diodes, BJTs, FETs, OP-AMPs, digital electronics basics |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | Radioactivity, nuclear models, nuclear reactions, particle physics fundamentals, conservation laws |
| General Aptitude (GA) | Verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, analytical reasoning, spatial aptitude |
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Ques. Which topics in the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus carry the highest weightage and are most scoring?
Ans. Certain sections in the GATE Physics syllabus are consistently high-scoring due to their predictable question patterns and conceptual clarity. Prioritizing these can greatly boost your overall marks.
| High-Weight Topics (2026) | Expected Marks | Why Important |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Mechanics | 10–12 Marks | Fundamental and conceptual; numerical questions frequently asked |
| Electromagnetic Theory | 9–11 Marks | Repeatedly appears with formula-based and vector questions |
| Mathematical Physics | 8–10 Marks | Supports multiple sections, improves problem-solving speed |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | 8–9 Marks | Strong theoretical and numerical balance |
| Solid State Physics | 6–8 Marks | Application-based; easy to score with practice |
Ques. How can understanding the GATE Physics 2026 syllabus structure improve your preparation strategy?
Ans. Knowing the detailed syllabus structure allows aspirants to plan their study hours smartly, manage revision time efficiently, and focus on conceptual integration across sections.
| Preparation Phase | Core Focus Area | Action Plan | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation (Months 1–2) | Mathematical & Classical Physics | Strengthen basics with derivations and PYQs | Builds conceptual base |
| Concept Building (Months 3–5) | Quantum, EM, Thermodynamics | Study advanced problem sets; apply formulas regularly | Improves numerical accuracy |
| Applied Learning (Months 6–8) | Solid State, Atomic, Electronics | Solve previous 10 years’ questions | Enhances analytical skills |
| Final Revision (Last 2 Months) | General Aptitude + Weak Areas | Take timed mock tests, revise formulas | Boosts confidence & speed |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Weightage
The GATE Physics Syllabus is quite comprehensive in terms of the topics covered in Physics. However, not all topics have the same weightage in the exam.
- In the light of the data from the past years, the topics which carry the most weight are Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics.
- The areas of Nuclear & Particle Physics, and Mathematical Methods, to name a few, have been given less consideration.
- There is a set 15 marks for the General Aptitude (GA) section from where every GATE paper is taken.
| Topic | Average Weightage (Marks) | Importance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | 10–12 marks | Highly important – Mostly direct and application-based numerical problems. |
| Electromagnetic Theory (Electrodynamics) | 10–12 marks | High – Mix of theoretical derivations and problem-solving. |
| Quantum Mechanics | 8–10 marks | High – Both conceptual and problem-based questions. |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | 8–10 marks | High – Includes derivations and applied numerical problems. |
| Mathematical Methods | 5–7 marks | Moderate – Mostly used to solve physics problems. |
| Solid State Physics | 4–6 marks | Moderate – Conceptual and derivation-based questions. |
| Classical & Modern Optics | 4–6 marks | Moderate – Interference, diffraction, polarization topics asked. |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | 4–6 marks | Moderate – Conceptual and some numerical-based questions. |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | 3–5 marks | Low to Moderate – Rare but conceptual questions. |
| Electronics | 3–5 marks | Low – Mostly basic circuits and semiconductor questions. |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 marks | Fixed – common for all GATE papers, easy to score with practice. |
Ques. Which topics in the GATE Physics syllabus 2026 offer the highest marks-to-effort ratio for quick scoring?
Ans. High Marks-to-Effort Topics in GATE Physics 2026
- Classical Mechanics & Electromagnetic Theory (≈10–12 marks each)
- Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics, Quantum Mechanics (≈8–10 marks each)
- These topics offer high marks with moderate effort as they feature direct, formula-based, and application-oriented questions.
Ques. How should candidates prioritize GATE Physics topics by weightage for effective preparation?
Ans. Topic-Wise Preparation Priority (by Weightage)
- Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics (cover 50%+ marks)
- Mathematical Methods, Solid State Physics, Optics (≈15–20 marks)
- Nuclear & Particle Physics, Electronics (3–5 marks; good for accuracy boost)
Also Read:
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
According to the analysis of the previous years, the topics of the GATE Physics syllabus have different weights.
- Among the topics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, and Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics are those that the examination will focus most.
- When the candidates are aware of the significant topics, they are able to make the preparation of the examination a priority effectively.
| Subject / Area | Key Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formulation, Conservation laws, Small oscillations |
| Electromagnetism | Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, Electromagnetic waves, Boundary conditions |
| Quantum Mechanics | Schrödinger equation, Particle in a box, Harmonic oscillator, Angular momentum, Hydrogen atom |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | Laws of thermodynamics, Entropy, Free energy, Boltzmann distribution, Partition function |
| Optics | Geometrical optics, Interference, Diffraction, Polarization, Lasers |
| Electronics | Semiconductor devices, Diodes, Transistors, Operational amplifiers, Logic gates |
| Solid State Physics | Crystal structures, X-ray diffraction, Band theory, Semiconductors, Superconductivity |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | Atomic models, Spectra, Spin-orbit coupling, Molecular vibrations & rotations |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | Radioactivity, Nuclear models, Decay modes, Particle classification, Fundamental interactions |
| Mathematical Physics / Methods | Vector calculus, Partial differential equations, Linear algebra, Fourier & Laplace transforms, Special functions |
| Fluid Mechanics & Plasma Physics | Fluid dynamics, Bernoulli equation, Plasma oscillations, Debye shielding |
| General Aptitude | English, Reasoning, Basic numerical skills (15 marks) |
Ques. Which topics in the GATE Physics syllabus 2026 offer the best marks-to-effort ratio for quick scoring?
Ans. Based on previous year trends, Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory provide the highest marks-to-effort ratio, contributing around 10–12 marks each.
- These topics often feature direct and application-based numerical questions, making them ideal for students aiming to improve their scores efficiently.
- Similarly, Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics are also high-yield areas worth prioritizing during preparation.
Ques. How can knowing the key topics of GATE Physics help in efficient exam preparation?
Ans. The key topics of GATE Physics help in efficient exam preparation are :
- Awareness of the important topics-such as Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Thermodynamics-allows candidates to set clear priorities and allocate study time effectively.
- Focusing on these sections ensures that aspirants cover the most scoring areas first, boosting confidence and improving overall exam performance.
Read more :
GATE Physics Syllabus: Paper Pattern
The GATE Physics Exam is a CBT-based exam conducted for 100 marks with a duration of 3 hours. The exam tests candidates on core Physics topics along with General Aptitude skills.
The questions will be of MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions), and NAT (Numerical Answer Type).
| Section | Marks Weightage | No. of Questions | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 marks | 10 | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Physics (Core Subject) | 85 marks | 55 | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Total | 100 marks | 65 | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
Read more :
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Difficulty Level
GATE Physics Exam is one of the conceptually difficult tests that demand a candidate to have not only strong fundamentals but also good problem-solving capabilities.
After the review of the last 5-6 years of question papers, the following has been the distribution of the syllabus in terms of difficulty levels:
Topic-Wise Difficulty Level in GATE Physics
- Topics such as Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Mechanics are the ones that can score you the most with a combination of direct and application-based questions.
- Topics such as Statistical Physics, Solid State Physics, and Electronics are ones that need a student's concepts to be clear and also some calculations.
- About 60% of the paper consists of topics of moderate difficulty from which most of the marks are drawn.
| Subject / Area | Difficulty Level | Nature of Questions | Observed Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | Moderate | Direct problems + conceptual derivations | Consistently 12–15% weightage |
| Electromagnetism | Moderate–Hard | Conceptual + numerical | Appears in both 1-mark & 2-mark questions |
| Quantum Mechanics | Moderate–Hard | Conceptual + problem solving | Regularly 10–12% of the paper |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | Moderate | Conceptual + formula-based | Often 8–10% of paper |
| Optics | Easy–Moderate | Direct numerical + conceptual | Scoring section |
| Electronics | Moderate | Circuit analysis, device characteristics | Around 6–8% weightage |
| Solid State Physics | Hard | Theory + derivation | Limited questions, conceptual |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | Moderate | Spectra + calculations | Appears 5–7% of the paper |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | Hard | Conceptual + classification | Few questions, tricky |
| Mathematical Methods / Physics Mathematics | Moderate | PDEs, vector calculus, transforms | Important for solving physics problems |
| Fluid Mechanics & Plasma Physics | Moderate–Hard | Application + derivation | Appears occasionally, conceptually challenging |
Ques. Which topics in the GATE Physics syllabus are conceptually toughest yet high-scoring?
Ans. According to the last 5–6 years of analysis, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Solid State Physics are considered conceptually tough yet high-reward sections.
- These topics often combine derivations, numerical applications, and conceptual depth, contributing significantly (10–15%) to the overall marks.
- Candidates who master these can outperform others, as the questions test deep understanding rather than rote memorization.
Ques. How does topic difficulty affect marks distribution in GATE Physics 2026?
Ans. Around 60% of the GATE Physics paper is of moderate difficulty, mainly from areas like Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electronics.
- These topics feature a mix of direct and formula-based questions, offering the best balance between concept clarity and scoring potential.
- Meanwhile, tougher sections like Nuclear Physics and Solid State Physics test analytical thinking and should be revised strategically near the final phase of preparation.
Read more :
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 – Important Books
GATE Physics 2026 can not only be prepared by just going through the syllabus. You have to pick out the right books in order to greatly improve your conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability.
Since the exam requires theory as well as numerical application, candidates must emphasize the clarity of concepts, learning of derivations, and solving of exercises given in standard reference books.
| Subject / Topic | Recommended Books | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Physics | Mathematical Methods for Physicists | Arfken & Weber |
| Classical Mechanics | Classical Mechanics | Herbert Goldstein |
| Electromagnetic Theory | Introduction to Electrodynamics | David J. Griffiths |
| Quantum Mechanics | Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications | Nouredine Zettili |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | Thermal Physics | Charles Kittel |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | Introduction to Atomic Spectra | H.E. White |
| Solid State Physics | Solid State Physics | Ashcroft & Mermin |
| Electronics | Principles of Electronics | V.K. Mehta & Rohit Mehta |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | M. Das & V.S. Rangathan |
| General Reference | Concepts of Physics (Vol I & II) | H.C. Verma |
Also Read
GATE Previous Years Physics Question Papers
Check the below-mentioned previous years’ GATE Physics question papers for preparation:
| Year | GATE Previous Years Question Papers | GATE Physics Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here | Check Here |
FAQS
Ques. Who will take the GATE in 2026?
Ans. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by one of the IITs on behalf of IISc Bangalore and the National Coordination Board (NCB).
| Conducted jointly by IITs & IISc |
|---|
| Managed under Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Held once a year (February) |
| Accepted by IITs, NITs, IIITs, and PSUs |
Ques. Which IIT is making the 2026 GATE paper?
Ans. The organizing IIT for GATE changes annually in rotation.
- GATE 2026 is expected to be organized by IIT Kanpur (tentative)
- Previous years: IIT Roorkee (2025), IIT Kharagpur (2022), IIT Bombay (2021)
- The official confirmation will be available on the GATE 2026 website
Ques. Is GATE score valid for 3 years?
Ans. Yes, GATE scores remain valid for 3 years from the result date.
- Applicable for M.Tech / PhD admissions
- Accepted by PSUs within 3 years
- You can use the same score for multiple applications
Ques. Is GATE tougher than JEE?
Ans. GATE and JEE differ in depth and level of understanding required.
| Exam | Level | Focus Area | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE (Mains/Advanced) | UG (12th to 1st year) | Breadth across Physics, Chem, Math | Concept-based, fast-paced |
| GATE | Graduate level | In-depth technical understanding | Conceptually deeper & analytical |
Ques. Which is the hardest subject in GATE?
Ans. Difficulty varies per branch, but some subjects are generally more challenging.
| Stream | Hardest Subject (Common Opinion) | Why Difficult |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Thermodynamics / Fluid Mechanics | Concept-heavy, lengthy numericals |
| Electrical | Power Systems / Machines | Complex problem-solving |
| Civil | Structural Analysis | Formula-intensive |
| CS | Algorithms & Theory of Computation | Logic-intensive, tricky MCQs |
Ques. Is GATE tougher than IAS?
Ans. Both exams are challenging in different ways.
| Exam | Nature | Focus Area | Difficulty Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE | Technical | Engineering & Aptitude | Conceptual & numerical |
| IAS (UPSC) | General | GS, Current Affairs, Optional | Broad, memory & analysis-based |
Ques. Which is the easiest subject in GATE?
Ans. The easiest subjects are those with predictable patterns and high scoring potential.
- General Aptitude – 15 marks; simple English & reasoning
- Engineering Mathematics – high scoring with formula-based questions
- Industrial Engineering (ME) – logical and less time-consuming
Digital Logic (CS) – straightforward if basics are clear
*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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