GATE 2025 Mathematics (MA) will be conducted on February 1, 2, 15, and 16. As many as 1.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam. In the year 2024, a total of 1.72 lakh candidates appeared for the GATE Mathematics paper, which makes it one of the most competitive exams for aspirants who will pursue postgraduate programs in engineering and sciences. 

In the GATE 2025 Mathematics paper, there will be a total of 30 subjects, where a mixed trend as seen in previous years will continue, including MCQs as well as NAT questions.

The division of weightage for each topic in GATE 2025 Mathematics (MA) is as follows:

• Calculus: Highest 18-20%, contains multivariable functions and integrals.

• Linear Algebra: vector space, and eigenvalues, etc.

• Real Analysis: convergence and metric spaces;

• Complex Analysis and ODE: 10-15% each

• Algebra: PDE's, Functional and Numerical Analysis 5-10%

Depending on the historic trend, out of these high-weightage topics, 50-60 questions could be expected. Since the last five years have seen cut-offs in the GATE 2025 Mathematics of varying range between 25 to 35 marks for general-category students, these high-weightage sections will help candidates strategize scoring. 

Here is a detailed topic-wise weightage analysis for GATE 2025 Mathematics (MA) with Preparation Strategy, Recommended Books and Previous Years’ Papers to help the candidate prepare effectively for GATE 2025 Mathematics MA exam.

Also check

• GATE 2025 Mathematics Syllabus

• GATE 2025 Mathematics Marking Scheme

• GATE 2025 Mathematics MA Time table

GATE 2025 Mathematics Exam Structure and topic-wise weightage

The GATE 2025 Mathematics MA paper generally comprises a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer-type (NAT) questions, demanding both theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. The syllabus is categorized into various core sections, each consistently represented in exams, albeit with varying weightages.

Here is a topic-wise weightage of key topics under GATE 2025 Mathematics MA syllabus

Also check: GATE 2025 Mathematics Exam Pattern

GATE 2025 Mathematics Key topics (2020-2024)

GATE 2025 Mathematics, Calculus: exam weightage 18-20%

Calculus remains one of the most dominant sections in GATE 2025 Mathematics MA, covering areas like multivariable functions, directional derivatives, maxima and minima, and integral applications. Over the past five years, the calculus section has consistently contributed close to 20% of the total marks, highlighting its critical role in the paper.

• Trend: Calculus questions are often practical in nature, demanding a sound understanding of applications of integrals and derivatives.

• Preparation Strategy: Emphasize problem-solving in areas like multiple integrals, maxima and minima, and vector calculus applications.

GATE 2025 Mathematics Linear Algebra: exam weightage 15-18%

Linear Algebra is another high-scoring area, commonly covering topics like matrix operations, eigenvalues, transformations, and vector spaces. In the recent analysis, it consistently takes up about 15-18% of the GATE 2025 Mathematics paper, indicating its importance.

• Trend: Questions focus on matrix operations, vector spaces, and eigenvalue problems.

• Preparation Strategy: Focus on matrix theory, including transformations, eigenvectors, and orthogonalization techniques.

GATE 2025 Mathematics Key-topic: Real Analysis, Exam weightage 10-12%

Real Analysis is fundamental in the GATE 2025 Mathematics syllabus, encompassing metric spaces, convergence, and series analysis. With around 10-12% weightage annually, Real Analysis remains a stable section with questions often based on theoretical concepts.

• Trend: Topics on uniform convergence and metric spaces are favored, testing a student’s analytical skills.

• Preparation Strategy: Concentrate on convergence theorems and problem-solving in metric spaces.

Also check: GATE Mathematics 2025 General Aptitude Section: Tips for Scoring High

GATE 2025 Mathematics Paper In-Depth Analysis of Complex Analysis, Differential Equations

In the first part, we analyzed core topics such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Real Analysis, which have shown consistent weightage in GATE 2025 Mathematics MA over recent years. Here, we’ll examine the weightage patterns and preparation strategies for other significant areas like Complex Analysis, Differential Equations, and more.

GATE 2025 Mathematics key-topic: Complex Analysis exam weightage

Complex Analysis covers a range of topics, including analytic functions, conformal mappings, and complex integrals. In GATE exams from 2020-2024, this topic has been given consistent attention, constituting 10-15% of the total marks.

• Trend: This section often includes questions on Cauchy’s theorem, residues, and contour integration.

• Preparation Strategy: Focus on the applications of Cauchy’s integral theorem, residues, and conformal mappings, which are commonly tested.

Also check: GATE Mathematics MA 2025 90-Day Preparation Strategy

GATE 2025 Mathematics Key-topic: Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) exam weightage

Ordinary Differential Equations have consistently held a strong position in GATE 2025 Mathematics MA, encompassing first-order equations, linear equations with constant coefficients, and stability analysis.

• Trend: Questions primarily target solution techniques for various ODEs and often involve initial value problems and applications of Laplace transforms.

• Preparation Strategy: Practice solving ODEs using Laplace transforms, focusing on higher-order equations and stability criteria.

GATE 2025 Mathematics, Key-topic: Algebra exam weightage

Algebra, covering groups, rings, fields, and polynomials, has been given moderate emphasis in GATE 2025 Mathematics. It’s critical for candidates to build a solid foundation in this topic to tackle theoretical questions.

• Trend: The focus often falls on groups and field theory, with questions testing a candidate’s understanding of structures and homomorphisms.

• Preparation Strategy: Give attention to group and field theory basics, as well as the applications of Sylow’s theorems and polynomial rings.

GATE 2025 Mathematics Key-topic: Functional Analysis exam weightage

Though Functional Analysis receives comparatively fewer questions, it’s vital for building advanced mathematical understanding and problem-solving in vector spaces.

• Trend: Questions commonly explore concepts like Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces, and orthogonal projections.

• Preparation Strategy: Study Riesz representation and projection theorems for potential questions.

GATE 2025 Mathematics key-topic: Numerical Analysis exam weightage

Numerical Analysis often sees questions on methods for solving equations, particularly those involving polynomial interpolation and error estimation.

• Trend: Numerical differentiation and integration methods, as well as root-finding algorithms, appear frequently.

• Preparation Strategy: Focus on understanding numerical methods like Newton-Raphson, Gauss-Seidel, and their convergence criteria.

GATE 2025 Mathematics, key-topic: Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) exam weightage

Average Weightage: 8-10%

Partial Differential Equations have become more prominent in recent years, with questions revolving around heat and wave equations.

• Trend: Topics include separation of variables and transform methods.

• Preparation Strategy: Focus on solving wave and heat equations using d'Alembert’s solutions and Fourier transforms.

GATE 2025 Mathematics Paper Preparation Insights

From Calculus to Partial Differential Equations, each topic’s weightage can make or break the scoring potential in GATE 2025 Mathematics MA. By analyzing the weightage trends from past years, aspirants can strategically prioritize topics with the highest scores while not neglecting the lower-weighting areas that often contain simpler questions. Here’s a summarized distribution for quick reference:

Understanding the average weightage and focus areas within each topic will empower candidates to allocate their preparation time wisely, resulting in a comprehensive and targeted preparation strategy for GATE Mathematics 2025.

Also check: GATE 2025 Mathematics Recommended Books

GATE 2025 Mathematics Previous Years’ Papers with answer keys

Preparing for GATE 2025 Mathematics MA becomes so much more effective if someone utilizes the question papers for past years. 

This gives an aspirant an opportunity to get familiar with an exam pattern, types of questions asked, and the problem of difficulty level. The section includes all the GATE Mathematics papers from 2014 to 2024 along with answer keys to provide all kinds of practice. Use the table below to easily download PDFs by year along with session details and incorporate such useful material into your studies.

Also check:

• GATE 2025 Mathematics Toppers' tips

• GATE 2025 Mathematics Previous Years' Papers 

• GATE 2025 Mathematics FAQs

• GATE Mock Test 2025- Attempt free online Branch wise, Chapter wise and Subject wise Mock Test Series