GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
Do or Die Chapters for GATE 2026 - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most competitive exams in India. It is taken by 3rd year students or graduates for admission into higher studies or jobs in PSUs. There is a vast syllabus, and this might often confuse students about which chapters to prepare for. Hence, our experts have given the GATE 2026 important chapters for preparation. In this article, we will go through the do or die chapters for GATE 2026. For the main 5 subjects, it will consist of the most important chapters for GATE exam 2026. Let’s dive in!
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There are few chapters that appear again and again over the years in the GATE exam (of a specific subject). These chapters also have high weightage as they constitute a heavy percentage of the total marks. Most of these are conceptual areas from which application-based questions are asked. So these are the particular questions that are the most important chapters for GATE exam 2026. We will be going through all of these do or die chapters for the GATE 2026 exam for the main 5 subjects.
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We will go through the last 5 year do or die chapters for GATE exam of these 5 subjects:
Computer Science
Data Science
Chemical
Civil
Petroleum
These subjects are the most attempted subjects. The data given below will provide you with important chapters for GATE exam 2026 that you must definitely prepare.
We have provided you with last 5 years data so you can see the distribution for CSE preparation for GATE. In each table we have also added the number of questions asked from that chapter in that year.
Chapter | Questions |
Aptitude | 20 |
Programming and Data Structures | 17 |
Engineering Mathematics | 16 |
Computer Organization & Arch. | 13 |
Computer Networks / Operating System | 10 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 23 |
Aptitude | 20 |
Computer Organization & Arch. | 13 |
Computer Networks | 12 |
Databases | 12 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 11 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Programming and Data Structures | 9 |
Operating System | 7 |
Computer Networks / Theory of Computation | 6 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 12 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Computer Networks | 9 |
Databases | 8 |
Operating System | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 11 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Databases | 7 |
Computer Networks | 7 |
Computer Organization & Arch. | 5 |
Rank | Chapter | Total Questions (5 Years) | Weightage (%) |
1 | Engineering Mathematics | 73 | 16.40% |
2 | Aptitude | 70 | 15.73% |
3 | Programming and Data Structures | 44 | 9.89% |
4 | Computer Networks | 44 | 9.89% |
5 | Computer Organization & Arch. | 42 | 9.44% |
The following tables will provide you with the most scoring chapters in GATE DA 2026.
Chapter | Questions |
Probability and Statistics | 12 |
Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms | 9 |
Machine Learning | 9 |
Linear Algebra | 8 |
Database Management & Warehousing | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms | 13 |
Probability and Statistics | 10 |
Machine Learning | 10 |
Linear Algebra | 6 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) | 7 / Calculus & Optimization – 5 (tie for 5th if needed) |
Rank | Chapter | Total Questions (2 Years) | Percentage Distribution |
1 | Probability and Statistics | 22 | 16.92% |
2 | Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms | 22 | 16.92% |
3 | Machine Learning | 19 | 14.62% |
4 | Linear Algebra | 14 | 10.77% |
5 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Calculus & Optimization / DBMS & Warehousing | 11 each | 8.46% |
Chapter | Questions |
Mass Transfer | 10 |
Chemical Reaction Engineering | 9 |
Engineering Mathematics | 8 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Heat Transfer | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Mass Transfer | 8 |
Process Calculations & Thermodynamics | 8 |
Fluid Mechanics & Mechanical Operations | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 9 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Mass Transfer | 9 |
Instrumentation & Process Control | 7 |
Heat Transfer | 6 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 9 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Instrumentation & Process Control | 8 |
Mass Transfer | 6 |
Process Calculations & Thermodynamics | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Aptitude | 10 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
Process Calculations & Thermodynamics | 10 |
Instrumentation & Process Control | 10 |
Mass Transfer | 7 |
Rank | Chapter | Total Questions (5 Years) | Weightage (%) |
1 | Aptitude | 50 | 15.38% |
2 | Engineering Mathematics | 46 | 14.15% |
3 | Mass Transfer | 40 | 12.31% |
4 | Process Calculations & Thermodynamics | 36 | 11.08% |
5 | Instrumentation & Process Control | 35 | 10.77% |
Chapter | Questions |
Structural Engineering | 11 |
Water Resources Engineering | 9 |
Engineering Mathematics | 9 |
Geotechnical Engineering | 8 |
Transportation Engineering | 8 |
Chapter | Questions |
Structural Engineering | 14 |
Geotechnical Engineering | 8 |
Engineering Mathematics | 9 |
Transportation Engineering | 7 |
Environmental Engineering | 6 |
Chapter | Questions |
Geotechnical Engineering | 13 |
Structural Engineering | 11 |
Water Resources Engineering | 8 |
Environmental Engineering | 8 |
Engineering Mathematics | 6 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 12 |
Water Resources Engineering | 10 |
Structural Engineering | 9 |
Geotechnical Engineering | 8 |
Environmental Engineering | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Structural Engineering | 7 |
Geotechnical Engineering | 7 |
Environmental Engineering | 7 |
Transportation Engineering | 7 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Rank | Chapter | Total Questions (5 Years) | Percentage (%) |
1 | Structural Engineering | 52 | 16.51% |
2 | Geotechnical Engineering | 44 | 13.97% |
3 | Engineering Mathematics | 41 | 13.02% |
4 | Water Resources Engineering | 39 | 12.38% |
5 | Environmental Engineering | 35 | 11.11% |
Chapter | Questions |
Aptitude | 10 |
Reservoir Engineering | 9 |
Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 8 |
Petroleum Production Operations | 7 |
Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology | 6 |
Chapter | Questions |
Engineering Mathematics | 13 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 7 |
Oil and Gas Well Testing | 7 |
Petroleum Production Operations | 7 |
Chapter | Questions |
Reservoir Engineering | 12 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 7 |
Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques | 5 |
Petroleum Production Operations | 5 |
Chapter | Questions |
Reservoir Engineering | 10 |
Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 8 |
Petroleum Production Operations | 8 |
Aptitude | 10 |
Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology | 5 |
Chapter | Questions |
Aptitude | 10 |
Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 8 |
Petroleum Production Operations | 5 |
Reservoir Engineering | 4 |
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) | 4 |
Rank | Chapter | Total Questions (5 Years) | Weightage (%) |
1 | Aptitude | 50 | 15.87% |
2 | Reservoir Engineering | 41 | 13.02% |
3 | Petroleum Formation Evaluation | 38 | 12.06% |
4 | Engineering Mathematics | 33 | 10.48% |
5 | Petroleum Production Operations | 32 | 10.16% |
This is a strategy table created by experts. You can edit this table for your own convenience and use it to prepare.
Strategy Point | Why It Matters | Recommended Action (with Numbers) |
Prioritize These First | These chapters contribute ~30–40% of total marks. | Cover 100% of these topics first before moving to lesser-weighted areas. |
Integrate with PYQs | Past papers show recurring patterns of questions. | Solve at least 10 years of PYQs (~200–300 questions per subject). |
Concept + Application | GATE tests problem-solving, not just theory. | For each chapter, prepare 20–30 numerical problems + theory summaries. |
Revision Cycles | Repeated exposure ensures retention & accuracy. | Revise each “Do or Die” chapter 3–4 times before the exam. |
Mock Test Focus | Tracks your accuracy in high-weightage areas. | Attempt 15–20 full-length mocks; track separate performance % in these chapters. |
It is important to understand the exam pattern of each question paper, be it of any subject, before jumping into the do or die chapters for GATE exam 2026.
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
Total Marks | 100 |
Total Questions | 65 |
Type of Questions | - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) - Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
Marking Scheme | - 1-mark & 2-mark questions - Negative marking for MCQs only (-1/3 for 1-mark, -2/3 for 2-mark) - No negative marking for MSQs & NAT |
General Aptitude (GA) | 15% of total marks (10 questions) |
Engineering Mathematics | 13% of total marks (except in Data Science where Maths is core syllabus) |
Subject-Specific Questions | 72% of total marks (core subject of chosen paper) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do or die chapters are the ones that have high weightage and are repeated with the highest number of questions almost every year.
Not necessarily. You can prepare your own strategy and do the exam accordingly.
Yes. Across almost all GATE papers, Aptitude (~15%) and Engineering Mathematics (~13%) consistently appear and should never be ignored.
These chapters contribute almost 30-40% of the whole paper.
You should prepare thoroughly and only studying the do or die chapters will help you get a better rank but you have to study other chapters also.
No, it is different for different subjects. We have given the table which has the highest weighted chapters of each subject separately.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).
You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.
Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
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