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GATE 2026 Important Topics & Do or Die Chapters (High-Weightage) - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 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. To learn more. scroll down the article
This Story also Contains
- What are Do or Die Or High-Weightage Topics in GATE 2026?
- GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Important Topics & Most Scoring Chapters
- Preparation Strategy for GATE 2026 Important Topics & High-Weightage Chapters
- GATE 2026 Exam Pattern, Marks Distribution & Question Types
What are Do or Die Or High-Weightage Topics in GATE 2026?
Some chapters appear repeatedly in GATE exams and carry high marks, making them crucial for preparation (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. In the tables below has the high-weightage chapters for GATE 2026 that consistently appear in past papers. Below, we break down the most important topics that must be prepared in all five major subjects to help you score maximum marks.
Also Read:
GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Important Topics & Most Scoring Chapters
Based on the last 5 years question paper, these are the most important topics for GATE 2026 across key streams. Focusing on these high-weightage chapters of given subjects can help you maximize marks and improve your rank.
-
Computer Science
-
Data Science
-
Electrical
-
Civil
-
Electronics and Communication
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.
GATE 2026 CSE Important Topics (Do or Die Chapters with Weightage)
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.
GATE CSE 2025 Do or Die Chapters
GATE 2025 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Programming and Data Structures |
17 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
16 |
|
Computer Organization & Arch. |
13 |
|
Computer Networks / Operating System |
10 |
| Theory of Computation | 9 |
GATE CSE 2024 Do or Die Chapters
GATE 2024 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
23 |
|
Computer Organization & Arch. |
13 |
|
Computer Networks |
12 |
|
Databases |
12 |
| Programming and Data Structures | 11 |
GATE CSE 2023 Do or Die Chapters
GATE 2023 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
11 |
|
Programming and Data Structures |
9 |
|
Operating System |
7 |
|
Computer Networks / Theory of Computation |
6 |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | 5 |
GATE CSE 2022 Do or Die Chapters
GATE 2022 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
12 |
|
Computer Networks |
9 |
|
Databases |
8 |
|
Operating System |
7 |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | 6 |
GATE CSE 2021 Do or Die Chapters
GATE 2021 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
11 |
|
Databases |
7 |
|
Computer Networks |
7 |
|
Computer Organization & Arch. |
5 |
| Programming and Data Structures | 4 |
Top 5 High-Weightage Chapters for GATE CSE 2026 (2021–2025 Analysis)
|
Rank |
Chapter |
Total Questions Count (5 Years) |
Weightage (%) |
|
1 |
Engineering Mathematics |
73 |
16.40% |
|
2 |
Programming and Data Structures |
41 |
12.61% |
|
3 |
Computer Networks |
44 |
9.89% |
|
4 |
Computer Organization & Arch. |
42 |
9.44% |
| 5 | Database | 27 | 8.30% |
Also Read: GATE: How to Prepare for CSE
GATE 2026 Data Science (DA) Important Topics & High-Weightage Chapters
The following tables will provide you with the most scoring chapters in GATE DA 2026.
GATE DA 2025 Do or Die Chapters
GATE DA 2025 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Probability and Statistics |
12 |
|
Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms |
9 |
|
Machine Learning |
9 |
|
Linear Algebra |
8 |
|
Database Management & Warehousing |
7 |
GATE DA 2024 Do or Die Chapters
GATE DA 2024 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms |
13 |
|
Probability and Statistics |
10 |
|
Machine Learning |
10 |
|
Linear Algebra |
6 |
|
Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
7 |
Top 5 High-Weightage Chapters for GATE DA 2026 (2024–2025 Analysis)
|
Rank |
Chapter |
Total Questions Count (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) / DBMS & Warehousing |
14 |
10.77% |
Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA)
GATE 2026 Electrical Engineering Important Topics & Scoring Chapters
Based on the last 5 years’ analysis, these are the key Electrical Engineering topics for GATE 2026.
GATE EE 2025 Do or Die Chapters
GATE EE 2025 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
15 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
|
Electric Circuits |
7 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
7 |
| Power System |
7 |
GATE EE 2024 Do or Die Chapters
GATE EE 2024 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
13 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
|
Electric Circuits |
6 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
9 |
| Power System | 5 |
GATE EE 2023 Do or Die Chapters
GATE EE 2023 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
12 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
|
Electric Circuits |
5 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
9 |
| Power System |
6 |
GATE EE 2022 Do or Die Chapters
GATE EE 2022 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
12 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
|
Electric Circuits |
5 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
9 |
| Power System | 6 |
GATE EE 2021 Do or Die Chapters
GATE EE 2021 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
6 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
|
Electric Circuits |
4 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
8 |
| Power System |
7 |
Top 5 High-Weightage Chapters for GATE EE 2026 (2021–2025 Analysis)
|
Rank |
Chapter |
Total Questions Count (5 Years) |
Weightage (%) |
|
1 | Analog and Digital Electronics | 58 | 18.41% |
|
2 | Control Systems |
30 |
9.52% |
|
3 | Electric Circuits |
27 |
8.57% |
|
4 | Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
42 |
13.33% |
|
5 | Power System |
31 |
9.84% |
Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Electricall Engineering (EE)
GATE 2026 Civil Engineering Important Topics (Do or Die Chapters)
Prioritizing these high-weightage chapters will help you secure maximum marks in the exam. Important Civil Engineering topics for GATE 2026 are given below based on the last 5 years question paper.
GATE CE 2025 Do or Die Chapters
GATE CE 2025 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Structural Engineering |
11 |
|
Water Resources Engineering |
9 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
9 |
|
Geotechnical Engineering |
8 |
|
Transportation Engineering |
8 |
GATE CE 2024 Do or Die Chapters
GATE CE 2024 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Structural Engineering |
14 |
|
Geotechnical Engineering |
8 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
9 |
|
Transportation Engineering |
7 |
|
Environmental Engineering |
6 |
GATE CE 2023 Do or Die Chapters
GATE CE 2023 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Geotechnical Engineering |
13 |
|
Structural Engineering |
11 |
|
Water Resources Engineering |
8 |
|
Environmental Engineering |
8 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
6 |
GATE CE 2022 Do or Die Chapters
GATE CE 2022 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
12 |
|
Water Resources Engineering |
10 |
|
Structural Engineering |
9 |
|
Geotechnical Engineering |
8 |
|
Environmental Engineering |
7 |
GATE CE 2021 Do or Die Chapters
GATE CE 2021 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Questions Count |
|
Structural Engineering |
7 |
|
Geotechnical Engineering |
7 |
|
Environmental Engineering |
7 |
|
Transportation Engineering |
7 |
|
Aptitude |
10 |
Top 5 High-Weightage Chapters for GATE CE 2026 (2021–2025 Analysis)
|
Rank |
Chapter |
Total Questions Count (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% |
GATE 2026 Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Important Topics & High-Weightage Areas
The following tables will provide the most frequently asked chapter's questions for GATE 2026
GATE ECE 2025 Do or Die Chapters
GATE ECE 2025 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Signals and Systems |
6 |
|
Analog Circuits |
9 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
8 |
|
Communications |
8 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
GATE ECE 2024 Do or Die Chapters
GATE ECE 2024 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Signals and Systems |
7 |
|
Analog Circuits |
8 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
7 |
|
Communications |
5 |
|
Control Systems |
6 |
GATE ECE 2023 Do or Die Chapters
GATE ECE 2023 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Signals and Systems |
10 |
|
Analog Circuits |
7 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
8 |
|
Communications |
3 |
|
Control Systems |
5 |
GATE ECE 2022 Do or Die Chapters
GATE ECE 2022 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Signals and Systems |
7 |
|
Analog Circuits |
8 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
8 |
|
Communications |
6 |
|
Control Systems |
5 |
GATE ECE 2021 Do or Die Chapters
GATE ECE 2021 high-weightage topics are given below:
|
Chapter |
Question Count |
|
Signals and Systems |
8 |
|
Analog Circuits |
4 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
5 |
|
Communications |
8 |
|
Control Systems |
5 |
Top 5 High-Weightage Chapters for GATE ECE 2026 (2021–2025 Analysis)
|
Rank |
Chapter |
Total Questions Count (5 Years) |
Weightage (%) |
|
1 | Signals and Systems |
38 | 12.06% |
|
2 | Analog Circuits | 36 |
11.43% |
|
3 | Engineering Mathematics | 36 |
11.43% |
|
4 | Communications |
30 |
9.52% |
|
5 | Control Systems |
27 |
8.57% |
Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
Preparation Strategy for GATE 2026 Important Topics & High-Weightage Chapters
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 |
|
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 last 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 important 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. |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern, Marks Distribution & Question Types
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)
Q: Which chapters of PE are repeated in PE GATE Exam?
A:
In Petroleum Formation Evaluation, questions have been repeatedly asked over past five years.
Q: What are the Do or Die chapters for GATE 2026?
A:
Do or die chapters are the ones that have high weightage and are repeated with the highest number of questions almost every year.
Q: Should I attempt the Do or Die chapters first in the exam?
A:
Not necessarily. You can prepare your own strategy and do the exam accordingly.
Q: Are Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics always important?
A:
Yes. Across almost all GATE papers, Aptitude (~15%) and Engineering Mathematics (~13%) consistently appear and should never be ignored.
Q: How much weightage do Do or Die chapters usually carry?
A:
These chapters contribute almost 30-40% of the whole paper.
Q: Can I clear GATE 2026 by studying only the Do or Die chapters?
A:
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.
Q: Are Do or Die chapters the same for all GATE papers?
A:
No, it is different for different subjects. We have given the table which has the highest weighted chapters of each subject separately.
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Have a question related to GATE ?
Hello,
If your GATE 2026 application shows "under scrutiny," continue to monitor your applicant portal and registered email for updates, as this is a routine process where officials verify your details. An "under scrutiny" status does not mean your application is rejected; you may be notified of discrepancies and given a chance to correct them during the application correction window, which opens later. Keep your application details accurate and prepare for the exam while waiting for the correction window to open.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
In the GATE application form , you should enter your name exactly as it appears in your official ID proof , even if the order is different.
For example:
-
If your ID proof shows Surname + First Name , enter it in the same way in the form.
-
Do not change the order to First Name + Surname.
This is important because your GATE admit card and scorecard will match your ID proof.
Keep it exactly the same to avoid any issues later.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
Yes, you as a Bachelor of Science graduate in home science can appear for the GATE 2026 exam, as the eligibility criteria include graduates from "Science" and other fields, as well as those in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate program.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hey! The GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is very important for long-term career growth. It opens opportunities for postgraduate studies (M.Tech, MS, PhD) in top institutes like IITs and NITs and is also used by many public sector companies (PSUs) for recruitment, often with higher salary packages. In the long run, qualifying GATE can enhance your technical knowledge, career prospects, and credibility in the engineering field.
If your GATE application shows failed status even after a successful payment, don’t worry, this usually happens due to server or transaction update delays. First, wait for 24–48 hours as sometimes the status gets updated automatically. If it still shows failed, you should raise a query through the GATE application portal by providing your enrollment ID and payment receipt or transaction details. You can also contact the GATE zonal office via email or helpline with proof of payment. Keeping a screenshot of the payment success message will also help in resolving the issue quickly.
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