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GATE 2026 CSE Important Topics - The GATE exam is a prestigious national level examination conducted once in a year for admission into post graduate programs like ME, Mtech or Ph.D or for recruitment into top public sector undertakings (PSU) all over India. CSE is one of the core subjects and if taken, it opens doors to top class institutes like IIT, IISc and other research labs supported by the government. In this article, we shall dive into the important topics for CSE, GATE exam pattern, study tips and a lot of resources that will help you to ace your GATE 2026 exam. Let’s dive in!
Now that we have understood the exam pattern, it is time to dive into the main component of this article:GATE 2026 CSE important topics:
This table will give you a brief overview of the last 5 years question paper:
Chapter | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Total (5 Years) | Weightage |
Engineering Mathematics | 16 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 73 | 16.40% |
Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 70 | 15.73% |
Computer Networks | 10 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 44 | 9.89% |
Programming and Data Structures | 17 | 11 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 44 | 9.89% |
Computer Organization & Architecture | 13 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 42 | 9.44% |
Operating System | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 38 | 8.54% |
Databases | 9 | 12 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 39 | 8.76% |
Theory of Computation | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 7.19% |
Digital Logic | 9 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 4.94% |
Compiler Design | 9 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 4.72% |
Algorithms | 8 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 4.49% |
Grand Total | 130 | 130 | 65 | 65 | 55 | 445 | 100.00% |
As seen, engineering mathematics covers the maximum weightage followed by aptitude. Well, these are seen as two different subjects. Coming to core chapters computer networks and programming and data structures both seem to have 9.89% overall weightage. You can also compare it according to the trends followed in the different years. Another point to note is that until 2021 there were only 55 total questions and 2024 onwards there are two papers being conducted: CSE I and CSE II making it a total of 130 questions overall. This graph will give you a visual representation and understanding of the chapters for preparation of GATE CSE 2026.
Now that we have seen the weightage table, lets look into the top chapters and understand the books to refer to. This other table will give you a lot of information and resources to refer to:
Subject | Top Chapter | Main Topics | Recommended Book |
Aptitude (16.40%) | Numerical Ability | Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Profit & Loss, Number Series, Simple & Compound Interest | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal |
Engineering Mathematics (15.73%) | Linear Algebra | Matrices, Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors, Systems of Linear Equations, Vector Spaces | Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal |
Programming & Data Structures (9.89%) | Trees and Graphs | Binary Trees, AVL Trees, Binary Search Trees, Graph Traversals (DFS, BFS), Spanning Trees, Graph Representations | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C by Mark Allen Weiss |
Computer Networks (9.89%) | TCP/IP and OSI Models | OSI Layers, TCP/IP Stack, IP Addressing, Routing Protocols, UDP vs TCP, Application Layer Protocols (HTTP, DNS) | Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by James Kurose and Keith Ross |
Computer Organization & Architecture (9.44%) | Memory Hierarchy and Cache | Cache Mapping Techniques, Memory Access Time, Virtual Memory, RAM & ROM, Instruction Cycles, Pipeline Architecture | Computer Organization and Design by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy |
Also check: GATE 2026 CSE Syllabus
The GATE 2026 Computer science and information technology paper is conducted to test candidates on their understanding of core concepts of CS, problem solving and coding practices. This paper mainly consists of 3 main sections: Aptitude, Engineering Maths and Computer science. This table below will give you all the information you require for the exam pattern understanding:
Feature | Details |
Exam Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
Total Marks | 100 |
Total Questions | 65 |
Sections | GA (15 Marks), Engineering Maths & CSE (85 Marks) |
Question Types | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) NAT (Numerical Answer Type) |
Marking Scheme | 1-mark and 2-mark questions Negative marking for MCQs: -1/3 for 1-mark & -2/3 for 2-mark questions No negative marking for NAT & MSQ |
Now that we have looked into the chapters to prioritize and the books to refer to, its time to dive into some resources. Lets look into previous years GATE CSE question papers that can help you prepare for the exam and practice.
Year | Download GATE Previous Year Paper |
2025 | |
2025 | |
2024 | GATE 2024 CS Question Paper and Answer Key PDF (Shift 1 & 2) |
2023 | |
2022 | |
2021 | |
2020 | |
2019 | |
2016 - 2018 |
Engineering Mathematics holds the highest weightage at 16.40%, followed closely by Aptitude at 15.73%. You can also have a look at the table to strategize and prepare accordingly.
Generally two sections: Aptitude and the rest of the paper (which in turn contains Engineering Maths and CSE topics)
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by Kurose and Ross is highly recommended.
Counselling Date:01 August,2025 - 18 August,2025
Yes, in the GATE exam you can choose any paper/stream, regardless of your B.Tech or graduation branch there is no strict restriction. However,its recommended that should pick a paper in which you can perform well and which is accepted for the M.Tech or PSU roles you’re targeting. For example, a Mechanical Engineering graduate can appear for Computer Science, but admission eligibility for some M.Tech programs or PSU jobs may still require the original degree branch to match. So, while GATE lets you choose freely, your post-exam opportunities will depend on the institute’s or recruiter’s criteria.
Yes for sure if you graduate from ISI with a B.Math degree and clear GATE in Computer Science, you can apply for M.Tech programs in CSE-related fields at IISc and IITs. Most of these institutes accept candidates from any undergraduate discipline as long as they have a valid GATE CS score. However, some specializations or departments may have additional eligibility requirements, like prior coursework in programming, algorithms, or discrete mathematics. Since your B.Math background gives you a strong theoretical foundation, you’ll likely meet the academic criteria, but it’s best to check each IIT/IISc department’s brochure before applying.
Hello,
Yes, you can appear for the GATE, or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. Through this exam you can get admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and N for the M.Tech or Ph.D. program. After this exam you can even open doors for jobs in the public sector.
I hope it will clear your query!!
To prepare for GATE EE 2026, you need to follow a simple and smart study plan. First, understand the exam pattern. GATE EE has three parts. General Aptitude is for 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics is for around 13 marks, and the core Electrical Engineering subjects cover 72 marks.
Start by reading the official syllabus so you know what topics are there. Make a proper timetable. Divide your study time for each subject. Give more time to the subjects that you find difficult.
Use standard books for each subject. For example, you can study Electrical Machines from P.S. Bimbhra, Power Systems from C.L. Wadhwa, Control Systems from Nagrath and Gopal, and Signals and Systems from Oppenheim. For Aptitude, you can use RS Aggarwal or any GATE-specific book.
Start your preparation with General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics because they are easy to score and will boost your marks. Then focus on the core subjects one by one. Always make notes while studying. These notes will help you revise quickly later.
Solve previous year GATE question papers. This will help you understand what kind of questions are asked. Also, take mock tests and topic-wise tests regularly. This will improve your speed and accuracy.
Make a habit of revising everything you study. Write down important formulas and keep reading them again and again. In the last three months before the exam, start giving full-length mock tests every week. Check your mistakes and try not to repeat them.
Be regular with your studies. Even if you study for a few hours daily, it will make a big difference. Stay focused and believe in yourself. You can do well if you are consistent.
Hello aspirant,
To download the seat allotment of AP PGCET 2025 ( non gate),
For more information, click on the link given below,
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/ap-pgecet-seat-allotment
Regards
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