GATE CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic-Wise Marks Distribution

GATE CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic-Wise Marks Distribution

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Shivani PooniaUpdated on 29 Oct 2025, 04:34 AM IST

Gate CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 - The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) paper is one of the most popular and is chosen by thousands of candidates every year. Therefore, knowing the gate CSE chapter-wise weightage 2026 will help you to understand which subjects are asked more in the exam. This way, you can plan your preparation smartly and also give more time to high-weightage topics to increase your overall score in GATE exam 2026. If you scroll down, you will find the GATE CSE chapter-wise weightage for the past 5 years provided in this article, along with preparation resources. We have included the chapters with the highest weightage, their key topics, the recommended books for each, as well as previous year papers to support your preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. Gate CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026
  2. Preparation Resources For GATE CSE 2026
  3. GATE CSE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic-Wise Marks Distribution
GATE CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026

Gate CSE Chapter Wise Weightage 2026

Let’s look at the GATE CSE chapter-wise weightage 2026. As per the table given below, you will be able to see the chapter-wise distribution of the different chapters in CSE for the last 5 years.

Chapter

Weightage

Engineering Mathematics

16.40%

Aptitude

15.73%

Computer Networks

9.89%

Programming and Data Structures

9.89%

Computer Organization & Architecture

9.44%

Operating System

8.54%

Databases

8.76%

Theory of Computation

7.19%

Digital Logic

4.94%

Compiler Design

4.72%

Algorithms

4.49%

Grand Total

100.00%

As seen, EM (Engineering Mathematics) has the highest weightage with 16.4% average marks obtained in the last 5 years. While the lowest goes to algorithms. However, Engineering Mathematics is an important topic and can not be ignored.

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Preparation Resources For GATE CSE 2026

The following books are in accordance with the high-weightage chapters, with the subject name and the main topics, and the recommended books. You can use these resources to ace your preparation for GATE 2026.

Subject

High-weightage Chapter

Main Topics

Recommended Book

Aptitude (15.73%)

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 (16.40%)

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

So, now you not only know the GATE CSE chapter-wise weightage 2026 but also got a clear idea about the main topics and the books to refer to while preparing for them. For the main resource, you can use the GATE past 10 year's question paper. This will definitely help you in scoring better marks.

Also Read:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the rank for 70 marks in GATE CSE?
A:

The rank for 70 marks varies every year depending on difficulty. In recent trends, 70 marks usually fall in the range of Rank 100–200 (approx.).

Q: Is 2 years enough for GATE CSE?
A:

Two years is more than enough if you plan your preparation properly. The first year can be used to complete the syllabus and strengthen concepts, and the second year for solving mock tests, revising, and improving speed and accuracy.

Q: Is GATE tough for CSE?
A:

GATE CSE is considered moderately tough. The syllabus is vast and covers multiple subjects like Programming, Algorithms, Operating Systems, DBMS, and Mathematics. With regular study, concept clarity, and practice of previous papers, it becomes manageable.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello,

The GATE 2026 Agricultural Engineering (AG) paper will have a total of 100 marks. Out of this, 15 marks are for General Aptitude and 85 marks are for core Agricultural Engineering subjects.

The marks are generally distributed among major topics like Engineering Mathematics (12–13 marks), Farm Machinery (10–11), Farm Power (14–15), Soil & Water Conservation (12–13), Irrigation & Drainage (10–12), Agricultural Process Engineering (10–12), and Dairy & Food Engineering (9–10 marks).

The official qualifying marks for GATE 2026 are not yet released. However, based on previous years, the cutoff for the Agricultural Engineering paper is expected to be around 25 marks for General, 22.5 for OBC/EWS, and 16.6 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

No,For Mtech you are not eligible to give GATE examination in 2nd year diploma and after completing your diploma degree

Only bachelor's degree holders can give GATE examination

Thank you

Hello

If you're in 2nd year right now, you can’t register for GATE 2026 just yet.
The exam is only open to students in the 3rd year or beyond in their degree.
It’s mainly because the GATE tests subjects that are usually taught later in your course.
But don’t worry, you are in a great position to start preparing early!
Focus on your basics, practice problem-solving, and build strong concepts now.
By the time you reach 3rd year, you’ll be well ahead of the game.

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!!