GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Download Detailed Syllabus PDF

GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Download Detailed Syllabus PDF

Edited By Jalla Venkatesh | Updated on Mar 17, 2025 02:52 PM IST | #GATE

GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus: IIT Guwahati will publish the GATE Physics syllabus 2026 on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus on this page once released. The syllabus will include Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, & Nuclear and Particle Physics. Students must check the GATE 2026 physics syllabus to plan their preparation. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode. The GATE 2026 Physics syllabus free pdf download link will be provided below.

This Story also Contains
  1. GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 Important Topics
  2. Best Books for GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus
  3. GATE 2026 Physics Sample Paper
  4. GATE 2026 Physics Mock Test
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Download Detailed Syllabus PDF
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Download Detailed Syllabus PDF

Preparing with the GATE Physics syllabus will help candidates secure good marks in the exam. Along with the syllabus, candidates should review the GATE 2026 exam pattern for effective preparation. Additionally, practicing the GATE 2026 mock test will enhance their performance. Candidates can check the GATE Physics 2026 syllabus below.

GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati will release the GATE Physics syllabus on the official website. Candidates can refer to the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus to identify important topics for exam preparation. Below is the detailed syllabus for GATE Physics 2026.

GATE Physics Syllabus 2026

Topics

Sub Topics

Mathematical Physics

Linear vector space: basis, orthogonality and completeness; matrices; similarity transformations, diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors; linear differential equations: second order linear differential equations and solutions involving special functions; complex analysis: Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy’s theorem, singularities, residue theorem and applications; Laplace transform, Fourier analysis; elementary ideas about tensors: covariant and contravariant tensors.

Classical Mechanics

Lagrangian formulation: D’Alembert’s principle, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton’s principle, calculus of variations; symmetry and conservation laws; central force motion: Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering; small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes; rigid body dynamics: inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, Euler angles, Torque free motion of a symmetric top; Hamiltonian and Hamilton’s equations of motion; Liouville’s theorem; canonical transformations: action-angle variables, Poisson brackets, Hamilton- Jacobi equation.

Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy equivalence

Electromagnetic Theory

Solutions of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems including boundary value problems; method of images; separation of variables; dielectrics and conductors; magnetic materials; multipole expansion; Maxwell’s equations; scalar and vector potentials; Coulomb and Lorentz gauges; electromagnetic waves in free space, non-conducting and conducting media; reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences; polarization of electromagnetic waves; Poynting vector, Poynting theorem, energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves; radiation from a moving charge.

Quantum Mechanics

Postulates of quantum mechanics; uncertainty principle; Schrodinger equation; Dirac Bra-Ket notation, linear vectors and operators in Hilbert space; one-dimensional potentials: step potential, finite rectangular well, tunnelling from a potential barrier, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator; two and three dimensional systems: concept of degeneracy; hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; addition of angular momenta; variational method and WKB approximation, time-independent perturbation theory; elementary scattering theory, Born approximation; symmetries in quantum mechanical systems.

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Laws of thermodynamics; macrostates and microstates; phase space; ensembles; partition function, free energy, calculation of thermodynamic quantities; classical and quantum statistics; degenerate Fermi gas; black body radiation and Planck’s distribution law; Bose-Einstein condensation; first and second order phase transitions, phase equilibria, critical point.

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Spectra of one-and many-electron atoms; spin-orbit interaction: LS and jj couplings; fine and hyperfine structures; Zeeman and Stark effects; electric dipole transitions and selection rules; rotational and vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules; electronic transitions in diatomic molecules, Franck-Condon principle; Raman effect; EPR, NMR, ESR, X-ray spectra; lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, two and three-level systems.

Solid State Physics

Elements of crystallography; diffraction methods for structure determination; bonding in solids; lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids; free electron theory; band theory of solids: nearly free electron and tight binding models; metals, semiconductors and insulators; conductivity, mobility and effective mass; Optical properties of solids; Kramer’s-Kronig relation, intra- and inter-band transitions; dielectric properties of solid; dielectric function, polarizability, ferroelectricity; magnetic properties of solids; dia, para, ferro, antiferro and ferri-magnetism, domains and magnetic anisotropy; superconductivity: Type-I and Type II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS Theory, flux quantization.

Electronics

Semiconductors in equilibrium: electron and hole statistics in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; metal-semiconductor junctions; Ohmic and rectifying contacts; PN diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors; negative and positive feedback circuits; oscillators, operational amplifiers, active filters; basics of digital logic circuits, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, timers, counters, registers, A/D and D/A conversion.

Nuclear and Particle Physics

Nuclear radii and charge distributions, nuclear binding energy, electric and magnetic moments; semi-empirical mass formula; nuclear models; liquid drop model, nuclear shell model; nuclear force and two nucleon problem; alpha decay, beta-decay, electromagnetic transitions in nuclei; Rutherford scattering, nuclear reactions, conservation laws; fission and fusion; particle accelerators and detectors; elementary particles; photons, baryons, mesons and leptons; quark model; conservation laws, isospin symmetry, charge conjugation, parity and time-reversal invariance.

GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus with Topic-Wise Weightage

Knowing the GATE Physics syllabus alone is not enough; candidates must also understand the topic-wise weightage. To determine this, students can refer to the previous year's GATE exam analysis. Understanding the GATE Physics syllabus 2026 with weightage helps prioritize important topics. This allows candidates to focus on high-scoring areas while ensuring thorough preparation of all topics for a better GATE 2026 Physics score.

GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 Important Topics

Candidates who will be appearing for the upcoming exam can know the list of important topics of the GATE Physics 2026 syllabus. The Physics syllabus important topics are the topics that will have high weightage in the exam. Here we have provided the list of GATE Physics syllabus 2026 important topics based on the previous year question papers.

Mathematical Physics

Classical Mechanics

Electromagnetic Theory

Quantum Mechanics

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Solid State Physics

Electronics

Nuclear and Particle Physics

General Aptitude

Related links:

Best Books for GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus

Books are the best resource to prepare for the GATE Physics 2026. Candidates must select the books as per the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus. To get a clear picture of the basics and concepts of the exam, candidates are advised to refer to the best books for GATE. Here we have given the list of best books for GATE Physics 2026.

Book Name

Author Name

Mathematical Physics

H. K. Dass, B D Gupta

Introduction To Classical Mechanics

P Puranik, R Takwale

Electromagnetic Field Theory

S P Ghosh

Principles Of Quantum Mechanics

R. Shankar

Elementary Solid State Physics: Principal and Applications

M. Ali Omar

GATE 2026 Physics Sample Paper

Aspirants must practice the GATE Physics 2026 sample paper after while preparing for the exam. Practising the GATE 2026 Physics sample paper will give insight into the exam to the students who will be appearing for the exam. Moreover, candidates will get to know the exam difficulty level and topic-wise weightage. Candidates will also be able to analyse their strengths and weaknesses while attempting the GATE sample papers. The questions in the sample paper will be based on the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus.

GATE 2024 Syllabus for Other Papers

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Also Read: GATE question paper

GATE 2026 Physics Mock Test

IIT Roorkee will activate the GATE Physics mock test 2026 link on the official website. The registered candidates can attempt the GATE mock test using their login credentials for free. The mock test is a replica of the actual exam. Candidates must attempt the GATE 2026 Physics mock test to get familiar with the online test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will GATE 2026 exam be conducted?

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode.

2. When a student should start preparing for GATE 2026?

Start your preparation the moment you decide to get admission in an IIT or get a job at any PSU. As this exam is a gateway for your choices. So, start your preparation as early as possible.

3. Who will be conducting GATE 2026?

Every year GATE is conducted by any of the IIT or IISc, and this year it will be conducted by IIT Roorkee.

4. When will the authorities release the GATE Physics 2026 mock test?

IIT Roorkee will release the mock test of GATE 2026 for Physics on the official website.

5. Is GATE 2026 syllabus physics released?

No, the GATE 2026 physics syllabus will be released on the official website.

6. What are the important topics for the GATE 2026 Physics exam?

The important topics for the GATE 2026 Physics exam include Mathematical Physics, Quantum mechanics & Atomic and Molecular Physics. For more important topics, candidates can refer to the above article.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Ansh,

Whether you can get admission in the Computer Science (CS) or Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) branch depends on several key factors:

  • Entrance Exam Rank/Score : Your performance in entrance exams like JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, state-level exams (like KCET, AP EAMCET, TS EAMCET), or university-specific exams plays a major role. A high rank increases your chances for CS or ECE.

  • Category and Reservation : SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or other reserved categories may have lower cut-off ranks for CS and ECE branches.

  • College Preference : Top colleges like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and top private universities have higher cut-offs for CS and ECE. Mid-tier or private colleges may offer more flexibility with lower ranks.

  • State Quota vs. All India Quota : Home state students often have a better chance under the state quota.

  • Gender-Based Quotas : Some institutions offer female-only seats or relaxed cut-offs for girls.

If you mention your entrance exam name, rank or percentile, category, and state, I can give a more specific answer.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

Yes, you can get admission to M.Tech at CBIT without a GATE score by qualifying through TSPGECET.

  • You must have a B.Tech or equivalent degree in a related field.

  • If you have a valid TSPGECET rank, you can apply under the regular counseling process (Category A).

  • If you do not have a TSPGECET rank, you may apply under Category B (management quota), where admission is based on your qualifying degree marks and seat availability.

  • M.Tech specializations at CBIT include Computer Science Engineering, Computer Networks and Information Security, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and Information Technology.

  • Cutoff ranks for TSPGECET vary every year depending on competition and seats.

  • Category B admissions do not have a fixed cutoff; selection depends on merit and seat availability.

For exact cutoffs and seat details, you need to check with CBIT or the Telangana State Council of Higher Education during the admission process.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

GATE BT (Biotechnology) score of 350, you have a good chance of securing admission to Delhi Technological University (DTU) for M.Tech in Biotechnology or related programs.

DTU M.Tech Admission via GATE

  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    • You must have a valid GATE score in Biotechnology (BT) or a related discipline.

    • A minimum of 60% (or equivalent CGPA) in your B.Tech/B.E (Biotech or related field) from a recognized university.

Cutoff Trends :

DTU's cutoff for GATE BT usually ranges between 300-400 (varies yearly based on competition.

Unfortunately, you've missed the GATE 2025 exam registration deadline, which was initially September 20, 2024, and later extended to October 3, 2024, for regular registration, with a late fee option available until October 7, 2024. Since the exam dates are already scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025, you won't be able to apply for this year's exam.


However, here are some potential options to consider:


- Prepare for GATE 2026: You can start preparing for the next year's exam, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and stay updated on the application process.

- Explore other exams: Look into other entrance exams for postgraduate programs, such as those offered by individual universities or institutions.

- Check eligibility for other programs: If you're interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree, research other programs that don't require GATE scores.


To better prepare for future exams, focus on

- Understanding the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.

- Creating a study plan: Develop a structured study schedule, covering all relevant topics.

- Practicing with mock tests: Regularly take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.


Keep in mind that GATE scores are valid for three years, so if you plan to take the exam in 2026, your score will be valid until 2029.

IITs that accept GATE for M.Tech:

IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and others.

NITs that accept GATE for M.Tech:

NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Surathkal, NIT Rourkela, NIT Calicut, NIT Durgapur, NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, and more.

Both IITs and NITs use your GATE score for M.Tech admission through online counseling systems like COAP an d CCMT.


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