GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus: IIT Guwahati published the GATE Physics syllabus 2026 on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus on this page. The GATE syllabus includes 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 on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.
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Preparing with the GATE Physics syllabus helps candidates secure good marks in the exam. Along with the syllabus, candidates should review the GATE 2026 exam pattern for effective preparation. Additionally, practising 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 has released the GATE Physics syllabus on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. 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.
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. |
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the GATE 2026 physics syllabus has bee released on August 8, 2025.
Every year GATE is conducted by any of the IIT or IISc, and this year it will be conducted by IIT Guwahati.
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 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.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello there,
For GATE Aerospace Engineering , here is a concise list of essential books to cover all important topics:
Aerodynamics:
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics – John D. Anderson Jr.
Aerodynamics for Engineering Students – Houghton & Carpenter
Flight Mechanics / Performance / Stability:
Introduction to Flight – John D. Anderson Jr.
Aircraft Performance & Design – John D. Anderson Jr.
Propulsion:
Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion – Hill & Peterson
Gas Turbines – V. Ganesan
Structures:
A Textbook of Strength of Materials – R.K. Bansal
Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students – T.H.G. Megson
Space Mechanics:
Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students – Howard D. Curtis
Engineering Mathematics:
Advanced Engineering Mathematics – Erwin Kreyszig / R.K. Jain & S.R.K. Iyengar
Practice:
GATE Aerospace mock tests and previous years’ solved papers.
Focus on these books to strengthen concepts, practice numericals, and revise efficiently for the exam.
To download free study materials for your exam,
CLICK HERE
.
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,
Yes, the GATE exam is valued for M.Sc. Microbiology in some institutes.
Many IITs, IISc, and some top universities accept GATE scores for admission to M.Sc. or integrated PhD programmes in Microbiology and related fields.
It is more commonly used for M.Tech/PhD admissions, but for M.Sc. Microbiology, a few institutes also consider GATE.
Some universities may prefer their own entrance exams instead.
It is best to check the admission rules of the specific university or institute you are interested in.
Hope it helps !
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.
Here’s a concise 5-point version you can use:
Know syllabus & pattern: Focus on core subjects of your branch and General Aptitude.
Study material: Use UG textbooks, reference books, and previous year GATE papers.
Plan & practice: Make a daily/weekly schedule, solve problems, and revise regularly.
Mock tests & accuracy: Take weekly mock tests, analyze mistakes, and improve speed.
PSU recruitment: Apply to PSUs like NTPC, IOCL, BHEL, ONGC, GAIL based on GATE scores; some conduct interviews.
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 !
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