GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2026 Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026 on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can download the GATE Polymer Science and Engineering syllabus pdf from this page. The GATE 2026 syllabus provides a detailed outline of all the topics required for exam preparation. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026. The detailed GATE 2026 polymer science and engineering is updated here. The complete Polymer sciences and engineering syllabus for the GATE exam is available in this article.
Direct link to download the GATE 2026 Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus
The polymer science & engineering is an optional paper for candidates attempting the GATE 2026 engineering paper(XE). Candidates can also attempt the GATE 2026 mock test to get familiar with the pattern of the exam.
The GATE 2026 Polymer Science & Engineering test code is XE-F. It is essential for candidates appearing for the exam to be familiar with the test code. The GATE 2026 Polymer Science & Engineering paper is an optional subject for candidates choosing to attempt the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences (XE) paper.
IIT Guwahati released the detailed GATE 2026 syllabus for Polymer Science and Engineering on the official website. The syllabus comprises eight sections covering various topics. The complete list of sections and subtopics for GATE Polymer Science and Engineering 2026 is provided below.
Chapters | Topics |
Section 1: Chemistry of High Polymers | Monomers, functionality, degree of polymerizations, classification of polymers, glass transition, melting transition, criteria for rubberiness, polymerization methods: addition and condensation; their kinetics, metallocene polymers and other newer methods of polymerization, copolymerization, monomer reactivity ratios and its significance, kinetics, different copolymers, random, alternating, azeotropic copolymerization, block and graft copolymers, techniques for polymerization-bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion. Concept of intermolecular order (morphology) – amorphous, crystalline, orientation states. Factor affecting crystallinity. Crystalline transition. Effect of morphology on polymer properties. |
Section 2: Polymer Characterization | Solubility and swelling, Concept of molecular weight distribution and its significance, concept of average molecular weight, determination of number average, weight average, viscosity average and Z-average molecular weights, polymer crystallinity, analysis of polymers using IR, XRD, thermal (DSC, DMTA, TGA), microscopic (optical and electronic) techniques, Molecular wt. distribution: Broad and Narrow, GPC, Mooney viscosity. |
Section 3: Synthesis, Manufacturing and Properties | Commodity and general purpose thermoplastics: PE, PP, PS, PVC, Polyesters, Acrylic, PU polymers. Engineering Plastics: Nylon, PC, PBT, PSU, PPO, ABS, Fluoropolymers Thermosetting polymers: Polyurethane, PF, MF, UF, Epoxy, Unsaturated polyester, Alkyds. Natural and synthetic rubbers: Recovery of NR hydrocarbon from latex; SBR, Nitrile, CR, CSM, EPDM, IIR, BR, Silicone, TPE, Speciality plastics: PEK, PEEK, PPS, PSU, PES, etc. Biopolymers such as PLA, PHA/PHB. |
Section 4: Polymer Blends and Composites | Difference between blends and composites, their significance, choice of polymers for blending, blend miscibility-miscible and immiscible blends, thermodynamics, phase morphology, polymer alloys, polymer eutectics, plastic-plastic, rubber-plastic and rubber-rubber blends, FRP, particulate, long and short fibre reinforced composites. Polymer reinforcement, reinforcing fibres – natural and synthetic, base polymer for reinforcement (unsaturated polyester), ingredients / recipes for reinforced polymer composite. |
Section 5: Polymer Technology | Polymer compounding-need and significance, different compounding ingredients for rubber and plastics (Antioxidants, Light stabilizers, UV stabilizers, Lubricants, Processing aids, Impact modifiers, Flame retardant, antistatic agents. PVC stabilizers and Plasticizers) and their function, use of carbonblack, polymer mixing equipments, cross-linking and vulcanization, vulcanization kinetics. |
Section 6: Polymer Rheology | Flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, different flow equations, dependence of shear modulus on temperature, molecular/segmental deformations at different zones and transitions. Measurements of rheological parameters by capillary rotating, parallel plate, cone-plate rheometer. Visco-elasticity-creep and stress relaxations, mechanical models, control of rheological characteristics through compounding, rubber curing in parallel plate viscometer, ODR and MDR. |
Section 7: Polymer Processing | Compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, blow molding, reaction injection molding, filament winding, SMC, BMC, DMC, extrusion, pultrusion, calendaring, rotational molding, thermoforming, powder coating, rubber processing in two-roll mill, internal mixer, twin screw extruder. |
Section 8: Polymer Testing. | Mechanical-static and dynamic tensile, flexural, compressive, abrasion, endurance, fatigue, hardness, tear, resilience, impact, toughness. Conductivity-thermal and electrical, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, electric resistance, surface resistivity, volume resistivity, swelling, ageing resistance, environmental stress cracking resistance, limiting oxygen index. Heat deflection temperature – Vicat softening temperature, Brittleness temperature, Glass transition temperature, Co-efficient of thermal expansion, Shrinkage, Flammability, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, Optical Properties - Refractive Index, Luminous Transmittance and Haze, Melt flow index |
Section 9: Polymer Recycling and Waste management | Polymer waste, and its impact on environment, Sources, Identification and Separation techniques, recycling classification, recycling of thermoplastics, thermosets and rubbers, applications of recycled materials. Life cycle assessment of polymer products (case studies like PET bottles, packaging bags). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the GATE polymer sciences & engineering syllabus has been released on the official website.
The GATE 2026 polymer science & engineering exam will be held in online mode.
As GATE 2026 polymer sciences & engineering is one of the optional papers in the GATE engineering sciences paper, candidates should also attempt another optional subject & engineering mathematics paper.
The GATE polymer sciences & engineering 2026 paper is a total of 35 marks.
On Question asked by student community
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.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
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 !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
Ranked amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings).
Apply for Online MBA from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
NAAC A+ Accredited | Scholarships worth 5 CR
Apply for Online MBA from UPES
Apply for an Online MBA from Amity Online.
100+ Industry collaborations | 10+ Years of legacy
