GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026

GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026

Edited By Jalla Venkatesh | Updated on Mar 29, 2025 03:54 PM IST | #GATE

GATE 2026 Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus - IIT Guwahat will release the GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026 on the official website. Candidates can download the GATE Polymer Science and Engineering syllabus pdf from this page. The GATE 2026 syllabus will provide a detailed outline of all the topics required for exam preparation. The detailed GATE 2026 polymer science and engineering will be updated here once released. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam in online mode.

GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026
GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2026

The polymer science & engineering is an optional paper for candidates attempting the GATE 2026 engineering paper(XE). The complete Polymer sciences and engineering syllabus for the GATE exam will be available in this article. Candidates can also attempt the GATE 2026 mock test to get familiar with the pattern of the exam.

GATE 2026 Polymer Science and Engineering Test Code

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.

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GATE 2026 Polymer Science & Engineering(XE-F) Syllabus

IIT Guwahati will release 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.

GATE 2026 Polymer science & engineering

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)

1. Is GATE 2026 Polymer sciences & engineering syllabus released?

No, IIT Guwahati will release the GATE polymer sciences & engineering syllabus on the official website,.

2. When is the GATE 2026 polymer science & engineering exam?

The GATE 2026 polymer science & engineering exam will be held in online mode.

3. Can I write other papers along with the GATE polymer sciences & engineering subject?

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.

4. How many marks are in the Polymer sciences & engineering paper?

The GATE polymer sciences & engineering 2026 paper is a total of 35 marks.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

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.

Hello there,

With a GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) score of 630, getting admission to the M.Tech program in Instrumentation and Integrated Electronics at IIT Kharagpur is unlikely.

Key points:

  • The closing GATE score for this program in 2024 was around 608 for the general category.

  • For reserved categories, cutoffs are lower (OBC around 573, SC around 337, ST around 248).

  • Admission depends on GATE score and sometimes an interview.

Recommendations:

  • You can consider applying to other IITs or NITs where your score may meet the cutoff for similar courses.

  • Explore other reputed institutes offering M.Tech in Instrumentation and Electronics.

  • If this field is important for you, consider preparing to improve your GATE score for the next attempt.


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, a student waiting for the final semester (S6 or S8) result but has passed all other semesters and holds a valid GATE score can apply for M.Tech admission.

However, final admission usually depends on:

  • Clearing all pending semester exams before the admission deadline.

  • Submission of the final semester marksheet or provisional certificate when required.

Colleges may allow provisional admission based on GATE and previous results, but you must clear the remaining semester to continue the course.


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.

The time needed to prepare for the GATE exam varies greatly depending on individual factors like study habits, whether the concepts are clear or not and etc...However, a timeframe of 1 to 2 years is generally recommended for serious preparation, especially if you're aiming for a good rank.

If your basics are clear and you are well known with the concepts then focus on pyq's and give mock tests and re-revise the syllabus. But if your preparation is not that much good then I would suggest that give a complete one year time and prepare well and then appear for the Exam.

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