GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 Free PDF Download

GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 Free PDF Download

Edited By Samridhi Mishra | Updated on Apr 11, 2025 11:38 AM IST | #GATE

GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 - IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 Psychology syllabus. The GATE Psychology syllabus pdf download is available on this page. The GATE 2026 syllabus consists of topics that will be tested in the GATE exam. Candidates must prepare all the topics mentioned in the GATE Psychology syllabus 2026. The authority will prepare the GATE question paper as per the GATE 2026 Psychology syllabus. Candidates can check the topics-wise GATE Psychology syllabus on this page.
Direct link to download the previous year's GATE Psychology syllabus PDF

GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 Free PDF Download
GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 Free PDF Download

Along with the syllabus, candidates must check the GATE 2026 exam pattern. The GATE Psychology exam pattern is updated on this page. Knowledge of the GATE Psychology syllabus will help in planning for the exam effectively. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam in February 2026.

GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026

Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati will publish the GATE Psychology syllabus 2026 PDF on its official website. The GATE Psychology syllabus PDF download has 9 chapters. The Psychology paper (XH-C5) will have two compulsory sections- General Aptitude and the Reasoning and Comprehension section. Candidates can check the topic-wise GATE Psychology syllabus based on the previous year's notification below.

GATE General Aptitude Syllabus for Psychology

Chapter
Topics
GATE GA Syllabus for Verbal Aptitude
  • Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech
  • Basic vocabulary: words, idioms, and phrases in context, reading and comprehension, Narrative sequencing.
GATE GA Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing data), 2- and 3-dimensional plots, maps, and tables
  • Numerical computation and estimation: ratios, percentages, powers, exponents and logarithms, permutations and combinations, and series Mensuration and geometry Elementary statistics and probability.
GATE GA Syllabus for Analytical Aptitude
  • Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations and reasoning
GATE GA Syllabus for Spatial Aptitude
  • Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions.
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GATE Psychology Syllabus 2026 Chapter Wise

Chapters

Topics

GATE Psychology syllabus for Research Methods and Statistics

Approaches to Research: Philosophical worldviews & criteria involved in approach. Research design: quantitative & qualitative, mixed methods. Designing Research: Research problems, purpose statement, Variables and Operational Definitions, Hypothesis, Sampling. Nature of Quantitative & Qualitative Research: Structured, semi-structured interviewing, self-completion questionnaires (Survey), observation, Experimental, Quasi-experimental, Field studies, Focus group discussions, Narratives, Case studies, Ethnography. Ethics in conducting and reporting research. Statistics in Psychology: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion. Normal Probability Curve. Parametric and Non-parametric tests Effect size and Power analysis. Correlational Analysis: Correlation [Product Moment, Rank Order], Partial correlation, multiple correlation. Special Correlation Methods: Biserial, Point biserial, tetrachoric, phi coefficient. Regression: Simple linear regression, Multiple regression. Factor analysis: Assumptions, Methods, Rotation and Interpretation. Experimental Designs: ANOVA [One-way, Factorial], Randomized Block Designs, Repeated Measures Design, Latin Square, Cohort studies, Time series, MANOVA, ANCOVA. Single-subject designs.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Psychometrics

Foundations of Psychological measurement; Basic components: scales and items’ Construction and analysis of items: Intelligence test items, performance tests, Ability & Aptitude test, Personality questionnaires. Method of test construction, Standardization of measures: Reliability, Validity, Norms, Application of assessment and measurements in Tests— Applications of psychological testing in various education, counselling and guidance, clinical, organizational and developmental.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Biological and Evolutionary Basis of Behaviour

Heredity and behaviour Evolution and natural selection, Nervous system, structures of the brain and their functions, Neurons: Structure, functions, types, neural impulse, synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters. Hemispheric lateralization, The endocrine system types and functions, Biological basis of Motivation: Hunger, Thirst, Sleep and Sex. Biological basis of emotion: The Limbic system, Hormonal regulation of behaviour. Methods of Physiological Psychology: Invasive methods – Anatomical methods, degeneration techniques, lesion techniques, chemical methods, microelectrode studies, Noninvasive methods – EEG, Scanning methods, Muscular and Glandular system: Genetics and behaviour: Chromosomal anomalies; Nature-Nurture controversy [Twin studies and adoption studies]

GATE Psychology syllabus for Perception, Learning, Memory and Forgetting

What is sensation, sensory thresholds and sensory adaptations, Vision, hearing, touch and pain, smell and taste, kinesthesis and vestibular sense, Perception: role of attention; organizing principles of perception, gestalt perception, depth perception and illusions, Theories of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning theory, cognitive learning, Memory: encoding, storage, retrieval, Information processing theories of memory, Retrieval in Long term memory, reconstructive nature of long-term memory, Forgetting: encoding failure, interference theory, memory trace decay theory, the physical aspects of memory.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Cognition

Thinking, Intelligence and Language: Basic elements of thought: Concepts, Propositions, Imagery. Current paradigms of cognitive psychology – Information processing approach, ecological approach, Problem solving: Methods of problem solving, Strategies and obstacles, Role of Metacognitive processing, decision-making: choosing among alternatives, Intelligence: Theories of intelligence (Spearman; Thurstone; Jensen; Cattell; Gardner; Stenberg) and Emotional Intelligence; Measuring intelligence, Individual differences in Intelligence; Role of heredity and environment, Difference between Intelligence, Aptitude and Creativity.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Personality

Theories of personality, Psychoanalytic, behaviourist, social cognitive view, humanism and trait and type theories, Biology of personality and Assessment of personality.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Motivation, Emotion and Stress and Coping

Approaches to understanding motivation: instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, incentive, humanistic, Achievement motivation, Intrinsic motivation, aggression, curiosity and exploration, Emotions: nature of emotions; biological basis of emotions, Theories of emotions: James-Lange, Canon-Bard, Schachter and Singer, Lazarus, Definition of stress; what are stressors; cognitive factors in stress, Factors in stress reaction: General adaptation syndrome; effect of stress, Coping with stress: problem-focused coping; emotion-focused coping, REBT and meditation

GATE Psychology syllabus for Social Psychology

Social perception: Attribution; impression formation; social categorization, implicit personality theory, Social influence: conformity, compliance and obedience, Attitudes, beliefs and values: Evaluating the social world, attitude formation, attitude change and persuasion, cognitive dissonance, Prejudice, discrimination, Aggression, power and prosocial behaviour, Belief systems and value patterns. Group dynamics, leadership style and effectiveness, Theories of intergroup relations and conflicts.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Development Across the Life Span

Nature versus nurture in human development, Prenatal development: Chromosomes, Genes and DNA. Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development in infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, Theories of aging, Moral development.

GATE Psychology syllabus for Applications of Psychology

Psychological disorders: Conceptions of mental disorders; Assessment and diagnosis, DSM and Other tools, PTSD and Trauma; Psychotherapies: Psychodynamic, Phenomenological/Experiential therapy; Behaviour therapy; cognitive therapy; biological therapy, Applications of theories of motivation and learning in School: Factors in educational achievement; counselling & guidance in schools, Application of theories of motivation, learning, emotions, perceptions, group dynamics & leadership to organizational setup, Issues of Personal space, crowding, and territoriality.

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GATE 2026 Psychology Exam pattern

The authority will release the GATE Psychology 2026 exam pattern on the official website. Candidates can check the exam pattern of GATE for Psychology below.

GATE Psychology Exam Pattern

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Section

  • General Aptitude (GA)

  • Reasoning and Comprehension (XH-B1)

  • Psychology (XH-C5)

Type of Questions

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Total Marks

100 Marks

Marking Scheme

All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

GATE Negative Marking

  • MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response.

  • No negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

  • No partial marking for MSQ type questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I start preparing for GATE 2026?

Candidates must begin their GATE preparation as soon as possible. GATE exam aspirants must refer to the GATE syllabus 2026 before beginning their preparations.

2. Which IIT will take GATE 2026?

IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam in online mode.

3. How to prepare for GATE Psychology 2026?

Candidates can start their GATE preparation for Psychology by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. After which they must attempt the GATE mock test online.

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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.

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.


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