GATE Chemical Engineering Syllabus 2026 - Download CH Syllabus PDF

GATE Chemical Engineering Syllabus 2026 - Download CH Syllabus PDF

Ongoing Event

GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 19 Aug 2025, 06:50 PM IST

GATE 2026 Syllabus for Chemical Engineering - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE Chemical Engineering 2026 syllabus pdf online on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Chemical Engineering syllabus on this page. The syllabus contains the topics that will be covered in the Graduate Aptitude Test Engineering. The CH paper will have questions from General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Chemical Engineering. The GATE question paper will be formulated strictly as per the GATE 2026 Chemical Engineering syllabus. To score well in the GATE exam 2026, candidates are advised to cover all the topics listed in the GATE Chemical Engineering syllabus 2026. The authority has scheduled the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2025.

GATE Chemical Engineering Syllabus 2026 - Download CH Syllabus PDF
GATE Syllabus for Chemical Engineering

The exam conducting authority will announce the complete information brochure of the GATE 2026 exam for Chemical Engineering. Read the article for the GATE exam pattern, the GATE chemical engineering syllabus pdf, and the best books for GATE Chemical Engineering.

GATE 2026 Syllabus for Chemical Engineering

IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 syllabus for CH PDF on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the topics in the GATE CH syllabus 2026 below. The major topics that will be included in the GATE 2026 CE syllabus are:

  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Process Calculations and Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations
  • Heat Transfer
  • Mass Transfer
  • Chemical Reaction Engineering
  • Instrumentation and Process Control
  • Plant Design and Economics
  • Chemical Technology

GATE 2026 Syllabus for CH - Topics from Chemical Engineering

The GATE syllabus 2026 has been updated on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE syllabus 2026 on this page.

Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
Linear AlgebraMatrix algebra, Systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Calculus
Functions of a single variable, Limit, continuity and differentiability, Taylor series, Mean value theorems, Evaluation of definite and improper integrals, Partial derivatives, Total derivative, Maxima and minima, Gradient, Divergence and Curl, Vector identities, Directional derivatives, Line, Surface and Volume integrals, Stokes, Gauss and Green’s theorems.

Differential equations

First-order equations (linear and nonlinear), Higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients, Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, Initial and boundary value problems, Laplace transforms, Solutions of one-dimensional heat and wave equations, and Laplace equation.


Complex variablesComplex number, polar form of complex number, triangle inequality.
Probability and StatisticsDefinitions of probability and sampling theorems, Conditional probability, Mean, median, mode and standard deviation, Random variables, Poisson, Normal and Binomial distributions, Linear regression analysis.
Numerical MethodsNumerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations. Integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule. Single and multi-step methods for numerical solution of differential equations.

Section 2- Process Calculations and Thermodynamics
Steady and unsteady state mass and energy balances include multiphase, multicomponent, reacting, and non-reacting systems. Use of tie components; recycle, bypass and purge calculations; Gibb’s phase rule and degree of freedom analysis.

First and Second laws of thermodynamics. Applications of first law to close and open systems. Second law and Entropy. Thermodynamic properties of pure substances: Equation of State and residual properties, properties of mixtures: partial molar properties, fugacity, excess properties and activity coefficients; phase equilibria: predicting VLE of systems; chemical reaction equilibrium.

Section 3 - Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical OperationsFluid statics, surface tension, Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, transport properties, shell-balances including differential form of Bernoulli equation and energy balance, equation of continuity, equation of motion, equation of mechanical energy, Macroscopic friction factors, dimensional analysis and similitude, flow through pipeline systems, velocity profiles, flow meters, pumps and compressors, elementary boundary layer theory, flow past immersed bodies including packed and fluidized beds, Turbulent flow: fluctuating velocity, universal velocity profile and pressure drop.

Particle size and shape, particle size distribution, size reduction and classification of solid particles; free and hindered settling; centrifuge and cyclones; thickening and classification, filtration, agitation and mixing; conveying of solids.

Section 4 - Heat TransferEquation of energy, steady and unsteady heat conduction, convection and radiation, thermal boundary layer and heat transfer coefficients, boiling, condensation and evaporation; types of heat exchangers and evaporators and their process calculations; design of double pipe, shell and tube heat exchangers, and single and multiple effect evaporators.
Section 5 - Mass Transfer
Fick’s laws, molecular diffusion in fluids, mass transfer coefficients, film, penetration and surface renewal theories; momentum, heat and mass transfer analogies; stage-wise and continuous contacting and stage efficiencies; HTU & NTU concepts; design and operation of equipment for distillation, absorption, leaching, liquid-liquid extraction, drying, humidification, dehumidification and adsorption, membrane separations(microfiltration, ultra-filtration, nano-filtration and reverse osmosis).

Section 6 - Chemical Reaction Engineering
Theories of reaction rates; kinetics of homogeneous reactions, interpretation of kinetic data, single and multiple reactions in ideal reactors, kinetics of enzyme reactions (Michaelis-Menten and Monod models), non-ideal reactors; residence time distribution, single parameter model; non-isothermal reactors; kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions; diffusion effects in catalysis; rate and performance equations for catalyst deactivation.


Section 7 - Instrumentation and Process Control
Measurement of process variables; sensors and transducers; P&ID equipment symbols; process modelling and linearization, transfer functions and dynamic responses of various systems, systems with the inverse response, process reaction curve, controller modes (P, PI, and PID); control valves; transducer dynamics; analysis of closed-loop systems including stability, frequency response, controller tuning, cascade, and feed-forward control.
Section 8 - Plant Design and Economics
Principles of process economics and cost estimation including depreciation and total annualized cost, cost indices, rate of return, payback period, discounted cash flow, optimization in process design, and sizing of chemical engineering equipment such as heat exchangers and multistage contactors.

Section 9 - Chemical Technology

Inorganic chemical industries (sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, chloralkali industry), fertilizers (Ammonia, Urea, SSP and TSP); natural products industries (Pulp and Paper, Sugar, Oil, and Fats); petroleum refining and petrochemicals; polymerization industries (polyethene, polypropylene, PVC, and polyester synthetic fibres).

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GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for Chemical Engineering

Candidates can find below the exam pattern of GATE Chemical Engineering 2026. GATE Chemical Engineering question papers are based on the topics mentioned in the gate CH syllabus pdf. Candidates are advised to prepare for the exam as per the exact exam pattern and GATE Chemical Engineering syllabus 2026 pdf to score good marks in the GATE 2026 exam.

Pattern of Questions

The GATE 2026 Chemical Engineering paper will contain two types of questions:

Multiple Choice Questions carrying 1 and 2 marks, each having a choice of four answers

Numerical Ability Type (NAT) questions for which the answers have to be entered by using the virtual keyboard in the monitor.

Marking Scheme

Students can find the GATE 2026 marking scheme below

● The General Aptitude part will carry a total of 15 marks. There will be a total of 5 questions carrying 1 mark each and 5 questions carrying 2 marks each.

● The Chemical Engineering part will contain 25 questions carrying 1 mark each and 30 questions carrying 2 marks each.

Previous Year GATE Question Papers:

Reference Books for GATE 2026 Syllabus for Chemical Engineering

Reference Books

Authors

Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering

David M. Himmelblau

Thermodynamics

A Textbook of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics - K. V. Narayanan.

An Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics-J. M. Smith, H. C. Van Ness, M. M. Abbott

Fluid Mechanics

Introduction to Fluid Mechanics by Yunus A. Cengel, John M. Cimbala

Introduction to Fluid Mechanics- Fox and Mcdonald

Chemical Engineering for GATE

Ram Prasad

Engineering Mathematics

B.S. Grewal

Transport Phenomena

R. Byron Bird, Warren E. Stewart, Edwin N. Lightfoot

Chemical Technology

Dryden’s Outlines of Chemical Technology by Gopala Rao M. and Marshall S

Mass Transfer

Mass Transport Phenomena- Christie J. Geankoplis

Mass Transfer Operations-Robert E. Treybal

Heat Transfer

Heat Transfer- Binay K. Dutta

Heat Transfer - Jack Philip Holman

Mechanical Operation

Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering -Warren McCabe, Julian Smith, Peter Harriott

Mechanical Operation For Chemical Engineering by Narayanan C. M. & Bhattacharyya B. C

Chemical Reaction Engineering

Chemical Reaction Engineering- Fogler & Gurmen

Chemical Reaction Engineering- Octave Levenspiel

Process Dynamics and Control

Process Systems Analysis and Control - Donald R. Coughanowr & Steven E. LeBlanc

Chemical Process Control

An Introduction To Theory And Practice- Stephanopoulos.

Process dynamics and control - Seborg, D.E., Edgar, T.F. and Mellichamp, D.A

Plant design and Economics- Peters M. S. and Timmerhaus K. D

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will GATE Chemical Engineering 2026 include Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions?
A:

Yes, GATE Chemical Engineering 2026 includes Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. NAT questions are a part of the GATE examination in all subjects. These questions do not have negative marking for incorrect answers, and candidates need to enter their answers using a virtual keyboard. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in GATE, on the other hand, may have negative marking based on the question's value.

Q: What is GATE 2026 Chemical engineering syllabus?
A:

The syllabus of GATE Chemical Engineering 2026 includes chemical technology, heat transfer, mass transfer, chemical engineering, thermodynamics, etc.

Q: Who is eligible for GATE chemical engineering?
A:

Candidates must either be in their final or third year of undergraduate study in engineering or technology, have obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology, or be in their last year of study, nearing graduation, or having completed a graduate degree in a relevant field of science.

Q: Which books to refer for GATE Chemical engineering syllabus 2026?
A:

The best books for the preparation of GATE 2026 chemical engineering include Chemical Engineering for GATE by Ram Prasad, Engineering Mathematics by BS Grewal, Heat Transfer by Binay K. Dutta, Heat Transfer by Jack Philip Holman, etc.

Q: How to download GATE 2026 Chemical engineering syllabus?
A:

Candidates can download the GATE Chemical Engineering syllabus 2026 from the GATE official website. 

Q: What is the marks distribution for GATE 2026 chemical engineering exam?
A:

In the exam, the General Aptitude section holds a weightage of 15%, while the Engineering Mathematics and Chemical Engineering sections collectively account for 85% of the total weightage. Each question in the exam is assigned a fixed mark value, either 1 or 2, as determined by the examination authorities.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

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
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https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers

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Hello,

You can download GATE Previous Year Question Papers either from the official website of GATE 2026, or from Careers360. Here are the links for both :

Official Website : Download GATE Previous Papers (https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/download.html)

Careers360 : GATE Question Papers with Solutions

Hope it helps !

To take GATE mock tests, first choose a reliable source like GATE official portal, NPTEL, Made Easy, or ACE Engineering. Sign up or register online to access the full-length tests. Simulate the actual 3-hour exam with proper timing and no distractions. Attempt complete tests to practice time management and exam strategy. After each test, analyze your performance to identify weak areas and revise. Regularly taking 1–2 mocks per week helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.