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GATE Thermodynamics Syllabus 2026 - Check Topic Wise Syllabus Weightage

GATE Thermodynamics Syllabus 2026 - Check Topic Wise Syllabus Weightage

Edited By Samridhi Mishra | Updated on Jun 28, 2025 10:50 AM IST | #GATE

GATE Thermodynamics syllabus 2026 - IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 thermodynamics syllabus online on the official website. Candidates can check the detailed GATE Thermodynamics syllabus pdf from this page. Students appearing for the GATE exam must prepare all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. The GATE thermodynamics syllabus includes seven chapters. These include basic concepts of thermodynamics, the First Law of Thermodynamics, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Properties of Pure Substances, Thermodynamic Relations, Thermodynamic Cycles and Ideal Gas Mixtures. The GATE Thermodynamics subject is one of the optional subjects in the Engineering Sciences(XE) paper of the GATE 2026 exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. GATE 2026 Thermodynamics Syllabus
  2. GATE Thermodynamics Exam Pattern 2026
  3. GATE Preparation Tips 2026
GATE Thermodynamics Syllabus 2026 - Check Topic Wise Syllabus Weightage
GATE Thermodynamics Syllabus 2026 - Check Topic Wise Syllabus Weightage

The paper code for Thermodynamics is XE-E. The authorities will prepare the GATE question paper as per the thermodynamics syllabus. Candidates must be thorough with all the topics mentioned in the GATE syllabus will ensure high scores in the GATE exam. Along with the syllabus, candidates must check the GATE2026 exam pattern. Candidates can check the detailed topics-wise GATE thermodynamics syllabus 2026 in this article.

GATE 2026 Thermodynamics Syllabus

IIT Guwahati will publish the GATE thermodynamics syllabus 2026 pdf on the official website. The Engineering Mathematics section is compulsory and holds 15% weightage. The topic-wise GATE thermodynamics syllabus as per the previous year's notification is provided in the table below. The following table will be updated once the official syllabus is released.

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GATE Thermodynamics Syllabus

ChaptersTopics

Basics Concepts

Continuum and macroscopic approach; thermodynamic systems (closed and open); thermodynamic properties and equilibrium; state of a system, state postulate for simple compressible substances, state diagrams, paths and processes on state diagrams; concepts of heat and work, different modes of work; zeroth law of thermodynamics; concept of temperature

First Law of Thermodynamics

Concept of energy and various forms of energy; internal energy, enthalpy; specific heats; first law applied to elementary processes, closed systems and control volumes, steady and unsteady flow analysis

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Limitations of the first law of thermodynamics, concepts of heat engines and heat pumps/refrigerators, Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements and their equivalence; reversible and irreversible processes; Carnot cycle and Carnot principles/theorems; thermodynamic temperature scale; Clausius inequality and concept of entropy; microscopic interpretation of entropy, the principle of increase of entropy, T-s diagrams; second law analysis of control volume; availability and irreversibility; third law of thermodynamics

Properties of Pure Substances

Thermodynamic properties of pure substances in solid, liquid and vapor phases; PvT behaviour of simple compressible substances, phase rule, thermodynamic property tables and charts, ideal and real gases, ideal gas equation of state and van der Waals equation of state; law of corresponding states, compressibility factor and generalized compressibility chart

Thermodynamic Relations

TdS relations, Helmholtz and Gibbs functions, Gibbs relations, Maxwell relations, Joule-Thomson coefficient, coefficient of volume expansion, adiabatic and isothermal compressibilities, Clapeyron and Clapeyron-Clausius equations

Thermodynamic Cycles

Carnot vapor cycle, ideal Rankine cycle, Rankine reheat cycle, air-standard Otto cycle, airstandard Diesel cycle, air-standard Brayton cycle, vapor-compression refrigeration cycle

Ideal Gas Mixtures

Dalton’s and Amagat’s laws, properties of ideal gas mixtures, air-water vapor mixtures and simple thermodynamic processes involving them; specific and relative humidities, dew point and wet bulb temperature, adiabatic saturation temperature, psychrometric chart.

Related links:

GATE Thermodynamics Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates aspiring for the GATE thermodynamics (XE-E) paper must check the exam pattern to familiarise themselves with the question paper format. The authority will release the GATE 2026 thermodynamics exam pattern on the official website. It is important to note that candidates who opt for XE paper have to choose any two subjects.

GATE Thermodynamics Exam Pattern 2026

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Section

  • General Aptitude (GA)

  • Engineering Mathematics (XE-A)

  • Thermodynamics (XE-E)

  • Additional section opted for by the student

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.

GATE Thermodynamics - Other Optional Papers

As per the previous year's GATE thermodynamics paper pattern, candidates have to select an additional GATE exam paper along with thermodynamics. Candidates can check the list of subjects available alongside thermodynamics to appear for the GATE 2026 exam below. The following table will be updated soon after the official announcement.

List of optional subjects under Engineering Sciences

Subjects

GATE Syllabus

Polymer Science and Technology

GATE Polymer Science and Technology syllabus

Solid Mechanics

GATE Solid Mechanics syllabus

Fluid Mechanics

GATE Fluid Mechanics syllabus

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

GATE Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences syllabus

Material Science

GATE syllabus for Material science

Food Technology

GATE Food Technology syllabus

GATE Preparation Tips 2026

Candidates preparing for the upcoming GATE 2026 exam can check the GATE preparation tips. The preparation tips will help candidates prepare for the exam strategically.

  • Understand the GATE 2026 exam pattern and syllabus before starting the preparation.

  • Create a study pattern and follow it rigorously.

  • Know the high-weightage topics of the GATE 2026 syllabus and pay special attention to them.

  • Pick the Correct Reference Materials

  • Know your strengths and work on weaker areas.

  • Attempt mock tests to know the paper pattern.

GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
Check Now

Also check:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the GATE 2026 thermodynamics syllabus released?

No. IIT Guwahati has yet to release the GATE thermodynamics syllabus 2026 online.

2. When should I start preparing for GATE 2026?

Looking at the wide scope of the GATE syllabus 2026, candidates must begin their GATE preparation as soon as possible.

3. What is the syllabus of thermodynamics for GATE?

The GATE thermodynamics syllabus comprises 7 chapters including basic concepts, laws of thermodynamics, properties of pure substances, thermodynamic relations, thermodynamic cycles, and ideal gas mixtures.

4. Who will conduct GATE 2026?

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

5. What is the GATE 2026 exam date?

The GATE 2026 exam dates have yet to be announced.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Yes, you can take admission in M.Tech Computer Science in IITs or NITs through GATE, even if you have completed your B.Tech in Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation from Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Eligibility depends on GATE paper: You need to appear for the GATE Computer Science paper. If your degree has sufficient CS or IT subjects, you’re eligible for this paper.

Each IIT or NIT has its own criteria: While most IITs or NITs accept related branches like IT, some specific institutes might have particular course requirements. So, check the official brochure of each institute.

Admission is based on GATE score and category: A high GATE score improves your chances, especially for top IITs. You’ll also need to apply through COAP for IITs and CCMT for NITs.

So yes, you're eligible, but always cross-check eligibility criteria of the specific institute during admission time

If you're from Bangladesh and currently studying B.Tech in CSE in India, you can appear for the GATE exam in India itself. You don’t need to go back to Bangladesh to write the exam.

Since you're already studying at an Indian institute, you are considered a foreign national studying in India, and you’re allowed to write GATE just like Indian students. You can apply online, choose your exam center in India, and write it here.

Just make sure to have the required documents ready like your valid ID proof, passport or student visa (if asked), and eligibility proof like your college ID or certificate, Everything else in the GATE process remains the same.

Hello Aspirant,

With a GATE 2025 score of 352 and OBC rank 21421 in CSE it can be probable for M.Tech in CSE or AI at JNTUA (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur). In the initial rounds it can be challenging as the cutoffs for CSE/AI are usually high, core branches tend to have low cutoffs relative to all other branches and will only get higher in general rounds. If your only applying for CSE and AI only, you might have a foot in the door with later rounds or spot admissions to fill vacancies from those rejected in the initial rounds or those that declined the offer, if they have not confirmed their seats. Again, keep an eye on either CCMT or on at the university level counselling, soon enough it will be quite an academic year!

Hello

Yes, with a GATE 2025 score of 334 in CS/IT , you can get admission in Telangana through PGECET counselling. GATE qualified candidates get first preference , so you have a decent chance , specially in less competitive colleges or if you have category reservation.

Just register for counselling and fill choices wisely.

GATE qualified candidates are given first preference over PGECET rankers during seat allotment  .

TS PGECET counselling is open to GATE qualifiers from 2023–25  .

Hello Vinod,

Here is your complete time management strategy and roadmap:

Stage 1: Foundation Phase (June 2025 – Dec 2025)

  • Target: Comprehensive conceptual clarity of core EEE subjects.
  • Study Time: 2 - 3 hours daily (other than college work)
  • Subjects: Network Theory, Signals & Systems, Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Machines
  • Weekly Plan: 5 days theory + 2 days review / practice
  • Solve topic-wise PYQ from GATE after every chapter.

Stage 2: Strengthening Phase (Jan 2026 – Oct 2026)

  • Target: Full syllabus + practice + revise
  • Study Time: 3 - 4 hours everyday on weekdays, 6 - 8 hours on saturdays/sundays
  • Complete remaining subjects: Power Systems, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, EMT, Measurements
  • Join in a test series and make summary notes and error logs

Stage 3: Revision & Test Phase (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027)

  • Target: Maximize test performance and accuracy.
  • Study Duration: 6-8 hours every day (focus only on GATE)
  • Plan: Take full length tests 2-3 times a week.
  • Analyze and revise weak areas.
  • Practice numerical types & MSQ.
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