GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
How to Prepare for GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026? - If you're planning to appear for the GATE 2026 ME exam, the first step is to thoroughly understand the GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering syllabus, which includes core topics such as Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Manufacturing Technology, and more. The syllabus is available in PDF format on the official GATE 2026 website.
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GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level examination that tests candidates' knowledge and understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Science, and Architecture. The GATE 2026 exam for Mechanical Engineering will be organized by IIT Guwahati. To kickstart your preparation, design a realistic study plan and timetable. Use standard reference books, solve previous years’ question papers, and consider enrolling in coaching classes or online programs if needed.
Knowledge of exam patterns helps the candidate to understand details like mode of examination, number of sections, number of questions, type of questions, marking scheme and much more. Thus, candidates can refer to the following table to know about the exam pattern of Mechanical Engineering GATE paper.
GATE 2026 ME Exam Pattern
Particulars | Details |
Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Number of Questions | 65 Questions |
Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Type of Questions | There will be two types of question
|
Number of sections | Three sections -
|
Marking Scheme | For 1 mark questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted every wrong answer. 2 marks questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response. There is no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions |
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It is very important to know about the exact syllabus of GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026 paper so that the candidates don’t end up studying wrong topics for the exam. Following table can be referred to know about the Mechanical Engineering syllabus for GATE 2026.
S.No | Sections | Topics |
1 | Engineering Mathematics |
|
2 | Applied Mechanics and Design |
|
3 | Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences |
|
4 | Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering |
|
For detailed GATE ME Syllabus - Click here
Here, we are providing some preparation tips for GATE 2026 ME Paper. Candidates can refer to all these points and incorporate them to make a better study plan for cracking GATE ME paper 2026 .
Understand the exam pattern and syllabus - Candidates must understand the exam pattern and syllabus of Mechanical Engineering GATE 2026 paper beforehand in order to know details like number of sections, mode of exam, type of questions, etc. and to study the right topics for the exam. Both the exam pattern and syllabus is already mentioned in the article.
Time Management - After understanding the syllabus, it is important that you complete the entire syllabus before time and give ample time for the preparation of every section of the exam. So, make a timetable and follow it religiously.
Important Topics - Candidates should take up the important topics for GATE 2026 ME paper first and complete them. Studying important topics first will make your preparation stronger. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to ignore other topics; the entire syllabus has to be covered.
Question Papers and Mock tests - Candidates should practice more and more previous year GATE question papers as well as mock tests. Practicing previous year papers will help the candidates to understand the level of exam and the type of questions asked in the exam. Similarly, GATE 2026 mock tests will help the candidates to get the real feel of the examination and also analyse their performance.
Quick Links:
GATE ME Question Papers
Year | Question Paper Link | Final Answer Key |
Mechanical Engineering (ME) GATE Paper 2020 | Click Here (ME-1) | |
Click Here (ME-2) | ||
Mechanical Engineering (ME) GATE Paper 2019 | ||
S.No | Topics | Topics to be emphasized |
1 | Engineering Mechanics | Resolving Forces, Equilibrium, Equilibrium And Truss |
2 | Design of Machine Elements | Principles of the Design of Machine Elements such as Riveted, Bolted and Welded Joints, Shafts,, Rolling And Sliding Contact Bearings, Spur Gears, Brakes And Clutches. Fatigue Strength And The S-N Diagram; Design For Static And Dynamic Loading; Failure Theories |
3 | Fluid Mechanics | Bernoulli’s Law, Simple & Differential Piezometer, Pressure Column Height Calculation, Reynold’s No. Calculation, Hydraulic Power, Nozzle Velocity of Turbines, Tapered Sections, Force Calculation, Pump Parameters (Speed, Power, Discharge) |
4 | Theory of Machines | Torsion, S-N curve, strain energy, Flywheel, Gear train, Linear Vibration Analysis of Mechanical systems (Goodman or Soderberg or Gerber Criteria), Degrees of Freedom, Instantaneous Centre Method, Clutch Power, Brake Power, Belt Drive, D.O.F. Of Mechanisms, Simple Gearing Ratio Spur Gears, Type Of Mechanism Simple Spur Gear Main, Quick Return Mechanism, Mobility |
5 | Industrial Engineering | Scheduling And Johnson's Rule Time Study, Forecasting Model, Work Study And Measurement, CPM, PERT, EOQ, Standard Time, Demand, LPP Problems (Graphical Queuing Model, Break Even Analysis, Poisson’s Arrivals & Departures. |
6 | Manufacturing Engineering | Heat & Power Required In Welding, Machining (Milling, Drilling, EDM, ECM) Tool Geometry, Punching, Blanking, Force; Orthogonal Machining, Transformations, Solidification Time, CNC Machine G Codes And M Codes , Sheet Metal, Various Types Of Fits. |
7 | Strength of Materials | Principle stress and strain BMD and SFD, Macaulay’s theorem (slope & deflection), Problems On Various Theories Of Failure Thin Pressure Vessels, Torques, Bending Moment Calculation. |
8 | Strength of Materials | Concepts, Generally Theories Of Failure, Mohr's Circle |
9 | Thermal Science | T-S diagrams, P-V diagrams, Rankine Cycle, Brayton Cycle, Regeneration in steam cycles, and other cycles, enthalpy calculations, C.O.P. parameters of I.C. Engine, DBT, WBT, Relations, Exit Temperature In Various Stages Of Cycles , Pressure of Nozzle, Compressor Work Calculations, Work Done |
10 | Thermo Dynamics | First Law Of Thermodynamics, Second Law Of Thermodynamics, Properties Of Pure Substances, Cycles, Turbines, Refrigeration, Work & Heat, Entropy. |
11 | Heat Transfer | Heat Exchanger (Parallel & Counter Flow) Outlet Temp. Calculation, Efficiency Calculation, LMTD, Convection, Conduction, Radiation, Biot Number, Prandtl Number, Heat Transfer through Slabs, Shells, Cylinders, Condenser. |
12 | Vibrations | Finding Natural Frequencies (Underdamped, Critically Damped, Overdamped), Single D.O.F |
Following are some of the important books for GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering paper. Candidates can refer to them for their preparations.
Machine Design by V.B. Bhandari.
Engineering Mechanics by Bhavikatti.
Fluid Mechanics by R K Bansal.
Engineering Mechanics by Beer and Johnston.
Heat and Mass Transfer by J P Hollman and R C Sachdeva.
Industrial Engineering by O P Khanna, Buffa and Sarin.
Strength of Materials - Gere & Timoshenko.
Engineering Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag.
Theory of Machines by Ratan.
Mechanical Vibration by Grover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati. The exam is typically held in February, and IIT Guwahati is expected to announce the official dates in the last week of August 2025. GATE is a national-level exam used for admissions to postgraduate programs at IITs, IISc, and other universities, as well as for recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
To start preparing for GATE 2026, begin by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, creating a structured study plan, gathering quality resources, and practicing regularly. Focus on conceptual understanding and time management, and consider using mock tests and previous year's papers to assess your progress.
The GATE exam pattern remains mostly consistent each year. However, any changes, if introduced, will be officially communicated on the GATE website before the exam.
Your exam date will be provided in your GATE admit card, which can be downloaded from the official website a few weeks before the exam.
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
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