Best Books for GATE 2026- Candidates can check the subject-wise list of best books for GATE 2026 on this page. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually for admission to M.E./M.Tech programs and for recruitment into various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Aspirants aiming to excel in the GATE exam should prepare using the most reliable study materials. The best books for GATE 2026 serve as comprehensive resources that include key concepts, solved questions, previous year papers, and exam patterns—enabling candidates to build strong conceptual clarity and achieve high scores.
By referring to the right books for GATE 2026 preparation, candidates can gain a clear understanding of the syllabus, important chapters, and commonly asked questions. The best books offer detailed explanations, high-weightage topics, and practice problems aligned with the current exam format. In addition to using these recommended books, candidates should also go through the official GATE 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and sample papers to strengthen their preparation strategy and boost their performance in the exam.
Below is the list of the best GATE 2026 books for CSE.
GATE 2026 Books CSE | Name of the Author |
Architecture | Hamacher |
Algorithm | Cormen |
Operating System | Galvin |
TOC - Theory of Computation | Ullman |
Below is the list of the best books for gate preparation ECE.
GATE Exam Books Name | Author/ Publisher |
Electronic Devices Circuits | Millman and Halkias (Black Pad) |
Integrated Electronics | Millman and Halkias |
Switching and Finite Automatic Theory | Kohavi |
Microprocessor and its Applications | Goankar |
Modern Control Systems | Ogata |
GATE Books | Name of the Author |
Concept of Agricultural Engineering | Mohanty Das |
Farm Machinery | Three Authors |
Soil & Water Conservation | VVN Murty |
GATE Exam Books | Name of the Author |
An Insight into Chemical Engineering | M.Subbu |
Chemical Engineering For Gate Principles Solved Problems & Objective Type Questions | Ram Prasad |
Essentials of Chemical Reaction Engineering | Fogler |
Heat Transfer | JP Holman |
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | JM Smith |
Principles of Mass Transfer and Separation Processes | BK Dutta |
Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering | McCabe - FPM and MO |
Candidates are below provided with the GATE 2026 preparation books for Civil Engineering.
GATE Books | Name of the Author |
Environment 1 and 2 | S K Garg |
Fluid mechanics | R K Bansal |
Highway engineering | Khanna and Justo |
Open channel flow and engineering hydrology | K Subramanya |
RCC | Pillai and Menon |
Soil mechanics and foundation engineering | Gopal and Ranjan |
Steel | Bhavikati |
Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
Electrical machines | Nagrath, Kothari |
Fundamentals of circuits | Alexander, Sadiku |
Power Electronics | P S Bhimbhra |
Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
Complete Master Guide GATE | Amresh Singh |
Geophysics | Telford |
Check the list of GATE preparation books for Mechanical Engineering.
Best Books for GATE Mechanical | Name of the Author |
Fluid Mechanics | R.K. Bansal (Numerical point of view), Frank M.White (For understanding) |
Heat Transfer | Cengel (For understanding concept) |
Production Engineering | Swadesh Singh |
Thermodynamics | P.K.Nag |
Theory of Machine (TOM) | S.S. Ratan |
Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
Fluid Mechanics and Machinery | Modi & Seth |
Heat Transfer | Made Easy Class Notes |
IC engine | Mathur Sharma |
Material Science | Made Easy Class Notes & Swadesh Singh |
Machine Design | VB Bhandari |
Production | S K Mondal Notes Swadesh Singh |
Refrigeration | Made Easy Class Notes |
Strength of Material | Sadhu Singh |
Thermodynamics | P.K Nag |
Theory of Machine | SS Ratan |
The candidates can check the list of best books for GATE 2026 from the table given below.
Here is the list of GATE exam preparation books for CSE, CE, EE, ME, and EC.
While preparing for the GATE 2026 exam, selecting the right set of books plays a crucial role in building a strong conceptual foundation and boosting overall performance. Candidates should consider the following key factors when choosing the best books for GATE 2026 preparation:
While preparing for the GATE 2026 exam, selecting the right books can make a big difference in understanding concepts and scoring well. Keep the following points in mind when choosing books:
Easy to Understand
Choose books that explain concepts clearly and simply.
Avoid books that use heavy technical jargon unless necessary.
Concise Explanation
Books should provide crisp and to-the-point explanations.
A concise format helps cover more topics efficiently.
Accurate Information
Ensure the books strictly follow the GATE 2026 syllabus.
Avoid books with outdated or misleading content.
Pictorial Representations
Prefer books that include diagrams, graphs, and flowcharts.
Visual aids enhance understanding and memory retention.
Simple Language
Go for books written in plain, easy-to-grasp language.
Fancy or complex vocabulary may lead to confusion.
You may also like:
To prepare for the GATE exam, a blend is recommended. Candiadtes can use the standard textbooks for understanding, and GATE-specific books for focused practice.
Yes, "A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" and "Quantitative Aptitude" by Arun Sharma.
Absolutely, it helps you understand the exam pattern, and difficulty level and assesses your readiness.
Online resources complement physical books, offering convenience, but physical books provide an in-depth understanding.
Consider syllabus alignment, clear explanations, practice questions, expert recommendations, and your preferred learning style.
While online resources are valuable, it's recommended to use a combination of online materials and physical books for a comprehensive and effective preparation.
Yes, for the General Aptitude section, you can use "Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal for reasoning and "Quantitative Aptitude" by Arun Sharma for quantitative aptitude practice.
Referring to the best books ensures comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, a better understanding of key concepts, and access to practice questions and solved examples.
Counselling Date:19 July,2025 - 03 August,2025
Counselling Date:01 August,2025 - 09 August,2025
Others:11 August,2025 - 11 August,2025
GATE exam for Electrical and Electronics Engineering:
The GATE is conducted annually, usually in February. For Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EE), the exam covers core subjects like:
Electrical Circuits
Signals & Systems
Power Systems
Electrical Machines
Control Systems
Analog & Digital Electronics
Power Electronics
Electromagnetic Fields
Engineering Mathematics
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final year or completed) in Engineering/Technology.
Admission Process:
Score is used for PG admissions (M.Tech, ME, MS) and PSU recruitment.
Exam Mode: Online (CBT)
Exam Duration: 3 hours
Question Types: MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
Total Marks: 100
Next Steps:
GATE 2026 application is expected to start in September 2025 on the official GATE portal.
BITS Pilani
VIT Vellore (Vellore Institute of Technology)
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Shiv Nadar University
IIIT-Hyderabad (for select PG programs)
DAIICT, Gandhinagar
UPES Dehradun
MIT-WPU Pune (MIT World Peace University)
RV College of Engineering, Bangalore
A GATE score of around 253 is not enough for top IITs or NITs, but you can still get admission into some private engineering colleges, especially in less competitive branches like Civil or Production. However, you might not receive a monthly stipend and will have to manage most of the expenses on your own.
GATE Textile Fiber (TF) focuses on subjects like textile technology, fiber science, yarn & fabric manufacturing, and finishing. The exam includes 65 questions—10 from General Aptitude and 55 from core TF subjects.
Total marks are 100, and the duration is 3 hours. It opens opportunities in PSUs, research, and M.Tech/M.E. admissions in textile-related fields.
Preparing from NITRA books, IIT Delhi lecture notes, and past papers is highly recommended.
Hi ,
It’s great that you're exploring interdisciplinary options like Environmental Engineering at IIT Delhi. The eligibility for MTech programs at IITs usually depends on the specific department requirements. Since your background is in Computer Science and you're planning to apply with a GATE score in Environmental Science and Engineering , it's important to note that IIT Delhi’s Civil Engineering department generally prefers students with core branches such as Civil, Chemical, Environmental, or Biotechnology.Some interdisciplinary and research-oriented programs may consider applicants from varied backgrounds if the student shows strong foundational understanding and interest in environmental applications. However, just qualifying the GATE-ES paper doesn’t automatically guarantee eligibility the department’s brochure or admission portal will clarify this.
You should carefully check the admission brochure and contact the department directly for confirmation if needed. Also, keep checking on the shortlisting criteria they usually publish it each year for transparency.
All the best!
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager ensures workplace safety by developing policies, conducting training, assessing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They investigate incidents, manage workers’ compensation, and handle emergency responses. Working across industries like construction and healthcare, they combine leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to protect employees and maintain safe environments.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
An architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. Key skills include creativity, design software proficiency, and knowledge of building codes. In India, a 5-year B.Arch degree and registration with the Council of Architecture are required to practise professionally.
Having a landscape architecture career, you are involved in site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, suitable design, and construction specification. Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York introduced the title “landscape architect”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) proclaims that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design and advise on the stewardship, conservation and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment". Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as a landscape architect are those who are educated and experienced in landscape architecture. Students need to pursue various landscape architecture degrees, such as M.Des, M.Plan to become landscape architects. If you have more questions regarding a career as a landscape architect or how to become a landscape architect then you can read the article to get your doubts cleared.
Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities.
Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.
A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems in homes and buildings. Their duties include fixing leaks, installing fixtures, testing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and working with other professionals on projects. They also document repairs and may supervise apprentices. Plumbers play a key role in ensuring public health and the smooth functioning of essential utilities.
Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
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