GATE 2026 Civil Engineering Syllabus (Out) - Download GATE CE Syllabus PDF, Important Topics/Chapters, Section Wise Weightage

Engineering Mathematics

Linear Algebra

Matrix algebra; Systems of linear equations; Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

Calculus

Functions of single variable; Limit, continuity, and differentiability; Mean value theorems; Maxima and minima; Taylor series; Definite/indefinite integrals; Partial derivatives; Total derivative; Gradient, Divergence, Curl; Vector identities; Directional derivatives; Line, surface, and volume integrals

Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE)

First-order (linear and non-linear); Higher-order linear with constant coefficients; Euler-Cauchy equations; Initial and boundary value problems

Partial Differential Equation (PDE)

Fourier series; Separation of variables; One-dimensional diffusion equation; First and second-order one-dimensional wave equation; Two-dimensional Laplace equation

Probability and Statistics

Sampling theorems; Conditional probability; Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation); Random variables (discrete/continuous); Poisson and normal distribution; Linear regression

Numerical Methods

Error analysis; Numerical solutions of linear/non-linear algebraic equations; Newton’s and Lagrange polynomials; Numerical differentiation; Trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule; Single/multi-step methods for first-order differential equations

Structural Engineering

Engineering Mechanics

System of forces; Free-body diagrams; Equilibrium equations; Internal forces in structures; Friction; Centre of mass; Free vibrations of undamped SDOF systems

Solid Mechanics

Bending moment and shear force in beams; Simple stress-strain relationships; Bending theory; Flexural/shear stresses; Shear center; Uniform torsion; Transformation of stress; Buckling of column

Structural Analysis

Statically determinate/indeterminate structures; Force/energy methods; Superposition method; Analysis of trusses, arches, beams, cables, frames; Displacement methods (slope deflection, moment distribution); Influence lines; Stiffness/flexibility methods

Construction Materials and Management

Construction materials (structural steel, concrete); Construction management; Project planning, network analysis (PERT, CPM); Cost estimation

Concrete Structures

Working stress, limit state design; Design of beams, slabs, columns; Bond and development length; Prestressed concrete beams

Steel Structures

Working stress, limit state design; Design of tension/compression members, beams, columns; Connections; Plastic analysis (beams, frames)

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Mechanics

Three-phase system; Permeability; Seepage; Effective stress; Compaction; Consolidation; Shear strength; Mohr’s circle; Stress-strain characteristics; Stress paths

Foundation Engineering

Subsurface investigations; Earth pressure theories; Stability of slopes; Stress distribution; Bearing capacity theories (Terzaghi, Meyerhoff); Settlement analysis; Deep foundations (axial load, pile load test)

Water Resources Engineering

Fluid Mechanics

Fluid properties; Continuity, momentum, and energy equations; Potential flow; Laminar/turbulent flow; Flow in pipes; Boundary layer; Lift and drag

Hydraulics

Flow measurement; Dimensional analysis; Hydraulic similitude; Channel hydraulics; Energy-depth relationships; Hydraulic jump; Gradually varied flow

Hydrology

Hydrologic cycle; Precipitation, evaporation, infiltration; Unit hydrographs; Reservoir capacity; Flood estimation; Groundwater hydrology

Irrigation

Types of irrigation systems; Crop water requirements; Gravity dams, spillways; Lined/unlined canals; Weir design; Cross drainage structures

Environmental Engineering

Water and Wastewater Quality and Treatment

Water quality standards; Water distribution systems; Drinking water treatment; Sewerage system design; Wastewater treatment; Sludge disposal; Treated sewage reuse

Air Pollution

Pollutants, sources, impacts; Air pollution control; Air quality standards, index

Municipal Solid Wastes

Characteristics; Collection, transportation; Waste management systems (reuse/recycle, energy recovery, treatment, disposal)

Transportation Engineering

Transportation Infrastructure

Highway geometric design; Railway track design; Airport runway length; Taxiway design

Highway Pavements

Highway materials; Design of flexible/rigid pavements; IRC codes

Traffic Engineering

Traffic studies (flow, speed, accident); Traffic flow parameters; Traffic signs; Signal design (Webster’s method); Intersection types; Highway capacity

Geomatics Engineering

Surveying

Errors and adjustment; Maps; Distance and angle measurement; Levelling; Traversing; Total station; Curves (horizontal/vertical)

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Scale, flying height; Basics of remote sensing, GIS

Verbal Aptitude

Basic English Grammar: Tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, other parts of speech

Basic Vocabulary: Words, idioms, phrases in context, reading and comprehension, narrative sequencing

Quantitative Aptitude

Data Interpretation: Data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, other data representations), 2D and 3D plots, maps, tables

Numerical Computation and Estimation: Ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, logarithms, permutations, combinations, series

Mensuration and Geometry

Elementary Statistics and Probability

Analytical Aptitude

Logic: Deduction and induction

Analogy

Numerical Relations and Reasoning

Spatial Aptitude

Transformation of Shapes: Translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, grouping

Paper Folding, Cutting, and Patterns: 2D and 3D patterns

Structural Engineering

9

9%

Geotechnical Engineering

6

6%

Water Resources Engineering

8

8%

Environmental Engineering

8

8%

Transportation Engineering

9

9%

Surveying and Geomatics

6

6%

Engineering Mathematics

13

13%

General Aptitude

15

15%

Construction Management

6

6%