GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

  For those aiming for Mechanical Engineering, the GATE examination syllabus encompasses an extensive array of subjects spanning from Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Processes, and beyond.

To succeed in the GATE Mechanical Engineering test, applicants need an in-depth grasp of the GATE Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering and should practice solving numerical problems associated with the various covered topics. With diligent preparation, perseverance, and dedication, test-takers can master the GATE Mechanical Engineering examination and secure admission into their preferred postgraduate program.

GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

Engineering Mathematics

LINEAR ALGEBRA

Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.

CALCULUS

Functions of a single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorems, indeterminate forms; evaluation of definite and improper integrals; double and triple integrals; partial derivatives, total derivative, Taylor series (in one and two variables), maxima and minima, Fourier series; gradient, divergence and curl, vector identities, directional derivatives, line, surface and volume integrals, applications of Gauss, Stokes and Green’s theorems.

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

First-order equations (linear and nonlinear); higher-order linear differential equations with constant coefficients; Euler-Cauchy equation; initial and boundary value problems; Laplace transforms; solutions of heat, wave, and Laplace’s equations.

COMPLEX VARIABLES

Analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann equations; Cauchy’s integral theorem and integral formula; Taylor and Laurent series.

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

Definitions of probability, sampling theorems, conditional probability; mean, median, mode, and standard deviation; random variables, binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions.

NUMERICAL METHODS

Numerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations; integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; single and multi-step methods for differential equations.

General Aptitude

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing the data), 2- and 3-dimensional plots, maps, and tables Numerical computation and estimation: ratios, percentages, powers, exponents and logarithms, permutations and combinations, and series Mensuration and geometry Elementary statistics and probability.

ANALYTICAL APTITUDE

Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations, and reasoning

VERBAL APTITUDE

Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech Basic vocabulary: words, idioms, and phrases in context Reading and comprehension Narrative sequencing

SPATIAL APTITUDE

Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping Paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions

Applied Mechanics & Design

ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Free-body diagrams and equilibrium; friction and its applications including rolling friction, belt-pulley, brakes, clutches, screw jack, wedge, vehicles, etc.; trusses and frames; virtual work; kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies in plane motion; impulse and momentum (linear and angular) and energy formulations; Lagrange’s equation.

MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Stress and strain, elastic constants, Poisson’s ratio; Mohr’s circle for plane stress and plane strain; thin cylinders; shear force and bending moment diagrams; bending and shear stresses; the concept of shear center; deflection of beams; torsion of circular shafts; Euler’s theory of columns; energy methods; thermal stresses; strain gauges and rosettes; testing of materials with the universal testing machine; testing of hardness and impact strength.

THEORY OF MACHINES

Displacement, velocity, and acceleration analysis of plane mechanisms; dynamic analysis of linkages; cams; gears and gear trains; flywheels and governors; balancing of reciprocating and rotating masses; gyroscope.

VIBRATIONS

Free and forced vibration of single degree of freedom systems, the effect of damping; vibration isolation; resonance; critical speeds of shafts.

MACHINE DESIGN

Design for static and dynamic loading; failure theories; fatigue strength and the S-N diagram; principles of the design of machine elements such as bolted, riveted, and welded joints; shafts, gears, rolling and sliding contact bearings, brakes, and clutches, springs.

Also Read: Engineering Services Syllabus ( Mechanical )

Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences

FLUID MECHANICS

Fluid properties; fluid statics, forces on submerged bodies, stability of floating bodies; control-volume analysis of mass, momentum, and energy; fluid acceleration; differential equations of continuity and momentum; Bernoulli’s equation; dimensional analysis; the viscous flow of incompressible fluids, boundary layer, elementary turbulent flow, flow through pipes, head losses in pipes, bends and fittings; basics of compressible fluid flow.

HEAT-TRANSFER

Modes of heat transfer; one-dimensional heat conduction, resistance concept and electrical analogy, heat transfer through fins; unsteady heat conduction, lumped parameter system, Heisler’s charts; thermal boundary layer, dimensionless parameters in free and forced convective heat transfer, heat transfer correlations for flow over flat plates and through pipes, the effect of turbulence; heat exchanger performance, LMTD, and NTU methods; radiative heat transfer, Stefan- Boltzmann law, Wien’s displacement law, black and grey surfaces, view factors, radiation network analysis.

THERMODYNAMICS

Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substances, the behavior of ideal and real gasses; zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics, calculation of work and heat in various processes; second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamic property charts and tables, availability, and irreversibility; thermodynamic relations.

APPLICATIONS

Power Engineering: Air and gas compressors; vapor and gas power cycles, concepts of regeneration and reheat. I.C. Engines: Air-standard Otto, Diesel, and dual cycles.
Refrigeration and air-conditioning: Vapour and gas refrigeration and heat pump cycles; properties of moist air, psychrometric chart, basic psychrometric processes. Turbomachinery: Impulse and reaction principles, velocity diagrams, Pelton-wheel, Francis and Kaplan turbines; steam and gas turbines.

Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering

ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Structure and properties of engineering materials, phase diagrams, heat treatment, stress-strain diagrams for engineering materials.

CASTING, FORMING, AND JOINING PROCESSES

Different types of castings, design of patterns, molds, and cores; solidification and cooling; riser and gating design. Plastic deformation and yield criteria; fundamentals of hot and cold working processes; load estimation for bulk (forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing) and sheet (shearing, deep drawing, bending) metal forming processes; principles of powder metallurgy. Principles of welding, brazing, soldering, and adhesive bonding.

MACHINING AND MACHINE TOOL OPERATIONS

Mechanics of machining; basic machine tools; single and multi-point cutting tools, tool geometry and materials, tool life, and wear; economics of machining; principles of non-traditional machining processes; principles of work holding, jigs and fixtures; abrasive machining processes; NC/CNC machines and CNC programming.

METROLOGY AND INSPECTION

Limits, fits, and tolerances; linear and angular measurements; comparators; interferometry; form and finish measurement; alignment and testing methods; tolerance analysis in manufacturing and assembly; concepts of coordinate-measuring machine Computer Integrated

MANUFACTURING

Basic concepts of CAD/CAM and their integration tools; additive manufacturing.

PRODUCTION PLANNING AND CONTROL

Forecasting models, aggregate production planning, scheduling, materials requirement planning; lean manufacturing.

INVENTORY CONTROL

Deterministic models; safety stock inventory control systems.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH

Linear programming, simplex method, transportation, assignment, network flow models, simple queuing models, PERT and CPM

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs) on GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

What are the major sections covered in the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus?

The GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus comprises subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering.

Is it necessary to cover the entire GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus to score well?

While it's ideal to have a thorough understanding of all topics, focusing on core subjects like Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, and Fluid Mechanics, which carry significant weightage, can help achieve a good score.

Are there any recent changes in the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus?

The GATE Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering is periodically revised to align with industry trends. Candidates should refer to the official GATE website for the most updated syllabus.

How should one approach studying the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus?

It's recommended to start with a detailed analysis of the syllabus and create a study plan covering all topics. Prioritize subjects based on personal strengths and weaknesses, dedicating more time to challenging areas.

Are there any specific resources or books recommended for preparing as per the GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus?

Several standard textbooks and reference materials are available for each topic covered in the syllabus. Additionally, solving previous years' question papers and mock tests can aid in understanding the exam pattern and difficulty level.