GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering (AE) Syllabus: Exam Dates (OUT), Check Books, Pattern, and More

Core Topics

Linear Algebra - Vector Algebra, Matrix Algebra, Systems of Linear Equations, Rank of Matrix, Eigen Values and Eigen Vectors.

Calculus - Functions of Single Variable, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Mean Value Theorem, Chain Rule, Partial Derivatives, Maxima and Minima, Gradient, Divergence and Curl, Directional Derivatives, Integration, Line, Surface and Volume Integrals, Theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green.

Differential Equations - First-order linear and Non-Linear Differential Equations, higher-order linear ODEs with constant coefficients, partial differential equations, and separation of variable methods.

Special Topics

Fourier Series | Laplace Transforms | Numerical Methods for Linear and Non-Linear Algebraic Equations | Numerical Integration and Differentiation | Complex Analysis | Probability and Statistics

Core Topics

Basics - Atmosphere - Properties, Standard Atmosphere, Classification of Aircraft, Airplane (fixed wing aircraft) configuration and various parts, Pressure altitude, equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds, Primary Flight Instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank indicator, Angle of Attack, Sideslip, Roll, Pitch, and Yaw Controls. Aerodynamics Forces and Moments. 

Airplane Performance - Drag Polar, Take-Off and Landing, Steady Climb and Descent, Absolute and Service Ceiling, Range and Endurance, Load Factor, Turning Flight, V-n diagram, Winds: head, tail, and cross-winds. 

Static Stability -Stability and Control Derivatives, Longitudinal Stick fixed and free stability, horizontal tail position and size, directional stability, vertical tail position and size, lateral stability, Wind dihedral, sweep and position, hinge moments, and stick forces. 

Special Topics

Dynamic Stability | Euler Angles | Equations of Motion | Decoupling of Longitudinal and Lateral-Directional Dynamics | Longitudinal Modes | Lateral-Directional Modes

Core Topics

Central Force Motion | Determination of Trajectory and Orbital Period in Simple Cases | Kepler’s Laws | Escape Velocity 

Special Topics

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Core Topics

Basic Fluid Mechanics - Conservation Laws: Mass, Momentum, and Energy (Integral and Differential form), Dimensional Analysis, and Dynamic Similarity

Potential Flow Theory - Sources, Sinks, Doublets, Line Vortex, and their superposition, Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layers. 

Airfoils and Wings - Airfoil Nomenclature, Aerodynamic Coefficients: lift, drag, and moment, Kutta-Joukoswki Theorem, Thin Airfoil Theory, Kutta Condition, Starting Vortex, Finite Wing Theory, Induced Drag, Prandtl Lifting Line Theory, Critical and Drag Divergence Mach Number

Compressible Flows - Basic Concepts of compressibility, One-dimensional compressible flows, Isentropic flows, Fanno flow, Rayleigh flow, Normal and Oblique Shocks, Prandtl-Meyer flow, Flow Through Nozzles and Diffusers

Special Topics

Wind Tunnel Testing | Measurement and Visualisation Techniques | Shock-Boundary Layer Interaction

Core Topics

Strength of Materials - Stress and Strain: Three Dimensional Transformations, Mohr's Circle, Principle Stresses, Three-Dimensional Hooke's Law, Plane Stress and Strain, Failure Theories: Maximum Stress, Tresca von Mises, Strain Energy, Castgliano's Principles, Statistically determinant and indeterminate trusses, and beams, Elastic Flexural Buckling of Columns. 

Flight Vehicle Structures - Characterstics of Aircraft Structures and Materials, Torison, Bending and Shear of Thin-Walled Sections, Loads of Aircraft

Structural Dynamics - Free and Forced Vibrations of Undamped and Damped SDOF systems, Free Vibrations of Undamped 2-DOF systems.

Special Topics

Vibration of Beams | Theory of Elasticity | Equilibrium and Compatability | Airy’s Stress Function

Core Topics

Basics: Thermodynamics, Boundary Layers, Heat Transfer, Combustion and Thermo Chemistry

Aerothermodynamics of Aircraft Engines: Thrust, Efficiency, Range, Brayton Cycle

Engine Performance - Ramjet, Turbojet, Turbofan, Turbopop, and Turboshaft Engines, After Burners

Turbomachinery - Axial Compressors: Angular Momentum, Work and Compression, Characterstic Performance of a Single Axial Compressor Stage, Efficiency of the Compressor, and Degree of Reaction, Multi-Staging. 

Centrifugal Compressor - Stage Dynamics, Inducer, Impeller, and Diffuser

Axial Turbines  - Stage Performance

Rockets - Thrust Equation and Specific Impulse, Rocket Performance, Multi-Staging, Chemical Rockets, Performance of Solid and Liquid Propellent Rockets. 

Special Topics

Aerothermodynamics of Non-Rotating Propulsion Components, such as intakes, combustor, and nozzle | Turbine Blade Cooling | Surge and Stall

Objective English for Competitive Examinations

Hari Mohan Prasad, Uma Rani Sinha

Higher Engineering Mathematics

B.S Grewal

GKP GATE 2024- Aerospace Engineering Previous Year Solved Papers (2007-2024)

Biplab Sadhukhan, Iqbal Singh, Prabhakar Kumar

GATE Engineering Mathematics: For All Streams

Arihant Publications

Engineering Mathematics GATE 2017

Made Easy Publications

Introduction to Flight

John D Anderson

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

John D Anderson

Gas Turbine

V Ganesan

Rocket Propulsion Elements

George Paul Sutton and Oscar Biblarz

Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students

THG Megson