GATE CS1 and CS2 exams will be conducted on Feb 1, 2025, in two shifts. Here are some of the best books for GATE CS exam preparation. Read below.
GATE CSE Books: Computer Science and Engineering is the most desired branch amongst the applicants. In GATE 2024, over 1.5 Lakh students registered for the GATE CSE paper alone out of a total of 8.2 Lakh applicants. Candidates willing to appear on the GATE CSE paper in 2025 must prepare well before the exam. Candidates must know that picking the right GATE books is vital for GATE 2025 preparation along with a thorough understanding of GATE 2025 Syllabus, exam pattern, and important topics. Shiksha brings this article with complete coverage of GATE CSE books for preparation & important prep tips.
IIT Roorkee has released the GATE 2025 exam dates. IIT Roorkee will conduct the GATE 2025 exam on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. Candidates have limited time to prepare for GATE 2025 exam. Candidates must start early, should pick the right GATE CSE books and make an effective preparation strategy while keeping in mind time. Candidates should also go through GATE Previous year papers and GATE 2025 mock tests to score better and boost their confidence.
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Candidates can check below important GATE 2025 link;
Important Links For GATE 2025 | |
---|---|
GATE 2025 Syllabus | GATE 2025 Application Form |
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 | GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria |
Candidates can check below the brief exam pattern for GATE 2025 exam;
- GATE Exam Pattern 2025
- GATE 2025 Books for Computer Science (CS)
- How to Prepare with the Best Books for GATE CSE?
- FAQs regarding GATE books for CSE preparation
GATE Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates aspiring to appear for the GATE 2025 exam should know the exam pattern. The GATE exam pattern will help the candidates to know about the duration of the exam, total questions and the marks held by them, types of questions, etc. Refer to the table below containing the GATE exam pattern to prepare the strategy:
Those candidates who are preparing for the GATE Computer Science Engineering paper should refer to the best GATE Computer Science Engineering books 2025 so that their chances of cracking the entrance exam increase. It is important to choose a good book in the preparation journey, and simultaneously, the right strategy also matters. Here, we have listed some books for CSE that may help students in their preparation. Engineering Mathematics:
- Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig, Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth Rosen.\
- Theory of Computation: An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata by Peter Linz
- Computer organisation & Architecture: Computer Architecture A Quantitative Approach by Hennessy and Patterson and
- Computer organisation and Embedded systems by Carl Hamacher.
- Programming & Data Structures: Classic Data Structures by Debasis Samanta
- The C Programming language by Dennis Richie. Digital Logic: Digital Electronics by S. Salivahanan & S. Arivazhagan and Digital Design by Morris Mano.
- Computer Networks: Computer Networks by Peterson & Davie and Data Communications and Networking by Kurose & Ross and Behrouz A. Forouzan.
- Algorithms: Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen and Data Structures & Algorithms by R. S. Salaria.
- Compiler Design: Compiler Design in C by Allen I Holub and Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools by Aho & Ullman.
- Operating System: Operating Systems by Stallings and Operating System Concepts by Galvin.
- Databases: Database System Concepts by Henry. F. Korth and Normalization and indexing by Shamkant B. Navathe.
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Duration of Exam |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
Total Number of Questions |
65 |
Total Marks |
100 |
Type of Questions |
|
Section-wise Marks |
|
Marking Scheme |
|
GATE 2025 Books for Computer Science (CS)
GATE CSE Preparation Books 2025: Books for Digital Logic
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Logic
|
|
Digital logic and computer design |
M. Morris Mano |
Modern digital electronics |
R.P jain |
GATE 2025 CSE Preparation Books: Books for Computer Organization and Architecture
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Organization and Architecture |
|
Computer Organization and Architecture |
William Stallings |
Computer organization |
Carl Hamacher |
GATE CSE Books 2025 for Preparation: Books for Programming and Data Structures
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Programming and Data Structures |
|
The c programming language
|
Dennis M.Ritchie |
C: The complete reference |
Herbert Schildt |
||
|
Fundamentals of data structure |
Sartaj Sahni |
|
Data structures and algorithms MADE EASY |
Narasimha Karumanchi |
GATE CSE Preparation Books 2025: Books for Algorithms
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Algorithms |
|
Introduction to algorithms |
Thomas H.Cormen |
Fundamentals of computer algorithms |
Rajasekaran, Sahni, Horowitz |
GATE CSE Preparation Books 2025: Books for Theory of Computation
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Theory of Computation |
|
An introduction to formal languages and automata |
Peter Linz |
Automata theory, languages and computation |
John E Hopcroft, Jeffrey D. Ullman |
GATE CSE Preparation Books: Books for Compiler Design
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Compiler Design |
|
Compilers' principles, techniques and tools |
Alfred Aho and Jeffrey Ullman |
Principles of Compiler Design |
Alfred Aho and Jeffrey Ullman |
GATE 2025 CSE Preparation Books: Books for Databases
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Databases
|
|
Database System Concepts |
Henry Korth |
Fundamentals of database system |
Elmasri Navathe |
GATE CSE Preparation Books: Books for Computer Networks
Section |
Topic |
Books |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Networks |
|
Data communication and networking |
Behrouz A. Forouzon |
Computer networks |
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, David J. Wetherall |
How to Prepare with the Best Books for GATE CSE?
Aspirants who have found the GATE books for CSE preparation must have plans to prepare well. Students can check the points below to have an idea of where to start from:
Here are some of the most recommended books for GATE ME paper. Candidates must focus on getting good but limited resources whether its books, PYQs or notes and revise them frequently. This way they can ensure better result in the following GATE exam. Candidates can find below books for each section of GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus;
Applied Mechanics and Design: Engineering Mechanics by SS Bhagavati & The Theory of Machines by SS Ratan
Fluid Mechanics: 1000 Solved Problems in Fluid Mechanics by K Subramanya
Thermal sciences: Internal Combustion Engines by V Ganeshan and Power Plant Engineering by PK Nag
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Material Science and Metallurgy by OP Khanna and Industrial Engineering and Management by OP Khanna
Candidate can find out the complete list of GATE ME Books via the Given link; Complete GATE Books List
When preparing for the GATE exam, it is essential to know the exam pattern and the best books for preparation. Candidates must be thorough with their textbooks and lecture notes. Refer to the article here to get the best books for GATE preparation - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-books
Candidates appearing for GATE in computer science and engineering fields can check below some of the best books for GATE CSE preparation -
The C programming language by DENNIS M.Ritchie/Pearson
Fundamentals of data structure by Sartaj Sahni
Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H.Cormen
Automata theory, languages, and computation by John E Hopcroft, Jeffery D. Ullman
Principles of compiler design by Aho and Ullman
Operating System Concepts by Galvin
Database System Concepts by Henry Korth
Introductory Discrete Mathematics by Kenneth Rosen
Computer Organisation by Carl Hamacher
Modern Digital Electronics by R.P Jain
Data Communication and Networking by Behrouz A. Forouzon
Read here to know more about GATE 2025 books - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-books
- First, go through the entire GATE CSE syllabus and exam pattern
- Have a look at the previous year GATE question papers to know about the important topics
- Now candidates should start their preparation with the topics from which questions are asked frequently in previous year papers
- Students are advised not to study a handful of topics while preparing for such topics. To deal with this, they should make a timetable to give portioned time.
- Students are advised to analyse their preparation level with the help of question papers, sample papers and mock tests
FAQs regarding GATE books for CSE preparation
Q. Which are the best for GATE CSE?
- Digital Logic and Number representation by Morris Mano
- Theory of Computer Science: Automata, Languages and Computation by Mishra K.L.P.
- GATE Practice Sets by Pearson\
- Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach by Pressman
Q. Is GATE good for CSE?
Q. What is the syllabus for the GATE exam for CSE?
Q. How can a student prepare for GATE 2023 CSE?
- Understanding the GATE syllabus
- Collect important information and resources
- Begin your preparation with dedication
- Make proper revision notes
- Practice tests and quizzes
- Solve the papers from the previous year
Q. How can I prepare for GATE 2023 CSE without coaching?
- Analyze the GATE syllabus: Start with analyzing the GATE syllabus
- Start preparing today: Time is like money, so spend it wisely
- Follow a disciplined schedule: Make a schedule and follow it at any cost, literally
Q. Is BTech in CSE better program?

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Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7