GATE CSE Books: Check The Most Recommended GATE 2025 CSE Preparation Books

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )

DeskCalelnderAdmit Card - 2 Jan '26

nitesh
nitesh singh
Senior Executive
Updated on Feb 1, 2025 01:35 IST

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

GATE 2025 CSE Preparation Books

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;

Table of content
  • 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:

Q:   List some important books for preparing the GATE for Computer Science Engineering paper.
A:
Here are some important books for preparing the GATE Computer Science Engineering paper: "Computer organisation and Design" by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy "Operating System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, and Greg Gagne "Introduction to Algorithms" by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, and Clifford Stein "Database System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan "Computer Networks" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall "Digital Logic and Computer Design" by M. Morris Mano "Compiler Design" by Alfred V. Aho, Monica S. Lam, Ravi Sethi, and Jeffrey D. Ullman "Theory of Computation" by Michael Sipser "Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach" by Roger S. Pressman "Computer Graphics with OpenGL" by Donald Earn and M. Pauline Baker. It's important to note that these are just a few recommendations and should be used as supplementary material along with other resources such as previous years' question papers, online tutorials, and practice tests.
Q:   Can you suggest some good books for the preparation of GATE for CSE?
A:

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.
Q:   Which are the best books for an electronics and communication engineer who is preparing for the ESE or GATE?
A:
Check below the list of books that help in the preparation for ESE/IES ECE Exam: 1- Network Analysis by Van Valkenburg and Chakrabarti. 2- Electromagnetic Waves & Radiating Systems by Jardon & Balmain and JD Kraus. 3- Integrated Circuits by K. R. Botkar. 4- Op. Amps & Linear Integrated Circuit by Gayakwad. 5- Digital Logic & Computer Design by Morris Mano. 6- Automatic Control System by Benjamin C. Kuo and B. S Make 7- Control System engineering. By I. G. Nagrath & M. Goal 8- Principle of Communication System by Taub & Schilling, J. B Gupta, and A. Bruu Carlson. 9- Integrated Electronics by Jacob Milman & C. Halkias and Millman & Grabel 10- Digital Principles and Applications (SIE) by Leach & Malvino 11- Network and Systems by D. Roy Choudhary 12- Signals and System by Oppehum, Willsky & Nacob, and Sanjay Sharma. 13- Problems Amp Solutions Control System by Jairath A. K. 14- Electronics & Communication Engineering by Arihant Publication 15- Detailed Solutions in Electronics & Communication for Competitions by S. K. Karna 16- Electronics Engineering Handout by Made Easy Publication. Books for ECE GATE: 1- Network Theory Engineering Circuit Analysis by William H. Hayt Network Analysis by Mac Van Valkenburg 2- Engineering Mathematics Higher Engineering Mathematics by B. S. Grewal GATE Engineering Mathematics: Multiple Choice Questions by R. K. Kanodia 3- Analog Circuits Microelectronic Circuits: Theory and Applications by Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth Carless Smith Op. Amps & Linear Integrated Circuit by Ramakant Gayakwad 4- Digital Electronics Digital Design by M. Morris Mano Modern Digital electronics by R P Jain Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, and Applications with 8085 by Ramesh Gaonkar 5- Automatic Control Systems by Benjamin C Kuo 6- Control Systems Engineering by M Goal and I. J. Nagrath 7- Principles of Electromagnetics by Matthew N. O. Sadiku 8- Semiconductor Physics and Devices by Donald Neamen 9- Signals and Systems by Alan V. Oppenheim, Allan S. Willsky, S. Hamid Nawab 10- Digital and Analog Communications by B. P. Lathi I hope this will help you.

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Particulars

Details

Duration of Exam

3 hours (180 minutes)

Total Number of Questions

65

Total Marks

100

Type of Questions

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Section-wise Marks

  • General Aptitude: 15 Marks
  • Engineering Mathematics: 12 Marks
  • Computer Science: 72 Marks

Marking Scheme

  • MCQs: One mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
  • MCQs: Two marks for each correct answer; 2/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response
  • There will be no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

GATE 2025 Books for Computer Science (CS)

Candidates can find below the GATE 2025 prep books respective to each section of the GATE CSE paper. It is advisable for aspirants they pick books for CSE prep wisely and avoid collecting a plethora of books & notes for just some sections. Candidates must keep their resources limited to cover them quickly and revise frequently. Candidates must understand that having limited books and frequent revision is very effective for preparation. Candidates should take advice and help from fellow senior aspirants, and faculties while choosing the GATE CSE Books from the list below. Check below the section-wise prep books;

GATE CSE Preparation Books 2025: Books for Digital Logic 

Section 

Topic 

Books 

Author 

Digital Logic 

 

  • Boolean algebra.  
  • Combinational and sequential circuits 

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 

  • Machine instructions 
  • ALU 
  • Memory hierarchy 
  • I/O interface 

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 

  • Programming in C 

The c programming language   

 

Dennis M.Ritchie 

C: The complete reference 

Herbert Schildt 

  • Data Structure 

 

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 

  • Algorithm design techniques 
  • Dynamic programming 

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 

  • Regular expressions and finite automata 
  • Turing machines and undecidability 

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 

  • Lexical & liveness analysis 
  • Intermediate code generation 

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 

 

  • ER-model 
  • Relational model 
  • SQL 

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 

  • Concept of layering 
  • Fragmentation and IP addressing 

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:

Q:   Can you suggest good books for GATE Mechanical Engineering preparation?
A:

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

Q:   What are the best books for GATE preparation?
A:

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

Q:   Can you list some good books for GATE in Computer Science Engineering?
A:

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?

A. Following are some of the good books for GATE CSE preparation:
  • 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?

A. Yes, of course. GATE Score Card is used by various PSU's for hiring the candidates. PSU's like ONGC, GAIL, IOCL, PGCIL, NLC, NTPC, NLC, etc. hires through GATE Scores,

Q. What is the syllabus for the GATE exam for CSE?

A. GATE CS and IT paper will consist of questions from aptitude and the subject (CS and IT) further divided into sections: Digital Logic, Computer Organization and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and Computer Networks.

Q. How can a student prepare for GATE 2023 CSE?

A. Preparation for GATE 2023 computer science depends on the following points:
  • 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?

A. Preparing for GATE CSE will require the following approach:
  • 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?

A. There is no such thing as ‘better’ when it comes to a course to study. It completely depends upon on your choice and career plans. If you enjoy working more with hardware or software then BTech CSE is certainly a good career choice for you.
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About the Author
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nitesh singh
Senior Executive
Nitesh Singh, a science graduate and content creator, specializes in developing engaging Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics resources for the K-12 segment. He crafts precise and pedagogically sound Q&As, comprehens Read Full Bio
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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

Shiksha Gaurav

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

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Dheeraj Goswami

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

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Indrani Uniyal

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,

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U

UPASANA PRADHAN

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

Piyush Shukla

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

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Bhumika Uniyal

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

Sumridhi Sinha

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. 

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Taru Shukla

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

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Aishwarya Uniyal

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

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Himanshi Choudhury

Contributor-Level 7