GATE 2026 CS Preparation Tips: Why DSA and CN are hot topics in student forums?
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26
If you have ever looked at student community forums then there are two terms that are talked about often - DSA and computer networks. From GATE preparation to meme culture, these topics have dominated in every aspect. Read below to know why GATE DSA and CN are trending recently.
When it comes to GATE CS preparation, few topics often come under spotlight, one is data structure and algorithms and the other is computer networks. They are not just chapters in GATE syllabus, but also a popular in terms of job oportunities. But the real question lies why GATE DSA is often looked as scoring machine in GATE? Well, with pattern and concept driven questions it helps you to get good score in exam.
GATE 2026: Why DSA and CN are considered to be the highest-scoring topics
On student forums and communities, many aspirants and GATE toppers have shared their strategies- DSA and CN together often account for 15 to 20 marks (approx).
| DSA includes core concepts | stacks, queues, trees, heaps, recursion, and searching/sorting algorithms: areas known for their predictability and consistency in GATE question |
| Computer Networks | OSI layers, TCP/IP, IP addressing, congestion control, and protocols, all of which appear every single year. |
REAL TIME UPDATES: GATE 2026 ADMIT CARD LIVE UPDATES
GATE 2026 CS Topics
Both data structures and computer networks in GATE exam offer great learning pattern. Students can refer to top GATE CS books, like Galvin for CN, Narasimha Karumanchi, Roberto Tamassia Michael T. Goodrich for data structures and algorithms.
Best Books for GATE DA and Algorithms
Here are some recommended books for GATE DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) from toppers and experts -
| Books | Authors |
|---|---|
| Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy | Narasimha Karumanchi |
| Introduction to Algorithms | Thomas H Cormen, Charles E.Leirserson, Ronald L. Riveset, and Clifford Stein |
| Data Structures using C | Reema Thareja |
| Data Structures and Algorithms in Java | Robert Lafore |
Aspirants can check out top books for GATE computer networks (CN) below -
| Book name | Author |
|---|---|
| Computer Networking: A top-down approach | James Kurose and Keith Ross |
| Data Communications and Networking | Behrouz A. Forouzan |
| C Programming Language | Kernighan and Ritchie |
Qualify for GATE and Attend Interviews
DSA and CN have direct career applications. Many top companies like Google and Amazon look for candidates with expertise in such subjects. These companies look for candidates with strong critical thinking and ability skills.
Candidates who are targeting PSUs through GATE, these subjects can be very helpful. Many technical interviews have questions based on coding and design. Even IIT interviews do ask questions on TCP protocols, etc.
Let's talk about Paychecks
Now, let's talk about money. If you are aiming for software development or network engineer job, then expertise in DSA and CN can be a great ROI. Companies love candidates who think out of box.
If you have registered for GATE 2026 and finding tough to complete syllabus then be clear with these two topics. They are great for academics and interviews.
So, next time you see a meme or thread, try understand it.
GATE CSE exam will take place on February 8 in two sessions. CS 1 and 2 shift timings are-
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
No, GATE authorities do not release any notification regarding dress code. However, it is advised to wear simple and comfortable clothing, as it will ease the checking process.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, will be conducting the GATE 2026 exam. The dates are OUT now. IIT Guwahati last conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Candidates who want to apply for M.Tech or any research programmes can apply for GATE. The application window is available till October 7 without late fees (revised), till October 13 (with late fee) and the exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 exam dates on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 dates below -
| Events | Dates |
| GATE 2026 application form release date | August 28 |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (without late fees) | October 7 (REVISED) |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (with late fees) | October 13 |
| GATE 2026 form correction submission last date | November 10 |
| GATE 2026 admit card release date | January 2 |
| GATE 2026 exam date | February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 result date | March 19 |
| GATE scorecard download date | March 27 to May 31 (free download) till December 31 (by paying a fee of INR 500) |
There are two shift timings for the GATE exam. Candidates can find the details of the shift timing on the official website. The GATE shift timings are as follows -
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Candidates can also find the exam timing details mentioned in the GATE admit card. Candidates are advised to appear for the GATE 2026 exam on the date prescribed in the hall ticket.
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Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 19 hours ago
Yes, there is negative marking for GATE Engineering Mathematics section. Candidates must go through exam pattern and marking scheme carefully before attempting any question.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
No, GATE questions are not exactly repeated. However, the concept, core, and question format may remain the same. Therefore, candidates must focus on concept-building and practice GATE PYQs as many times as possible. In addition, solve mock test paper to improve accuracy and time management.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
Yes, GATE has negative marking for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only. In GATE question paper, MCQs will be of one and two marks. Hence, the marking scheme for such questions can be checked below -
- For one mark MCQ - 1/3rd mark will be deducted
- For two mark MCQ - 2/3rd mark will be deducted
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
NHCE Bangalore accepts GATE score for admission to M.Tech programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants can also get into M.Tech course based on their Karnataka PGCET scores. Selected candidates have to confirm their seat by paying the course fees.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Chandigarh University does not announce branch-wise GATE Exam 2026 cut-offs for M.E. admissions. Since GATE is not mandatory for admission, there are no fixed cut-offs for different specialisations. However, for GATE fellowship allocation, competition may vary by branch depending on the number of ap
A
Guide-Level 11
Answered a week ago
Candidates need to graduate from BTech at IIT Dhanbad with a minimum GPA of 8.0 or above to qualify for M.Tech admissions without GATE. Only the candidates who clear BTech from IIT Dhanbad are allowed admissions without GATE into M.Tech at II Dhanbad with the aforementioned score.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the GATE 2026 has already been concluded for IIT Dhanbad M.Tech admissions. The GATE 2026 registrations are closed in the month of October. Candidates who have appeared for GATE will need to wait for all merit-lists to be revealed.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, GATE is not a mandatory entrance exam for Plaksha University MS in AI admissions. Candidates also have the option to appear for other entrance exams to qualify for MS in AI admissions such as GRE, CAT and GMAT.
However, candidates who have cleared their UG level course from top institutes such as
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE paper will be divided into sections like engineering mathematics, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, etc.
Here's the GATE 2026 Syllabus for Civil Engineering
N
Contributor-Level 9
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in more than 200 cities across eight zones in India. There are no international centres. Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must travel to India. The details regarding the test city and address will be mentioned in the GATE admit card.