GATE Physics Syllabus, Important Topics, and Books
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus: IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 physics syllabus on its official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates who are appearing for the GATE 2026 exam scheduled on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 can check the GATE PH syllabus, important topics and chapters below along with best books for GATE Physics preparation. Read below for more.
GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus, Important Topics and Books
GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus: This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts- morning (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and afternoon (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). The exam date for the GATE Physics paper will be OUT soon. Candidates who are opting for the GATE PH paper can check the syllabus, important topics and chapters, paper pattern and more. The conducting authorities have released the GATE 2026 Physics syllabus that can help the aspirants in their GATE preparation.
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Also, candidates must be acquainted with section-wise weightage, important topics, and the GATE 2026 exam pattern of the physics paper. Candidates can check all the essential aspects of the GATE Physics syllabus, important topics, and GATE books for the GATE Physics PH paper 2026. Candidates can also read the official GATE previous years question paper with the link below.
DIRECT LINK - Download GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus
Candidates can also explore other important pages related to the GATE 2026 exam using the below given links;
| Important Links For GATE 2026 | |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Syllabus | GATE Previous Year Question Papers |
| GATE Exam Pattern 2026 | GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria |
Candidates can use GATE books to pick out important terms and formulas and note them for last-minute revision. It is advised to focus more on clearing your concepts than memorising. The GATE exam dates 2026 are February 7, 8, 14, and 15. Candidates must attempting mock test and old question papers.
Here are some good books for GATE Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering -
| GATE EE Books | GATE EC Books |
| Fundamentals of Electric Circuits by Charles K. Alexander | Fundamentals of Electric Circuits by Charles K. Alexander & Matthew N.O. Sadiku |
| Signals and Systems by A. Anand Kumar | Digital Logic and Computer Design by M.Morris Mano |
| Electric Machinery by P.S Bhimbra | Modern Digital Electronics by R.P Jain |
| Electrical and Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation by AK Shawhey | Analog and Digital Communication Systems by Simon Haykin |
- GATE 2026 Physics Section-wise Syllabus:
- GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
- GATE 2026 Physics: Books for Preparation
GATE 2026 Physics Section-wise Syllabus:
GATE physics syllabus 2026 is divided into nine sections, namely - Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, and Nuclear and Particle Physics; Candidates can check GATE 2025 section-wise syllabus below -
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Physics |
Vector Calculus: Linear vector space: basis, orthogonality and completeness; matrices; similarity transformations, diagonalization, eigen values and eigen vectors; linear differential equations: second-order linear differential equations and solutions involving special functions; complex analysis: Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy's theorem, singularities, residue theorem and applications; Laplace transform, Fourier analysis; elementary ideas about tensors: covariant and contravariant tensors. |
| Classical Mechanics |
Lagrangian Formulation: D'Alembert's principle, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton's principle, calculus of variations; symmetry and conservation laws; central force motion: Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering; small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes; rigid body, dynamics: inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, Euler angles, Torque free motion of a symmetric top; Hamiltonian and Hamilton's equations of motion; Liouville's theorem; canonical transformations: action-angle variables, Poisson brackets, Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Special Theory of Relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy equivalence. |
| Electromagnetic Theory |
Solutions of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems including boundary value problems; method of images; separation of variables; dielectrics and conductors; magnetic materials; multipole expansion; Maxwell's equations; scalar and vector potentials; Coulomb and Lorentz gauges; electromagnetic waves in free space, non-conducting and conducting media; reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences; polarization of electromagnetic waves; Poynting vector, Poynting theorem, energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves; radiation from a moving charge. |
| Quantum Mechanics |
Postulates of quantum mechanics; uncertainty principle; Schrodinger equation; Dirac Bra-Ket notation, linear vectors and operators in Hilbert space; one dimensional potential: step potential, finite rectangular well, tunneling from a potential barrier, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator; two and three dimensional systems: concept of degeneracy; hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; addition of angular momenta; variational method and WKB approximation, time independent perturbation theory; elementary scattering theory, Born approximation; symmetries in quantum mechanical systems. |
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics | Laws of thermodynamics; macrostates and microstates; phase space; ensembles; partition function, free energy, calculation of thermodynamic quantities; classical and quantum statistics; degenerate Fermi gas; black body radiation and Planck's distribution law; Bose-Einstein condensation; first and second order phase transitions, phase equilibria, critical point |
| Atomic and Molecular Physics | Spectra of one-and many-electron atoms; spin-orbit interaction: LS and jj couplings; fine and hyperfine structures; Zeeman and Stark effects; electric dipole transitions and selection rules; rotational and vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules; electronic transitions in diatomic molecules, Franck-Condon principle; Raman effect; EPR, NMR, ESR, X-ray spectra; lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, two and three level systems. |
| Solid State Physics |
Elements of crystallography; diffraction methods for structure determination; bonding in solids; lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids; free electron theory; band theory of solids: nearly free electron and tight binding models; metals, semiconductors and insulators; conductivity, mobility and effective mass; Optical properties of solids; Kramer's-Kronig relation, intra- and inter-band transitions; dielectric properties of solid; dielectric function, polarizability, ferroelectricity; magnetic properties of solids; dia, para, ferro, antiferro and ferri-magnetism, domains and magnetic anisotropy; superconductivity: Type-I and Type II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS Theory, flux quantization. |
| Electronics |
Semiconductors in Equilibrium: Electron and hole statistics in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; metal-semiconductor junctions; Ohmic and rectifying contacts; PN diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors; negative and positive feedback circuits; oscillators, operational amplifiers, active filters; basics of digital logic circuits, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, timers, counters, registers, A/D and D/A conversion. |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics |
Nuclear radii and charge distributions, nuclear binding energy, electric and magnetic moments; semi-empirical mass formula; nuclear models; liquid drop model, nuclear shell model; nuclear force and two nucleon problem; alpha decay, beta-decay, electromagnetic transitions in nuclei; Rutherford scattering, nuclear reactions, conservation laws; fission and fusion; particle accelerators and detectors; elementary particles; photons, baryons, mesons and leptons; quark model; conservation laws, isospin symmetry, charge conjugation, parity and time-reversal invariance |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
Candidates can check important topics for GATE 2026 Physics paper mentioned below;
| Important Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vector Calculus | Oscillations | Thermodynamics |
| Electromagnetism | Quantum Mechanics | Semiconductors |
| Atomic spectrum | Classical Mechanics | Analog and digital logic circuits |
| particle Physics: Accelerators and detectors | Molecular Physics: Raman effect... | Special Theory of Relativity |
Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus
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GATE 2026 Physics: Books for Preparation
Candidates can explore a few books for GATE 2026 Physics paper preparation mentioned below:
| Topic |
Book |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Physics |
B D Gupta |
| Engineering Electromagnetics |
W H Hatt, J A Buck |
| Classical Mechanics |
Herbert Goldstein, John Safko, Charles P. Poole |
| Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications |
Nouredine Zettili |
| Statistical and Thermal Physics: An Introduction |
R. S. Gambhir, S. Lokanathan |
| Atomic and Molecular Physics |
Raj Kumar |
| Solid State Physics |
N. David |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics |
S L Kakani |
| Semiconductor Physics and Devices |
Donald A. Neamen, Dhrubes Biswas |
Honestly, textbooks are not enough for GATE preparation (especially if you are targeting IITs and top colleges).
Besides your college books, look out for top GATE books recommended by toppers, mentors, and professors. Pick at least one standard book for each subject and start studying it side by side. Apart from that, also practice solving GATE question papers of last 5 to 10 years to get hands on the question difficulty and pattern.
Stay consistent, prepare a practical timetable and religiously follow it. At the end, it's all upto how you prepare for the exam.
Here are some good books for GATE AE that candidates can refer for preparation and revision -
- Fundamentals of Aerodynamics by JD Anderson
- Aircraft by GM Sutton and Oscar Biblarz
- Airplane Performance, Stability, and Control by Perkins and Hage
- Aerodynamics of Engineering Students by E.L Houghton, P.W Carpenter
- Introduction to Flight by JD Anderson
Also Read: Books for GATE Preparations
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month 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 a month 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 2 months ago
The GATE cutoff changes every year depending on seat intake, number of applicants appeared in exam, toughness of question paper, and previous cutoff trends. Candidates who meet cutoff score can participate for counselling.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months ago
Candidates who are appearing for the GATE exam must carry a valid ID proof along with a passport-size photograph, transperant water bottle, and pen (blue or black) along with GATE 2026 hall ticket. We advise to carry atleast two to three copies of admit card to the centre.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Here are some of the best books for GATE Computer Science and Engineering preparation -
Candidates are advised not to neglect textbooks as well. They are gold. The textbooks cover majority of concepts and fundamentals explained easily. So, start with your standard books first, then use the reference books for further preparation.