GATE CSE 2024 Syllabus, Key Topics and Preparation Tips

Physics Wallah Academic Expert
July 10, 2024

GATE CSE Syllabus: The GATE 2024 syllabus for Computer Science Engineering (CSE) has been released by IISc Bangalore. You can find it on the website gate2024.iisc.ac.in. It's important for candidates to download the GATE CSE 2024 syllabus PDF to prepare effectively. This PDF contains all the topics needed for the entrance exam. 

By using this syllabus, candidates can plan their preparation for the Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) efficiently. Understanding the syllabus helps candidates identify what they need to study for GATE 2024

So, it's advisable for candidates to go through the syllabus before starting their preparation. If you're taking the Computer Science Engineering papers, you can get the GATE Syllabus 2024 for CSE and IT in PDF format. Check out the full article to get more details about the GATE syllabus for Computer Science Engineering.

GATE CSE Syllabus 2024

Understanding the GATE CSE Syllabus is vital for acing the exam. This comprehensive syllabus covers key subjects like data structures, algorithms, computer networks, operating systems, programming languages, databases, computer organization, philosophy of computing, and software engineering. 

Mastery of these topics is essential for GATE exam success. The GATE CSE Syllabus is downloadable in PDF format. Candidates are urged to thoroughly review the GATE CSE 2024 syllabus to gain an edge in the exam.

GATE CSE Syllabus for Engineering Mathematics

Check the table below for GATE CSE Syllabus for Engineering Mathematics:

GATE CSE Syllabus for Engineering Mathematics

Topic

Subtopics

Discrete Mathematics

  • Propositional and first order logic

  • Sets, relations, functions, partial orders, and lattices

  • Groups

  • Graphs: connectivity, matching, coloring

  • Combinatorics: counting, recurrence relations, generating functions

Linear Algebra

  • Matrices, determinants

  • System of linear equations 

  • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors 

  • LU decomposition

Calculus

  • Limits, continuity, and differentiability 

  • Maxima and minima

  • Mean value theorem

  • Integration

Probability

  • Random variables 

  • Uniform, normal, exponential, poison, and binomial distributions

  • Mean, median, mode, and standard deviation

  • Conditional probability and Bayes theorem

GATE CSE Syllabus for General Aptitude

Check the table below for GATE CSE Syllabus for General Aptitude:

GATE CSE Syllabus for General Aptitude

Topics

Sub-topics

Verbal Aptitude

  • English grammar

  • Reading and comprehension

  • Vocabulary

  • Narrative sequencing

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Data interpretation

  • Numerical computation & estimation that includes ratios, percentages, powers, exponents & logarithms

  • 2 & 3-dimensional plots

  • Maps & tables

  • Permutations & combinations

  • Mensuration & geometry

  • Elementary statistics & probability

Analytical Aptitude

  • Logic: Deduction & induction Analogy

  • Numerical relations & reasoning

Spatial Aptitude

  • Transformation of shapes like translation, mirroring , rotation & scaling

  • Paper folding, cutting, and patterns (2 & 3 dimensions)

  • Assembling & grouping

GATE CSE Syllabus for Core Subjects 

Check the table below for GATE CSE Syllabus for Core Subjects:

GATE CSE Syllabus For Core Subjects

Subject

Syllabus

Digital Logic

  • Boolean algebra

  • Combinational and sequential circuits

  • Minimization

  • Number representations and computer arithmetic (fixed and floating-point)

Computer Organization and Architecture

  • Machine instructions and addressing modes

  • ALU, data‐path and control unit

  • Instruction pipelining, pipeline hazards

  • Memory hierarchy: cache, main memory and secondary storage

  • I/O interface (interrupt and DMA mode)

Programming and Data Structures

  • Programming in C

  • Recursion

  • Arrays

  • Stacks

  • Queues

  • Linked lists

  • Trees

  • Binary search trees

  • Binary heaps

  • Graphs

Algorithms

  • Searching

  • Sorting

  • Hashing

  • Asymptotic worst-case time and space complexity

  • Algorithm design techniques: greedy, dynamic programming and divide‐and‐conquer

  • Graph traversals

  • Minimum spanning trees

  • Shortest paths

Theory of Computation

  • Regular expressions and finite automata

  • Context-free grammars and push-down automata

  • Regular and context-free languages

  • Pumping lemma

  • Turing machines and undecidability.

Compiler Design

  • Lexical analysis

  • Parsing

  • Syntax-directed translation

  • Runtime environments

  • Intermediate code generation

  • Local optimizatio

  • Data flow analyses: constant propagation, liveness analysis, common subexpression elimination

Operating System

  • System calls, processes, threads

  • Inter‐process communication

  • Concurrency and synchronization

  • Deadlock

  • CPU and I/O scheduling

  • Memory management and virtual memory

  • File systems

Databases

  • ER‐model

  • Relational model: relational algebra, tuple calculus, SQL.

  • Integrity constraints, normal forms.

  • File organization, indexing (e.g., B and B+ trees).

  • Transactions and concurrency control

Computer Networks

  • Concept of layering: OSI and TCP/IP Protocol Stacks

  • Basics of packet, circuit and virtual circuit-switching

  • Data link layer: framing, error detection, Medium Access Control, Ethernet bridging

  • Routing protocols: shortest path, flooding, distance vector and link-state routing

  • Fragmentation and IP addressing

  • IPv4, CIDR notation,

  • Basics of IP support protocols (ARP, DHCP, ICMP), Network Address Translation (NAT)

  • Transport layer: flow control and congestion control, UDP, TCP, sockets

  • Application layer protocols: DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP, Email

GATE CSE Exam Pattern

To excel in the GATE CSE 2024 exam, it's crucial for candidates to not only have the syllabus PDF but also understand the exam pattern. Familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern helps you grasp the test format, question count, marking system, and other important details. Below, we've outlined the GATE CSE exam pattern for your convenience:

GATE CSE Exam Pattern

Particulars

Specifications

Exam duration

3 hours

Exam mode

Online (Computer-based test)

Type and total number of Questions

Total 65 Questions

MCQs and MCQs and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

Total marks of the exam

100

Total number of sections

  • Aptitude

  • Engineering Mathematics

  • Subject-specific questions

Marking Scheme

  • 1 mark MCQs – 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • 2 mark MCQs – 2/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong response.

  • Zero marks will be awarded for unattempted questions

  • No negative marking will be done for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

GATE CSE Books

To ace the GATE CSE exam, it's recommended to rely on GATE CSE books and modules that extensively cover the subject. These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of every topic in the syllabus, giving candidates an edge in their preparation.

Before diving into their study routine, candidates should understand the importance of each subject's weightage in the GATE CSE exam. Here are some top book recommendations curated by the Physics Wallah Team to aid students in their exam preparation:

PW GATE 2025 Books for CSE

Book Name

Access Link

GATE Wallah Topic Wise PYQ Combo: Computer Science & IT + Engineering Mathematics & Aptitude

Click Here

GATE Wallah Topic Wise PYQ Combo: Computer Science & IT Engineering

Click Here

GATE CSE Preparation Tips

For success in GATE CSE, it's crucial to plan and organize effectively. Follow these steps to prepare well:

  1. Make concise notes after every study session.

  2. Solve past years' papers extensively.

  3. Regularly practice Maths and General Aptitude.

  4. Aim to finish studying the entire GATE CSE syllabus by October.

  5. Identify and work on weak areas.

  6. Revise all concepts frequently.

Read More: Preparation Tips and Strategy to Crack GATE Exam

GATE CSE Syllabus 2024 FAQs

Q.1. What is the importance of the GATE CSE syllabus for exam preparation?

Ans. Understanding the GATE CSE syllabus is essential as it outlines all the topics needed for the exam. It helps candidates plan their study effectively and ensures they cover all the required areas.

Q.2. Where can I find the GATE CSE 2024 syllabus?

Ans. The GATE CSE 2024 syllabus is available on the official website gate2024.iisc.ac.in. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF from there to kickstart their preparation.

Q.3. What are the key topics covered in the GATE CSE syllabus?

Ans. The GATE CSE syllabus covers a wide range of subjects including data structures, algorithms, computer networks, operating systems, programming languages, databases, and more. Mastery of these topics is crucial for success in the exam.

Q.4. How should I prepare for the GATE CSE exam?

Ans. Effective preparation involves creating concise notes, solving previous years' papers, practicing Maths and General Aptitude regularly, aiming to finish the syllabus by October, identifying weak areas, and revising concepts frequently.

Q.5. What is the exam pattern for the GATE CSE 2024 exam?

Ans. The GATE CSE 2024 exam is a 3-hour computer-based test consisting of 65 questions. It includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. There are sections for Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and subject-specific questions. Negative marking applies to MCQs, but not to NAT questions.

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