In the field of architecture, an architectural plan is a design and planning for a building. It also includes architectural drawings, specifications of the design, calculations, time planning of the building process, and other documentation. GATE Architecture and Planning syllabus contains the subject topics and general aptitude.
The syllabus of architecture does not contain the mathematics section as most of the papers in GATE exam contain the same. The question paper comprises 65 questions of 100 marks. The majority of questions that is 55 are from core subject syllabus and remaining 10 questions from General Aptitude Sections. Check GATE Exam Pattern
GATE is conducted for admission to M.Tech and Ph.D. courses. Candidates who appear for GATE Architecture and Planning advised to must check the complete syllabus.
Must Read: IIT Madras Admission Process
GATE Syllabus of AR
GATE Syllabus for Architecture and Planning
GATE Syllabus for Architecture and Planning comprises of 8 sections. Architecture & Design is the most important section of Architecture and Planning. Before starting the preparation of the exam, candidates are advised to go through the complete syllabus for better preparation. Candidates can check the Architecture and Planning syllabus as given below:
- Section 1: Architecture and Design
- Section 2: Building Materials, Construction, and Management
- Section 3: Building and Structures
- Section 4: Environmental Planning and Design
- Section 5: Urban and Design
- Section 6: Urban Planning and Housing
- Section 7: Planning Techniques and Management
- Section 8: Services, Infrastructure, and Transportation
Direct link to download GATE Architecture and Planning (AR) syllabus PDF
Important Topics in GATE Architecture and Planning
- Sample Question 1: A sanitary landfill is provided with High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) lining along the ground surface. This is provided primarily to prevent ______?
- Sample Question 2: The illumination level of a room is 300 lux and the efficacy of the lamps is 60. The Light Power Density (LPD) of the room in Watt/m2 is ______?
- Sample Question 3: A cone, with a base of 10 cm diameter and axis of 12 cm, is lying on Horizontal Plane (HP) along its generator. The internal angle which the base of the cone makes with the HP is _____ degrees.
Topic |
Weightage (Marks) |
Architecture & Design |
20-30 |
Building and Structures |
25-30 |
Urban Planning and Housing |
15-20 |
Planning Techniques and Management |
10-15 |
Also Check GATE Paper Analysis
Important Books for AR
Preparation Books for Architecture and Planning
GATE is considered as one of the toughest exams. Hence, the preparation to qualify GATE should be good. The table is given below represents some important books for preparation of Architecture and Planning Paper:
Book Name |
Author/ Publisher |
ISBN Number |
How To Crack GATE 2020 Architecture and Planning |
Ar. Ashok Goel and Ar. Arjun Kamal |
B074565291 |
Architect's Guidebook For Competitive Exams |
Ar. Swapnil Vidhate |
9352674847, 978-9352674848 |
Principles Of Town Planning And Architecture |
Biswas Hiranmay |
938134857X, 978-9381348574 |
Contemporary Library Architecture: A Planning and Design Guide |
Ken Worpole |
- |
GATE Paper Pattern of AR
GATE Paper Pattern of Architecture and Planning
GATE Exam Pattern is defined paper wise depending upon candidates’ branch.
- The exam is held in online mode (Computer Based Test).
- GATE consists of 2 sections namely General Aptitude and specific subject of the paper
- The total number of questions in the exam is 65.
- The exam includes 2 types of Questions - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Numerical Answer Type (NAT).
- Applicants have to attempt all the questions in a duration of three hours.
- The maximum number of questions in GATE is from the core subject.
- GATE Syllabus is based on graduation level.
- Negative marking is also applicable. There is no negative marking for NAT but it is applicable for MCQs. For 1 mark MCQs, 1/3 of the marks is deducted for every wrong answer. Likewise, for 2 marks MCQs, 2/3 marks is deducted
Section |
Distribution of Marks |
Total Marks |
Types of questions |
GA |
5 questions of 1 mark each
5 questions of 2 marks each |
15 marks |
MCQs |
AR- Subject-Based |
25 questions of 1 mark each
30 questions of 2 marks each |
85 marks |
MCQs and NATs |
Read More GATE Exam Pattern
How to Prepare for AR Paper?
Preparation Tips for Architecture and Planning Paper
1. Time Management
- First of all, candidates should prepare a time table for themself.
- This way they can divide their time and syllabus easily.
Time Allotment |
Activities to Do |
5:00 AM to 8:00 AM |
Revise your Notes |
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
Take a Break |
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
Pick up a Major Topic |
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Take a Break |
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Take a small test and continue with your topic |
10:00 PM |
Again revise from your notes and sleep early |
2. Begin from Easy Topics
- Candidates are advised to begin from easy topics.
- Once your easy topics are over, then you can move towards difficult ones.
- Don’t leave easy topics for the end. In the end, only revisions should be done by the candidates.
- You can follow the same trick in the exam also. Start solving questions that are easy then move to the difficult ones.
3. Practice Papers
- To get an idea about the exam pattern, weightage of questions, difficulty level of questions, etc.
- After completion of each topic, you must solve the one practice paper.
- Practice papers will help you in gaining accuracy and speed.
Download GATE Practice Papers
Do’s and Don’ts during Preparation Time
- Do not panic during the time of preparations. Follow your time table to cover all the topics.
- Divide your syllabus into months or weeks and try to complete it within the time fixed by you.
- Take frequent breaks to relax.
- Take online tests to judge your preparation level and weak areas. Do not lose your if your score is bad in that.
- Make hand written notes for revision.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.