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GATE Mathematics Syllabus, Preparation Tips and Books

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Mathematics includes the study of topics like quantity, structure, space, and change. The syllabus of GATE mathematics paper is based on the topics studied at the graduation level. The question asked in paper are based on formulas, equations, and graphs.

The major topics of included in the syllabus are Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Algebra, Functional Analysis, Numerical Analysis, etc. In the exam, there will be a total of 65 questions. Out of these total questions, 55 questions will be based on Mathematics and the remaining questions will be based on the General Aptitude sectionCheck GATE Exam Pattern

GATE is conducted online and candidates need to solve the paper within 3 hours duration. After qualifying GATE candidates will be able to get admission in M.Tech courses offered at IITs, NITs, etc. 

Must Read IIT Bombay Admission Process


GATE Mathematics Syllabus

GATE Syllabus for Mathematics

There are 11 chapters in GATE Syllabus for Mathematics paper. Each chapter has many subtopics. The complete syllabus of Mathematics paper is given below.

  • Chapter 1 – Linear Algebra
  • Chapter 2 – Complex Analysis
  • Chapter 3 – Real Analysis
  • Chapter 4 – Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Chapter 5 – Algebra
  • Chapter 6 – Functional Analysis
  • Chapter 7 – Numerical Analysis
  • Chapter 8 – Partial Differential Equations
  • Chapter 9 – Topology
  • Chapter 10 – Probability and Statistics
  • Chapter 11 – Linear Programming

Direct link to download GATE Mathematics (MA) Syllabus PDF 


Important Topics in GATE Mathematics Paper

  • Sample Question 1: 
sample
  • Sample Question 2:

Weightage of Important Topics

Important Topics Weightage of Topics (In %)
Linear Algebra 10%
Complex Variables 10%
Vector Calculus 20%
Calculus 10%
Differential Equation 10%
Probability & Statistics 20%
Numerical Methods 20%

Check GATE Paper Analysis


Exam Pattern of MA

GATE Exam Pattern of Mathematics

Every candidate can apply for one stream among all the 25 papers. GATE exam is conducted in online mode (Computer based). The total weightage of the GATE Exam is 100 marks. GATE Exam Pattern is quite tricky as it varies for different disciplines.

Mode of Examination Online/ Computer-based Test
Total no. of questions 65
Question Type 2 types- Multiple Choice type (MCQ) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT).
Maximum Marks 100
Duration of Exam 3 hours
Sections in paper Two, i.e. General Aptitude and Subject Specific

Note: There is also Negative marking for every wrong answer. But is no negative marking for NAT but it is applicable for MCQs.  For 1 mark MCQs, 1/3 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. Likewise, for 2 marks MCQs, 2/3 marks will be deducted.

Weighatge of Sections in Paper

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
MA- Subject-Based 25 questions of 1 mark each
30 questions of 2 marks each 
    85 marks   MCQs and NATs

Important Books for MA

Preparation Books for Mathematics

Mathematics section in GATE is considered as one of the toughest subjects so the preparation of it should be awesome. Books are the best option to prepare for any exam. That is why we are providing you soma good books for mathematics preparation. Hence, below is the table represents some important books for mathematics preparation in GATE exam:

Preparation books for Mathematics
Books Author/Publisher
Chapterwise Solved Papers Mathematics GATE – 2020 Suraj Singh, Arihant Publication
GATE Engineering Mathematics for All Streams Abhinav Goel, Arihant Publication
GATE 2020: Engineering Mathematics ME Team, Made Easy Publications
Wiley Acing the Gate: Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude Anil K. Maini, Wiley
Higher Engineering Mathematics B.S. Grewal, Khanna Publishers

Also Check GATE Recommended Books


How to Prepare for GATE MA Paper?

Preparation Tips for GATE MA Paper 

1. Know your Syllabus and Exam Pattern

  • Candidates must have accurate information about the exam pattern. This will help them in understanding the weightage of sections, marking schemes, etc.
  • After that, candidates must go through their syllabus again and again so that they won’t miss any topic.
  • Candidates are advised to follow the syllabus prescribed by the exam conducting body.
  • With the help of the right syllabus, you can easily plan your preparation. 

2. Prepare a Productive Plan

Candidates are suggested to prepare a plan as per their capabilities. Do not overburden yourself. You can follow the below-mentioned tips to prepare a plan:

  • Long Term Plan: In long term planning you can divide your syllabus based on the months that are left for preparations. 
  • Short Term Plan: In short term plan, you can divide the topics that you want to cover in a week. You can also call it a weekly plan. This plan is more defined in comparison to long term plan because here you would know exactly which topics you have to cover in a particular week. 

Read Preparation tips from GATE Topper

3. Manage your Time Properly

  • Time management is a must in GATE Preparations. 
  • Candidates need to give 6-8 hours of time for GATE preparations (considering you have 3-4 months left for the exam)
  • Take frequent breaks to avoid laziness and to get refreshed.
  • Dedicate 1-2 hours especially for revisions. 

4. Practice Papers

  • Candidates solve the practice papers after completion of the whole syllabus or simultaneously after completion of each topic. 
  • You can improve the accuracy and speed of solving questions.
  • With the help of practice papers, you can judge the level of your performance. 
  • You can get a better idea about the exam pattern, the difficulty level of questions, type of questions, etc.

Download GATE Practice Papers

5. Revision from Notes

  • During the time of preparation prepare handwritten notes for each topic.
  • These notes should include all the important points, tips, tricks, short cut methods, formulas, etc.
  • Revise these notes on a daily basis. This will help you in memorizing important thinks. 
  • Notes are helpful for a quick look before the exam

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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