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GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus, Preparation Tips and Books

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Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches and its history goes way long back to the inception of Engineering. The syllabus of Mechanical Engineering syllabus is divided into 4 major sections. These sections are Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, and Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering.

In GATE ME paper, the majority of questions i.e 70% are from core subject syllabus and 15% each from General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics. The paper consists of 65 questions worth 100 marks.  Check GATE Exam Pattern

GATE or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national level entrance exam conducted for admission to M.Tech/Ph.D. programs. Only GATE qualifying candidates will become eligible to get admissions offered at IITs, NITs, etc.

Must Read:  IIT Bombay Admission Process


GATE ME Syllabus

GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

Section 1: Engineering mathematics

The section comprising of arithmetical questions, Engineering mathematics’ main aim is to test the applicant’s ability to understand complex concepts of mathematics involved in Engineering with ease and their application into problems.

  • Linear Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Differential equations
  • Complex variables
  • Numerical Methods

Section 2: Applied Mechanics and Design

The Branch deals with the application of concepts of mechanics into complex situations. Closely looked, the branch explores the response of bodies or systems of bodies under the action of external forces. Let’s look at the Applied Mechanics & Design.

  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Theory of Machines
  • Vibrations
  • Machine Design

Section 3: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

Archimedes observed deviation in the mechanics of fluid and forces acting on them long before the term ‘engineering’ was coined. Following the footsteps of Archimedes- Leonardo Da Vinci, Issac Newton, and Blaise Pascal paved the way for Fluid Mechanics with their groundbreaking inventions and indisputable Theories. 

  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Thermodynamics
  • Applications
  • Turbomachinery

Section 4: Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering

Considered the nerve of Mechanical Engineering, Material Science deals with the discovery and design of new elements, with an emphasis over solids. Manufacturing Engineering deals with intricacies of manufacturing processes and other considerations involved in it. Industrial Engineering deals with the work culture of Industries and mechanical processes involved with a clear depiction of Managing roles needed.

  • Engineering Materials
  • Casting, Forming and Joining Processes
  • Metrology and Inspection
  • Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Direct link to download GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) syllabus PDF 


Important Topics in GATE Mechanical Engineering Paper

  • Sample Question 1:
sample
  • Sample Question 2:
sample

Weightage of Topics/Sections

Section 1 Mark 2 Mark No.of Ques
Engineering Mathematics  5 4 9
Engineering Mechanics 0 2 2
Strength of Materials 5 4 9
Design of Machine Elements 0 1 1
Theory of Machines 1 2 3
Vibrations 0 1 1
Fluid mechanics 4 3 7
Thermal Science 5 4 9
Heat Transfer  1 1 2
Manufacturing Science 4 6 10
Industrial Engineering 0 2 2
Verbal Ability 3 2 5
Numerical Ability 2 3 5

Check Detailed GATE ME Paper Analysis


GATE ME Exam Pattern

GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering Paper

  • Exam Mode: Online
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Types of questions: MCQs and NAT
  • Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Subject-based
  • Total questions: 65 questions
  • Total marks: 100 marks
  • Negative Marking: For MCQs only
Section  Total Marks
General Aptitude 15% of the total marks
Engineering Mathematics 15% of the total marks
Subject-Based (ME) 70% of the total marks

Marking scheme

Type of question Negative marking for wrong answer
MCQs

1/3 for 1 mark questions

2/3 for 2 marks questions

NATs No negative marking 

Read More GATE Exam Pattern


Important Books for ME

Important Books for GATE Mechanical Engineering Paper

books
GATE Preparation Books for Mechanical Engineering Author
Mechanical Vibration GK Grover
Design Of Machine Elements VB Bhandari
Engineering Mechanics SS Bhavikatti
Fluid Mechanics RK Bansal

Check More GATE ME Books 


How to Prepare for ME Paper?

Preparation Tips for GATE ME Paper

1. Know your Syllabus and Exam Pattern

  • First, go through your syllabus. Download a copy of the syllabus for future reference.
  • Check the exam pattern to get a better idea about marking scheme, weightage of sections, etc.
  • Divide your syllabus in increasing order of difficulty level so that you can [re[are your preparation plan based on the difficulty level of topics.
  • Go through your syllabus again and again so that you won't miss any important topic.

2. Practice Virtual Calculator

  • Students must practice the use of a virtual calculator because it is always better to prepare in advance.
  • Using the virtual calculator from the time of your preparation will also help you in saving a lot of time in the exam. 

Read Preparation Tips of GATE Topper

3. Work on your Speed and Accuracy

  • To improve speed and accuracy, you must practice more and more practice papers or online tests.
  • Candidates must solve 1-2 practice after every 3 days. 
  • You will also come to know about the exam pattern, difficulty level of questions, type of questions asked in the paper, etc.

Download GATE Practice Papers

4. Time Management

  • Candidates must prepare for the exam for 6-8 hours a day.
  • Do not leave any topic for the end. Try to complete all the topics on time.
  • Candidates are advised to do revisions 1-2 hours daily. This will help you in memorizing importing topics.

5. Regular Revisions

  • Regular revision sessions will help you to remember all the important points during the time of examination.
  • Do not overburden yourself. Take frequent breaks and revise topics when do not feel right to start a new topic.
  • Make handwritten notes for revisions.
  • Take a quick look at these notes before appearing for the exam to refresh the memory.

Syllabus Of Other Papers

Rated as one of the best branches to pursue higher studies in, the stream is the first option for most of the engineering interested candidates and their guardians as well. Unarguably the elite, Mechanical Engineering deals with the complexities and intricacies of an automobile, power sector, manufacturing science, and other construction-related fields. Simply put, Mechanical is required almost everywhere- whether a tool needs to be manufactured, an automobile needs to be modified or a building or heavy machinery needs to be built. To pursue a career in this field candidates must prepare well for the exam.

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

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