Physics is the natural science that studies matter and its motion and behavior through space and time and that studies the related entities of energy and force. GATE Physics syllabus will have core physics and general aptitude topics.

Mainly the questions are asked from core Physics and the rest of the questions are asked from general aptitude topics. Physics is one of the most competitive exams for GATE aspirants. GATE exam for Physics will be of 100 marks. The duration of the exam is three hours.  Check GATE Exam Pattern

After qualifying GATE, candidates will be able to get admission in M.tech courses offered at various institutes of the country like IITs, NITs, etc. Read the article to know more about syllabus, exam pattern, books, preparation tips and much more. 

Must Read:  IIT Madras Admission Process

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GATE Syllabus for Physics

Section 1: Mathematical Physics

Linear vector space: basis, orthogonality and completeness; matrices; vector calculus; linear differential equations; elements of complex analysis: Cauchy Riemann conditions, Cauchy’s theorems, singularities, residue theorem and applications; Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis; elementary ideas about tensors: covariant and contravariant tensor, Levi-Civita and Christoffel symbols.

Section 2: Classical Mechanics

Alembert’s principle, cyclic coordinates, variational principle, Lagrange’s equation of motion, central force and scattering problems, rigid body motion; small oscillations, Hamilton’s formalisms; Poisson bracket; special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass‐energy equivalence.

Section 3: Electromagnetic Theory

Solutions of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems including boundary value problems; dielectrics and conductors; Maxwell’s equations; scalar and vector potentials; Coulomb and Lorentz gauges; Electromagnetic waves and their reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and polarization; Poynting vector, Poynting theorem, energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves; radiation from a moving charge.

Section 4: Quantum Mechanics

Postulates of quantum mechanics; uncertainty principle; Schrodinger equation; one-, two- and three-dimensional potential problems; particle in a box, transmission through one dimensional potential barriers, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom; linear vectors and operators in Hilbert space; angular momentum and spin; addition of angular momenta; time independent perturbation theory; elementary scattering theory.

Section 5: 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.

Section 6: Atomic and Molecular Physics

Spectra of one‐ and many‐electron atoms; LS and jj coupling; hyperfine structure; Zeeman and Stark effects; electric dipole transitions and selection rules; rotational and vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules; electronic transition in diatomic molecules, Franck‐Condon principle; Raman effect; NMR, ESR, X-ray spectra; lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, two and three level systems.

Section 7: Solid State Physics & Electronics

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, dielectric and magnetic properties of solids; elements of superconductivity: Type-I and Type II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation. Semiconductor devices: diodes, Bipolar Junction Transistors, Field Effect Transistors; operational amplifiers: negative feedback circuits, active filters and oscillators; regulated power supplies; basic digital logic circuits, sequential circuits, flip‐flops, counters, registers, A/D and D/A conversion.

Section 8: Nuclear and Particle Physics

Nuclear radii and charge distributions, nuclear binding energy, Electric and magnetic moments; nuclear models, liquid drop model: semi‐empirical mass formula, Fermi gas model of nucleus, 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.

Direct link to download GATE Physics(PH) syllabus PDF 

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Sample Questions of GATE Physics Paper

• Sample Question 1: An infinitely long thin cylindrical shell has its axis coinciding with the z-axis. It carries a surface charge density σ0cosφ, where φ is the polar angle and σ0 is a constant. The magnitude of the electric field inside the cylinder is _______?
• Sample Question 2: For the following circuit, the correct logic values for the entries X2 and Y2 in the truth table are

• Sample Question 3: Low energy collision (s-wave scattering) of pion (π+) with deuteron (d) results in the production of two protons (π + + d → p + p). The relative orbital angular momentum (in units of ħ) of the resulting two-proton system for this reaction is _________?

Check GATE Paper Analysis

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GATE Physics Exam Pattern 

• Mode of Examination: Online
• Duration: 3 hours
• Types of questions: MCQs and NATs
• Sections: 2 Sections – General Aptitude and Subject-based
• Total Questions: 65 questions

Marking scheme

• Total marks: 100 marks
• Negative marking: Only for the MCQs 

Read More GATE Exam Pattern 

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Important Books for GATE Physics Paper 

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Preparation Tips for GATE Physics Paper 

• Knowledge of Syllabus and Pattern: Candidates must have accurate knowledge about their syllabus and exam pattern so that they can prepare a proper plan for preparations. Candidates are advised to go through the syllabus prescribed by the authorities only. The exam pattern of GATE is also released every year by the authorities so you must stick to that only.  
• Download Practice Papers: Candidates must download the previous years' papers for practice. These papers will you in getting a better idea about the exam pattern, type of questions, difficulty level of questions, weightage of sections or topics, etc. With the help of practice papers, you can also work on your weaker areas.  Download GATE Practice Papers
• Prepare a Time Table: Candidates must follow a trick time table to prepare well for the exam. You must devote 6-8 hours every day for preparations only. You can also take frequent breaks in between for relaxation of body and mind. 
• Revision is Must: Prepare handwritten notes during the time of preparations. These notes should include all the important formulas, points, tips, tricks that are required to solve the questions. Daily revision of notes will help you in memorizing things for a longer period of time. 
• Accuracy and Speed: 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 can also take mock test to check your speed and accuracy. Do not get disappointed if you are not able to do well in these. In fact, you must observe your weaker areas and start working on them.

Read Preparation Tips of GATE Topper