GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus, Important Topics, and Books

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )

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Exam On: 1 Feb '25

nitesh
nitesh singh
Senior Executive
Updated on Oct 22, 2024 12:05 IST

IIT Roorkee has released the GATE 2025 Physics paper syllabus on the official website of GATE 2025. Candidates can check below the GATE 2025 Physics syllabus, important topics, and books. The GATE 2025 exam will take place on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. 

GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus, Important Topics and Books

GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus, Important Topics and Books

GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus: GATE 2025 exam dates have been released by IIT Roorkee. The GATE 2025 exam will be conducted on 1, 2, 15, and 16  February 2025. IIT Roorkee, The GATE 2025 exam conducting authority, has released the GATE 2025 Physics syllabus. To implement a good preparation strategy, candidates must be aware with the GATE Physics Syllabus 2025. They must be acquainted with section-wise weightage, important topics, and the GATE 2025 exam pattern of the GATE 2025 Physics paper. Candidates can check all the essential aspects of the GATE Physics syllabus and important topics and GATE books for the GATE Physics PH paper 2025. Candidates can also read the official GATE 2025 paper with the direct link below.

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Direct link to download PDF: GATE 2025 Physics syllabus

Candidates can also explore other important pages related to the GATE 2025 exam using the below given links;

Important Links For GATE 2025
GATE 2025 Syllabus GATE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

GATE 2025 Physics Section-wise Syllabus:

GATE physics syllabus 2025 is divided into nine sections namely; Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, : Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Electronics, and Nuclear and Particle Physics; Candidates can check GATE 2025 section-wise syllabus below;

Q:   List some important books for preparing the GATE for Computer Science Engineering paper.

A:
Here are some important books for preparing the GATE Computer Science Engineering paper: "Computer organisation and Design" by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy "Operating System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, and Greg Gagne "Introduction to Algorithms" by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, and Clifford Stein "Database System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan "Computer Networks" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall "Digital Logic and Computer Design" by M. Morris Mano "Compiler Design" by Alfred V. Aho, Monica S. Lam, Ravi Sethi, and Jeffrey D. Ullman "Theory of Computation" by Michael Sipser "Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach" by Roger S. Pressman "Computer Graphics with OpenGL" by Donald Earn and M. Pauline Baker. It's important to note that these are just a few recommendations and should be used as supplementary material along with other resources such as previous years' question papers, online tutorials, and practice tests.

Q:   Can you suggest some good books for the preparation of GATE for CSE?

A:

Those candidates who are preparing for the GATE Computer Science Engineering paper should refer to the best GATE Computer Science Engineering books 2025 so that their chances of cracking the entrance exam increase. It is important to choose a good book in the preparation journey, and simultaneously, the right strategy also matters. Here, we have listed some books for CSE that may help students in their preparation. Engineering Mathematics:

  • Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig, Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth Rosen.\
  • Theory of Computation: An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata by Peter Linz
  • Computer organisation & Architecture: Computer Architecture A Quantitative Approach by Hennessy and Patterson and
  • Computer organisation and Embedded systems by Carl Hamacher.
  • Programming & Data Structures: Classic Data Structures by Debasis Samanta
  • The C Programming language by Dennis Richie. Digital Logic: Digital Electronics by S. Salivahanan & S. Arivazhagan and Digital Design by Morris Mano.
  • Computer Networks: Computer Networks by Peterson & Davie and Data Communications and Networking by Kurose & Ross and Behrouz A. Forouzan.
  • Algorithms: Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen and Data Structures & Algorithms by R. S. Salaria.
  • Compiler Design: Compiler Design in C by Allen I Holub and Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools by Aho & Ullman.
  • Operating System: Operating Systems by Stallings and Operating System Concepts by Galvin.
  • Databases: Database System Concepts by Henry. F. Korth and Normalization and indexing by Shamkant B. Navathe.

Q:   Which are the best books for an electronics and communication engineer who is preparing for the ESE or GATE?

A:
Check below the list of books that help in the preparation for ESE/IES ECE Exam: 1- Network Analysis by Van Valkenburg and Chakrabarti. 2- Electromagnetic Waves & Radiating Systems by Jardon & Balmain and JD Kraus. 3- Integrated Circuits by K. R. Botkar. 4- Op. Amps & Linear Integrated Circuit by Gayakwad. 5- Digital Logic & Computer Design by Morris Mano. 6- Automatic Control System by Benjamin C. Kuo and B. S Make 7- Control System engineering. By I. G. Nagrath & M. Goal 8- Principle of Communication System by Taub & Schilling, J. B Gupta, and A. Bruu Carlson. 9- Integrated Electronics by Jacob Milman & C. Halkias and Millman & Grabel 10- Digital Principles and Applications (SIE) by Leach & Malvino 11- Network and Systems by D. Roy Choudhary 12- Signals and System by Oppehum, Willsky & Nacob, and Sanjay Sharma. 13- Problems Amp Solutions Control System by Jairath A. K. 14- Electronics & Communication Engineering by Arihant Publication 15- Detailed Solutions in Electronics & Communication for Competitions by S. K. Karna 16- Electronics Engineering Handout by Made Easy Publication. Books for ECE GATE: 1- Network Theory Engineering Circuit Analysis by William H. Hayt Network Analysis by Mac Van Valkenburg 2- Engineering Mathematics Higher Engineering Mathematics by B. S. Grewal GATE Engineering Mathematics: Multiple Choice Questions by R. K. Kanodia 3- Analog Circuits Microelectronic Circuits: Theory and Applications by Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth Carless Smith Op. Amps & Linear Integrated Circuit by Ramakant Gayakwad 4- Digital Electronics Digital Design by M. Morris Mano Modern Digital electronics by R P Jain Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, and Applications with 8085 by Ramesh Gaonkar 5- Automatic Control Systems by Benjamin C Kuo 6- Control Systems Engineering by M Goal and I. J. Nagrath 7- Principles of Electromagnetics by Matthew N. O. Sadiku 8- Semiconductor Physics and Devices by Donald Neamen 9- Signals and Systems by Alan V. Oppenheim, Allan S. Willsky, S. Hamid Nawab 10- Digital and Analog Communications by B. P. Lathi I hope this will help you.
Section Topics
Mathematical Physics

Vector Calculus: Linear vector space: basis, orthogonality and completeness; matrices; similarity transformations, diagonalization, eigen values and eigen vectors; linear differential equations: second-order linear differential equations and solutions involving special functions; complex analysis: Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy's theorem, singularities, residue theorem and applications; Laplace transform, Fourier analysis; elementary ideas about tensors: covariant and contravariant tensors.
Classical Mechanics

Lagrangian Formulation: D'Alembert's principle, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton's principle, calculus of variations; symmetry and conservation laws; central force motion: Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering; small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes; rigid body
dynamics: inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, Euler angles, Torque free motion of a symmetric top; Hamiltonian and Hamilton's equations of motion; Liouville's theorem; canonical transformations: action-angle variables, Poisson brackets, Hamilton-Jacobi equation.
Special Theory of Relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy equivalence.
Electromagnetic Theory

Solutions of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems including boundary value problems; method  of images; separation of variables; dielectrics and conductors; magnetic materials; multipole expansion; Maxwell's equations; scalar and vector potentials; Coulomb and Lorentz gauges; electromagnetic waves in free space, non-conducting and conducting media; reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences; polarization of electromagnetic waves; Poynting vector, Poynting theorem, energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves; radiation from a moving charge.
Quantum Mechanics

Postulates of quantum mechanics; uncertainty principle; Schrodinger equation; Dirac Bra-Ket notation, linear vectors and operators in Hilbert space; one dimensional potential: step potential, finite rectangular well, tunneling from a potential barrier, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator; two and three dimensional systems: concept of degeneracy; hydrogen atom; angular momentum and spin; addition of angular momenta; variational method and WKB approximation, time independent perturbation theory; elementary scattering theory, Born approximation; symmetries in quantum mechanical systems.
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
Atomic and Molecular Physics Spectra of one-and many-electron atoms; spin-orbit interaction: LS and jj couplings; fine and hyperfine structures; Zeeman and Stark effects; electric dipole transitions and selection rules; rotational and vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules; electronic transitions in diatomic molecules, Franck-Condon principle; Raman effect; EPR, NMR, ESR, X-ray spectra; lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, two and three level systems.
Solid State Physics

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 properties of solids; Kramer's-Kronig relation, intra- and inter-band transitions; dielectric properties of solid; dielectric function, polarizability, ferroelectricity; magnetic properties of solids; dia, para, ferro, antiferro and ferri-magnetism, domains and magnetic anisotropy; superconductivity: Type-I and Type II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS Theory, flux quantization.
Electronics

Semiconductors in Equilibrium: Electron and hole statistics in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; metal-semiconductor junctions; Ohmic and rectifying contacts; PN diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors; negative and positive feedback circuits; oscillators, operational amplifiers, active filters; basics of digital logic circuits, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, timers, counters, registers, A/D and D/A conversion.
Nuclear and Particle Physics

Nuclear radii and charge distributions, nuclear binding energy, electric and magnetic moments; semi-empirical mass formula; nuclear models; liquid drop model, 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; conservation laws, isospin symmetry, charge conjugation, parity and time-reversal invariance

GATE Physics Syllabus 2025: Important Topics

Candidates can check important topics for GATE 2025 Physics paper mentioned below;

Important Topics
Vector Calculus Oscillations Thermodynamics
Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Semiconductors
Atomic spectrum Classical Mechanics Analog and digital logic circuits
particle Physics: Accelerators and detectors Molecular Physics: Raman effect... Special Theory of Relativity

Also Read: GATE 2025 Syllabus

GATE 2025 Physics: Books for Preparation

Candidates can explore a few books for GATE 2025 Physics paper preparations mentioned below:

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Topic

Book

Mathematical Physics

B D Gupta

Engineering Electromagnetics

W H Hatt, J A Buck

Classical Mechanics

Herbert Goldstein, John Safko, Charles P. Poole

Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications

Nouredine Zettili

Statistical and Thermal Physics: An Introduction

R. S. Gambhir, S. Lokanathan

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Raj Kumar

Solid State Physics

N. David

Nuclear and Particle Physics

S L Kakani

Semiconductor Physics and Devices

Donald A. Neamen, Dhrubes Biswas

Also Read: Books for GATE 2025 Preparations

Read More:

GATE 2025: Exam Date (OUT), Registration, Syllabus, Question Papers, Exam Pattern, preparation

GATE 2025 Data Science And Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Free PDF Download

GATE 2025 Physics syllabus: FAQs

Q:   Can you suggest good books for GATE Mechanical Engineering preparation?

A:

Here are some of the most recommended books for GATE ME paper. Candidates must focus on getting good but limited resources whether its books, PYQs or notes and revise them frequently. This way they can ensure better result in the following GATE exam. Candidates can find below books for each section of GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus;

Applied Mechanics and Design: Engineering Mechanics by SS Bhagavati & The Theory of Machines by SS Ratan 

Fluid Mechanics: 1000 Solved Problems in Fluid Mechanics by K Subramanya

Thermal sciences: Internal Combustion Engines  by V Ganeshan and Power Plant Engineering by PK Nag

Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Material Science and Metallurgy by OP Khanna and Industrial Engineering and Management by OP Khanna

Candidate can find out the complete list of GATE ME Books via the Given link; Complete GATE Books List

Q:   What are the best books for GATE preparation?

A:

When preparing for the GATE exam, it is essential to know the exam pattern and the best books for preparation. Candidates must be thorough with their textbooks and lecture notes. Refer to the article here to get the best books for GATE preparation - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-books

Q:   Can you list some good books for GATE in Computer Science Engineering?

A:

Candidates appearing for GATE in computer science and engineering fields can check below some of the best books for GATE CSE preparation -

  • The C programming language by DENNIS M.Ritchie/Pearson

  • Fundamentals of data structure by Sartaj Sahni

  • Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H.Cormen

  • Automata theory, languages, and computation by John E Hopcroft, Jeffery D. Ullman

  • Principles of compiler design by Aho and Ullman

  • Operating System Concepts by Galvin

  • Database System Concepts by Henry Korth

  • Introductory Discrete Mathematics by Kenneth Rosen

  • Computer Organisation by Carl Hamacher

  • Modern Digital Electronics by R.P Jain

  • Data Communication and Networking by Behrouz A. Forouzon

Read here to know more about GATE 2025 books - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-books

FAQs related to GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus

Who can appear for GATE 2025 Physics paper?

According to GATE 2025 Eligibilty criteria, Any gradudate passed or appearing  in 3rd or above year can appear in GATE 2025 exam. Ideally Candidates who have taken physics in their graduation can opt for GATE 2025 Physics paper.

What is the level of GATE 2025 Physics paper?

GATE Physics paper 2025 will be based on the concept and numericals taught in students gradution courses. Candidates can expect graduation level questions in the GATE 2025 Physics paper.

How many question are asked in the GATE Physics paper?

There are 65 question of 100 marks in GATE 2025 Physics paper, Generally 3-7 question are asked each section of GATE physics syllabus 2025

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nitesh singh
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Meet Nitesh singh, a passionate and dedicated writer specializing in engineering exams and news with over 4 years of experience in education field. He strives to empower readers with the knowledge and resources they... Read Full Bio

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Answered 14 hours ago

Amrita School of Engineering Coimbatore accepts valid GATE exam scores for admissions to its M.Tech programme. As per official sources, the GATE exam date for the 2025 session is out. The exam is scheduled to be held from Feb 1 to Feb 16, 2025. To register for the exam, interested candidates can vi

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Shailja Rawat

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Answered Yesterday

Candidates can find the GATE 2025 general aptitude syllabus from the official website - gate2025.iitr.ac.in. The general aptitude section is common for all papers and carries 15 marks, while the rest of the paper comprises 85 marks. The GATE general aptitude syllabus are as follows -

Verbal Aptitude

  • V

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H

Himanshi Choudhury

Beginner-Level 3

Answered Yesterday

No, the syllabus is specific to the branch or the paper you choose. Candidates must refer to the GATE syllabus provided on the official website of GATE - gate2025.iitr.ac.in. 

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Bhumika Uniyal

Beginner-Level 3

Answered Yesterday

The GATE includes 30 test papers, such as computer Science and engineering, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, mining engineering, life sciences, electrical engineering, data Science and artificial intelligence, and more. Candidates can check the detailed GATE 2025 syllabus here - https://www.sh

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Indrani Uniyal

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No, the GATE exam will be conducted on the prescribed dates as published on the website. The details of the exam paper (date and time) will be mentioned on the GATE admit card. 

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Piyush Shukla

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Answered Yesterday

The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee has announced the GATE exam dates for 30 test papers. Each paper will be conducted on the dates scheduled by the organising institute. The slot and the exam date along with the time will also be mentioned on the GATE admit card. Candidates can check the GA

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Sumridhi Sinha

Beginner-Level 3

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Hi Shiksha,

You can find the GATE 2025 subject paper codes on the official IIT Roorkee website. The codes are two-letter abbreviations assigned to each subject, such as 'AE' for Aerospace Engineering and 'CS' for Computer Science and Information Technology.

Hope this information helps. Please feel fr

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Ankit kumar

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Answered Yesterday

The GATE paper code for Mechanical Engineering is ME. Candidates can find the subject code on the official website as well as on their GATE admit card. The syllabus for the GATE mechanical engineering is as follows -

  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Applied Mechanics and Design
  • Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Science

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Taru Shukla

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Answered 2 days ago

Yes, once the candidate know their exact GATE center location, they can plan their travel and accomodation (if required) in advance to avoid last minute issues. 

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Shiksha Hazarika

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Answered 2 days ago

Candidates can re-download their GATE admit card from the GATE portal using the log in credentials - enrollment ID and password. Ensure that candidates have multiple printouts for backup. The GATE admit card will be released on January 7, 2025. 

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UPASANA PRADHAN

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