GATE 2025 CSE Syllabus: Exam Dates (OUT), Check Pattern, Books, PSUs, and More

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )

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Admit Card: 7 Jan '25

UPASANA
UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Nov 18, 2024 12:28 IST

IIT Roorkee released the GATE 2025 CSE syllabus (computer science and information technology) on its official website - gate2025.iitr.ac.in. Candidates can also find the GATE CSE exam syllabus in the GATE information brochure. Read below for more details -

GATE Computer Science and Information Technology Syllabus

GATE 2025 Computer Science and Information Technology Syllabus

GATE CSE Syllabus 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has released the GATE syllabus for CSE. Candidates who are preparing to take the GATE 2025 exam can check the syllabus of the GATE Computer Science syllabus on this page. GATE syllabus CSE will help the aspirants know the topics to study for the exam. The link to download the GATE Syllabus for CSE PDF is on the page below. Apart from the syllabus, candidates should also check the GATE exam pattern as it will help them in making the GATE preparation strategy. Detailed information about topics and chapters in the GATE CSE syllabus is below.

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What is GATE Computer Science and Information Technology?

Computer science and information technology is an engineering discipline that delves into the theory, computation, and algorithms of computer systems and networks for business fields. The GATE CSE 2025 syllabus comprises topics and subjects such as programming, algorithms, engineering mathematics, boolean algebra, discrete mathematics, data structures, etc. 

Q:   What is GATE 2025 Exam structure?

A:

GATE papers have three major sections; General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics & Specific Subject. There are 65 questions asked for 100 marks in GATE exam.  

General aptitude questions are asked for 15 marks, Engineering mathematics in some paper codes (Check GATE 2025 Exam pattern) for 13 marks and the rest 72 marks from the chosen subject.  

In some paper codes engineering mathematics will be excluded only 15 marks general aptitude questions and rest 85 marks will be of chosen subject. 

Q:   Which section is allotted the highest marks in GATE 2025?

A:

GATE examination is conducted across India. It tests the comprehensive understanding of several undergraduate subjects in engineering and Science for admission into the Masters programme and a job in Public Sector Companies. It is important to note that with 70% of the total marks, the technical section holds the highest number of marks in any subjects question paper. Scroll down to know the weightage of the General Aptitude (GA) and Engineering Mathematics in GATE 2025. In GATE 2025, GA and Engineering Mathematics will be compulsory sections, which consist of 15% weightage each in total marks in GATE papers with codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS EC, EE, IN ME, MN, MT, PE, PI TF, and XE. The remaining 70% weightage will be provided to the subject selected by the candidate. In GATE 2025 question papers of AR, CY, EY, GG, M.A. PH, ST, and XL, a compulsory section of General Aptitude will be there for 15% of the total marks. The remaining 85% weightage will be provided to the selected subject. Read More in detail: https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-pattern.

Q:   Has the GATE 2025 exam pattern changed from previous years?

A:

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering has come a long way since its inception. The entrance test was first introduced in 1983 and was conducted offline (in pen and paper format) only for engineering and science streams. However, over the years, the pattern of the GATE examination has changed in several factors, such as the following -

  • Giving more emphasis on numerical ability and reasoning questions.

  • More case-based questions are included to understand the candidate’s ability and approach towards practical knowledge.

  • Changing the exam mode from offline to a computer-based test for faster evaluation, improved accuracy, and a more secure examination process.

  • Introducing more elaborated syllabi and disciplines to align with the industry demands and technological advancements. 

Overall, the GATE has grown beyond being a gateway for postgraduate studies. It is now a recognised criterion for recruitment in over 50 PSUs, such as ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC. Candidate can check GATE exam pattern here: GATE 2025 Exam Pattern

Computer science and information technology are among the most demanding courses, with massive career opportunities. Last year, around 1,52,652 candidates registered for the GATE CSE paper, out of which 1,23,967 candidates appeared for the examination.

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Important Links For GATE 2025
GATE 2025 Syllabus GATE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE Application Form 2025 GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Click here to download GATE CSE Syllabus PDF 

GATE 2025 Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) Syllabus

IIT Roorkee will conduct the GATE 2025 exam on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. The entrance test will be held in two sessions - Morning (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and Afternoon (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). The GATE 2025 computer science and information technology paper will be held in CS1 and CS2 form on the following dates -

  • CS1 - February 1, 2025 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
  • CS2 - February 2, 2025 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

Candidates appearing for the exam must carry their GATE 2025 admit card and valid photo identity proof. 

The GATE 2025 Computer Science and Information Technology syllabus details all the sections. Candidates can check below -

Q:   What is the exam pattern for GATE test paper codes CE, CS, EC, AE, AG, BT, CH, ME, MN, MT, EE, IN, TF, XE, PE, ST, and PI?

A:

The exam pattern and distribution of questions for test paper codes - CE, CS, EC, AE, AG, BT, CH, ME, MN, MT, EE, IN, TF, XE, PE, ST, and PI are as follows -

  • General Aptitude (GA)-  15 questions

  • Engineering Mathematics (EM) - 13 questions

  • Subject-specific questions - 72 questions 

The total number of questions asked in the GATE examination is 100 questions. 

Q:   What is the structure and pattern of GATE exam?

A:
Hello Mohsin, In all GATE papers, there are total 65 questions carrying 100 marks. The duration of GATE exam is 3 hours. The question paper consist of both multiple choice questions (MCQ) and numerical answer type questions. The GATE examination for all the papers is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT), where questions are displayed in a random sequence on a computer screen. You are required to either select the answer (for MCQ type) or enter the answer for numerical answer type question using a mouse on a virtual keyboard. You will be provided with blank paper sheets for rough work. Type of Questions in GATE: 1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carry 1 or 2 marks each; Each of the multiple choice objective questions in all papers and sections contain four answer choices, out of which you have to select correct answer or answers. 2. Numerical Answer Questions carry 1 or 2 marks each; the answer is a real number, which you have to enter using the mouse and a virtual on-screen keypad.

Q:   What is two paper combination in the GATE exam?

A:

GATE conducting authorities allow candidates to appear for two papers in the GATE exam. The GATE 2025 two-paper concept allows candidates to select two subjects instead of one. Candidates must choose two subjects from the list of combinations approved by the GATE authorities. Opting for two-paper combinations in GATE enhances students' skills and knowledge, improving their chances of acceptance into engineering. In the GATE second paper concept, the primary paper is related to the candidate’s undergraduate discipline. On the other hand, the secondary paper allows the candidate to apply their knowledge in the related field. Candidate must know that the selection of two papers has to be made as per the candidate's qualifying degree and the course for which candidate wishes to do higher studies.

Q:   What is the paper-wise GATE Marking scheme?

A:

Check the paper-wise marking scheme for GATE 2025 below:  

  • For paper code: AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS CY, EC, EE, ES, EY, IN, M.A. ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PH, PI TF, ST General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject Marks: 85 Total Marks: 100 Total Time (minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: AR [Part A + Part B1 or B2 (B1: Architecture or B2: Planning)] General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject Marks: 60+25 Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: GE [Part A + Part B (Section I or Section II) General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject marks: 55+30 Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: GG [Part A + Part B (Section 1: Geology or Section 2: Geophysics)] General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject marks: 25+60 Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: XE (Section A + Any TWO Sections) General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject marks: 15 + (2 x 35) Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: XH (Section B1 + Any ONE Section) General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject marks: 25 + 60 Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • For Paper Code: XL (Section P + Any TWO Sections) General Aptitude (GA) Marks: 15 Subject marks: 25 + (2 x 30) Total Marks: 100 Total Time (Minutes): 180  

  • Read More; https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-pattern. 

Q:   What is the GATE 2025 marking scheme?

A:

The marking scheme is different for each GATE question paper section, which is as follows -

  • For 1 mark Multiple Choice Questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • For 2 mark Multiple Choice Questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • There is no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

  • No marks will be awarded for unattempted questions. 

Section I - Engineering Mathematics

Topics

Sub-Topics

Discrete Mathematics

Propositional and first-order logic | sets, relations, functions, partial orders and lattices | Monoids | Groups | Graphs: connectivity, matching, and colouring | Combinatorics: counting, recurrence, relations, generating functions

Linear Algebra

Matrices | Determinants | Systems of Linear Equations | Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors | LU decomposition

Calculus

Limits | Continuity and Differentiability | Maxima and Minima | Mean Value Theorem | Integration

Probability and Statistics

Random variables | Uniform, Normal, Exponential, Poisson and Binomial Distributions | Mean, median, mode and standard deviation | Conditional Probability and Baye’s Theorem

GATE 2025 CSE Syllabus (Subject-Specific)

Section

Topics

Digital logic

Boolean Algebra | Combinational and Sequential Circuits | Minimization | Number Representations and Computer Arithmetic (fixed and floating point)

Computer Organization and Architecture

Machine Instructions and Addressing Modes | ALU | Data-Path and Control-Unit | Instruction Pipelining | Pipeline Hazards | Memory Hierarchy: Cache, Main Memory, and Secondary Storage | I/O interface (interrupt and DMA mode)

Programming and Data Structures

Programming in C | Recursion | Arrays | Stacks | Queues | Linked Lists | Trees | Binary Search Trees | Binary Heaps | Graphs

Algorithms

Searching | Sorting | Hashing | Asymptotic Worst Case Time and Space Complexity | Algorithm Design Techniques | Greedy, Dynamic Programming, and Divide-Conquer | Graph Traversals | Minimum Spanning Trees | Shortest Paths

Theory of Computation

Regular Expressions and Finite Automata | Context-Free Grammars and Push-Down Automata | Regular and Context-Free Languages | Pumping Lemma | Turning Machines and Undecidability

Compiler Design

Lexical Analysis, Parsing, Syntax-Directed Translation | Runtime Environments | Intermediate Code Generation | Local Optimisation | Data Flow Analyses: Constant Propagation, Liveness Analysis, Common Sub Expression Elimination

Operating System

System Calls, Processes, Threads, Inter-Process Communication, Concurrency and Synchronisation Deadlock | CPU and I/O Scheduling | Memory Management and Virtual Memory | File Systems

Databases

ER-Model | Relational Model: Relational Algebra, Tuple Calculus | SQL | Integrity Constraints | Normal Forms | File Organization | Indexing (e.g B and B+ Trees) | Transactions and Concurrency Control

Computer Networks

Concept of Layering: OSI and TCP/IP Protocol Stacks, Basics of Packet, Circuit and Virtual Circuit-Switching | Data Link Layer: Framing, Error Detection | Medium Access Control | Ethernet Bridging | Routing Protocols: Shortest Path, Flooding, Distance Vector, and Link State Routing | Fragmentation and IP Addressing | IPv4 | CIDR Rotation | Basics of IP Support Protocols (ARP, DHCP, and ICMP) | Network Address Translation (NAT) | Transport Layer: Flow Control and Congestion Control | UDP, TCP, Sockets | Application Layer Protocols: DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP, and Email

GATE 2025 CSE Syllabus: Exam Pattern

The GATE 2025 examination will be conducted on November 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025, for 30 test papers. However, the computer science and information technology exam date will be released when the admit card is released. Candidates can check the GATE 2025 exam pattern below -

  • The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) will be conducted online, and the question paper will be in English.
  • The test paper duration is three hours, and the total marks for the GATE 2025 paper are 100.
  • The general aptitude section carries 15 marks, and the engineering mathematics section carries 13 marks.
  • GATE 2025 CSE question paper will have subject-specific questions of 72 marks. 
  • The marking scheme of the questions is 1 or 2 marks. For a one-mark question, 1/3rd mark will be deducted, and for a two-mark question, 2/3rd mark will be deducted. 
  • There is no negative marking for multiple-select questions and numerical-aptitude test questions. 

Eligible Two-Paper Combinations for GATE 2025 CSE Paper

The GATE two-paper combination allows candidates to choose one or two papers to gain a broader scope and showcase their proficiency in two disciplines. The allowed two-paper combinations for GATE 2025 Computer Science and Information Technology are as follows -

  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
  • Geomatics Engineering (GE)
  • Mathematics (MA)
  • Physics (PH)
  • Statistics (ST)

GATE 2025 CSE New GATE Two-Paper Combinations -

  • Engineering Sciences (XE)
  • Biotechnology (BT)
  • Electrical Engineering (EE)
  • Mechanical Engineering (ME)

GATE 2025 CSE Syllabus: Recommended Books

Here are some GATE computer science and information technology books for GATE 2025 preparation-

Book Name

Author

Digital Logic and Computer Design

M. Morris Mano

Computer Organization

Carl Hamachar

Fundamentals of Data Structure

Sartaj Sahni

Fundamentals of Computer Algorithms

Rajasekaran, Sahni, and Horowitz

Principles of Compiler Design

Alfred Aho and Jeffery Ullman

Data Communication and Networking

Behrouz A. Farouzon

An introduction to formal languages and automata

Peter Linz

Data Structures and Algorithms MADE EASY

Narasimha Karumanchi

PSUs That Accept GATE 2025 CSE Scores 

The PSUs that consider GATE CS scores for recruitment are as follows -

  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
  • Airports Authority of India (AAI)
  • POWERGRID

GATE Previous Year's Question Papers

Candidates can download the GATE Computer Science and Information Technology old question papers below -

Year Download Link
2014 Download Here
2015 Download Here (CS1) | Download Here
2022 Download Here
2023 Download Here

Candidates can get the GATE Sample and the Previous Year's Question Paper here

Last Year's GATE Cutoff for CS and IT

The qualifying marks will be available after the declaration of the GATE 2025 result. Till then, students can check last year's GATE  qualifying marks in the table below:

Paper Code

Highest Score

Highest Marks (out of 100)

Avg. Marks (out of 100)

Cut-off Marks (out of 100)

AE

1000

84.00

15.40

26.30

AG

1000

61.33

11.93

25.00

AR

1000

79.67

28.95

40.90

BM

1000

64.00

15.43

25.00

BT

1000

75.33

18.00

30.00

CE*

1000

95.56

15.30

29.20

CH

1000

89.67

19.40

35.10

CS*

1000

87.81

14.00

26.10

CY

996

91.33

20.90

36.20

EC

1000

82.00

12.63

25.00

EE

974

85.33

17.26

30.30

ES

966

88.00

23.90

39.60

EY

1000

78.00

23.50

35.70

GG (Geology)

945

72.67

25.60

38.90

GG (Geophysics)

1000

68.67

28.85

44.80

IN

933

79.00

20.94

36.00

MA

1000

68.33

19.20

29.00

ME*

979

93.22

16.60

33.00

MN

1000

77.67

16.80

31.00

MT

923

87.67

28.70

48.50

PE

947

88.67

31.20

51.40

PH

1000

69.67

22.00

32.80

PI

939

83.67

19.40

35.70

ST

1000

51.67

11.30

25.00

TF

945

79.67

24.50

41.80

XE

1000

90.33

22.00

37.00

XH-C1 (Economics)

1000

62.67

17.80

29.40

XH-C2 (English)

986

77.67

27.00

41.70

"XH-C3 (Linguistics)

1000

65.67

21.76

35.30

XH-C4 (Philosophy)

1000

71.00

23.40

37.90

XH-C5 (Psychology)

1000

77.33

32.60

48.50

XH-C6 (Sociology)

1000

66.00

21.18

34.30

XL

983

74.33

23.90

36.00

Read More:

FAQs regarding GATE Syllabus for CSE 

Q. Is GATE good for CSE?

A. The applicants can use the GATE score for the admissions to postgraduate courses like MTech, MS, PhD offered at IITs and IISc. Candidates’ GATE score will also help them to get jobs in PSUs.

Q. Is GATE CSE tough?

A. Gate CSE is tough for people who are not prepared. Once you prepare, things become less complex than it looks. Obviously, there is a cut-throat competition. Every year, almost 8.5 lakh candidates apply for the GATE and very few of them manage to Ace the exam with a good scorecard.

Q. When should we start gate preparation for CSE?

A. Starting GATE preparation for at least a year ago is very important. Every day 4 to 6 hours of regular study is enough for GATE preparation.

Q. Are six months enough for GATE preparation?

A. It is advised to start preparing early, preferably in the pre-final year of the undergraduate programme so that students have ample time to cover the entire GATE syllabus. However, students with a good basic understanding of all subjects covered in the GATE can crack the exam in as less as 6 months preparation and that too with a good score.

Q. What is a good rank in GATE CSE?

A. A score above 70 marks in GATE CSE paper is good.

Q. Is coaching necessary for the GATE?

A. Coaching is NOT necessary for the GATE exam. But if you are focused and confident about yourself then coaching is not necessary.

Q. Which PSU is best for CSE?

A. The top PSUs for CSE are BARC and IOCL. Other than that Power System Operation Corporation Ltd, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd and West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited also recruit CSE candidates.

Q. What can a CSE engineer do?

A. Computer science engineers are involved in many aspects of computing, from the design of individual microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers to circuit designing and writing software that powers them.
About the Author
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UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Upasana has more than six years of experience in the education industry, especially in engineering and medical content articles. She’s an electronics and communication engineering graduate from DTU and covers engine... Read Full Bio

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Answered 2 days ago

IIT Kanpur also accepts GATE exam scores for the admission to M.Tech courses. Candidates with 700 score can easily get admission to any course except Discontinued (Jul 2023)-M.Tech. in Microelectronics and VLSI at IIT Kanpur. The IIT Kanpur cutoff 2024 stood between 622 and 840 for the General AI ca

...more

Y

Yatendra Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Considering the IIT Dhanbad M.Tech cutoff 2024, the last-round stood between 232 and 711 for the General AI category candidates. Among all the courses, M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering stands out as the most preferable choice for admission among the students belonging to the General AI qu

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C

Chanchal Sinha

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 days ago

IIT Bombay cutoff 2024 got released across multiple M.Tech specialisations. Based on the Round 1 seat allotment, to get into IIT Bombay, students must score between 325 and, 750 for the General AII India category. In addition to that, For getting into M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, you

...more

C

Chandra Jain

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, IIT Bombay accept GATE scores for the admission to M.S/ M.Tech courses for various All India categories. Further, as per the IIT Bombay cutoff 2024, the last-round ranged between 325 and 725 for the General AI category candidates. Among all the categories, the most difficult course to get into

...more

P

Parul Jain

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 days ago

The GATE scorecard will be released after the declaration of the results. The scorecard is valif for three years and can be used in the following -

  • Candidates can use the GATE scorecard to apply for admission to various IITs, NITs, IISc, and other prestiguous colleges.
  • Candidates with good GATE scores

...more

S

Shiksha Gaurav

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates can check the GATE 2025 eligibility criteria on the official website or in the GATE information brochure. The eligibilty is different for each discipline or subject. Therefore, candidates must check the details carefully before applying. Any error in the eligibility can lead to disqualifi

...more

A

Abhay Choudhury

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, candidates with backlogs can apply for GATE, provided they submit a provisional certificate or proof of their final year educational qualification. 

H

Himanshi Choudhury

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 days ago

No, Diploma holders cannot apply for the GATE exam. Candidates need to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum qualifying mark from a recognised institute/university. 

B

Bhumika Uniyal

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates with a bachelor's degree in engineering/technology/architecture or a master's degree in science/mathematics/statistics or computer Science are eligible to apply for GATE exam. Besides, candidates who are pursuing final degree are also eligible to apply for GATE. For more details, candidat

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I

Indrani Uniyal

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, or driving license along with the admit card. 

I

Indrani Uniyal

Beginner-Level 3