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

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 15 Feb '25

UPASANA
UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 00:40 IST

IIT Roorkee released the GATE 2025 CSE syllabus (computer science and information technology) on its official website - gate2025.iitr.ac.in. The GATE 2025 CSE exam will be held in multiple shifts: CS1 - February 1, 2025 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm), and CS2 - February 1, 2025 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). 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.

Explore colleges based on GATE

Mumbai
₹1.2 L - 6.74 L
Delhi
₹3 L
Chennai
₹20 K
Delhi
₹1.23 L - 3.32 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Kharagpur
₹20 K
Tiruchirappalli
₹1.4 L
Kanpur
₹20 K
Chennai
₹3.2 L - 6.4 L
Kolkata
₹9.6 K - 1.8 L
Roorkee
₹20 K - 51 K
View allCollections

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.

Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates

CEETA PG 2025 Application Form...

24 Jan '25 - 21 Feb '25

GAT-B application form 2025

3 Feb '25 - 3 Mar '25

BITS HD 2025 application form

6 Mar '25

SRMJEEE PG admit card 2025 phase 1

6 Mar '25

GAT PGT 2025 Application Form

14 Dec '24 - 27 Mar '25

VITMEE 2025 application form

20 Jan '25 - 31 Mar '25

IIITH PGEE 2025 Application fo...

20 Feb '25 - 5 Apr '25

JUET GUNA PGET 2025 Applicatio...

12 Feb '25

TS PGECET 2025 Issue of Notifi...

12 Mar '25

JUIT PGET 2025 Start Date of t...

30 May '25

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 1, 2025 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

Candidates appearing for the exam must carry their GATE CS1 2025 admit card and valid photo identity proof. The GATE hall ticket has been released on January 7, 2025. Candidates can download their hall ticket using the GATE enrollment ID and password. 

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

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 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 exam pattern for GATE exam?

A:

As per the exam pattern of GATE, the exam is conducted online as a computer-based test. The exam will have a total of 65 questions from the candidates pre-selected paper. The questions will be Multiple Choice type, Numerical Ability type and Multiple Select (more than one option correct) type. 

Out of total 65 questions, 10 questions will be from General Aptitude and remaining 55 will be from the subject selected by the candidate. The total duration of exam will be 3 hours and total maks will be 100.  Check detailed information of GATE exam pattern here at https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-pattern

Q:   What is the exam pattern for GATE Life Science XL?

A:

The exam pattern for the GATE Life Science (XL) paper is as follows: The total number of questions will be 65. These questions will be divided in three sections: (a) Compulsory Sections: 1. General Aptitude Section (GA): This section will carry 10 questions for a total of 15 marks. 5 will carry one mark, and 5 will carry two marks. 2. Section P Chemistry This section contains a total of 15 questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions will carry 1 mark each, and 10 questions will carry 2 marks each. Also, some questions may be numerical. (b) Selective Section: You will have a choice of two sections from Q to U. In this section, only two optional sections can be answered at a time. Each of the optional sections contains a total of 30 marks. Of these 10 questions carry one mark each and other 10 questions carry two marks each. Here, too, some questions can be numerical. There would also be negative marking for incorrect answers. For instance, for a one-mark MCQ, 1/3 of a mark will be deducted for a wrong answer, and for a two-mark MCQ, 2/3 of a mark will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking for a wrong answer in numerical answer type questions. For more information read: https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-pattern

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 CS1 and CS2 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
author-image
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

Download Important Dates for Engineering Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

1 Feb '25 -

25 Feb '25

JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Regist...

12 Feb '25

JEE Main Result 2025 Session 1

Apr '25

JEE Advanced 2025 practice tes...

Apr '25

JEE Advanced 2025 registration...

23 Jan '25 -

18 Feb '25

KCET 2025 application form

7 Apr '25

KCET 2025 admit card

20 Mar '25

OJEE 2025 Last Date of Registr...

25 Apr '25

OJEE 2025: Admit Card Release

May '25

AISECT Joint Entrance Exam 202...

May '25

AISECT Joint Entrance Exam 202...

Feb '25

CG PPT 2025 application form

1 May '25

CG PPT 2025 Exam Date

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered Yesterday

Government-owned corporations known as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) offer employment based on GATE results. Electronics and communication engineering (ECE) is one of the GATE competitive papers due to the lucrative career prospects in PSUs.

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, admission to a M.Tech course is BVRIT Hyderabad is accepted without GATE score. However, candidates must make sure to have a valid score in the TS PGECET exam 2025. Since admission to the M.Tech course at BVRIT is subject to a valid score in the last qualifying exam and state-level common entra

...Read more

R

Ranjeeta Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, at LNM Institute of Information Technology, students who have a valid GATE score are offered multiple scholarships. Firstly, GATE-qualified students can avail scholarships offered by AICTE. Other than this, students are also eligible for a monthly stipend provided by the university. The univers

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, LNM Institute of Information Technology accepts valid GATE scores for admission to MS courses. The university has preset a cutoff for admissions via GATE. Students who meet the cutoff and the eligibility requirements are offered direct admission. Other than GATE, the university also offers admi

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Students who meet the GATE cutoff as prescribed by the LNM Institute of Information Technology are offered direct admission to the M.Tech programme. Thus, candidates seeking admission can apply via GATE scores. As per official sources, the GATE exam date for the 2025 session is out. The exam is sche

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, it is possible to get admission to the LNM Institute of Information Technology M.Tech programme without a valid GATE score. Those who have not appeared for GATE or do not meet the institute's GATE cutoff can apply via CUET PG scores. If students have not taken CUET PG, then they can apply via q

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, even if you have less than 60% in your B.Tech, you can still get admission to an M.Tech programme in IITs or NITs by qualifying the GATE exam, as the primary selection criteria for M.Tech admissions in these institutes is your GATE score, not just your B.Tech percentage; however, some institute

...Read more

N

Nazrul Khan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

MTech Admission is done based on an entrance exam such as GATE, OJEE, UPSEE and TANCET. To be eligible for seeking admission to the M.Tech course, candidates must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Top M.Tech colleges include IITs and NITs. Fee should be maximum

...Read more

D

Dev Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

Yes, GATE marks are accepted for admission to the MS in Computing programme at National University of Singapore. Students can submit GATE marks as an alternative to GMAT or GRE scores, typically for candidates who have graduated from Indian universities. 

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10