GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Check PDF, Topic Wise Detailed Syllabus, Weightage, Study Material & Preparation Tips
- Syllabus
- Chemistry Syllabus
- Maths Syllabus
- Exam Pattern
- Paper Analysis
- Chemical Engg Syllabus
- Civil Engg Syllabus
- ECE Syllabus
- Mechanical Engg Syllabus
- Engg Science Syllabus
- Mining Engg Syllabus
- IN Syllabus
- CSE Syllabus
- EE Syllabus
- AE Syllabus
- BM Syllabus
- GG Syllabus
- EY Syllabus
- ST Syllabus
- TF Syllaus
- AR Syllabus
- XL Syllabus
- MT Syllabus
- PI Syllabus
- PE Syllabus
- ME Pattern
- TF Pattern
- CE Pattern
- EE Pattern
- EC Pattern
- CS Pattern
- BT Pattern
- BM Pattern
- IN Pattern
- DA Syllabus
- NA & ME Syallabus
- ES & Engg Syllabus
- Geomatics Engg Syllabus
- Agri Engg Syllabus
- Humanities and Social Sci
- PI Syllabus
Content Writer | Updated On - Aug 6, 2025
Candidates planning to take the Physics (PH) Paper should have a comprehensive understanding of GATE syllabus for Physics to ensure that they cover all the major areas from which questions may arise in the examination.
- GATE Exam Physics syllabus 2026 includes nine main sections and numerous subtopics included within them.
- The weightage of General Aptitude and core Physics is 15% and 85% respectively.
Since no official announcement has been made regarding any curriculum changes, the syllabus is expected to remain the same as in previous years. IIT Roorkee has released the Physics syllabus on the official website of GATE 2026. Aspirants can check GATE Physics Syllabus PDF download link provided below.
- What Is GATE Syllabus For Physics 2026?
1.1 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Mathematical Physics
1.2 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Classical Mechanics
1.3 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Electromagnetic Theory
1.4 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Quantum Mechanics
1.5 GATE Syllabus 2026 For Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
1.6 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Atomic & Molecular Physics
1.7 GATE Physics Syllabus For Solid State Physics Syllabus
1.8 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Electronics
1.9 GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Nuclear & Particle Physics
- What Are The Important Topics In GATE Exam Physics Syllabus 2026?
- What Is GATE Physics Exam Pattern?
3.1 GATE Physics Subject Wise Weightage
3.2 GATE Physics Topic Wise Weightage
- How To Prepare With GATE Syllabus For Physics?
4.1 Tips To Score Good In Numericals
4.2 Tips To Get Rank Under 100
4.3 GATE Physics Study Material
- How To Use Short Notes To Secure Double-Digit Rank?
- FAQs
What Is GATE Syllabus For Physics 2026?
Physics is a core subject that carries the maximum weightage of around 85%, whereas general aptitude will have the remaining 15%. The GATE exam physics syllabus focuses on assessing aspirants' basic concepts related to physics and their ability to implement these concepts to solve problems.
Let’s have a look at the details of GATE syllabus for Physics.
| Section | Name of the Subject |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematical Physics |
| 2 | Classical Mechanics |
| 3 | Electromagnetic Theory |
| 4 | Quantum Mechanics |
| 5 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics |
| 6 | Atomic and Molecular Physics |
| 7 | Solid State Physics |
| 8 | Electronics |
| 9 | Nuclear and Particle Physics |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Mathematical Physics
| Mathematical Physics | |
|---|---|
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Basic Tensor Ideas | Covering the two main types of covariant and contravariant tensors |
| Cauchy’s Theorem | Cauchy-Riemann conditions, singularities, residue theorem, and applications, including Laplace transforms and Fourier analysis |
| Vector Calculus | Matrices, similarity transformations and diagonalization, along with eigenvalues and eigenvectors |
| Base, orthogonality, and completeness in linear vector space | |
| Linear differential equations | Special function-based solutions to second-order linear differential equations |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Classical Mechanics
| Classical Mechanics | |
|---|---|
| Lagrangian Formulation | |
| Symmetry and conservation rules | The study of central force motion, which includes analyzing the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering |
| D’Alembert’s principle | Hamiltonian and Hamilton’s equations of motion |
| Euler-Lagrange equation | Liouville’s theorem |
| Hamilton’s principle | Canonical transformations involving the use of action-angle variables, Poisson brackets, and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation |
| Calculus of variations | Inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, and Euler angles included in rigid body dynamics |
| Small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes | The torque-free motion of an asymmetric top |
| Lagrangian Formulation | |
| The Special Relativity Theory | |
| Relativistic kinematics | Mass-energy equivalence |
| Lorentz transformations | - |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Electromagnetic Theory
| Electromagnetic Theory | |
|---|---|
| Challenges related to electrostatic and magnetostatic phenomena, which involve addressing boundary value problems | The propagation of electromagnetic waves in different mediums, including free space, non-conducting materials, and conducting materials |
| Image method | Reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences |
| Variable separation | Electromagnetic wave polarization |
| Dielectrics and conductors | Poynting vector |
| Magnetic materials | Poynting theorem |
| Multipole expansion | Energy and velocity of electromagnetic waves |
| Radiation from a moving charge | - |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Quantum Mechanics
| Quantum Mechanics | |
|---|---|
| Postulates of quantum mechanics | Understanding the hydrogen atom |
| Uncertainty principle | Examination of angular momentum and spin |
| Schrödinger equation | Addition of angular moments |
| The utilization of Dirac’s Bra-Ket notation, linear vectors, and operators in Hilbert space. | Application of the variational method and WKB approximation |
| Analysis of various potentials such as step potentials, finite rectangular wells, tunnelling from a potential barrier, particles in a box, harmonic oscillators, and one-dimensional potentials | Exploration of time-independent perturbation theory |
| Study of degeneracy in two and three dimensions | Introduction to elementary scattering theory |
| Utilization of the Born approximation | - |
GATE Syllabus 2026 For Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | |
|---|---|
| Laws of Thermodynamics | Classical and Quantum Statistics |
| Macrostates and Microstates | First and Second-Order Phase Transitions, Phase Equilibria, and Critical Points |
| Phase Space | Degenerate Fermi Gas |
| Ensembles | Black Body Radiation and Planck’s |
| Partition Function, Free Energy | Distribution Law |
| Calculation of Thermodynamic Quantities | Bose-Einstein Condensation |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Atomic And Molecular Physics
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | |
|---|---|
| Analysis of the spectra of atoms with one or multiple electrons | Study of the rotational and vibrational spectra of molecules with two atoms |
| Interactions between spin and orbit in LS and JJ couplings | Understanding electronic transitions in molecules with two atoms |
| Examination of fine and hyperfine structures | Application of the Franck-Condon principle in molecular transitions |
| Effects of Zeeman and Stark on Atomic Systems | Investigation of the Raman effect in the scattering of light by molecules |
| Transitions governed by electric dipole interactions and associated selection rules | Exploration of spectroscopic techniques such as EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), ESR (Electron Spin Resonance), and X-ray spectra |
| Understanding lasers and their operation, including Einstein coefficients and the concept of population inversion | - |
GATE Physics Syllabus For Solid State Physics Syllabus
| Solid State Physics | |
|---|---|
| Study of the free electron theory and the band theory of solids | Exploration of the optical properties of solids, including the Kramers-Kronig relation and transitions within and between energy bands |
| Classification of materials: metals, semiconductors, and insulators | Investigation of dielectric properties of solids, including the dielectric function, polarizability, and the phenomenon of ferroelectricity |
| Conductivity, mobility, and effective mass | Magnetic properties of solids: dia-, para-, Ferro-, antiferro-, and ferri-magnetism, magnetic anisotropy |
| Bonding in solids | Superconductivity: Type-I and Type-II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS Theory, flux quantization |
| Lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids | Crystallography and diffraction methods for structure determination |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Electronics
| Electronics | |
|---|---|
| Semiconductors in Equilibrium | The analysis of electron and hole statistics in both intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors |
| Metal-semiconductor junctions and their behavior | |
| Ohmic and rectifying contacts | |
| PN diodes and their characteristics | |
| Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and their operation | |
| Field-effect transistors (FETs) and their behaviour | |
| Negative and Positive Feedback Circuits | Oscillators and their functioning |
| Operational amplifiers and their applications | |
| Active filters and their usage | |
| Basic Digital Logic Circuits | Combinational and sequential circuits |
| Flip-flops and their behaviour | |
| Timers, counters, and registers | |
| A/D (Analog-to-Digital) and D/A (Digital-to-Analog) conversion | |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 For Nuclear And Particle Physics
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Structure | Nuclear radii, charge distributions, and electric and magnetic moments |
| Semi-empirical mass formula for nuclear binding energy | |
| Models used to describe atomic nuclei, namely the liquid drop model and the nuclear shell model | |
| Nuclear Interactions and Reactions | Nuclear force and the two-nucleon problem |
| Alpha, beta, and electromagnetic transitions in nuclei | |
| Rutherford scattering and nuclear reactions | |
| Conservation laws in nuclear reactions | |
| Nuclear Energy | Fission and fusion processes |
| Particle accelerators and their role in studying nuclear reactions | |
| Detectors used in nuclear physics experiments | |
| Elementary Particles | Classification of elementary particles: photons, baryons, mesons, and leptons |
| Introduction to the quark model | |
| Symmetries in Particle Physics | Conservation laws in particle interactions Isospin symmetry |
| Charge conjugation, parity, and time-reversal invariance | |
What Are The Important Topics In GATE Exam Physics Syllabus 2026?
The list of important topics for the Physics paper is given 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 |
What Is GATE Physics Exam Pattern?
The details of GATE Physics exam pattern are given below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Language | English |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Sectional Time Limit | No |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Number of Questions | 65 |
| Section Wise Questions | General Aptitude- 10 questions, |
| Physics- 55 questions | |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions | |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer |
| Zero for unattempted answer | |
| Negative Marking | For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted |
| For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted | |
| No marks will be deducted for MSQs and NATs |
GATE Physics Subject Wise Weightage
| GATE Physics Subject Wise Weightage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks per cent weightage |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15% |
| Core Physics Topics | 55 | 85% |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
GATE Physics Topic Wise Weightage
The specific weightage of topics within each section of Physics may change annually, we have compiled the section-wise weightage based on an analysis of past year's papers. This will give you valuable insights into the Physics syllabus's important topics and help you make preparation strategies for the exam.
| GATE Physics Topic Wise Weightage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | Weightage Percentage | Number of Questions |
| Mathematical Physics | 8-10 | 5-7 |
| Classical Mechanics | 8-10 | 5-7 |
| Electromagnetic Theory | 11-13 | 8-10 |
| Quantum Mechanics | 14-16 | 9-11 |
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics | 11-13 | 8-10 |
| Atomic and Molecular Physics | 7-9 | 4-6 |
| Solid State Physics | 8-10 | 5-7 |
| Electronics | 7-9 | 4-6 |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | 7-9 | 4-6 |
Marks Distribution
| Section | Distribution of Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 5 MCQs carrying 1 mark each |
| 5 MCQs carrying 2 marks each | |
| Physics | 25 questions carrying 1 mark each |
| 30 questions carrying 2 marks each |
How To Prepare With GATE Syllabus For Physics?
Before you begin your preparations, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Understand the Syllabus - Start by thoroughly reviewing the entire Physics syllabus. Identify the important Physics topics, giving priority to those needing more attention.
- Create a Study Schedule: After analyzing the syllabus, Prepare a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics mentioned in the Physics syllabus. Allocate time to each subject, taking into account your strengths and areas that need improvement.
- Focus on Fundamental Understanding - Rather than just memorizing things, focus on understanding the core principles underlying each topic.
- Solve Previous Year Papers - Practice previous years' papers to understand the exam pattern and question types asked in the Physics exam.
- Take Mock Tests - Regularly, take mock tests to get familiar with the real exam environment. Post-assessment, analyze your performance, identify areas that require improvement, and work on improving them.
- Create Revision Notes - Create concise revision notes with essential formulas, concepts, and important points for quick last-minute review.
Tips To Score Good In Numericals
- Keep making short notes of all important formulas while revising in these last few days.
- Revise every formula so that you will not get confused with tricky-based questions.
- Give at least 1-2 hours to solve mathematical problems.
- Focus on improving your accuracy.
- Practice diagrammatic problems.
Tips To Get Rank Under 100
- To get a rank under 100, candidates have to target 55-60 marks in the exam which will only happen if you cover 80-90% of the syllabus.
- Cover the syllabus and make notes simultaneously of the important and high-weightage topics of physics.
- Solve previous year's question papers of IIT JAM, GATE, etc.
- Make short notes of all the formulas and practice them regularly.
- Prioritise which section you want to attempt first, MCQs, MSQs or NATs and give mock tests according to that.
GATE Physics Study Material
The list of GATE Physics Study Material for all 9 sections is given below.
Best Books For Mathematical Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Mathematical Physics | S Chandra and M K Sharma |
| Mathematical Physics | H. K. Dass |
| Introduction to Mathematical Physics | Michael T. Vaughan |
| Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering | Riley |
Best Books For Classical Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | Aruldhas |
| Classical Mechanics | Narayan Rana and Pramod Joag |
| Introduction to Classical Mechanics | Takwale, R and Puranik |
Best Books For Electromagnetic Theory
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Principles of Electromagnetics | Mathew N.O. Sadiku |
| Engineering Electromagnetics (SIE) | William Hayt and John Buck |
| Electromagnetic Field Theory | S Ghosh and Lipika Datta |
| Electromagnetic Waves and Radiating Systems | Jordan and Balmain |
Best Books For Quantum Mechanics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications | Nourdine Zeitelli |
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | David J. Griffiths |
| Quantum Mechanics | Aruldhas G |
| Modern Quantum Mechanics | J.J. Sakurai |
Best Books For Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Statistical and Thermal Physics: An Introduction | Michael J.R. Hoch |
| Fundamentals Of Statistical And Thermal Physics | Kerson Huang |
| Statistical Mechanics: International Series of Monographs | R K Pathria |
| Statistical and Thermal Physics: An Introduction | Lokanathan |
Best Books For Atomic & Molecular Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Atomic Physics (Modern Physics) | S.N. Ghoshal |
| Physics of Atoms and Molecules | B.H. Bransden |
| Problems in Atomic and Molecular Physics | D K Dhawan |
| Fundamentals for Molecular Spectroscopy | Colin Banwell and Elaine Mccash |
Best Books For Solid-State Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Solid State Physics | N. David |
| Introduction to Solid-State Physics | Charles Kittel |
| Solid State Physics | R.K. Puri |
| Elementary Solid State Physics | M. Ali Omar |
Best Books For Nuclear & Particle Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | Verma V.K |
| Introductory Nuclear Physics | Kenneth S. Krane |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | S.L. Kakani |
| Nuclear And Particle Physics | Suresh Chandra & Mohit K. Sharma |
Best Books For Electronics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Network Analysis and Synthesis | S.K. Bhattacharya |
| Fundamentals of Electric Circuits | Charles K. Alexander |
| Integrated Electronics: Analog And Digital Circuits | Jacob Millman, Christos Halkias, Chetan Parikh |
| Electronic Devices & Circuit Theory | L. Robert Boylestad |
| Fundamentals of Digital Circuits | A. Anand Kumar |
| Digital Logic and Computer Design | M. Morris Mano |
| Integrated Electronics: Analog And Digital Circuits | Jacob Millman, Christos Halkias, Chetan Parikh |
How To Use Short Notes To Secure Double-Digit Rank?
- Make handwritten notes during your initial review as it will help you understand what is important for the exam and what is not, once you have a deep understanding of the syllabus.
- Avoid using highlighters and mention only the important formulas and points to remember just as it is.
- Revise these short notes before taking mock tests as these will help you improve your instant memory.
Also Check:
FAQs
Ques. Is GATE Physics paper difficult?
Ans. The Physics paper is generally of moderate to tough difficult level. Without proper preparation strategy and consistent practice, candidates can clear the Physics paper with good scores.
Ques. What are the GATE Exam Physics Syllabus important topics?
Ans. Candidates may place more emphasis on semiconductors, insulators, the Zeeman effect, amplifiers, oscillators, and Frank-Condon theory, while all the other topics mentioned above remain important.
Ques. How much time is required to cover GATE Syllabus for Physics?
Ans. On Average, candidates take at least 6-7 months to complete the Physics Syllabus of 2026.
Ques. Does the GATE Exam physics syllabus change every year?
Ans. No, the syllabus doesn’t change every year. However, the conducting body might introduce some changes if they feel necessary. Candidates are advised to refer to the syllabus from the official website before starting their preparation for the exam.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
Ask your question
Answered Questions
For the UG Engineering courses, candidates need to have 10+2 with 45% for the general category. However, the aggregate percentage will be 40% for SC/ST/OBC. For the PG Engineering courses, candidates need to have graduation with 50% and 45% for the SC/ST/OBC.
The Fee for the B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering at VIT University is INR 1.73 Lakhs with an INR 3k caution deposit which is refundable and a One-time payment only.
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University (PRSU) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh offers a variety of interdisciplinary research opportunities, including:
-
Interdepartmental linkage
Research opportunities include herbal drug technology, university industry, and centers for cognitive, translational, nano-science, and geriatrics.
-
School of Regional Studies and Research
Research opportunities include rural development, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, literature, medical science, home science, social work, education, agriculture, and management.
-
School of Studies in Environmental Science
Research opportunities include renewable energy, water pollution, soil pollution, heavy metal pollution, air quality monitoring, and analysis.
-
School of Studies in Biotechnology
Research opportunities include bioprocess engineering, fungal biotechnology, bio-fuel technology, environmental biotechnology, and plant physiology.
-
Center for Basic Sciences (CBS)
Research opportunities include Inspire Internship Camps, which attract talented youth to take up research by working with scientists like Nobel Prize Winners.
top courses
Indian Institute of Science - [IISc]
Bangalore, KarnatakaIIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITM]
Chennai, Tamil NaduIIT Kharagpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITKGP]
Kharagpur, West BengalIndian Institute of Technology - [IITD]
New Delhi, Delhi NCRIIT Kanpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITK]
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
