The GATE Exam 2026 for Aerospace Engineering is a national level test organized by the IITs and IISc. This exam facilitates admissions to postgraduate (M.Tech/PhD) programs in Aerospace Engineering and also opens up opportunities for PSU jobs. The exam is a Computer Based Test with a duration of 3 hours and 65 questions (General Aptitude + Engineering Mathematics + Core AE Subjects) carrying a maximum of 100 marks.
GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2026
IIT Guwahati has officially updated the GATE Aerospace Engineering syllabus. It has a total of 6 major sections:
| Section | Topics |
| Engineering Mathematics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability |
| Aerodynamics | Fluid Mechanics, Compressible Flow, Boundary Layers, Wind Tunnel Testing |
| Flight Mechanics | Stability, Control, Maneuvering, Performance Analysis |
| Space Dynamics | Orbit Mechanics, Satellite Trajectory, Rockets & Launch Vehicles |
| Structures | Stress & Strain, Bending, Torsion, Vibration, Material Science |
| Propulsion | Thermodynamics, Jet & Rocket Engines, Gas Turbines |
Note: Download the latest PDF from the IIT Guwahati official website for the detailed syllabus. The GATE Aerospace syllabus is distinct from the degree syllabus read the official syllabus thoroughly for targeted preparation.
GATE Aerospace Engineering Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Number of Questions | Mark Weightage |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | ~9 | 13 |
| Core AE Subjects | ~46 | 72 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
- Question types: MCQ, MSQ, NAT.
- Negative marking MCQs: -1/3 for 1 mark, -2/3 for 2 marks
- No negative marking for NAT or MSQ
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
GATE Aerospace is an online exam with the following pattern:-
- Duration:- 3 hours
- Questions:- 65 (MCQ + NAT)
- Marks:- 100
- Question Types:-
- MCQs (with negative marking)
- Numerical Answer Type (no negative marking)
- Two Paper Option:- Mechanical + AE for dual subjects
Include mock tests and PYQs to understand question patterns and time management for each section.
Strategic Preparation Plan
Step 1: Syllabus & Topic Prioritization
- Focus on high weightage topics like Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Structures and Propulsion.
- Use the official syllabus for reference.
Step 2: Study Material & Books
- Standard Books: John Anderson’s Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, Timoshenko’s Aircraft Structures and online notes from NPTEL.
- Free PDFs & Notes: Scribd, GatePathshala, AeroAdda.
- PYQ Practice: Past 10 year questions for understanding question trend and difficulty.
Step 3: Daily & Weekly Routine
- Cover Theory + Numerical Practice.
- Short notes for formulas & concepts.
- Solve topic wise quizzes and mock tests regularly.
Step 4: Practice & Revision
- Solve full length mock tests.
- Analyze mistakes and identify weak areas.
- Keep revising formulas, key concepts and important topics.
Top Strategies to Crack GATE Aerospace 2026
- Previous Year Questions: Regularly practice PYQs for understanding exam patterns and important questions.
- Time Management: Allot more time to high weightage topics.
- Online Resources & Free Study Material: Use NPTEL, YouTube, Telegram groups.
- Revision & Shortcut Techniques: Make quick revision notes, practice shortcut methods for numerical problems.
- Mock Test Analysis: Regularly examine performance and improve accuracy.
Best Books & Resources for GATE AE
| Book/Resource | Why Use It |
| Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (John Anderson) | Core concepts |
| Aircraft Structures (Timoshenko) | Structural analysis |
| NPTEL Courses | Video lectures from IIT Prof. |
| PYQ PDFs | Practice past questions |
| Online Test Series | Time management & assessment |
Free Study Material & Online Test Series
- NPTEL: Free video lectures on core topics.
- AeroAdda & GatePathshala: PDFs, notes, test series.
- YouTube Channels: GATE Aerospace preparation tips.
- Telegram Groups: Doubt clearing and sharing resources.
- Official GATE Portal: Latest notifications, syllabus, pattern updates.
Two Paper Combination
From GATE 2026 onwards students will have the flexibility to take two papers such as Mechanical + Aerospace. Regarding this decision:-
- Advantages: Overlap in subjects, flexibility in career options.
- How to Choose: Decide based on your strengths, interests and future goals.
- Preparation Tip: Cover common topics first then increase your focus on the specific paper.
GATE Aerospace Engineering Important Topics
Some sections carry high weightage every year:-
- Flight Mechanics Module (Performance, Control)
- Aerodynamics (Airfoil/Wings, Flows)
- Structures (Materials, Vibrations)
- Propulsion (Jet, Rocket)
- Engineering Mathematics
GATE Aerospace Engineering Study Material & Books
Best books and study material include:
- Fundamentals of Aerodynamics:- John D. Anderson
- Strength of Materials:- Gere & Timoshenko
- Introduction to Flight:- John D. Anderson
- Gas Turbines & Propulsive Systems:- Cohen & Rogers
- Classes/notes by reputed institutes: Made Easy, GATE Pathshala, IGC, Goodwill, Ace Academy, NPTEL.
- Free resources: Oswaal Books, Selfstudys.com, NPTEL, GATE Wallah (YouTube), Open PYQ PDFs.
Pro Tip: First gain conceptual clarity from standard books then practice previous year’s questions from free resources.
How to Start GATE Exam Preparation for Aerospace Engineering
- Download the Official Syllabus: Download it from the official website and print it out.
- Choose the right study material: Opt for recommended books and trusted online resources to avoid random notes.
- Create a structured study plan: Allocate daily or weekly time for each subject and fix periodic revision slots.
- Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Attempt GATE Aerospace PYQs from the last 10 years this will help you understand time management and the exam pattern.
- Mock tests & analysis: Take regular mock tests, identify weak areas and improve your speed.
- Make short notes & formula sheets: These are super useful for last minute revision.
- Revise smartly: Retain information through consistent revision and self quizzes.
GATE Aerospace Two Paper Combination Subjects
IITs now offer the option of taking two papers. Popular combinations:
- Aerospace + Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace + Engineering Sciences (XE)
- Aerospace + Physics
You can choose according to your comfort and future goals.
GATE Aerospace Engineering Preparation Strategy
- Early Start: The syllabus is quite vast. Start preparing early.
- Subject wise focus: Spend more time on high weightage topics.
- Daily Practice: Solve numerical problems for each topic.
- Online classes & doubt sessions: Use quality coaching and YouTube channels for clarity.
- Timetable: Create a realistic study plan with weekly targets and rest days.
GATE Aerospace Engineering Free Study Material
- NPTEL lectures (gate.nptel.ac.in )
- GATE Wallah YouTube channel (free playlists)
- Oswaal and Selfstudys.com (free PDFs)
Detailed Subject Wise Guide
Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Mathematics covers Linear Algebra, Calculus, Fourier Series, Differential Equations and Numerical Methods. In GATE 2026 Aerospace this section accounts for approximately 13 marks. Most topics are application oriented so understand the formulas along with their applications. Practice past year’s Mathematics PYQs this section is comparatively high scoring. Standard book: B.S. Grewal.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is one of the most critical sections in the GATE Aerospace Engineering exam. Topics include fluid dynamics, incompressible/compressible flows, airfoils and boundary layers. Conceptual clarity is important. The majority of questions come from airfoil mechanics and wing theory. Practice drawing diagrams for concepts and solving numerical problems reference: Anderson’s Fundamentals of Aerodynamics. Also revise frequently asked topics like the Navier Stokes equations and Kelvin’s theorem. Highlight both theory and numerical problems.
Flight Mechanics
The Flight Mechanics syllabus covers performance, static and dynamic stability, aircraft control and basic flight concepts. The main questions come from flight performance charts and stability problems. This section is high-scoring if you are comfortable with diagrams and quick calculations. Best approach: visualize concepts with real-world airplane examples. For detailed preparation, use Anderson’s Introduction to Flight and regularly solve previous year’s questions.
Structures
The Aerospace Structures syllabus includes topics such as stress-strain, bending, vibrations and flight vehicle structures. Special focus is given to the Theory of Structures and Vibration of Beams, as numerical questions are frequently asked on these topics. Strength of Materials by Gere is recommended for fundamentals. Practice time-saving tricks for beam bending, torsion and natural frequency calculations. Practice case studies with diagrams for better retention.
Propulsion
Propulsion includes the basics of thermodynamics, jet propulsion, rocket propulsion and turbomachinery. Cohen’s Gas Turbines textbook is quite effective. Questions are generally based on jet/rocket cycle diagrams, efficiency calculations and thrust equations. Learn simplified calculation techniques, as word problems are time-consuming. Numerical and conceptual clarity are equally important for this module.
Space Dynamics
Space Dynamics deals with orbital mechanics, launch vehicle trajectories, escape & circular velocity. There are conceptual plus analytical questions in it. Basics understanding is key practice standard formulas for orbital velocity, Hohmann transfer, energy equations. Focus on solving numerical and derivation-type questions. Online resources and NPTEL lectures are recommended for the topic.
Study Plan for GATE Aerospace Preparation
| Month | Tasks |
| 1-2 | Syllabus reading + basic concepts, select best study material |
| 3-4 | Subject-wise theory coverage + daily MCQs, weekly revision |
| 5-6 | Intensive PYQ practice, topic-wise tests, formula notes |
| 7 | Full-length mocks, error analysis, weak topic revision |
| Last month | Rapid revision, daily formula review, rest days for balance |
Mistakes to Avoid in GATE Aerospace Engineering
- Ignoring Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude: Both carry significant weight.
- Relying on random notes: Always use standard study material and books.
- Skipping Mock Tests: Practicing mock tests boosts real exam performance.
- Unrealistic Timetable: Create a flexible study plan, don’t overburden yourself.
- Not Analyzing Mistakes: After attempting mock tests or previous year questions, understand the solutions and note down your errors.
Latest Trends & Exam Analysis
- The 2025 AE paper was easy to moderate with the Flight Mechanics & Aerodynamics module having the highest weightage.
- The number of numerical and concept-based MCQs is increasing each year.
- Practice solving NAT and MSQ questions along with MCQs.
How to Utilize GATE AE Previous Year Questions
Practice using previous year questions (PYQs) enhances insight into the pattern and level of difficulty.
Solved PYQs under test conditions emphasize subjects such as Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics.
Do not miss comparing the solutions; mark your weak areas.
GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering Examination Dates and Eligibility
Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 (refer to the branch-wise schedule on the official website)
Eligibility: 3rd year or final year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Science (2nd year diploma holders are not eligible)
Also Read:
FAQs:
1. How to download the GATE Aerospace Engineering syllabus?
Go to the official website (gate2026.iitg.ac.in ) click on your paper and download the PDF.
2. What are the best books for GATE Aerospace Engineering?
Anderson’s Aerodynamics, Gere’s Strength of Materials, Cohen’s Propulsion, PYQ books.
3. Can B.Tech 2nd year students appear for GATE Aerospace?
No. Only final year or 3rd year Bachelor’s degree holders are eligible.
4. What is a two-paper option for GATE Aerospace?
You can opt for AE with Mechanical, Engineering Sciences or Physics, based on your strong areas.
5. What is the cut-off for GATE Aerospace?
Cut-off varies annually (generally 25-35 marks for general category); refer to official notifications of the current year.
6. What is the weightage of General Aptitude in GATE AE?
15 marks; it is typical for all branches.
7. How to take GATE AE mock tests?
Subscribe to online/coaching test series or free test websites like Testbook, Made Easy or live tests on YouTube.
8. How to prepare for GATE AE for free?
NPTEL video lectures, free notes/resources (Selfstudys, Oswaal, GATE Wallah)
9. What are the key topics in GATE AE?
Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, Engineering Mathematics.
10. What is the function of IIT Guwahati in GATE 2026?
Organizing institute for GATE 2026; all notifications are on the official website.
11. Is GATE Aerospace Engineering difficult?
Moderate; can be cracked with regular, systematic preparation.
12. What is the GATE Aerospace syllabus 2026?
There are 6 prominent sections: Math, Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Structures, Propulsion, Space Dynamics.
13. What are the best books for GATE Aerospace?
John Anderson, Timoshenko, NPTEL notes, PYQ collections.
14. What is the pattern of GATE exam?
65 questions, 3 hours, MCQs + NATs, 100 marks.
15. How can I study for free?
NPTEL, AeroAdda, Telegram groups, YouTube.
16. What are the marks of the GATE Aerospace exam?
100 marks, 65 questions.
Practical Tips:
Practice and revise every day without fail.
Finish the syllabus in advance, then revise.
Test your speed and accuracy through mock tests.
Target high-yield topics for maximum marks.
Conclusion
You are now fully prepared for the GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering exam. Begin now with the syllabus and best study material, practice daily, solve previous year questions, prepare short notes and revise regularly. Stay current with official notifications and trend analysis. Regular effort, appropriate strategy and intelligent work will guide you to success!
Disclaimer: This content does not contain any promotions. It simply mentions coaching and books that had good ratings and it is not necessary. If the study material you have is updated then that’s fine.
