GATE Aerospace Engineering (AE) Syllabus 2026
Subject Code: AE
Total Marks: 100 | Duration: 3 Hours
Question Pattern: MCQ (25 × 1-2M), MSQ (10 × 1-2M), NAT (20 × 1-2M)
Syllabus Topics & Sections
✈️ Aerodynamics
- Fundamentals of aerodynamics
- Airfoil characteristics & performance
- Lift and drag calculations
- Boundary layer theory
- Compressible flow fundamentals
🚀 Propulsion Systems
- Jet engine fundamentals
- Thermodynamic cycles for engines
- Turbine engine performance
- Propeller theory & design
- Rocket propulsion basics
🧭 Flight Mechanics
- Aircraft dynamics & control
- Stability & control analysis
- Performance calculations
- Takeoff & landing characteristics
- Cruise performance optimization
🏗️ Aircraft Structures
- Structural analysis methods
- Material properties & selection
- Stress & strain analysis
- Failure modes & prevention
- Design for manufacturing
⚙️ Manufacturing
- Production technologies
- Machine tools & operations
- Process planning
- Quality assurance
- Assembly processes
📊 Mathematics & Analysis
- Differential equations
- Vector calculus
- Linear algebra
- Numerical methods
- Probability & statistics
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
| Question Type | Number | Marks Each | Total Marks | Negative Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) | 25 | 1 or 2 | Up to 41 | 1/3 or 2/3 |
| Multi-Select Question (MSQ) | 10 | 1 or 2 | Up to 15 | No Negative |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 20 | 1 or 2 | Up to 44 | No Negative |
Preparation Tips & Resources
📚 Study Strategy
- Month 1-2: Master aerodynamics and flight mechanics fundamentals
- Month 2-3: Deep dive into propulsion and structures design
- Month 3-4: Manufacturing processes and applied mathematics
- Month 4-5: Solve GATE previous year papers (last 15 years)
- Month 5-6: Full-length mock tests and final revision