GATE Aerospace Engineering

GATE Aerospace Engineering

The GATE Aerospace Engineering (AE) exam is a national-level test for candidates who want postgraduate admission or PSU jobs in aerospace and related fields. It checks candidates' knowledge in five main areas: Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Propulsion, along with Space Dynamics.

The GATE exam is conducted by IITs/IISc. The exam is 3 hours long, computer-based, and comprises 65 questions (MCQs, MSQs, and NATs). It focuses on problem-solving and conceptual understanding.

 A good score in the GATE exam opens opportunities for candidates for M.Tech/PhD in top institutes like IITs/IISc and recruitment in leading PSUs, making it important for careers in aerospace engineering and research.

GATE Aerospace Engineering: Key Details

GATE 2026 exam for Aerospace Engineering will be administered by IIT Guwahati. Candidates seeking a rewarding career in the Aerospace Engineering sector must do well in their preparation to secure a good score in the GATE AE exam. The important details related to GATE Aerospace 2026 are given below:

• GATE 2026 Conducting Body: IIT Guwahati

• Exam Date: February 2026

• Mode Of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Total No. Of Questions: 65

• Duration Of Exam: 3 Hours

• Sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Aerospace Engineering subjects (Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, Space Dynamics)

• Official Website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in

GATE Aerospace Engineering Exam Pattern

The GATE Aerospace Engineering exam will include 65 questions on General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Aerospace Engineering Subjects, and the time duration is 3 hours. Students are advised to understand this pattern properly and prepare accordingly for their GATE Exam. There is also a negative marking for MCQs as per the rules:

• Total Questions in the Examination: There are total of 65 questions (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Aerospace Engineering Subjects)

• Marks Distribution: 15 marks for General Aptitude, 15 marks for Engineering Mathematics, 70 marks for Aerospace Engineering Subjects (Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Structures, Propulsion, Space Dynamics)

• Duration: 3 hours

• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark and 2/3 mark negative marking for incorrect answers and no negative marking for NAT.

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus

A range of technical subjects is included in the GATE Aerospace Engineering exam to check the candidate's knowledge. Clearing the GATE Exam will help candidates a lot in their future in terms of job nd in education as well. The GATE syllabus covers key topics from:

• Engineering Mathematics

• Basics of Flight Mechanics

• Airplane Performance

• Basic Fluid Mechanics

• Airfoil and Wings

• Compressible Flows

• Strength of Materials

• Flight Vehicle Structures

• Structural Dynamics

• Basics of Propulsion

• Aerothermodynamics of Blade Engines

• Turbomachinery

• Space Dynamics

GATE Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for GATE Aerospace 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria discussed below:

• Education Required: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University or Institute.

• Year of Study: Students currently studying in their final year or third year of an undergraduate degree are also eligible to apply.

• Age Limit for the Candidates: There is no age limit. Students of any age group may appear for the GATE exam.

Career Opportunities After Aerospace Engineering 

Career opportunities after Aerospace Engineering are too many, ranging from higher studies and research to good government jobs in ISRO, DRDO, and HAL, as well as global private sector roles with companies like Boeing, Airbus, and SpaceX. Check below.

Higher Studies and Research Options
Aerospace graduates can pursue M.Tech or Ph.D. in specialized fields like Aerodynamics, Propulsion, or Avionics at IITs, IISc, or abroad. 

This path leads candidates' careers in research, teaching, and advanced projects with organizations like ISRO, DRDO, and NASA.

Public Sector and Government Jobs After GATE
With a good GATE score, candidates can join PSUs and government bodies such as HAL, ISRO, DRDO, and NAL. Roles include propulsion engineer, design engineer, and systems analyst, offering stability, benefits, and the chance to work on national aerospace missions.

Private Sector and Global Opportunities for Candidates
Aerospace engineers are selected by top companies like Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and SpaceX. Careers span aircraft design, engine development, CFD analysis, and space technologies, with high pay packages.