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Ans. The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 includes 9 main sections from core topics and general aptitude.
Q. Where can I find GATE Physics Syllabus?
Ans. Candidates must go through the topic-wise GATE Syllabus for Physics above to start their exam preparation accordingly.
Q. How to complete the GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 on time?
Ans. Aspirants are advised to prioritize the more complex topics first, then move on to the relatively easier ones. As a result, they will be able to cover the entire GATE Physics syllabus and will have time to revise as well.
Q. What are the GATE Physics Syllabus's important topics?
Ans. While all topics mentioned above are important, aspirants can emphasize more on semiconductors, insulators, the Zeeman effect, amplifiers, and oscillators, including the Frank-Condon Principle.
Q. How many questions may arise from the core GATE Physics sections?
Ans. Around 55 questions may arise in the upcoming GATE 2026 exam from the core physics subjects.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 is discussed here to help the aspirants in planning their preparation strategy to ace the exam with a top score. Explore the topic-wise GATE 2026 Physics Syllabus now.
Krati Saraswat18 Apr, 2025
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GATE Physics Syllabus 2026: Physics is a crucial subject in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination. Mastering this section requires strategic planning, effective approach and proper guidance. In 2026, IIT Guwahati is going to administer the GATE examination for 30 various specializations including Physics.
Candidates who are planning to take the GATE 2026 for Physics paper must kick-start their preparation by reviewing the entire syllabus. An in-depth understanding of the GATE Syllabus for Physics is essential to obtain a desired score. The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 covers a weightage of 85% marks from core topics while 15% from general aptitude.
Below, we have outlined the detailed syllabus for the GATE Physics including core topics and sub-topics to aid the preparation of aspirants.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
Physics is a core subject that carries the maximum weightage of around 85%, whereas general aptitude will have the remaining 15%. Learning the GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 provides aspirants with a clear picture of important topics, which eventually aids in scoring well.
Furthermore, the GATE physics syllabus focuses on assessing aspirants basic concepts related to physics and their ability to implement these concepts in order to solve problems. Additionally, the questions arising in the GATE 2026 exam will be solely based on the GATE physics syllabus. Let's have a look at the nine sections covering the complete GATE syllabus 2026 for Physics.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 Sections
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 PH Syllabus for Mathematical Physics
This section of the GATE PH Syllabus for Mathematical Physics includes topics such as Vector Calculus, Linear vector Space, and Basic Tensor Ideas, among others. Some of the important topics are listed below for aspirants reference.
GATE PH Syllabus 2026 for 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 PH Syllabus for Classical Mechanics
The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Classical Mechanics focuses on classical mechanics' key concepts and theories within the area of physics. Find out about the important Classical Mechanics topics outlined below.
GATE PH Classical Mechanics Syllabus
Lagrangian Formulation
Symmetry and conservation rules
D'Alembert's principle
Euler-Lagrange equation
Hamilton's principle
Calculus of variations
Small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes
The study of central force motion, which includes analyzing the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering
Hamiltonian and Hamilton's equations of motion
Liouville's theorem
Canonical transformations involving the use of action-angle variables, Poisson brackets, and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation
Inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, and Euler angles included in rigid body dynamics
Torque-free motion of asymmetric top
The Special Relativity Theory
Relativistic kinematics
Lorentz transformations
Mass-energy equivalence
GATE PH Syllabus for Electromagnetic Theory
The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Electromagnetic Theory gives a thorough understanding of the concepts that manage the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, as well as their interactions and applications. All the important topics from this section are provided below.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Electromagnetic Theory
Electromagnetic Theory
Challenges related to electrostatic and magnetostatic phenomena, which involve addressing boundary value problems
Image method
Variable separation
Dielectrics and conductors
Magnetic materials
Multipole expansion
Maxwell's equations
Scalar and vector potentials
Coulomb and Lorentz gauges
The propagation of electromagnetic waves in different mediums, including free space, non-conducting materials, and conducting materials
Reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences
Electromagnetic wave polarization
Poynting vector
Poynting theorem
Energy and velocity of electromagnetic waves
Radiation from a moving charge
GATE PH Syllabus for Quantum Mechanics
The GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Quantum Mechanics covers the fundamental principles and concepts of quantum physics. It includes various topics related to angular momentum, Born approximation, etc. The Quantum Mechanics syllabus includes the following key topics:
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Postulates of quantum mechanics
Uncertainty principle
Schrödinger equation
The utilization of Dirac's Bra-Ket notation, linear vectors, and operators in Hilbert space.
Analysis of various potentials such as step potentials, finite rectangular wells, tunneling from a potential barrier, particles in a box, harmonic oscillators, and one-dimensional potentials
Study of degeneracy in two and three dimensions
Understanding the hydrogen atom
Examination of angular momentum and spin
Addition of angular moments
Application of the variational method and WKB approximation
Exploration of time-independent perturbation theory
Introduction to elementary scattering theory
Utilization of the Born approximation
GATE PH Syllabus for Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
The GATE Physics syllabus for Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics section highlights topics such as Bose-Einstein condensation, phase equilibria, and so forth. Check out the primary topics stated below for more information on the same.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Laws of Thermodynamics
Macrostates and Microstates
Phase Space
Ensembles
Partition Function, Free Energy, and Calculation of Thermodynamic Quantities
Classical and Quantum Statistics
First and Second-Order Phase Transitions, Phase Equilibria, and Critical Points
Degenerate Fermi Gas
Black Body Radiation and Planck's Distribution Law
Bose-Einstein Condensation
GATE PH Syllabus for Atomic and Molecular Physics
The GATE Physics Syllabus for Atomic and Molecular Physics aims to cover the essential principles and ideas of atomic and molecular physics. This syllabus provides an in-depth framework for understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules. Some of the vital topics are mentioned below.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Analysis of the spectra of atoms with one or multiple electrons
Interactions between spin and orbit in LS and JJ couplings
Examination of fine and hyperfine structures
Effects of Zeeman and Stark on Atomic Systems
Transitions governed by electric dipole interactions and associated selection rules
Study of the rotational and vibrational spectra of molecules with two atoms
Understanding electronic transitions in molecules with two atoms
Application of the Franck-Condon principle in molecular transitions
Investigation of the Raman effect in the scattering of light by molecules
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 PH Syllabus for Solid State Physics
The Solid State Physics section of the GATE Physics Syllabus provides an in-depth framework for studying the concepts and phenomena connected to the behavior of solid-state materials. It covers an array of topics important in solid-state physics, such as crystal structure, lattice vibrations, electronic band theory, and more, as outlined below.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
Solid State Physics
Study of the free electron theory and the band theory of solids
Classification of materials: metals, semiconductors, and insulators
Conductivity, mobility, and effective mass
Crystallography and diffraction methods for structure determination
Bonding in solids
Lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids
Exploration of the optical properties of solids, including the Kramers-Kronig relation and transitions within and between energy bands
Investigation of dielectric properties of solids, including the dielectric function, polarizability, and the phenomenon of ferroelectricity
Magnetic properties of solids: dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro-, and ferri-magnetism, magnetic anisotropy
Superconductivity: Type-I and Type-II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS Theory, flux quantization
GATE PH Syllabus for Electronics
Aspirants will gain a strong foundation in electronic engineering fundamentals by studying the GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 for Electronics, which will help them evaluate, design, and troubleshoot electronic systems and circuits. Refer to the table below to learn about the important topics to cover in the electronics section.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
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 behavior
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 behavior
Timers, counters, and registers
A/D (Analog-to-Digital) and D/A (Digital-to-Analog) conversion
GATE PH Syllabus for Nuclear and Particle Physics
The GATE Physics syllabus for the Nuclear and Particle Physics section contains topics like electromagnetic transitions, Rutherford scattering, and so on, as highlighted below.
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
Nuclear and 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
GATE Physics Syllabus PDF
Downloading the GATE Physics Syllabus PDF is an important step towards developing a comprehensive and well-structured study plan. Moreover, the GATE Physics Syllabus PDF serves as a vital resource that explains the entire syllabus for the GATE exam, providing aspirants with a clear understanding of the topics and subtopics they need to cover. Download the GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 PDF from the link given below.
As per the GATE Physics subject-wise weightage, aspirants can expect the maximum number of questions from their core physics subject, which will carry around 85 percent of the overall question paper, making it the most significant subject to cover. Check out the complete details below:
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026 Weightage
Subject
Total Number of Questions
Weightage of Marks
General Aptitude (GA)
10
15 percent
Core Physics Topics
55
85 percent
Total
65
100
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