Admit Card on an A4 sized paper using a laser printer, preferably a color printer.

Both, the GATE

2020 Admit Card and the Original ID proof are essential for entry into the examination hall.

5. GATE 2020 Examination Related Information

GATE 2020 examination will be conducted for 25 papers (subjects) as listed in Table 4.2. A candidate
can appear for only one of the 25 GATE papers. The examination for all the papers will be conducted
in an ONLINE Computer Based Test (CBT) mode where the candidates will be shown the questions
on a computer screen.
A Virtual Scientific Calculator will be available on the computer screen during the examination.
Candidates have to use the same during the examination. Personal calculators, wristwatches, mobile
phones or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed in side the examination hall. Candidates
should not bring any charts/tables/papers into the examination hall. GATE officials will not be
responsible for the safe-keep of the candidates’ personal belongings.

Scribble pads will be provided to the candidates for any rough work. The candidate has to write
his/her name and registration number on the scribble pad before he/she starts using it. The scribble
pad must be returned to the invigilator at the end of the examination.

Syllabus for each of the papers (Appendix E), previous years GATE (model) question papers,
and mock examination links along with virtual scientific calculator will be available on
GATE 2020 website: http://gate.iitd.ac.in

5.1. Examination Duration

All the papers of the GATE 2020 examination will be for 3 hours duration and they consist of 65
questions for a total of 100 marks. Since the examination is an ONLINE computer based test, at the
end of the stipulated time (3-hours), computer will automatically close the screen inhibiting any
further action.

Candidates will be permitted to occupy their allotted seats 40 minutes before the scheduled start of
the examination. Candidates can login and start reading the instructions 20 minutes before the start
of examination. Candidates will NOT be permitted to enter the examination hall after 10:00
hours in the forenoon session and after 15:00 hours in the afternoon session. Candidates will
NOT be permitted to leave the examination hall before the end of the examination.

5.2. GATE 2020 Question Papers

5.2.1 Pattern of Questions
GATE 2020 would contain questions of two different types in all the papers:

(i) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections.
These questions are objective in nature, and each will have a choice of four answers, out of which
the candidate has to select (mark) the correct answer.

Negative Marking for Wrong Answers: For a wrong answer chosen in a MCQ, there will be
negative marking. For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for
2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.

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(ii) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and
sections. For these questions, the answer is a signed real number, which needs to be entered by the
candidate using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor (keyboard of the computer will be
disabled). No choices will be shown for these type of questions. The answer can be a number such
as 10 or -10 (an integer only). The answer may be in decimals as well, for example, 10.1 (one decimal)
or 10.01 (two decimals) or -10.001 (three decimals). These questions will be mentioned with, up to
which decimal places, the candidates need to present the answer. Also, for some NAT type problems
an appropriate range will be considered while evaluating the numerical answer type questions so that
the candidate is not unduly penalized due to the usual round-off errors. Wherever required and
possible, it is better to give NAT answer up to a maximum of three decimal places.

Example: If the wire diameter of a compressive helical spring is increased by 2%, the change in
spring stiffness (in %) is _____ (correct to two decimal places).
There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions.

5.2.2 Marks
In all the papers, there will be a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions
carrying a total of 15 marks will be on General Aptitude (GA), which is intended to test the Language
and Analytical Skills.

In the papers bearing the codes AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI,
TF and XE, the Engineering Mathematics will carry around 15% of the total marks, the General
Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining around 70% of the total marks
is devoted to the subject of the paper.

In the papers bearing the codes AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST and XL, the General Aptitude section
will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining 85% of the total marks is devoted to the subject
of the paper.

5.2.3 Design of Questions

The questions in a paper may be designed to test the following abilities:
(i) Recall: These are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws in the discipline of the paper. The
candidate is expected to be able to obtain the answer either from his/her memory of the subject or
at most from a one-line computation.
Example:
Q. During machining, maximum heat is produced
(A) in flank face (B) in rake face
(C) in shear zone (D) due to friction between chip and tool
(ii) Comprehension: These questions will test the candidate’s understanding of the basics of his/her
field, by requiring him/her to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.
Example
Q. A DC motor requires a starter in order to
(A) develop a starting torque (B) compensate for auxiliary field ampere turns
(C) limit armature current at starting (D) provide regenerative braking

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(iii) Application: In these questions, the candidate is expected to apply his/her knowledge either
through computation or by logical reasoning.
Example
Q. The sequent depth ratio of a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel is 16.48. The Froude number
at the beginning of the jump is:
(A) 5.0 (B) 8.0 (C)10.0 (D) 12.0
The questions based on the above logics may be a mix of single standalone statement/phrase/data
type questions, combination of option codes type questions or match items type questions.

(iv) Analysis and Synthesis: In these questions, the candidate is presented with data, diagrams,
images, etc. that require analysis before a question can be answered. A Synthesis question might
require the candidate to compare two or more pieces of information. Questions in this category
could, for example, involve candidates in recognizing unstated assumptions, or separating useful
information from irrelevant information.

5.3. Marking Scheme – Distribution of Marks and Questions

5.3.1 General Aptitude (GA) Questions
In all papers, GA questions carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying
1-mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 10 marks).

5.3.2 Question Papers other than GG, XE and XL

These papers would contain 25 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 25 marks) and 30
questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 60 marks) consisting of both the MCQ and NAT
Questions.

5.3.3 GG (Geology and Geophysics) Paper

Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the GG question paper consists of two parts: Part
A and Part B. Part A is compulsory for all the candidates. Part B contains two sections: Section 1
(Geology) and Section 2 (Geophysics). Candidates will have to attempt questions in Part A and
questions in either Section 1 or Section 2 of Part B.

Part A consists of 25 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 25 marks and some of these may be
numerical answer type questions). Either section of Part B (Section 1 and Section 2) consists of 30
questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 60 marks and some of these may be numerical answer
type questions).

5.3.4 XE Paper (Engineering Sciences)

A candidate appearing in the XE paper has to answer the following:

 GA – General Aptitude carrying a total of 15 marks.

 Section A– Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory): This section contains 11 questions

carrying a total of 15 marks: 7 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 7 marks), and 4
questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 8 marks). Some questions may be of numerical
answer type.

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  Any two of XE Sections B to H: The choice of two sections from B to H can be made
during the examination after viewing the questions. Only TWO optional sections can be
answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change midway of the examination to another
optional section must first choose to deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections
(B to H). Each of the optional sections of the XE paper (Sections B through H) contains 22
questions carrying a total of 35 marks: 9 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 9 marks)
and 13 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 26 marks). Some questions may be of
numerical answer type.

5.3.5 XL Paper (Life Sciences)

A candidate appearing in the XL paper has to answer the following:

 GA – General Aptitude carrying a total of 15 marks.

 Section P– Chemistry (Compulsory): This section contains 15 questions carrying a total of

25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying
2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Some questions may be of numerical answer type.

 Any two of XL Sections Q to U: The choice of two sections from Q to U can be made
during the examination after viewing the questions. Only TWO optional sections can be
answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change midway of the examination to another
optional section must first choose to deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections
(Q to U). Each of the optional sections of the XL paper (Sections Q through U) contains 20
questions carrying a total of 30 marks: 10 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 10
marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks).Some questions may
be of numerical answer type.

6. Post-Examination Related Information

Post examination events are as follows:

1. After the GATE 2020 examinations, candidates’ responses will be available at GOAPS, which
can be downloaded.

2. Answer keys for various GATE 2020 papers will be displayed in GATE 2020 website.

3. Candidates may submit their contests on the answer keys provided for a very limited time
period against a payment.

4. Evaluation of examination papers will be finalized and GATE results (Score) will be
announced.

5. GATE 2020 scorecard will be made available for the qualified candidates from GOAPS.

6.1. GATE Score

After the evaluation of the answers, the actual (raw) marks obtained by a candidate will be considered
for computing the GATE Score. For multi-session papers (subjects), raw marks obtained by the
candidates in different sessions will be converted to Normalized marks for that particular subject.

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 Appendix E: Syllabus Content

GA: GENERAL APTITUDE (COMMON TO ALL PAPERS)

Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, verbal analogies, word groups, instructions,
critical reasoning and verbal deduction.
Numerical Ability: Numerical computation, numerical estimation, numerical reasoning and data
interpretation.
Sample Questions
Verbal Ability
Choose the appropriate answer to complete the following sentence:
To those of us who had always thought him timid, his _______________came as a surprise.
(A) intrepidity (B) inevitability (C) inability (D) inertness
Choose the appropriate answer to complete the following sentence:
Medicine is to illness as law is to
(A) discipline (B) anarchy (C) treason (D) etiquette
Read the following paragraph:
“The ordinary form of mercury thermometer is used for temperature ranging from –40oF to 500oF. For
measuring temperature below –40oF, thermometers filled with alcohol are used. These are, however, not
satisfactory for use in high temperatures. When a mercury thermometer is used for temperature above
500oF, the space above the mercury is filled with some inert gas, usually nitrogen or carbon dioxide, placed
in the thermometer under pressure. As the mercury rises, the gas pressures is increased, so that it is possible
to use these thermometers for temperatures as high as 1000oF.”
With what, besides mercury, would a thermometer be filled if it was designed to be used for measuring
temperature of about 500oF?
(A) Pyrometer (B) Inert gas (C) Iron and brass (D) Gas
The cost of manufacturing tractors in Korea is twenty percent less than the cost of manufacturing tractors
in Germany. Even after transportation fees and import taxes are added, it is still cheaper to import
tractors from Korea to Germany than to produce tractors in Germany.
Which of the following assertions is best supported by the above information?
(A) Labour costs in Korea are twenty percent below those in Germany.
(B) Importing tractors into Germany will eliminate twenty percent of the manufacturing jobs in Germany.
(C) The costs of transporting a tractor from Korea to Germany is more than twenty percent of the cost of
manufacturing the tractor in Korea.
(D) The import taxes on a tractor imported from Korea to Germany is less than twenty percent of the cost
of manufacturing the tractor in Germany.
Numerical Ability
In a survey, 3/16 of the people surveyed told that they preferred to use public transport while commuting
daily to office. 5/8 of the people surveyed told that they preferred to use their own vehicles. The remaining
75 respondents said that they had no clear preference. How many people preferred to use public transport?
(A) 75 (B) 100 (C) 125 (D) 133

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Real Analysis: Metric spaces, connectedness, compactness, completeness; Sequences and series of
functions, uniform convergence; Weierstrass approximation theorem; Power series; Functions of several
variables: Differentiation, contraction mapping principle, Inverse and Implicit function theorems;
Lebesgue measure, measurable functions; Lebesgue integral, Fatou’s lemma, monotone convergence
theorem, dominated convergence theorem.
Complex Analysis: Analytic functions, harmonic functions; Complex integration: Cauchy’s integral
theorem and formula; Liouville’s theorem, maximum modulus principle, Morera’s theorem; zeros and
singularities; Power series, radius of convergence, Taylor’s theorem and Laurent’s theorem; residue
theorem and applications for evaluating real integrals; Rouche’s theorem, Argument principle, Schwarz
lemma; conformal mappings, bilinear transformations.
Ordinary Differential equations: First order ordinary differential equations, existence and uniqueness
theorems for initial value problems, linear ordinary differential equations of higher order with constant
coefficients; Second order linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients; Cauchy-Euler
equation, method of Laplace transforms for solving ordinary differential equations, series solutions (power
series, Frobenius method); Legendre and Bessel functions and their orthogonal properties; Systems of
linear first order ordinary differential equations.
Algebra: Groups, subgroups, normal subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, automorphisms; cyclic
groups, permutation groups, Sylow’s theorems and their applications; Rings, ideals, prime and maximal
ideals, quotient rings, unique factorization domains, Principle ideal domains, Euclidean domains,
polynomial rings and irreducibility criteria; Fields, finite fields, field extensions.
Functional Analysis: Normed linear spaces, Banach spaces, Hahn-Banach theorem, open mapping and
closed graph theorems, principle of uniform boundedness; Inner-product spaces, Hilbert spaces,
orthonormal bases, Riesz representation theorem.
Numerical Analysis: Numerical solutions of algebraic and transcendental equations: bisection, secant
method, Newton-Raphson method, fixed point iteration; Interpolation: error of polynomial interpolation,
Lagrange and Newton interpolations; Numerical differentiation; Numerical integration: Trapezoidal and
Simpson’s rules; Numerical solution of a system of linear equations: direct methods (Gauss elimination,
LU decomposition), iterative methods (Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel); Numerical solution of initial value
problems of ODEs: Euler’s method, Runge-Kutta methods of order 2.
Partial Differential Equations: Linear and quasi-linear first order partial differential equations, method of
characteristics; Second order linear equations in two variables and their classification; Cauchy, Dirichlet
and Neumann problems; Solutions of Laplace and wave equations in two dimensional Cartesian
coordinates, interior and exterior Dirichlet problems in polar coordinates; Separation of variables method
for solving wave and diffusion equations in one space variable; Fourier series and Fourier transform and
Laplace transform methods of solutions for the equations mentioned above.
Topology: Basic concepts of topology, bases, subbases, subspace topology, order topology, product
topology, metric topology, connectedness, compactness, countability and separation axioms, Urysohn’s
Lemma.
Linear Programming: Linear programming problem and its formulation, convex sets and their properties,
graphical method, basic feasible solution, simplex method, two phase methods; infeasible and unbounded
LPP’s, alternate optima; Dual problem and duality theorems; Balanced and unbalanced transportation
problems, Vogel’s approximation method for solving transportation problems; Hungarian method for
solving assignment problems.

ME: Mechanical Engineering

Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Calculus: Functions of single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorems,
indeterminate forms; evaluation of definite and improper integrals; double and triple integrals; partial

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derivatives, total derivative, Taylor series (in one and two variables), maxima and minima, Fourier series;
gradient, divergence and curl, vector identities, directional derivatives, line, surface and volume integrals,
applications of Gauss, Stokes and Green’s theorems.
Differential equations: First order equations (linear and nonlinear); higher order linear differential
equations with constant coefficients; Euler-Cauchy equation; initial and boundary value problems; Laplace
transforms; solutions of heat, wave and Laplace's equations.
Complex variables: Analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann equations; Cauchy’s integral theorem and
integral formula; Taylor and Laurent series.
Probability and Statistics: Definitions of probability, sampling theorems, conditional probability; mean,
median, mode and standard deviation; random variables, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions.
Numerical Methods: Numerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations; integration by
trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; single and multi-step methods for differential equations.
Section 2: Applied Mechanics and Design
Engineering Mechanics: Free-body diagrams and equilibrium; trusses and frames; virtual work;
kinematics and dynamics of particles and of rigid bodies in plane motion; impulse and momentum (linear
and angular) and energy formulations, collisions.
Mechanics of Materials: Stress and strain, elastic constants, Poisson's ratio; Mohr’s circle for plane stress
and plane strain; thin cylinders; shear force and bending moment diagrams; bending and shear stresses;
deflection of beams; torsion of circular shafts; Euler’s theory of columns; energy methods; thermal
stresses; strain gauges and rosettes; testing of materials with universal testing machine; testing of hardness
and impact strength.
Theory of Machines: Displacement, velocity and acceleration analysis of plane mechanisms; dynamic
analysis of linkages; cams; gears and gear trains; flywheels and governors; balancing of reciprocating and
rotating masses; gyroscope.
Vibrations: Free and forced vibration of single degree of freedom systems, effect of damping; vibration
isolation; resonance; critical speeds of shafts.
Machine Design: Design for static and dynamic loading; failure theories; fatigue strength and the S-N
diagram; principles of the design of machine elements such as bolted, riveted and welded joints; shafts,
gears, rolling and sliding contact bearings, brakes and clutches, springs.
Section 3: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties; fluid statics, manometry, buoyancy, forces on submerged bodies,
stability of floating bodies; control-volume analysis of mass, momentum and energy; fluid acceleration;
differential equations of continuity and momentum; Bernoulli’s equation; dimensional analysis; viscous
flow of incompressible fluids, boundary layer, elementary turbulent flow, flow through pipes, head losses
in pipes, bends and fittings.
Heat-Transfer: Modes of heat transfer; one dimensional heat conduction, resistance concept and electrical
analogy, heat transfer through fins; unsteady heat conduction, lumped parameter system, Heisler's charts;
thermal boundary layer, dimensionless parameters in free and forced convective heat transfer, heat transfer
correlations for flow over flat plates and through pipes, effect of turbulence; heat exchanger performance,
LMTD and NTU methods; radiative heat transfer, Stefan- Boltzmann law, Wien's displacement law, black
and grey surfaces, view factors, radiation network analysis.
Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substances, behavior of ideal
and real gases; zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics, calculation of work and heat in various processes;
second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamic property charts and tables, availability and irreversibility;
thermodynamic relations.
Applications: Power Engineering: Air and gas compressors; vapour and gas power cycles, concepts of
regeneration and reheat. I.C. Engines: Air-standard Otto, Diesel and dual cycles. Refrigeration and air-
conditioning: Vapour and gas refrigeration and heat pump cycles; properties of moist air, psychrometric

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chart, basic psychrometric processes. Turbo machinery: Impulse and reaction principles, velocity
diagrams, Pelton-wheel, Francis and Kaplan turbines.
Section 4: Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Engineering Materials: Structure and properties of engineering materials, phase diagrams, heat treatment,
stress-strain diagrams for engineering materials.
Casting, Forming and Joining Processes: Different types of castings, design of patterns, moulds and cores;
solidification and cooling; riser and gating design. Plastic deformation and yield criteria; fundamentals of
hot and cold working processes; load estimation for bulk (forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing) and sheet
(shearing, deep drawing, bending) metal forming processes; principles of powder metallurgy. Principles
of welding, brazing, soldering and adhesive bonding.
Machining and Machine Tool Operations: Mechanics of machining; basic machine tools; single and multi-
point cutting tools, tool geometry and materials, tool life and wear; economics of machining; principles of
non-traditional machining processes; principles of work holding, design of jigs and fixtures.
Metrology and Inspection: Limits, fits and tolerances; linear and angular measurements; comparators;
gauge design; interferometry; form and finish measurement; alignment and testing methods; tolerance
analysis in manufacturing and assembly.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing: Basic concepts of CAD/CAM and their integration tools.
Production Planning and Control: Forecasting models, aggregate production planning, scheduling,
materials requirement planning.
Inventory Control: Deterministic models; safety stock inventory control systems.
Operations Research: Linear programming, simplex method, transportation, assignment, network flow
models, simple queuing models, PERT and CPM.

MN: Mining Engineering

Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
Linear Algebra: Matrices and Determinants; Systems of linear equations; Eigen values and Eigen vectors.
Calculus: Limit, continuity and differentiability; Partial Derivatives; Maxima and minima; Sequences and
series; Test for convergence; Fourier series.
Vector Calculus: Gradient; Divergence and Curl; Line; surface and volume integrals; Stokes, Gauss and
Green’s theorems.
Differential Equations: Linear and non-linear first order ODEs; Higher order linear ODEs with constant
coefficients; Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations.
Probability and Statistics: Measures of central tendency; Random variables; Poisson, normal and binomial
distributions; Correlation and regression analysis.
Numerical Methods: Solutions of linear algebraic equations; Integration of trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule;
Single and multi-step methods for differential equations.
Section 2: Mine Development and Surveying
Mine Development: Methods of access to deposits; Underground drivages; Drilling methods and
machines; Explosives, blasting devices and practices.
Mine Surveying: Levels and leveling, theodolite, tacheometry, triangulation; Contouring; Errors and
adjustments; Correlation; Underground surveying; Curves; Photogrammetry; Field astronomy; EDM and
Total Station; Introductory GPS .
Section 3: Geomechanics and Ground Control
Engineering Mechanics: Equivalent force systems; Equations of equilibrium; Two dimensional frames and
trusses; Free body diagrams; Friction forces; Particle kinematics and dynamics; Beam analysis.
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