GATE Civil Engineering (CE) Syllabus

GATE CE covers engineering mathematics, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and geomatics, plus the common general aptitude section.

8 subjects · 81 topics · 696 subtopics

General Aptitude

Verbal Aptitude

  • English Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions)
  • Verb-Noun Agreement & Parts of Speech
  • Vocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Narrative Sequencing

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Data Interpretation (Bar, Pie, Graphs, Tables)
  • Ratios, Percentages, Powers, Exponents & Logarithms
  • Permutations & Combinations
  • Series
  • Mensuration & Geometry
  • Elementary Statistics & Probability
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Alligation & Mixture
  • Partnership
  • Time & Work

Analytical Aptitude

  • Deduction & Induction
  • Analogy
  • Numerical Relations & Reasoning

Spatial Aptitude

  • Transformation of Shapes (Translation, Rotation, Scaling, Mirroring)
  • Paper Folding, Cutting & Patterns
  • 2D & 3D Patterns

Engineering Mathematics

Linear Algebra

  • Matrix Algebra & Operations
  • Determinants
  • Rank of a Matrix
  • Systems of Linear Equations
  • Consistency of Linear Systems
  • Gaussian Elimination
  • Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors
  • Characteristic Equation
  • Diagonalization
  • Cayley-Hamilton Theorem
  • Quadratic Forms

Calculus

  • Functions of Single Variable
  • Limits & Continuity
  • Differentiability
  • Mean Value Theorems (Rolle, Lagrange)
  • Local Maxima & Minima
  • Taylor Series
  • Definite & Indefinite Integrals
  • Area & Volume via Integration
  • Partial & Total Derivatives

Vector Calculus

  • Directional Derivatives
  • Gradient, Divergence & Curl
  • Vector Identities
  • Line Integrals
  • Surface & Volume Integrals
  • Conservative Fields
  • Green's Theorem
  • Gauss Divergence Theorem
  • Stokes' Theorem

Ordinary Differential Equations

  • First-Order Linear Equations
  • First-Order Nonlinear Equations
  • Exact Differential Equations
  • Higher-Order Linear ODEs
  • Complementary Function & PI
  • Euler-Cauchy Equations
  • Laplace Transform for ODEs
  • Initial Value Problems
  • Boundary Value Problems
  • Applications of ODEs

Partial Differential Equations

  • Fourier Series
  • Half-Range Sine & Cosine Series
  • Separation of Variables
  • 1D Diffusion Equation
  • 1D Wave Equation (First-Order)
  • 1D Wave Equation (Second-Order)
  • 2D Laplace Equation
  • Boundary Conditions in PDEs

Probability

  • Conditional Probability
  • Bayes' Theorem
  • Random Variables
  • PMF, PDF & CDF
  • Binomial Distribution
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Normal Distribution
  • Correlation & Covariance

Statistics & Regression

  • Sampling Theorems
  • Mean, Median & Mode
  • Standard Deviation
  • Linear Regression
  • Least Squares Regression
  • Hypothesis Testing

Numerical Solution of Equations

  • Error Analysis
  • Absolute & Relative Error
  • Linear Algebraic Equations
  • Nonlinear Algebraic Equations
  • Bisection Method
  • Newton-Raphson Method
  • Secant Method
  • Newton Interpolation
  • Lagrange Interpolation

Numerical Integration & ODEs

  • Numerical Differentiation
  • Trapezoidal Rule
  • Simpson's Rule
  • Single-Step Methods (ODEs)
  • Multi-Step Methods (ODEs)
  • Euler Method
  • Runge-Kutta Methods

Structural Engineering

Statics & Rigid Bodies

  • System of Forces
  • Resultant of Forces
  • Free-Body Diagrams
  • Equilibrium Equations
  • Internal Forces in Structures
  • Friction & Applications
  • Centre of Mass
  • Centroid of Plane Areas
  • Moment of Inertia

Energy Methods & Vibrations

  • Energy Methods
  • Principle of Virtual Work
  • Free Vibration (Undamped SDOF)
  • Natural Frequency
  • Spring-Mass Systems

Stress, Strain & Beams

  • Simple Stress & Strain
  • Hooke's Law
  • Axial Deformation
  • Elastic Constants & Relations
  • Thermal Stress
  • Bending Moment (Determinate Beams)
  • Shear Force (Determinate Beams)
  • SFD & BMD
  • Simple Bending Theory
  • Flexural Stresses
  • Shear Stresses in Beams
  • Shear Centre

Torsion, Stress Transformation & Columns

  • Uniform Torsion
  • Torsion of Circular Shafts
  • Transformation of Stress
  • Principal Stresses & Planes
  • Mohr's Circle for Stress
  • Theories of Failure
  • Buckling of Columns
  • Euler's Column Theory
  • Effective Length of Columns
  • Combined Bending & Direct Stress
  • Eccentric Loading

Determinate Structures & Energy Methods

  • Determinate Structures
  • Force Method
  • Energy Methods
  • Strain Energy
  • Castigliano's Theorem
  • Unit Load Method
  • Method of Superposition
  • Trusses (Joints & Sections)
  • Analysis of Arches
  • Analysis of Cables

Indeterminate Analysis & Influence Lines

  • Indeterminate Structures
  • Analysis of Beams
  • Analysis of Frames
  • Slope Deflection Method
  • Moment Distribution Method
  • Influence Lines
  • Muller-Breslau Principle
  • Stiffness Method
  • Flexibility Method
  • Matrix Methods

Construction Materials

  • Structural Steel Composition
  • Structural Steel Properties & Behaviour
  • Concrete Constituents
  • Cement Properties
  • Aggregates & Properties
  • Water-Cement Ratio
  • Concrete Mix Design
  • Workability of Concrete
  • Short-Term Properties
  • Long-Term Properties
  • Creep & Shrinkage
  • Durability of Concrete

Construction Management

  • Types of Construction Projects
  • Project Planning
  • Network Analysis
  • PERT
  • CPM
  • Critical Path
  • Floats
  • Crashing of Networks
  • Resource Allocation
  • Cost Estimation
  • Rate Analysis

RC Fundamentals & Beams

  • Working Stress Method
  • Limit State Method
  • Limit States (Collapse & Service)
  • Partial Safety Factors
  • Design of Beams
  • Singly Reinforced Beams
  • Doubly Reinforced Beams
  • Design for Shear & Torsion
  • Shear Design of Beams
  • Bond, Development & Anchorage

Slabs, Columns & Prestressed

  • Design of Slabs
  • One-Way Slabs
  • Two-Way Slabs
  • Slab Coefficients
  • Design of Columns
  • Short Columns
  • Long Columns
  • Prestressed Concrete Beams
  • Losses in Prestress

Steel Member Design

  • Working Stress Design
  • Limit State Design
  • Tension Members
  • Net & Gross Area
  • Compression Members
  • Slenderness Ratio
  • Block Shear Failure
  • Design of Beams
  • Beam-Columns
  • Column Bases

Connections & Plastic Analysis

  • Simple Connections
  • Eccentric Connections
  • Bolted Connections
  • Bolt & Weld Strength
  • Welded Connections
  • Beam-Column Connections
  • Plate Girders
  • Trusses
  • Plastic Analysis (Beams)
  • Plastic Analysis (Frames)
  • Shape Factor & Collapse Load

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Phase & Index Properties

  • Three-Phase System
  • Phase Relationships
  • Void Ratio
  • Porosity
  • Degree of Saturation
  • Water Content
  • Unit Weights
  • Specific Gravity
  • Index Properties
  • Atterberg Limits
  • Relative Density
  • Soil Type Identification

Soil Classification

  • Unified Soil Classification
  • Indian Standard Classification
  • Grain Size Distribution
  • Sieve Analysis
  • Hydrometer Analysis
  • Plasticity Chart
  • Group Index

Permeability

  • Permeability of Soils
  • Darcy's Law
  • One-Dimensional Flow
  • Constant Head Test
  • Falling Head Test
  • Anisotropic Permeability
  • Capillarity

Seepage

  • Two-Dimensional Seepage
  • Flow Nets
  • Uplift Pressure
  • Piping
  • Seepage Force
  • Critical Hydraulic Gradient
  • Quicksand Condition
  • Exit Gradient

Effective Stress & Compaction

  • Principle of Effective Stress
  • Total Stress
  • Pore Water Pressure
  • Effective Stress Under Seepage
  • Compaction of Soils
  • Standard Proctor Test
  • Modified Proctor Test
  • OMC & MDD
  • Field Compaction Control

Consolidation

  • One-Dimensional Consolidation
  • Terzaghi's Theory
  • Time Rate of Consolidation
  • Coefficient of Consolidation
  • Degree of Consolidation
  • Compression Index
  • Consolidation Settlement
  • NC & OC Clays
  • Preconsolidation Pressure
  • Coefficient of Compressibility
  • Coefficient of Volume Change
  • Taylor & Casagrande Methods

Shear Strength of Soils

  • Shear Strength Parameters
  • Mohr's Circle
  • Mohr-Coulomb Criterion
  • Effective Strength Parameters
  • Total Strength Parameters
  • Drained & Undrained Strength
  • Direct Shear Test
  • Triaxial Test
  • Unconfined Compression Test
  • Stress-Strain of Clays
  • Stress-Strain of Sands
  • Stress Paths

Subsurface Investigation

  • Drilling Boreholes
  • Soil Sampling
  • Disturbed & Undisturbed Samples
  • Plate Load Test
  • Standard Penetration Test
  • Cone Penetration Test
  • Bore Log Interpretation
  • Field Vane Shear Test

Earth Pressure

  • Rankine Theory
  • Coulomb Theory
  • Active Earth Pressure
  • Passive Earth Pressure
  • At-Rest Earth Pressure
  • Pressure on Retaining Walls
  • Effect of Surcharge
  • Effect of Water Table

Stability of Slopes

  • Finite Slopes
  • Infinite Slopes
  • Bishop's Method
  • Factor of Safety
  • Swedish Circle Method
  • Taylor's Stability Number
  • Stability Under Seepage

Stress Distribution in Soils

  • Boussinesq's Theory
  • Pressure Bulbs
  • Stress Below Point Load
  • Stress Below Loaded Area
  • Westergaard's Theory
  • Newmark's Chart

Shallow Foundations

  • Terzaghi's Bearing Capacity
  • Meyerhof's Bearing Capacity
  • Bearing Capacity Factors
  • Effect of Water Table
  • Shape, Depth & Inclination Factors
  • Combined Footing
  • Raft Foundation
  • Contact Pressure
  • Settlement in Sands
  • Settlement in Clays
  • Immediate Settlement
  • Consolidation Settlement

Deep Foundations

  • Dynamic Pile Formulae
  • Static Pile Formulae
  • Pile Capacity in Sands
  • Pile Capacity in Clays
  • Pile Load Test
  • Pile Under Lateral Load
  • Pile Group Efficiency
  • Negative Skin Friction
  • End Bearing Piles
  • Friction Piles
  • Under-Reamed Piles
  • Settlement of Pile Groups

Water Resources Engineering

Fluid Properties & Statics

  • Properties of Fluids
  • Density & Specific Weight
  • Viscosity
  • Surface Tension & Capillarity
  • Compressibility
  • Fluid Pressure
  • Hydrostatic Forces
  • Buoyancy & Flotation
  • Manometry

Fluid Kinematics & Dynamics

  • Continuity Equation
  • Momentum Equation
  • Energy Equation
  • Bernoulli's Equation
  • Applications of Bernoulli
  • Euler Equation of Motion
  • Impulse-Momentum Principle

Potential Flow

  • Ideal Fluid Flow
  • Stream Function
  • Velocity Potential
  • Flow Net
  • Source, Sink, Doublet & Vortex

Laminar & Turbulent Flow

  • Laminar Flow
  • Turbulent Flow
  • Reynolds Number
  • Flow Between Parallel Plates
  • Hagen-Poiseuille Flow
  • Velocity Distribution
  • Boundary Layer Theory
  • Boundary Layer Growth
  • Laminar Boundary Layer
  • Turbulent Boundary Layer
  • Boundary Layer Separation

Pipe Flow

  • Major Losses
  • Minor Losses
  • Darcy-Weisbach Equation
  • Hydraulic Gradient Line
  • Energy Gradient Line
  • Pipes in Series
  • Pipes in Parallel
  • Pipe Networks
  • Hardy Cross Method
  • Water Hammer

Forces on Immersed Bodies

  • Drag Force
  • Lift Force
  • Drag Coefficient
  • Lift Coefficient
  • Flow Around Bodies
  • Terminal Velocity

Flow Measurement

  • Flow Measurement in Pipes
  • Venturimeter
  • Orifice Meter
  • Pitot Tube
  • Flow Measurement in Channels
  • Weirs
  • Notches
  • Flumes

Dimensional Analysis & Similitude

  • Dimensional Homogeneity
  • Buckingham Pi Theorem
  • Dimensionless Numbers
  • Reynolds Model Law
  • Froude Model Law
  • Mach Model Law
  • Hydraulic Similitude
  • Distorted & Undistorted Models

Hydraulic Machines & Pumps

  • Hydraulic Machine Principles
  • Velocity Triangles
  • Specific Speed of Pumps
  • Specific Speed of Turbines
  • Impulse & Reaction Turbines
  • Centrifugal Pumps

Open Channel Flow

  • Channel Hydraulics
  • Energy-Depth Relationships
  • Specific Energy
  • Critical Flow
  • Alternate Depths
  • Uniform Flow
  • Chezy Equation
  • Manning Equation
  • Most Economical Section
  • Normal & Critical Depth

Hydraulic Jump & Varied Flow

  • Hydraulic Jump
  • Sequent Depth
  • Energy Loss in Jump
  • Specific Force & Momentum
  • Gradually Varied Flow
  • Water Surface Profiles
  • Classification of GVF Profiles
  • Rapidly Varied Flow

Hydrology & Precipitation

  • Hydrologic Cycle
  • Precipitation
  • Rainfall Measurement
  • Evaporation
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Watershed
  • Infiltration
  • Surface Runoff Models
  • Reservoir Capacity

Hydrographs & Groundwater

  • Unit Hydrographs
  • S-Curve Hydrograph
  • Hydrograph Analysis
  • Flood Estimation
  • Flood Routing
  • Groundwater Hydrology
  • Steady-State Well Hydraulics
  • Aquifers
  • Confined & Unconfined Aquifers
  • Darcy's Law Application
  • Well Yield

Irrigation Systems & Water Need

  • Types of Irrigation Systems
  • Methods of Irrigation
  • Crop Water Requirements
  • Duty
  • Delta
  • Base Period
  • Evapotranspiration
  • Irrigation Efficiencies
  • Drainage & Waterlogging

Canals & Hydraulic Structures

  • Gravity Dams
  • Spillways
  • Lined Canals
  • Unlined Canals
  • Canal Losses
  • Weirs on Permeable Foundation
  • Bligh's Theory
  • Khosla's Theory
  • Cross Drainage Structures
  • Canal Regulation Works

Environmental Engineering

Water Quality

  • Physical Parameters
  • Chemical Parameters
  • Biological Parameters
  • Water Quality Standards
  • Water Quality Index
  • pH, Turbidity, Hardness & Alkalinity
  • DO, BOD & COD
  • MPN Test & Coliforms

Water Demand & Distribution

  • Water Requirement
  • Population Forecasting
  • Per Capita Demand
  • Fire Demand
  • Water Distribution Systems
  • Distribution Network Layouts
  • Pipe Network Analysis
  • Service Reservoirs

Drinking Water Treatment

  • Unit Processes
  • Unit Operations
  • Screening
  • Aeration
  • Coagulation & Flocculation
  • Sedimentation
  • Filtration
  • Disinfection
  • Chlorination
  • Breakpoint Chlorination
  • Softening
  • Sludge from Treatment

Wastewater Quantity & Sewerage

  • Quantity of Domestic Wastewater
  • Wastewater Characteristics
  • Sewerage System Design
  • Separate, Combined & Partial Systems
  • Sewer Appurtenances
  • Design of Sewers
  • Self-Cleansing Velocity
  • Stormwater Drainage

Wastewater Treatment Processes

  • Primary Treatment
  • Screening & Grit Removal
  • Primary Sedimentation
  • Secondary Treatment
  • BOD Kinetics
  • Oxygen Sag (Streeter-Phelps)
  • Activated Sludge Process
  • ASP Design (F/M, MLSS, SVI)
  • Trickling Filter
  • Oxidation Ponds
  • Anaerobic Treatment

Effluent & Sludge Management

  • Effluent Discharge Standards
  • Sludge Disposal
  • Sludge Digestion
  • Reuse of Treated Sewage
  • STP Design Numericals

Air Pollution

  • Types of Air Pollutants
  • Sources of Air Pollutants
  • Impacts of Air Pollutants
  • Air Pollution Control
  • Air Quality Standards
  • Air Quality Index & Limits
  • Particulate Matter Control
  • Cyclone Separator
  • Electrostatic Precipitator
  • Stack Emissions
  • Gaussian Plume Model

Municipal Solid Waste

  • Waste Characteristics
  • Waste Generation
  • Waste Collection
  • Waste Transportation
  • Reuse & Recycling
  • Energy Recovery
  • Waste Treatment
  • Composting
  • Incineration
  • Sanitary Landfill
  • Disposal Systems
  • Engineered MSW Systems

Noise Pollution

  • Impacts of Noise
  • Permissible Limits
  • Measurement of Noise
  • Control of Noise Pollution

Transportation Engineering

Cross-Section & Sight Distance

  • Cross-Sectional Elements
  • Carriageway
  • Shoulder
  • Camber
  • Kerbs & Medians
  • Sight Distance
  • Stopping Sight Distance
  • Overtaking Sight Distance
  • Intermediate Sight Distance

Horizontal & Vertical Alignment

  • Horizontal Alignment
  • Superelevation
  • Extra Widening
  • Transition Curves
  • Setback Distance
  • Vertical Alignment
  • Summit Curves
  • Valley Curves
  • Gradient

Railway Track Design

  • Geometric Design of Track
  • Speed
  • Cant
  • Cant Deficiency
  • Equilibrium Cant
  • Transition Curves
  • Gradients & Curves

Airport Engineering

  • Airport Runway Length
  • Runway Length Calculations
  • Runway Length Corrections
  • Elevation Correction
  • Temperature Correction
  • Gradient Correction
  • Taxiway Design
  • Exit Taxiway Design
  • Airport Layout
  • Wind Rose Diagram

Aggregate Tests

  • Desirable Properties of Materials
  • Tests on Aggregates
  • Crushing Value Test
  • Impact Value Test
  • Abrasion Value Test
  • Shape Tests
  • California Bearing Ratio Test

Bitumen & Mix Design

  • Bitumen Properties
  • Penetration Test
  • Ductility Test
  • Softening Point Test
  • Flash & Fire Point Test
  • Viscosity Test
  • Bituminous Paving Mixes
  • Marshall Mix Design

Pavement Design

  • Flexible Pavement Factors
  • Rigid Pavement Factors
  • Flexible Design (IRC)
  • Rigid Design (IRC)
  • Traffic Load & ESAL
  • CBR Method
  • Equivalent Single Wheel Load
  • Westergaard Stress
  • Temperature Stresses
  • Wheel Load Stresses
  • Distresses in Concrete Pavements

Traffic Studies & Flow

  • Traffic Volume Studies
  • Speed Studies
  • Peak Hour Factor
  • Accident Studies
  • Statistical Analysis of Data
  • Microscopic Parameters
  • Macroscopic Parameters
  • Fundamental Flow Relationships
  • Speed-Density-Flow
  • Parking Studies

Intersections & Signals

  • Traffic Signs
  • Traffic Signals
  • Signal Design (Webster's)
  • Saturation Flow
  • Types of Intersections
  • Rotary Intersections
  • Highway Capacity
  • Level of Service

Geomatics Engineering

Principles of Surveying

  • Working from Whole to Part
  • Classification of Surveying
  • Plane Surveying
  • Geodetic Surveying
  • Chain Surveying
  • Compass Surveying
  • Plane Table Surveying

Errors & Adjustment

  • Types of Errors
  • Systematic Errors
  • Random Errors
  • Mistakes
  • Error Propagation
  • Precision & Accuracy
  • Adjustment of Errors
  • Least Squares Adjustment
  • Theory of Errors

Maps & Coordinate Systems

  • Map Types & Uses
  • Scale
  • Representative Fraction
  • Map Projections
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Bearings & Azimuths
  • Local & Global Coordinates

Distance & Angle Measurement

  • Linear Measurement
  • Electronic Distance Measurement
  • Angular Measurement
  • Theodolite Surveying
  • Tacheometry
  • Errors in Measurement

Levelling

  • Levelling Instruments
  • Differential Levelling
  • Profile Levelling
  • Reciprocal Levelling
  • Trigonometric Levelling
  • Curvature & Refraction Correction
  • Rise & Fall Method
  • Height of Instrument Method

Traversing & Triangulation

  • Traverse Computations
  • Open Traverse
  • Closed Traverse
  • Traverse Adjustment
  • Bowditch Rule
  • Transit Rule
  • Triangulation Survey
  • Baseline Measurement
  • Strength of Figure

Total Station & Modern Surveying

  • Total Station
  • EDM Integrated Surveying
  • Data Collection & Computation
  • GPS/GNSS Positioning
  • Differential GPS

Curves

  • Horizontal Curves
  • Simple Circular Curves
  • Compound Curves
  • Reverse Curves
  • Transition Curves
  • Vertical Curves
  • Setting Out of Curves

Photogrammetry

  • Scale in Photogrammetry
  • Flying Height
  • Aerial Photographs
  • Relief Displacement
  • Stereoscopy
  • Photogrammetric Measurements

Remote Sensing & GIS

  • Remote Sensing Principles
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Sensors & Platforms
  • Resolution (Spatial, Spectral, Temporal)
  • Image Interpretation
  • GIS Principles
  • GIS Data Models
  • Raster & Vector Data
  • Layers, Attributes & Analysis

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