GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus Topic Map & Practice

GATE ME tests engineering mathematics, applied mechanics and design, fluid mechanics and thermal sciences, materials, manufacturing and industrial engineering, plus the common general aptitude section.

14 subjects · 52 topics · 325 subtopics

Official scope and learning resources

This is our practice taxonomy, not a verbatim official syllabus or a claim that every subtopic has published questions. Check the current official document before planning examination coverage.

Solved GATE ME previous year questions

1,690 questions with official answers and step-by-step solutions.

General Aptitude

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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

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Linear Algebra

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

Single Variable Calculus

  • Functions of Single Variable
  • Limits, Continuity & Differentiability
  • Mean Value Theorems
  • Indeterminate Forms & L'Hospital
  • Taylor Series (Single Variable)
  • Maxima & Minima
  • Fourier Series
  • Definite & Improper Integrals
  • Applications of Integrals

Multivariable Calculus

  • Partial & Total Derivatives
  • Taylor Series (Two Variables)
  • Maxima & Minima (Several Variables)
  • Double & Triple Integrals
  • Change of Order of Integration
  • Jacobian & Change of Variables
  • Applications of Multiple Integrals

Vector Calculus

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

Differential Equations

  • First-Order Equations
  • Exact Differential Equations
  • Higher-Order Linear ODEs
  • Complementary Function & PI
  • Euler-Cauchy Equation
  • Initial & Boundary Value Problems
  • Laplace Transforms & Applications
  • Heat, Wave & Laplace Equations

Complex Variables

  • Analytic Functions
  • Cauchy-Riemann Equations
  • Cauchy's Integral Theorem
  • Taylor & Laurent Series
  • Singularities & Residues
  • Residue Theorem

Probability

  • Axioms of Probability
  • Conditional Probability
  • Bayes' Theorem
  • Random Variables
  • PMF, PDF & CDF
  • Expectation & Moments
  • Correlation & Covariance

Statistics & Distributions

  • Mean, Median, Mode & SD
  • Sampling Theorems
  • Binomial Distribution
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Normal Distribution

Numerical Methods

  • Linear & Nonlinear Algebraic Equations
  • Gauss, Jacobi & Gauss-Seidel
  • Bisection Method
  • Newton-Raphson Method
  • Secant Method
  • Fixed-Point Iteration
  • Error Analysis
  • Trapezoidal & Simpson's Rules
  • Single & Multi-Step ODE Methods
  • Euler & Runge-Kutta Methods
  • Interpolation

Engineering Mechanics

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Statics

  • Free-Body Diagrams & Equilibrium
  • Force Systems, Resultants & Couples
  • Friction & Applications
  • Rolling & Vehicle Friction
  • Belt, Brake, Clutch & Screw Friction
  • Trusses (Joints & Sections)
  • Frames & Machines
  • Virtual Work

Dynamics

  • Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
  • Instantaneous Center of Rotation
  • Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
  • Linear & Angular Impulse-Momentum
  • Work-Energy Formulation
  • Lagrange's Equation

Strength of Materials

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Stress, Strain & Elastic Constants

  • Stress & Strain
  • Elastic Constants & Poisson's Ratio
  • Relation Among Elastic Constants
  • Thermal Stresses
  • Mohr's Circle
  • Thin Cylinders & Pressure Vessels

Beams & Columns

  • Shear Force & Bending Moment
  • Bending & Shear Stresses
  • Shear Centre
  • Deflection of Beams
  • Torsion of Shafts
  • Euler's Theory of Columns
  • Energy Methods & Castigliano

Testing of Materials

  • Strain Gauges & Rosettes
  • Universal Testing Machine
  • Hardness & Impact Tests

Theory of Machines & Vibrations

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Mechanisms & Linkages

  • Kinematic Pairs, Chains & DOF
  • Four-Bar & Slider-Crank
  • Velocity & Acceleration Analysis
  • Dynamic Analysis of Linkages

Cams, Gears & Gear Trains

  • Cams & Followers
  • Gear Terminology & Law of Gearing
  • Interference & Undercutting
  • Simple, Compound & Epicyclic Trains

Balancing, Flywheels & Gyroscopes

  • Flywheels & Governors
  • Balancing of Rotating Masses
  • Balancing of Reciprocating Masses
  • Gyroscope & Gyroscopic Couple

Free Vibration

  • SDOF Free Vibration
  • Undamped Free Vibration
  • Damped Free Vibration
  • Logarithmic Decrement & Damping Ratio

Forced Vibration

  • Harmonic Excitation Response
  • Magnification & Transmissibility
  • Vibration Isolation
  • Resonance
  • Critical Speeds of Shafts

Machine Design

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Static & Dynamic Loading

  • Theories of Failure
  • Fatigue, S-N Diagram & Endurance
  • Goodman, Soderberg & Gerber
  • Stress Concentration

Machine Elements

  • Bolted, Riveted & Welded Joints
  • Shafts, Keys & Couplings
  • Spur Gear Design
  • Rolling & Sliding Bearings
  • Brakes, Clutches & Springs

Fluid Mechanics

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Fluid Properties & Statics

  • Fluid Properties
  • Pressure in Static Fluids
  • Manometry
  • Forces on Submerged Bodies
  • Centre of Pressure
  • Buoyancy & Stability
  • Metacentric Height

Fluid Kinematics & Dynamics

  • Streamlines, Pathlines & Streaklines
  • Control Volume Analysis
  • Local, Convective & Material Acceleration
  • Continuity & Momentum Equations
  • Euler & Bernoulli Equations
  • Applications of Bernoulli
  • Impulse-Momentum Principle

Dimensional Analysis & Similitude

  • Buckingham Pi Theorem
  • Dimensionless Numbers
  • Model Testing
  • Geometric, Kinematic & Dynamic Similarity

Viscous & Pipe Flow

  • Viscous Incompressible Flow
  • Laminar & Turbulent Flow
  • Parallel Plate & Hagen-Poiseuille
  • Boundary Layer Theory
  • Boundary Layer Separation
  • Turbulent Flow
  • Darcy-Weisbach & Moody Diagram
  • Major & Minor Losses
  • Pipes in Series & Parallel

Compressible Flow

  • Speed of Sound & Mach Number
  • Isentropic Flow & Stagnation
  • Normal Shock
  • Nozzle & Choked Flow

Heat Transfer

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Conduction

  • Modes of Heat Transfer
  • Thermal Conductivity & Resistance
  • Electrical Analogy
  • Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient
  • Critical Radius of Insulation
  • 1D Steady Conduction
  • Composite Wall Conduction
  • Heat Transfer Through Fins
  • Lumped Parameter System
  • Biot & Fourier Numbers
  • Heisler Charts

Convection

  • Forced & Free Convection
  • Thermal Boundary Layer
  • Dimensionless Parameters
  • Flat Plate & Pipe Correlations
  • Turbulence Effects

Radiation

  • Stefan-Boltzmann & Wien's Laws
  • Black & Grey Surfaces
  • Kirchhoff's Law
  • View Factors
  • Radiation Exchange
  • Radiation Network & Shields

Heat Exchangers

  • Parallel, Counter & Cross Flow
  • LMTD Method
  • LMTD Correction Factor
  • Effectiveness-NTU Method
  • Fouling Factor

Thermodynamics

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Laws & Properties

  • Systems, Properties & Processes
  • Pure Substances & Phase Change
  • Ideal & Real Gas Behaviour
  • Zeroth & First Laws
  • Work & Heat in Processes
  • Second Law Statements
  • Carnot Cycle & Entropy
  • Property Charts & Tables
  • Availability, Exergy & Irreversibility
  • Maxwell Relations
  • Clapeyron Equation

Power Cycles

  • Air & Gas Compressors
  • Rankine, Reheat & Regenerative
  • Brayton Cycle
  • Regeneration, Reheat & Intercooling
  • Combined Cycle

IC Engines

  • Otto, Diesel & Dual Cycles
  • Mean Effective Pressure & Efficiency
  • SI & CI Engines
  • Engine Performance Parameters
  • Combustion & Knocking

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

  • Vapour Compression Cycle
  • Vapour Absorption Cycle
  • Gas & Heat Pump Cycles
  • Coefficient of Performance
  • Refrigerants & Properties
  • Psychrometric Chart & Moist Air
  • Psychrometric Processes
  • Sensible Heating & Cooling
  • Humidification & Dehumidification
  • AC Load Estimation

Turbomachinery

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Hydraulic Turbines & Pumps

  • Impulse & Reaction Principles
  • Velocity Diagrams & Euler Equation
  • Specific Speed
  • Pelton, Francis & Kaplan
  • Centrifugal & Reciprocating Pumps
  • Cavitation & NPSH

Steam & Gas Turbines

  • Steam Turbine Staging
  • Gas Turbine Cycles
  • Velocity Diagrams (Turbines)
  • Degree of Reaction & Compounding

Engineering Materials

Revise Engineering Materials: concept notes, worked examples and PYQs

Structure & Properties

  • Crystal Structures & Imperfections
  • Mechanical Properties & Stress-Strain
  • Iron-Carbon Diagram
  • Binary Phase Diagrams & Lever Rule
  • TTT & CCT Diagrams

Heat Treatment

  • Annealing, Normalizing & Hardening
  • Tempering & Case Hardening
  • Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Materials
  • Composite Materials

Manufacturing Processes

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Casting

  • Casting Types
  • Pattern Design & Allowances
  • Moulds, Cores & Core Prints
  • Solidification & Chvorinov's Rule
  • Riser & Gating Design
  • Casting Defects & Yield

Forming

  • Plastic Deformation & Yield Criteria
  • Hot & Cold Working
  • Forging (Types & Load)
  • Rolling (Load & Torque)
  • Extrusion & Drawing
  • Sheet Metal Operations
  • Springback & Forming Limits
  • Powder Metallurgy

Joining

  • Welding Processes
  • Welding Metallurgy & HAZ
  • Weld Defects & Joint Design
  • Brazing, Soldering & Adhesives

Machining & Machine Tools

  • Orthogonal & Oblique Cutting
  • Merchant's Circle & Forces
  • Tool Geometry, Materials & Wear
  • Tool Life (Taylor's Equation)
  • Economics of Machining
  • Conventional Machine Tools
  • Non-Traditional Machining
  • Abrasive Machining

CNC & Work Holding

  • Work Holding & 3-2-1 Location
  • Jigs & Fixtures
  • NC & CNC Machines
  • CNC Programming (G & M Codes)
  • Interpolation in CNC
  • Machining Centres & FMS

Metrology, CIM & Additive Mfg

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Metrology & Inspection

  • Limits, Fits & Tolerances
  • Tolerance Stack-Up
  • Linear & Angular Measurement
  • Calipers, Micrometers & Slip Gauges
  • Comparators & Interferometry
  • Form & Surface Finish
  • Alignment & Testing
  • Coordinate Measuring Machine
  • Gauge Design

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

  • CAD/CAM & Integration
  • Computer Aided Process Planning
  • Group Technology & Cellular Mfg
  • Flexible Manufacturing Systems
  • Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing

Industrial Engineering

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Production Planning & Control

  • Forecasting Models
  • Aggregate Production Planning
  • Scheduling & Job Sequencing
  • Materials Requirement Planning
  • Lean Manufacturing (JIT & Kanban)
  • Line Balancing

Inventory Control

  • EOQ Model
  • EOQ with Shortages & Discounts
  • Production Inventory Model
  • Reorder Point & Safety Stock
  • Periodic & Continuous Review
  • ABC & VED Analysis

Operations Research

  • LP (Graphical & Simplex)
  • Big M & Two-Phase Methods
  • Duality & Sensitivity
  • Transportation & Assignment
  • Network Flow Models
  • Queuing Models (M/M/1)
  • PERT & CPM

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