Table of Contents
Introduction
The GATE Civil Engineering exam is conducted in an online format, comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. The comprehensive syllabus covers core principles and practical applications, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to address real-world challenges in the civil engineering field. Clearing the GATE exam with a competitive score opens up numerous opportunities for aspiring civil engineers, including admission to Master’s and Ph.D. programs in prestigious institutions both in India and abroad.
Preparing for the GATE Civil Engineering exam demands a systematic approach, focused study, and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Candidates are advised to follow a well-structured study plan, practice with previous years’ question papers, and utilize reliable study resources like textbooks, online courses, and mock tests. A successful GATE score in Civil Engineering can serve as a stepping stone to a rewarding career in diverse sectors, including infrastructure development, construction, urban planning, environmental management, and research and development in civil engineering technologies. With their knowledge and expertise, GATE-qualified civil engineers contribute significantly to shaping the infrastructure and sustainable development of society.
Civil Engineering Subject Code: CE
Engineering Mathematics
Linear Algebra
Matrix algebra; Systems of linear equations; Eigen values and Eigen vectors
Calculus
Functions of single variable; Limit, continuity and differentiability; Mean value theorems, local maxima and minima; Taylor series; Evaluation of definite and indefinite integrals, application of definite integral to obtain area and volume; Partial derivatives; Total derivative; Gradient, Divergence and Curl, Vector identities; Directional derivatives; Line, Surface and Volume integrals
Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE)
First order (linear and non-linear) equations; higher order linear equations with constant coefficients; Euler-Cauchy equations; initial and boundary value problems.
Partial Differential Equation (PDE)
Fourier series; separation of variables; solutions of onedimensional diffusion equation; first and second order one-dimensional wave equation and twodimensional Laplace equation.
Probability and Statistics
Sampling theorems; Conditional probability; Descriptive statistics – Mean, median, mode and standard deviation; Random Variables – Discrete and Continuous, Poisson and Normal Distribution; Linear regression.
Numerical Methods
Error analysis. Numerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations; Newton’s and Lagrange polynomials; numerical differentiation; Integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule; Single and multi-step methods for first order differential equations.
Structural Engineering
Engineering Mechanics
System of forces, free-body diagrams, equilibrium equations; Internalforces in structures; Frictions and its applications; Centre of mass; Free Vibrations of undamped SDOF system.
Solid Mechanics
Bending moment and shear force in statically determinate beams; Simple stress and strain relationships; Simple bending theory, flexural and shear stresses, shear centre; Uniform torsion, Transformation of stress; buckling of column, combined and direct bending stresses.
Structural Analysis
Statically determinate and indeterminate structures by force/ energy methods; Method of superposition; Analysis of trusses, arches, beams, cables and frames; Displacement methods: Slope deflection and moment distribution methods; Influence lines; Stiffness and flexibility methods of structural analysis.
Construction Materials and Management
Construction Materials: Structural Steel – Composition, material properties and behaviour; Concrete – Constituents, mix design, short-term and long-term properties. Construction Management: Types of construction projects; Project planning and network analysis – PERT and CPM; Cost estimation.
Concrete Structures
Working stress and Limit state design concepts; Design of beams, slabs, columns; Bond and development length; Prestressed concrete beams.
Steel Structures
Working stress and Limit state design concepts; Design of tension and compression members, beams and beam- columns, column bases; Connections – simple and eccentric, beam-column connections, plate girders and trusses; Concept of plastic analysis -beams and frames.
Geotechnical Engineering
Soil Mechanics
: Three-phase system and phase relationships, index properties; Unified and Indian standard soil classification system; Permeability – one dimensional flow, Seepage through soils – two – dimensional flow, flow nets, uplift pressure, piping, capillarity, seepage force; Principle of effective stress and quicksand condition; Compaction of soils; One- dimensional consolidation, time rate of consolidation; Shear Strength, Mohr’s circle, effective and total shear strength parameters, Stress-Strain characteristics of clays and sand; Stress paths.
Foundation Engineering
Sub-surface investigations – Drilling bore holes, sampling, plate load test, standard penetration and cone penetration tests; Earth pressure theories – Rankine and Coulomb; Stability of slopes – Finite and infinite slopes, Bishop’s method; Stress distribution in soils – Boussinesq’s theory; Pressure bulbs, Shallow foundations – Terzaghi’s and Meyerhoff’s bearing capacity theories, effect of water table; Combined footing and raft foundation; Contact pressure; Settlement analysis in sands and clays; Deep foundations – dynamic and static formulae, Axial load capacity of piles in sands and clays, pile load test, pile under lateral loading, pile group efficiency, negative skin friction.
Water Resources Engineering
Fluid Mechanics
: Properties of fluids, fluid statics; Continuity, momentum and energy equations and their applications; Potential flow, Laminar and turbulent flow; Flow in pipes, pipe networks; Concept of boundary layer and its growth; Concept of lift and drag.
Hydraulics
Forces on immersed bodies; Flow measurement in channels and pipes; Dimensional analysis and hydraulic similitude; Channel Hydraulics – Energy-depth relationships, specific energy, critical flow, hydraulic jump, uniform flow, gradually varied flow and water surface profiles.
Hydrology
Hydrologic cycle, precipitation, evaporation, evapo-transpiration, watershed, infiltration, unit hydrographs, hydrograph analysis, reservoir capacity, flood estimation and routing, surface run-off models, ground water hydrology – steady state well hydraulics and aquifers; Application of Darcy’s Law.
Irrigation
Types of irrigation systems and methods; Crop water requirements – Duty, delta, evapotranspiration; Gravity Dams and Spillways; Lined and unlined canals, Design of weirs on permeable foundation; cross drainage structures.
Environmental Engineering
Water and Waste Water Quality and Treatment
Basics of water quality standards – Physical, chemical and biological parameters; Water quality index; Unit processes and operations; Water requirement; Water distribution system; Drinking water treatment.
Air Pollution
Types of pollutants, their sources and impacts, air pollution control, air quality standards, Air quality Index and limits.
Municipal Solid Wastes
Characteristics, generation, collection and transportation of solid wastes, engineered systems for solid waste management (reuse/ recycle, energy recovery, treatment and disposal).
Transportation Engineering
Transportation Infrastructure
Geometric design of highways – cross-sectional elements, sight distances, horizontal and vertical alignments. Geometric design of railway Track – Speed and Cant. Concept of airport runway length, calculations and corrections; taxiway and exit taxiway design.
Highway Pavements
Highway materials – desirable properties and tests; Desirable properties of bituminous paving mixes; Design factors for flexible and rigid pavements; Design of flexible and rigid pavement using IRC codes
Traffic Engineering
Traffic studies on flow and speed, peak hour factor, accident study, statistical analysis of traffic data; Microscopic and macroscopic parameters of traffic flow, fundamental relationships; Traffic signs; Signal design by Webster’s method; Types of intersections; Highway
capacity.
Geomatics Engineering
Principles of surveying; Errors and their adjustment; Maps – scale, coordinate system; Distance and angle measurement – Levelling and trigonometric levelling; Traversing and triangulation survey; Total station; Horizontal and vertical curves. Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing – Scale, flying height; Basics of remote sensing and GIS.
GATE Qualifying Cutoff for CE (Civil Engineering)
Category | General | OBC | SC/ST/PH |
2020 | 32.9 | 29.6 | 21.0 |
2019 | 26.9 | 24.2 | 17.9 |
2018 | 26.9 | 24.2 | 17.9 |
2017 | 28.7 | 25.8 | 19.1 |
2016 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
2015 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.67 |
2014 | 26.57 | 23.91 | 17.71 |
2013 | 27.13 | 24.42 | 18.09 |
Number of students appearing for GATE Civil-Engineering Exam
Year | Registered Candidates | Candidates Appeared | Qualified candidates |
2022 | 136285 | 100043 | 17776 |
2021 | – | 115270 | _ |
2020 | 155012 | 125974 | _ |
2019 | 170999 | 145064 | – |
2018 | _ | 153078 | – |
2017 | _ | 1,18,147 | 18,013 |
GATE Civil-Engineering Result analysis
GATE Civil-Engineering topper score by year
Year | Papers | Marks | Score |
2022 | GATE Civil-Engineering | 97.36 | 1000 |
2021 | GATE Civil-Engineering | 95.56 | 1000 |
2020 | GATE Civil-Engineering | 90.77 | 1000 |
2019 | GATE Civil-Engineering | – | 1000 |
2018 | Gate Civil-Engineering | – | 1000 |
2017 | Gate Civil-Engineering | – | 1000 |
Previous Year Question Papers
Download previous year question papers from the official GATE website click here.
Video Links for Civil Engineering
1. Guidance Video On Civil Engineering
2. Important Questions