Important dates
Indicative GATE Physics calendar based on recent cycles. Always confirm on the official portal.
Official portal: https://gate.iitr.ac.in/
Exam pattern
How GATE Physics is structured — marks, timing and negative marking.
Recent cut-offs
Reference cut-offs from recent GATE Physics cycles.
Cut-offs vary year to year. Use as a target, not a guarantee.
Most asked topics
The 8 most repeated topics in GATE Physics. Click any topic to practice its PYQs.
GATE Physics syllabus
Full subject-wise syllabus (11 subjects, based on 825 analysed physics questions). Click a subject heading to practice that subject's PYQs.
Mathematical Physics
Practice PYQs- Vector algebra & vector calculus
- Linear algebra: matrices, eigenvalue problems
- Linear ordinary differential equations of first & second order
- Special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre, Legendre)
- Fourier series and Fourier & Laplace transforms
- Elements of complex analysis: residue theorem, contour integration
- Partial differential equations (wave, diffusion, Laplace) — separation of variables
- Tensors, group theory basics
- Elementary probability theory & error analysis
Classical Mechanics
Practice PYQs- Newton's laws; central-force motion; Kepler problem
- Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formalism; equations of motion
- Symmetries and conservation laws; cyclic coordinates
- Small oscillations, normal modes
- Rigid body dynamics; moment of inertia tensor; Euler equations
- Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, four-vectors
Electromagnetic Theory
Practice PYQs- Electrostatics: Gauss's law, Laplace & Poisson equations, boundary value problems
- Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart, Ampère's law
- Maxwell's equations; gauge invariance; electromagnetic waves in vacuum & media
- Reflection, refraction, polarization, dispersion
- Waveguides & resonant cavities
- Radiation from accelerated charges; dipole radiation
Quantum Mechanics
Practice PYQs- Wave-particle duality; Schrödinger equation
- 1D problems: particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, tunneling
- Angular momentum; spin; addition of angular momenta
- Hydrogen atom; identical particles
- Time-independent & time-dependent perturbation theory
- Variational method, WKB approximation
- Scattering theory (Born approximation, partial waves)
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
Practice PYQs- Laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell relations
- Statistical ensembles: microcanonical, canonical, grand canonical
- Classical & quantum statistics (MB, FD, BE)
- Black body radiation; Planck distribution
- Bose-Einstein condensation; degenerate Fermi gas
- Phase transitions and critical phenomena
Electronics & Experimental Methods
Practice PYQs- Semiconductor devices: diodes, BJTs, FETs
- Operational amplifiers: linear & non-linear circuits
- Digital electronics: combinational & sequential circuits
- Data interpretation, error analysis & propagation
- Measurement, signal-to-noise ratio, transducers
Atomic & Molecular Physics
Practice PYQs- Spectra of one- & many-electron atoms; LS & jj coupling
- Fine and hyperfine structure; Zeeman & Stark effects
- Rotational, vibrational & electronic spectra of molecules
- Raman effect; lasers — Einstein coefficients, population inversion
- NMR, ESR basics
Condensed Matter / Solid State Physics
Practice PYQs- Crystal structure; reciprocal lattice; X-ray diffraction
- Free electron theory; band theory of solids
- Semiconductors: intrinsic & extrinsic carrier statistics
- Magnetism: dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro-, ferrimagnetism
- Superconductivity: Meissner effect, type I & II, BCS basics
- Lattice vibrations, phonons; specific heat of solids
Nuclear & Particle Physics
Practice PYQs- Nuclear properties; binding energy; liquid drop & shell models
- Radioactive decay; alpha, beta, gamma decay
- Nuclear reactions; fission and fusion
- Elementary particles: classification, quarks, leptons
- Conservation laws & symmetries; basic interactions
Frequently asked
Quick answers about GATE Physics.
Where can I practice GATE Physics previous year questions?
You can practice every GATE Physics PYQ topic-wise on physicspyq.com — chapter filters, year filters and detailed solutions are all free.
Which topics carry the highest weightage in GATE Physics?
Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics are consistently the heaviest. The exact rank order is available on our free Exam Analytics page, built from every PYQ since the start of the dataset.
How should I track my GATE Physics syllabus completion?
Use the free interactive Checklist on this site — every topic is sorted by importance and you can tick Lecture, PYQ and Revision separately. Progress is saved to your account and synced across devices.
Make GATE Physics prep predictable
Practice every PYQ topic-wise, tick off your syllabus, and watch your weak chapters disappear.