In this article, you will get GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering. It has been created to offer aspiring aerospace engineers in-depth knowledge about the subjects and subtopics that will be included in the upcoming GATE examination.
GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering 2024 is divided into six sections: Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, and Space Dynamics. Each section is further categorized into ‘Core Topics’ and ‘Special Topics’. In addition to these sections, the GATE 2024 Aerospace Engineering Exam will also include a section on General Aptitude.
The exam consists of 85% questions from the Aerospace Engineering Syllabus and Engineering Mathematics, while the remaining 15% questions are from the general aptitude section. Within each section, approximately 90% of the questions are based on core aerospace topics, with the remaining 10% from special topics. The GATE 2024 Aerospace Engineering paper will have a total of 65 questions and carry 100 marks.
GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering 2024
Important Note for Candidates: In each of the following subjects the topics have been divided into two categories – Core Topics and Special Topics. The corresponding sections of the question paper will contain 90% of their questions on Core Topics and the remaining 10% on Special Topics.
| SECTIONS | CORE TOPICS | SPECIAL TOPICS |
| Section1: Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra: Vector algebra, Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, rank of a matrix, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.Calculus: Functions of single variable, limits, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorem, chain rule, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, gradient, divergence and curl, directional derivatives. Integration, Line, surface and volume integrals. Theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green.Differential Equations: First order linear and nonlinear differential equations, higher order linear ODEs with constant coefficients. Partial differential equations and separation of variables methods. | Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, Numerical integration and differentiation. Complex analysis. Probability and statistics. |
| Section 2: Flight Mechanics | Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere. Classification of aircraft. Airplane (fixed wing aircraft) configuration and various parts. Pressure altitude; equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds; Primary flight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, Turn-bank Indicator. Angle of attack, sideslip; Roll, pitch & yaw controls. Aerodynamic forces and moments.Airplane performance: Drag polar; takeoff and landing; steady climb & descent; absolute and service ceiling; range and endurance, load factor, turning flight, V-n Diagram. Winds: head, tail & cross winds.Static stability: Stability & control derivatives; longitudinal stick fixed & free stability; horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size; lateral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces. | Dynamic stability: Euler angles; Equations of motion; Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics; longitudinal modes; lateral-directional modes. |
| Section 3: Space Dynamics | Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Kepler’s laws; escape velocity. | No Special Topics |
| Section 4: Aerodynamics | Basic Fluid Mechanics: Conservation laws: Mass, momentum and energy (Integral and differential form); Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity;Potential flow theory: sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex and their superposition. Elementary ideas of viscous flows, including boundary layers.Airfoils and wings: Airfoil nomenclature; Aerodynamic coefficients: lift, drag and moment; Kutta- Joukoswki theorem; Thin airfoil theory, Kutta condition, starting vortex; Finite wing theory: Induced drag, Prandtl lifting line theory; Critical and drag divergence Mach number.Compressible Flows: Basic concepts of compressibility, One-dimensional compressible flows, Isentropic flows, Fanno flow, Rayleigh flow; Normal and oblique shocks, Prandtl-Meyer flow; Flow through nozzles and diffusers. | Wind Tunnel Testing: Measurement and visualization techniques. Shock – boundary layer interaction |
| Section 5: Structures | Strength of Materials: Stress and strain: Three-dimensional transformations, Mohr’s circle, principal stresses, Three-dimensional Hooke’s law, Plane stress and strain. Failure theories: Maximum stress, Tresca von Mises. Strain energy. Castigliano’s principles. Statically determinate and indeterminate trusses and beams. Elastic flexural buckling of columns.Flight vehicle structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials. Torsion, bending and shear of thin-walled sections. Loads on aircraft.Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped SDOF systems. Free vibrations of undamped 2-DOF systems. | Vibration of beams. Theory of elasticity: Equilibrium and compatibility equations, Airy’s stress function. Section |
| Section 6: Propulsion | Basics: Thermodynamics, boundary layers, heat transfer, combustion and thermochemistry.Aerothermodynamics of aircraft engines: Thrust, efficiency, range. Brayton cycle.Engine performance: ramjet, turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft engines. Afterburners.Turbomachinery: Axial compressors: Angular momentum, work and compression, characteristic performance of a single axial compressor stage, efficiency of the compressor and degree of reaction, multi-staging.Centrifugal compressor: Stage dynamics, inducer, impeller and diffuser.Axial turbines: Stage performance.Rockets: Thrust equation and specific impulse, rocket performance. Multi-staging. Chemical rockets. Performance of solid and liquid propellant rockets. |
Starting from the fundamental principles of aerodynamics to the intricate details of advanced propulsion systems, we have meticulously dissected the syllabus to assist you in preparing efficiently and achieving excellence in the exam. Take your time to explore each section, grasp the fundamental concepts, and devise a strategic plan for a triumphant GATE journey in Aerospace Engineering.
Aerospace Engineering 2024 Paper Pattern and Marking
- Mode of Examination: Online
- Duration of Exam: 3 hours
- Types of Questions: MCQs and NAT
- Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Subject-based
- Total Marks: 100 marks
- Total Questions: 65 questions
- General Aptitude – 15 Marks of MCQs Questions
- 5 Questions – 1 Marks
- 5 Questions – 2 Marks
- Aerospace Engineering – 85 Marks of MCQs and NATs Questions
- 25 Questions – 1 Marks
- 30 Questions – 2 Marks
- General Aptitude – 15 Marks of MCQs Questions
- Negative Marking
- For MCQs
- ⅓ for 1 mark questions
- ⅔ for 2 marks questions
- NATs – No Negative Marking
- For MCQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: What are the main sections covered in the GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering?
- The GATE Aerospace Engineering syllabus includes Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, and Space Dynamics.
- Q2: How is the GATE Aerospace Engineering paper structured?
- The paper consists of 65 questions with 85% of the questions from the aerospace engineering paper, and the remaining 15% from the general aptitude section.
- Q3: Are there any ‘Special Topics’ in the GATE syllabus for Aerospace Engineering?
- Yes, each section of the syllabus is divided into ‘Core Topics’ and ‘Special Topics’, with about 90% of the questions from core topics and 10% from special topics.
- Q4: Can Aerospace Engineering graduates choose another paper?
- Yes, Aerospace Engineering graduates (Code: AE) applying for GATE 2024 have the option of undertaking Engineering Sciences (Code: XE) as their second paper.
- Q5: Where can I find detailed syllabus and study materials?
- Detailed syllabus and study materials are available in our website. For more details, visit to the official website of GATE 2024 – https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/.