Syllabus for GATE (CSE) is based on the topics covered under bachelor degree in engineering. General aptitude and engineering mathematics also forms part of the syllabus. Reference books based on these topics help the candidates in exam preparation.

Main Topics covered under the syllabus of GATE (CSE)

Engineering Mathematics

• Calculus
• Combinatorics
• Graph Theory
• Linear Algebra
• Mathematical Logic
• Numerical Methods
• Probability
• Set Theory & Algebra

General Aptitude

• Verbal ability
• Reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude

Computer Science and Engineering

• Algorithms
• Compiler Design
• Computer Networks
• Computer Organization
• Databases
• Digital Logic
• Information Systems and Software Engineering
• Operating System
• Programming and Data Structures
• Theory of Computation
• Web technologies

Reference Books for Engineering Mathematics

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Kreyszig E
• Complex Variable by Murray R. Spiegel
• Differential calculus by I.A. Meron, Lalji prasad
• Differential equation by D.Murray
• Discrete Mathematics by Kolman & Bussy
• Engineering Mathematics by Lazpathroy
• Higher Engineering Mathematics by B. S. Grewal
• Integral calculus by I.A. Meron
• Linear Algebra by Murray R. Spiegel
• Probability & Statistics by Murray R. Spiegel, S.K.Gupta & Kapoor
• Set Theory & Algebra by Vikash Rahi , Das & Gupta
• Numerical Method by Jain & Iyenger
• Graph Theory by Kolman and Bussy
• Reference Books for General Aptitude
• Arihant Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
• English Reading Comprehension by Anjani A Gupta
• Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A. K. Gupta
• Quantitative Aptitude by S. P. Gupta & P. K. Gupta
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal
• Test of Non Verbal Reasoning by Anjani A Gupta

Reference Books for Computer Science and Engineering

• Compilers Principles, Technique and tools by Aho Ullman & Ravisetty
• Computer Architecture and Organization by John P Hayes
• Computer Organization and Design by David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy
• Computer Organization by Carl Hamacher, Zvonko Vranesic
• Data Structures using C by A.M. Tanenbaum and Others.
• Digital Design with standard MSI and LSI by Thomas, Blakeslee, Wiley
• Digital logic design by Mano
• Electric Circuit Analysis by S. R. Paranjothi
• Fundamentals of Digital Logic with VHDL Design by Brown and Vranesic
• Introduction to switching theory and logic design by F.J. Hill and Peterson
• Network Analysis by G. K. Mithal
• Networks and Systems by D.Roy Choudhury
• Operating System by Charles Crowing
• Operating Systems by William Stallings
• Operating Systems Internals and Design Principles by William Stallings
• Principles of compiler design by Ullman
• Programming in ANSI C by E. Balaguru Swamy
• Structured Computer Organization by A.S. Tanenbaum
• The C Programming Language by Kerninghan and Others

After gaining a basic idea in the technical and aptitude sessions, candidate can start practicing model question papers. This will be much helpful in better time management and to have a firsthand knowledge about the generally asked questions and pattern.