Focuses on principles of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, and aerospace structures, designed for candidates pursuing advanced studies or careers in aerospace and aviation industries.

GATE Aerospace Engineering

Official 2025 syllabus extracted from https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/doc/2025/GATE%20_AE_2025_Syllabus.pdf

Engineering Mathematics

Vector algebra

Matrix algebra

Systems of linear equations

Rank of a matrix

Eigen values and eigen vectors

Linear Algebra (Core)

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

Calculus (Core)

First order linear and nonlinear differential equations

Higher order linear ODEs with constant coefficients

Partial differential equations and separation of variables methods

Differential Equations (Core)

Fourier series

Laplace transforms

Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations

Numerical integration and differentiation

Complex analysis

Probability and statistics

Special Topics

Flight Mechanics

Properties of atmosphere

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 and yaw controls

Aerodynamic forces and moments

Atmosphere (Core)

Drag polar

Take-off and landing

Steady climb and descent

Absolute and service ceiling

Range and endurance

Load factor

Turning flight

V-n diagram

Head, tail and cross winds

Airplane Performance (Core)

Stability and control derivatives

Longitudinal stick fixed and free stability

Horizontal tail position and size

Directional stability

Vertical tail position and size

Lateral stability

Wing dihedral, sweep and position

Hinge moments

Stick forces

Static Stability (Core)

Euler angles

Equations of motion

Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics

Longitudinal modes

Lateral-directional modes

Dynamic Stability (Special)

Space Dynamics

Central force motion

Determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases

Kepler's laws

Escape velocity

Space Dynamics (Core)

Aerodynamics

Conservation laws: mass, momentum and energy (integral and differential form)

Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity

Basic Fluid Mechanics (Core)

Sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex and their superposition

Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layers

Potential Flow Theory (Core)

Airfoil nomenclature

Aerodynamic coefficients: lift, drag and moment

Kutta-Joukowski theorem

Thin airfoil theory

Kutta condition

Starting vortex

Finite wing theory: induced drag, Prandtl lifting line theory

Critical and drag divergence Mach number

Airfoils and Wings (Core)

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

Compressible Flows (Core)

Wind tunnel testing: measurement and visualization techniques

Shock-boundary layer interaction

Structures

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

Strength of Materials (Core)

Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials

Torsion, bending and shear of thin-walled sections

Loads on aircraft

Flight Vehicle Structures (Core)

Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped SDOF systems

Free vibrations of undamped 2-DOF systems

Structural Dynamics (Core)

Vibration of beams

Theory of elasticity: equilibrium and compatibility equations

Airy's stress function

Propulsion

Thermodynamics

Boundary layers

Heat transfer

Combustion and thermo-chemistry

Basics (Core)

Thrust, efficiency, range

Brayton cycle

Aerothermodynamics of Aircraft Engines (Core)

Ramjet engines

Turbojet engines

Turbofan engines

Turboprop engines

Turboshaft engines

After burners

Engine Performance (Core)

Axial compressors: angular momentum, work and compression

Characteristic performance of a single axial compressor stage

Efficiency of compressor and degree of reaction

Multi-staging

Centrifugal compressor: stage dynamics, inducer, impeller and diffuser

Axial turbines: stage performance

Turbomachinery (Core)

Thrust equation and specific impulse

Rocket performance

Chemical rockets

Performance of solid propellant rockets

Performance of liquid propellant rockets

Rockets (Core)

Aerothermodynamics of non-rotating propulsion components: intakes, combustor, nozzle

Turbine blade cooling

Compressor-turbine matching

Surge and stall

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2025, 2026 and more: Subjects, Topics, and What to Study