Back
  1. Home
  2. GATE Exam
  3. Civil Engineering
  4. CE Syllabus 2023

GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus

GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus

GATE 2023 Civil Engineering syllabus will be released on the official website for candidates to download. It is vital to familiarize yourself with the GATE CE syllabus while preparing for the GATE CE Exam. It helps you identify the important subject areas and maximize scoring opportunities.

GATE Civil Engineering syllabus is divided into 3 sections.

  • General Aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Civil Engineering Topics

The GATE 2023 organizer, i.e., IIT Kanpur, will release the updated syllabus on their website. In this article, we have provided the topic-wise Civil Engineering syllabus to help candidates prepare effectively for the GATE 2023 CE Exam.

GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus


GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus

1. What is the GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus?

What is GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus?

  • General Aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Structural Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Geomatics Engineering

In the GATE question paper for Civil Engineering, there are two mandatory sections - General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics. Generally, the General Aptitude section carries 15 marks, and the Engineering Mathematics section holds 13 marks, while questions from Civil Engineering subjects make up the remaining 72 marks.

Let us explore all the 8 sections individually in detail.

2. GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus

2.1. General Aptitude

The General Aptitude section of the GATE CE Exam is common to all 29 GATE papers, and it tests a candidate's numerical and verbal abilities. The topics covered in the General Aptitude section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
General Aptitude (Mandatory Section) Numerical Ability Numerical Computation
Numerical Estimation
Logical Reasoning
Data Interpretation
Verbal Ability English Grammar
Sentence Completion
Verbal Analogies
Word Groups Instructions
Critical Reasoning
Verbal Deduction
2.2. Engineering Mathematics

Similar to the General Aptitude section, this section is common for all 29 GATE papers. If prepared effectively, the Engineering Mathematics section can be a high-scoring section. The topics covered in the Engineering Mathematics section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
Engineering Mathematics (Mandatory Section) Linear Algebra Matrix Algebra
Systems of Linear Equations
Eigen Values & Eigen Vectors
Calculus Functions of Single Variable
Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability
Mean Value Theorems
Local Maxima and Minima
Taylor and Maclaurin Series
Evaluation of Definite and Indefinite Integrals
Application of Definite Integral to Obtain Area and Volume
Partial Derivatives, Total Derivatives, Directional Derivatives
Gradient, Divergence, and Curl
Vector Identities
Line, Surface, and Volume Integrals
Ordinary Differential Equations (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 Equations (PDE) Fourier Series
Separation of Variables
Solutions of One-dimensional Diffusion Equation
First- and Second-Order One-dimensional Wave Equation & Two-dimensional Laplace Equation
Probability & Statistics Sampling Theorems
Conditional Probability
Random Variables: Discrete and Continuous, Poisson and Normal Distributions
Descriptive Statistics - Mean, Median, Mode, and Standard Deviation
Linear Regression
Numerical Methods Error Analysis
Numerical Solutions of Linear and Non-linear Algebraic Equations
Numerical Differentiation
Newton's and Lagrange Polynomials
Integration by Trapezoidal and Simpson's Rule
Single and Multi-step Methods for First-Order Differential Equations
2.3. Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering is a branch of Civil Engineering that deals with the structural integrity and strength of man-made structures. The topics covered in the Structural Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
Structural Engineering Engineering Mechanics System of Forces, Free-body Diagrams, Equilibrium Equations
Internal Forces in Structures
Friction and its Applications
Kinematics of Point Mass and Rigid Body
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
Transformation of Stress
Simple Bending Theory, Flexural and Shear Stresses, Shear Centre
Uniform Torsion, 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
Displacing 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 Behavior
Concrete - Constituents, Mix Design, Short-term and Long-term Properties
Construction Management: Types of Construction Projects
Cost Estimation
Project Planning and Network Analysis - PERT and CPM
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
2.4. Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering is a sub-discipline of Civil Engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. The topics covered in the Geotechnical Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
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, and Seepage Force
Principle of Effective Stress and Quicksand Condition
Compaction of Soils
One-dimensional Consolidation, Time Rate of Consolidation
Shear Strength, Mohr's circle, Stress paths, Effective and Total Shear Strength Parameters, Stress-Strain Characteristics of Clays and Sand
Stress Paths
Foundation Engineering Sub-surface Investigations - Scope, Drilling Boreholes, Sampling, Plate Load Test, Standard Penetration and Cone Penetration Tests
Earth Pressure Theories - Rankine and Coulomb
Stability of Slopes Finite and Infinite Slopes, Method of Slices, and Bishop's Method
Stress Distribution in Soils - Boussinesq's and Westergaard's Theories, 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 - Types of Piles, Dynamic and Static Formulae, Load Capacity of Piles in Sands and Clays, Pile Load Test, Negative Skin Friction
2.5. Water Resources Engineering

Water Resources Engineering is an area of Civil Engineering that deals with the application of fluid mechanics principles to problems dealing with the collection, storage, control, transport, regulation, measurement, and use of water.

The topics covered in the Water Resources Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
Water Resources Engineering Fluid Mechanics Properties of Fluids, Fluid Statistics
Continuity, Momentum, 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, Flood Estimation, and Routing
Reservoir Capacity, Reservoir, and Channel Routing, Surface Run-Off Models
Groundwater Hydrology - Steady State Well Hydraulics and Aquifers
Application of Darcy's Laws
Irrigation Crop Water Requirements - Duty, Delta, Estimation of Evapo-Transpiration
Design of Lined and Unlined Canals
Gravity Dams and Spillways
Design of Weirs on the Permeable Foundation
Types of Irrigation Systems and Methods
Cross-Drainage Structures
2.6. Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with natural resource management, water usage, environmental pollution, and seeks solutions to environmental challenges that impact the health of human beings. 

The topics covered in the Environmental Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
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 Requirements
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)
2.7. Transportation Engineering

Transportation Engineering involves planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation facilities. The topics covered in the Transportation Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
Transportation Engineering Transportation Infrastructure Geometric Design of Highways - Cross-Sectional Elements, Sight Distances, Horizontal and Vertical Alignments
Geometric Design of Railway Track
Airport Runway Length, Calculations and Collections, Taxiway, and Exit Taxiway Design
Highway Pavements Highway Materials - Desirable Properties and Quality Control Tests
Design of Bituminous Paving Mixes
Design Factors for Flexible and Rigid Pavements
Design of Flexible and Rigid Pavements using IRC Codes
Traffic Engineering Traffic Studies on Flow and Speed, Peak Hour Factor, Parking Study, Accident Study and Analysis, 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
2.8. Geomatics Engineering

Geomatics Engineering is a segment of Civil Engineering that focuses on the monitoring, implementation, and maintenance of global geospatial information. The topics covered in the Geomatics Engineering section of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus are:

Subject Topics Sub-Topics
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 Question Papers 2023

Now that you have checked the GATE Exam Syllabus, enhance your preparation by practicing using GATE Exam question papers.

Candidates can now download the unofficial GATE 2023 question paper for CE from this page once the official GATE website has released them.

Keep following our page to check GATE 2023 EC, CS, EE, ME, and IN questions papers.

3. GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Books

Collecting the best-rated books available in the market is crucial while preparing for the GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Exam. Listed below are some of the top-rated Civil Engineering books that can help students during GATE CE Exam preparation.

GATE Civil Engineering 2023 Books
Name of the Book Author
Prestressed Concrete Krishna Raju
Railway Engineering Subhash and Satyapal
RCC Design Krishna Raju, PC Verghese
Reinforced Concrete Ashok K Jain
Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan & Rao, Venkat Ramaiha, S.K. Garg, B.C. Punamia, VNS Murhty
Steel Design Kazimi Zindal (to improve concepts), For Numerals: L.S. Negi; For Other Topics: S.K. Duggal
Strength of Materials/Mechanics of Structure Gare & Timoshenko, E. Popove, L. Singer, B.C. Punamia, Rammamrutham
Theory of Structure CK Wang, S. Rammamrutham, L.S. Negi & Jangit
Irrigation Engineering S K Garg
Structural Analysis R.C. Hibbeler
Hydrology K. Subramanya
Water Resources S K Garg
Transportation Justo Khanna

4. GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Exam Pattern

After checking the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus, candidates should check the GATE CE Exam pattern to know more about the exam. Find the GATE CE Exam pattern below.

GATE Civil Engineering 2023 Books
Name of the Book Author
Prestressed Concrete Krishna Raju
Railway Engineering Subhash and Satyapal
RCC Design Krishna Raju, PC Verghese
Reinforced Concrete Ashok K Jain
Soil Mechanics Gopal Ranjan & Rao, Venkat Ramaiha, S.K. Garg, B.C. Punamia, VNS Murhty
Steel Design Kazimi Zindal (to improve concepts), For Numerals: L.S. Negi; For Other Topics: S.K. Duggal
Strength of Materials/Mechanics of Structure Gare & Timoshenko, E. Popove, L. Singer, B.C. Punamia, Rammamrutham
Theory of Structure CK Wang, S. Rammamrutham, L.S. Negi & Jangit
Irrigation Engineering S K Garg
Structural Analysis R.C. Hibbeler
Hydrology K. Subramanya
Water Resources S K Garg
Transportation Justo Khanna

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus

IIT Kanpur will likely release the GATE 2023 CE syllabus in September 2022.
It is highly unlikely that the GATE 2023 CE Syllabus will go through significant changes.
There are 3 primary sections in the GATE CE syllabus, namely:
  • General Aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Civil Engineering Questions
You can access the GATE 2023 CE Syllabus from the official GATE website. We have also compiled the GATE CE Syllabus on this page, and if there are any changes made to the GATE CE syllabus, we will update the same on this page.

Yes, the General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics sections are common sections for all 29 GATE papers.

Takeaway Thoughts

We hope the information presented on this page paints a clear picture of the GATE 2023 Civil Engineering Syllabus. Checking the syllabus and ensuring you have covered all the topics in the GATE CE syllabus is crucial to getting a high score in the GATE 2023 CE Exam. Analyzing the syllabus and the exam pattern can help you identify the important subject areas and prepare accordingly. Join a GATE CE online coaching program, if possible, to significantly improve your chances of achieving a high rank in the GATE CE Exam.

Good Luck with the Exam!!

6. How Can VISHWA Help You?

Want to Bolster Your GATE CE Exam Preparation? VISHWA is Here to Help!

Do you aspire to get an All-India Ranking in the GATE 2023 Civil Examination? At VISHWA, we offer expertly crafted GATE CE online coaching programs that help candidates to score high marks in the GATE CE Exam. Choose VISHWA's expert guidance and gain access to comprehensive lecture videos, subject-wise mock tests, Q & A bank, and other exciting study tools.

Learn Smart with VISHWA and Achieve a High Score in the GATE CE Exam!

Register Now!
Free Counselling

OTP sent to given Mobile no.