The GATE CSE syllabus 2027 (Computer Science & Information Technology) covers 10 core sections plus General Aptitude — totalling 100 marks across 65 questions in 3 hours. GATE CS recorded the highest registrations among all GATE 2026 papers: 2,59,922 registrations and 2,11,020 appearances. This guide covers every section of the official GATE CS 2027 syllabus as published by IIT Madras, what changed compared to 2026, and how to download the official PDF.
Source: GATE 2026 Official Cut-off & Statistics — IIT Guwahati
Last verified: 22 July 2026
Primary sources: Official IIT Madras GATE 2027 CS syllabus PDF, General Aptitude syllabus PDF, question-paper pattern, and important-dates page.
Note: Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the organizing institute.
Key Takeaways
- GATE 2027 is organized by IIT Madras. The CS syllabus has been revised — changes affect Digital Logic, COA, and Computer Networks.
- The paper has 65 questions worth 100 marks: General Aptitude (15 marks) + Engineering Mathematics (13 marks) + Remaining CS Subjects (72 marks).
- Programming language tested: C (not Python or C++).
- General Aptitude (15 marks) and Engineering Mathematics (13 marks) are officially fixed allocations. Individual subject-question marks vary by year.
- Sections unchanged from 2026: Programming & DS, Algorithms, OS, DBMS, TOC, Compiler Design.
GATE CS 2027 Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Question Types | MCQ (1 & 2 marks), MSQ, NAT |
| Negative Marking | MCQ only (⅓ for 1-mark, ⅔ for 2-mark) |
| General Aptitude | 15 marks, 10 questions |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 marks |
| Remaining CS Subjects | 72 marks |
| Total | 100 marks, 65 questions |
| Programming Language | C |
| Organizing Institute | IIT Madras |
| GATE 2027 Exam Window | 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 February 2027 (exact CS date/session TBA) |
Source: GATE 2027 Question Paper Pattern — IIT Madras
What Changed in the GATE CS 2027 Syllabus
IIT Madras has revised the GATE CS syllabus for 2027. The changes primarily affect three sections: Digital Logic, Computer Organisation and Architecture (COA), and Computer Networks (CN). All other sections remain unchanged from GATE CS 2026.
Digital Logic — More Explicit
- Now explicit: Minimisation techniques — algebraic, Karnaugh Maps, and tabular methods are separately named (previously listed generically as "minimization").
- Now explicit: Design of combinational and sequential circuits is stated as a separate learning objective.
- Unchanged: Number representations and computer arithmetic (fixed-point, floating-point) were already present in 2026.
Computer Organisation and Architecture — Restructured
- Now explicit: Hardwired control design and microprogrammed control design listed as separate concepts.
- Now explicit: Memory interfacing, memory hierarchy performance, and cache mapping are individually named.
- Removed: "Main memory and secondary storage" are no longer explicitly listed — the section now focuses on cache-level hierarchy and CPU-side concepts.
Computer Networks — Considerably Reduced
- Removed: OSI model stack (only "principles of layering" remains).
- Removed: TCP/IP stack as a named layering model.
- Removed: Framing (Data Link Layer).
- Removed: Ethernet bridging.
- Removed: Shortest-path routing, flooding.
- Removed: Generic "IP addressing" (only IPv4, CIDR, fragmentation remain).
- Removed: ARP, DHCP, ICMP.
- Removed: UDP as a separately named protocol.
- Removed: SMTP, FTP, Email from Application Layer.
- Simplified: Application Layer now covers only DNS and HTTP.
- Newly explicit: Performance metrics (switching/network).
- Clarified: The previous "sockets" wording is now more specifically stated as "socket API."
Sections Unchanged from 2026
- Engineering Mathematics
- Programming and Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Compiler Design
- Operating Systems
- Databases
2026 vs 2027 — Summary Comparison Table
| Section | GATE CS 2026 (IIT Guwahati) | GATE CS 2027 (IIT Madras) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Logic | General "minimisation" | Algebraic, K-map, and tabular techniques explicitly named; circuit design as separate objective |
| COA | Datapath and control unit; main memory and secondary storage | Hardwired and microprogrammed control-unit design; memory interfacing, hierarchy performance and cache mapping made explicit; main/secondary storage removed |
| Computer Networks | OSI/TCP-IP stacks, framing, Ethernet bridging, shortest-path/flooding routing, ARP, DHCP, ICMP, UDP, SMTP, FTP, Email | Principles of layering only; error detection and MAC; distance-vector and link-state routing; IPv4/CIDR/NAT; TCP flow/congestion control; socket API; DNS and HTTP only |
| All other sections | Unchanged | |
Bottom line: If you prepared for GATE CS 2026, most of your material remains valid. Update your Digital Logic, COA, and CN notes with the changes above, and verify against the official 2027 PDF.
Complete GATE CS 2027 Syllabus — Section by Section
Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
Officially fixed at 13 marks. GATE does not separately prescribe a fixed number of Engineering Mathematics questions. Divided into four sub-areas:
Discrete Mathematics
- Propositional and first-order logic
- Sets, relations, functions, partial orders and lattices
- Monoids, Groups
- Graphs: connectivity, matching, colouring
- Combinatorics: counting, recurrence relations, generating functions
Linear Algebra
- Matrices, determinants, system of linear equations
- Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- LU decomposition
Calculus
- Limits, continuity and differentiability
- Maxima and minima
- Mean value theorem
- Integration
Probability and Statistics
- Random variables
- Uniform, normal, exponential, Poisson and binomial distributions
- Mean, median, mode and standard deviation
- Conditional probability and Bayes' theorem
Section 2: Digital Logic
Updated for 2027. Topics:
- Boolean algebra
- Combinational circuits — design and analysis
- Sequential circuits — design and analysis
- Minimisation techniques: algebraic, Karnaugh Maps, tabular methods
- Number representations and computer arithmetic (fixed-point, floating-point)
Section 3: Computer Organisation and Architecture
Restructured for 2027. Topics:
- Instruction set and addressing modes
- Design of ALU
- Hardwired control-unit design and microprogrammed control-unit design
- Memory interfacing, memory hierarchy, hierarchy performance, and cache mapping
- Interrupt-driven and DMA I/O
- Instruction pipelining, pipeline hazards
Section 4: Programming and Data Structures
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 10–12 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- Programming in C
- Recursion
- Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists
- Trees, binary search trees, binary heaps
- Graphs
Section 5: Algorithms
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 12–16 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- Searching, sorting, hashing
- Asymptotic worst-case time and space complexity
- Algorithm design techniques: greedy, dynamic programming, divide-and-conquer
- Graph traversals, minimum spanning trees, shortest paths
Section 6: Theory of Computation
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 6–10 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- Regular expressions and finite automata
- Context-free grammars and push-down automata
- Regular and context-free languages, pumping lemma
- Turing machines and undecidability
Section 7: Compiler Design
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 4–6 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- Lexical analysis, parsing, syntax-directed translation
- Runtime environments
- Intermediate code generation
- Local optimisation
- Data flow analyses: constant propagation, liveness analysis, common sub-expression elimination
Section 8: Operating Systems
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 8–12 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- System calls, processes, threads
- Inter-process communication
- Concurrency and synchronisation
- Deadlock
- CPU and I/O scheduling
- Memory management and virtual memory
- File systems
Section 9: Databases
In our 2024–2026 paper analysis, this section accounted for approximately 6–10 marks. Unchanged from 2026:
- ER-model
- Relational model: relational algebra, tuple calculus, SQL
- Integrity constraints, normal forms
- File organisation, indexing (e.g., B and B+ trees)
- Transactions and concurrency control
Section 10: Computer Networks
Considerably reduced and restructured for 2027. Topics:
- Principles of layering
- Switching: packet, circuit, virtual-circuit; performance metrics
- Data link layer: error detection, Medium Access Control, Ethernet
- Routing: distance-vector and link-state protocols
- IPv4: fragmentation, CIDR notation, NAT
- Transport layer: TCP flow control and congestion control; socket API
- Application layer: DNS, HTTP
General Aptitude (15 Marks)
Common across all GATE papers. Officially fixed at 15 marks (10 questions):
- Verbal Aptitude: English grammar, idioms and phrases, vocabulary, reading comprehension, narrative sequencing
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation (graphs, 2D/3D plots, maps, tables), ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, logarithms, permutations and combinations, series, mensuration, basic geometry, elementary probability and statistics
- Analytical Aptitude: Logic, analogy, induction, deduction, numerical relations and reasoning
- Spatial Aptitude: Transformation of shapes, translation, rotation, mirroring, scaling, cutting, assembling, paper folding, grouping, patterns, 2D/3D visualization
GATE CS Subject-Wise Weightage (Approximate)
The following ranges are The ML Hub’s unofficial analysis of GATE CS papers from 2024–2026. Except for General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics, GATE does not officially prescribe subject-wise marks. Actual distribution may vary significantly.
| Section | Approximate Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 | 15% |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 (fixed) | 13% |
| Algorithms | 12–16 | 12–16% |
| Programming & Data Structures | 10–12 | 10–12% |
| Operating Systems | 8–12 | 8–12% |
| Computer Networks | 8–12 | 8–12% |
| Databases | 6–10 | 6–10% |
| Theory of Computation | 6–10 | 6–10% |
| Computer Organisation & Architecture | 4–8 | 4–8% |
| Digital Logic | 4–6 | 4–6% |
| Compiler Design | 4–6 | 4–6% |
Disclaimer: Subject-wise marks vary every year. The weightage above is based on previous-year paper analysis and should be used as a preparation guide, not as an official fixed distribution.
GATE CS 2027 vs GATE DA 2027
CS and DA are approved as a two-paper combination for GATE 2027. Key differences:
| Parameter | GATE CS 2027 | GATE DA 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Computer Science & Information Technology | Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
| Programming Language | C | Python |
| Engineering Maths | 13 marks (Discrete, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability) | Not a separate section; maths topics distributed across Probability, LA, Calculus sections |
| Core Focus | OS, Networks, TOC, Compilers, COA, Algorithms | ML, AI, Statistics, DBMS & Warehousing |
| ML/AI | Not in syllabus | Core sections (marks vary by year) |
| Registrations (2026) | 2,59,922 | 91,764 |
| Qualifying Cutoff — General (2026) | 30 / 100 | 26.4 / 100 |
For a detailed comparison covering career paths, syllabus overlap, and preparation strategy, see our GATE DA vs GATE CS guide.
GATE CSE Syllabus 2027 PDF Download
- Go to the official GATE 2027 website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
- Navigate to Test Papers & Syllabus in the menu
- Find CS (Computer Science & Information Technology) in the table
- Click the syllabus PDF link: CS_GATE2027_Syllabus.pdf
The General Aptitude syllabus (common to all papers) is available separately: GA_GATE2027_Syllabus.pdf
Preparation Strategy for GATE CS 2027
High-Priority Subjects (Start Here)
- Engineering Mathematics — fixed at 13 marks. Discrete maths (graph theory, combinatorics) and probability are reliable scoring areas.
- Algorithms — historically among the higher-weighted subject sections. Master DP, graphs, and greedy techniques.
- Operating Systems — frequently tested with numerical questions (scheduling, paging, synchronisation).
- Programming & Data Structures — practise C output prediction, pointer arithmetic, and tree/graph traversals.
Medium-Priority Subjects
- Computer Networks — reduced syllabus for 2027. Focus on TCP congestion control, distance-vector/link-state routing, and IPv4/CIDR.
- Databases — SQL, normalisation, and B+ tree problems. Many students find this section relatively approachable.
- Theory of Computation — fewer questions but conceptually demanding. Regular languages, CFLs, and undecidability are critical.
Lower-Weightage Subjects
- Digital Logic — more explicitly specified for 2027. Focus on algebraic minimisation, K-maps, tabular methods and circuit design.
- COA — pipelining numericals and cache-mapping problems are common question types.
- Compiler Design — parsing, SDT, and data flow analysis. Many students find these questions tractable with focused preparation.
Recommended Timeline (10 Months)
| Phase | Months | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1–3 | Engineering Maths, Programming & DS, Digital Logic |
| Core | 4–7 | Algorithms, TOC, Compiler Design, COA, OS |
| Application & Testing | 8–9 | DBMS, Computer Networks, subject-wise tests |
| Revision & Mocks | 10 | Full-length mocks, PYQs, weak-area revision |
Important Dates — GATE 2027 Exam Window
The dates below are the overall GATE 2027 examination schedule. The exact date and session for the CS paper has not yet been announced.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GOAPS Registration Opens | 14 August 2026 |
| Regular Registration Closes | 21 September 2026 |
| Extended Registration Closes (Late Fee) | 30 September 2026 |
| Application Rectification Window | 14–21 October 2026 |
| Exam City Allotment | 4 January 2027 |
| Exam Dates | 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 February 2027 |
| Results | 19 March 2027 |
For the complete timeline and registration guide, see our GATE 2027 official website and dates guide.
GATE CS 2026 Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Candidates Registered | 2,59,922 |
| Candidates Appeared | 2,11,020 |
| Qualifying Cutoff (General) | 30 / 100 |
| Qualifying Cutoff (OBC/EWS) | 27 / 100 |
| Qualifying Cutoff (SC/ST/PwD) | 20 / 100 |
Source: GATE 2026 Official Cut-off & Statistics — IIT Guwahati
If you are considering DA as a second paper, see our GATE DA 2027 syllabus guide and two-paper combinations guide for details.
Preparing for GATE DA 2027?
The ML Hub's GATE DA program covers every topic in the official DA syllabus — structured by GATE toppers and IIT Bombay alumni. Whether DA is your primary or secondary paper, the course includes complete syllabus coverage, a 61-test series with 1,685 problems, and 1:1 mentorship from GATE rankers.
FAQs
What is the GATE CS 2027 syllabus?
The GATE CS 2027 syllabus covers 10 core sections: Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organisation & Architecture, Programming & Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating Systems, Databases, and Computer Networks — plus General Aptitude. The total paper is 100 marks with 65 questions in 3 hours.
Has the GATE CSE syllabus 2027 changed from 2026?
Yes. IIT Madras has revised three sections: Digital Logic (minimisation techniques now explicitly named as algebraic, K-map, and tabular), COA (added hardwired/microprogrammed control-unit design, memory interfacing and cache mapping; removed main memory/secondary storage), and Computer Networks (considerably reduced — removed OSI stack, TCP/IP stack, framing, Ethernet bridging, shortest-path/flooding routing, ARP, DHCP, ICMP, UDP, SMTP, FTP, Email; added performance metrics and socket API; Application Layer now covers only DNS and HTTP). All other sections remain unchanged from 2026.
Where can I download the GATE CS 2027 syllabus PDF?
The official GATE CS 2027 syllabus PDF is available on the IIT Madras GATE website: CS_GATE2027_Syllabus.pdf. You can also browse all papers on the Test Papers & Syllabus page.
What is the qualifying cutoff for GATE CS?
The qualifying cutoff for GATE CS 2026 was 30/100 (General), 27/100 (OBC/EWS), and 20/100 (SC/ST/PwD). The 2027 cutoff will be announced after the exam in March 2027. Note that qualifying cutoff is different from admission cutoff — individual IIT departments set their own cutoffs which vary by programme, category, year, and admission round.
Which programming language is tested in GATE CS?
GATE CS tests programming in C only. This is different from GATE DA which uses Python. You need to be proficient in C syntax, pointers, memory management, recursion, and data structure implementation in C.
Can I give both GATE CS and GATE DA?
Yes. CS and DA are an approved two-paper combination for GATE 2027. Both papers are selected through a single application form. For all other candidates, the regular-period fee is ₹2,000 per paper, so two papers cost ₹4,000, excluding applicable service, processing or bank charges.
What are the officially fixed mark allocations in GATE CS?
General Aptitude is fixed at 15 marks (10 questions) and Engineering Mathematics at 13 marks. GATE does not separately prescribe a fixed number of Engineering Mathematics questions. The remaining 72 marks are distributed across the nine non-mathematics CS sections. The section-wise distribution is not officially fixed and varies each year.
Is GATE CS harder than GATE DA?
They test different skill sets and cannot be compared on a single difficulty scale. GATE CS had ~3× more candidates (2.6 lakh vs 92K in 2026) and a broader syllabus (10 subject sections vs 7), but qualifying cutoffs were comparable (30 vs 26.4 in 2026). CS requires systems knowledge (OS, networks, compilers, hardware); DA requires deeper maths and ML. Choose based on your strengths and career goals.