GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus, Pattern, Books and Preparation Tips

GATE Physics
GATE Physics

GATE 2025 Physics Exam – Here we will discuss in detail about GATE 2025 Physics exam. We will discuss about GATE 2025 Physics syllabus, exam pattern, books and preparation tips.

About GATE Exam

GATE Exam is jointly conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and the seven IIT’s (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Guwahati, Roorkee, Madras and Kharagpur).

GATE 2025 will be organized by IIT Roorkee.

Qualifying in GATE is a mandatory for admission and/or financial assistance to:

  • Doctoral programs and Master’s programs in Engineering/Technology/Architecture
  • PhD in relevant discipline of science, in institutions that are supported by the MHRD and other Government agencies.
  • Even in some institutions and colleges, which admit students without MHRD assistantship/scholarship, qualifying in GATE is a mandatory.
  • Many PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) use GATE Exam score in their recruitment process.

Full details on GATE – GATE

Eligibility for GATE 2025 Exam

A candidate who is currently studying in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate degree program

OR

Candidate who has already completed any government approved degree program in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Science / Commerce / Arts is eligible.

Age Limit: No age limit

GATE Physics 2025 Exam Schedule

GATE 2025 exam will be held on February 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2025.

Exact date for GATE Physics will be announced later.

Scheme of GATE 2025 Physics Exam

GATE 2025 exam will be in ONLINE Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

In GATE Physics Exam there will be 65 questions of total 100 marks and exam will be of 3 hours 

Virtual Scientific Calculator will be available on the computer screen During the examination. Wristwatches, calculators, mobile phones, Personal or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed in the exam hall.

For rough work Scribble pads will be provided to the candidates.

Mode of ExaminationOnline Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration3 hours
Total Marks100

Pattern of GATE 2025 Physics Exam

GATE 2025 Physics Exam Marking Scheme

There will be two section containing 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

SectionDistribution of MarksTotal MarksTypes of questions
General Aptitude5 questions of 1 mark each
5 questions of 2 marks each
15 marksMCQ
Physics25 questions of 1 mark each
30 questions of 2 marks each
85 marksMCQ, MSQ and NAT

First section (General Aptitude section)

In this section there will be 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks.

These questions will be on General Aptitude (GA) to test the Analytical Skills and Language.

This section will carry 15 marks out of which 5 questions are of 1 Mark and 5 questions of 2 Marks each.

Second Section (Physics Section)

This section will contain questions from GATE physics syllabus.

There will be 55 questions carrying a total of 85 marks.

This section will contain 25 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 25 marks) and 30 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 60 marks) consisting of MCQ, MSQ and NAT Questions.  

Types of Questions in GATE 2025 Physics Exam

There will be three types of questions – MCQ, MSQ, NAT.

Details of these types of questions is as follows –

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

These questions carry or marks each. These questions will have a choice of four answers, out of which the candidate has to select (mark), the correct answer.

Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

These carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections. These questions are objective in nature, and each will have choice of four answers, out of which ONE or MORE than ONE choice(s) are correct.

There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer for these questions. Also NO partial credit for choosing partially correct combinations of choices or any single wrong choice.

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

These questions carry or marks each. The answer is a signed real number for these questions, which needs to be entered by using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor (computer’s keyboard will be disabled).

The answer can be an integer only such as 20 or -20. The answer may be in decimals as 20.1 or 20.01 or -20.001.

The candidates need to make an answer upto the said decimal point as instructed in question.

Appropriate range will be considered for numerical answer type questions so that the candidate is not penalized due to round-off errors.

It is better to give NAT answer up to three decimal places wherever required and possible.

GATE 2025 Physics Negative Marking Scheme

Negative Marking in GATE Physics exam will be as follows –

Type of questionNegative marking for Each wrong answer
MCQ1/3 for 1 mark questions 2/3 for 2 marks questions
MSQNo negative marking 
NATNo negative marking 

GATE General Aptitude Syllabus

Syllabus for General Aptitude section is common for all subjects of GATE Exam.

This section contains questions from 

Verbal Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude
Analytical Aptitude
Spatial Aptitude

For complete details of this section and syllabus pdf visit – GATE General Aptitude Syllabus, Study Plan

GATE 2025 Physics Syllabus

Structure of GATE Physics Syllabus

Sections/UnitsTopics
Section 1Mathematical Physics
Section 2Classical Mechanics
Section 3Electromagnetic Theory
Section 4Quantum Mechanics
Section 5Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Section 6Atomic and Molecular Physics
Section 7Solid State Physics
Section 8Electronics
Section 9Nuclear and Particle Physics

For detailed syllabus & PDF visit – GATE Physics Syllabus

GATE 2025 Physics Books and Study Material

Choose best Study Material and Books which will be very useful for you in qualifying the exam.

Check Books for GATE Physics Preparation & Study Material

GATE Physics Previous Years Question Paper PDF

Previous years questions papers will be very useful for understanding the exam pattern, finding important topics and for practice.

Here at Zero Vigyan Physics we provide the previous year’s question papers of GATE Physics and Mock Test Papers.

Check here the GATE Physics Previous Years Question Papers