GATE Aerospace Engineering (AE) Syllabus 2023: Important Topics, Weightage, Question Papers
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GATE Aerospace Engineering (AE) Syllabus 2023: Important Topics, Weightage, Books, Question Papers

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Sonam Rana updated

Content Curator updated | Updated On - Sep 18, 2024

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of 6 sections including Engineering Mathematics, Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion and Space Dynamics. Each section of the syllabus is further divided into ‘Core Topics’ and ‘Special Topics’. Apart from these six sections, GATE 2023 Aerospace Engineering Exam will include a section on General Aptitude. In the GATE Aerospace Engineering Exam, 85% of the questions are asked from the GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus plus Engineering Mathematics and the remaining 15% questions are asked from the general aptitude section. Further, each section consists of about 90% of the questions from the core aerospace topics with the rest 10% from the special topics. GATE 2023 Aerospace Engineering paper would consist of a total of 65 Questions and 100 Marks Check GATE 2023 Exam Pattern

GATE 2023 is scheduled on February 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2023 with the official notice. Aerospace Engineering graduates (Code: AE) applying for GATE 2023 have an option of undertaking Engineering Sciences (Code: XE) as their second paper. Students preparing for the upcoming GATE exam can refer to GATE 2023 Preparation Tips for help. 

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GATE AE Syllabus

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus consists of 6 sections. In each of the sections, the topics have been divided into two categories – Core Topics and Special Topics.The paper would consist of about 90% of the questions from the core aerospace topics with the rest 10% from the Special Topics for the respective sections

Section 1: Engineering Mathematics

Engineering mathematics is a branch of applied mathematics concerning mathematical methods and techniques that are typically used in engineering and industry. It is one of the difficult sections of the paper. This section carries fifteen percent weightage of the total questions. The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Linear Algebra Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Complex analysis, Probability and statistics.
Calculus Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations
Differential Equations Numerical integration and differentiation.

Section 2: Flight Mechanics

Flight mechanics are related to the operations of fixed-wing (gliders, airplanes) and rotary wing (helicopters) aircrafts. An Aeroplane (Airplane in US usage), is defined in ICAO Document 9110. The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Basics: Atmosphere: Properties, 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 & yaw controls. Aerodynamic forces and moments. Dynamic stability, Euler angles, Equations of motion
Airplane performance: Drag polar; takeoff and landing; steady climb & descent; absolute and service ceiling; range and endurance, load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram. Winds: head, tail & cross winds. Longitudinal modes, lateral-directional modes.
Static stability: Stability & control derivatives; longitudinal stick fixed & free stability; horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size; lateral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces. Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics

Section 3: Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is the study of the motion of air, particularly its interaction with a solid object, such as an airplane wing. Aerodynamics is a sub-field of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, and many aspects of aerodynamics theory are common to these fields. The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Basic Fluid Mechanics: Conservation laws: Mass, momentum and energy (Integral and differential form) Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity; Potential flow theory: sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex and their superposition. Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layers. Shock - boundary layer interaction.
Airfoils and wings: Airfoil nomenclature; Aerodynamic coefficients: lift, drag and moment; Kutta-Joukoswki theorem Thin airfoil theory, Kutta condition, starting vortex; Finite wing theory: Induced drag Prandtl lifting line theory; Critical and drag divergence Mach number. Wind Tunnel Testing
Compressible Flows: 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. Measurement and visualization techniques

Section 4: Structures

A structure is an arrangement and organization of interrelated elements in a material object or system. Material structures include man-made objects such as buildings and machines and natural objects such as biological organisms, minerals, and chemicals. Abstract structures include data structures in computer science and musical form. The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Strength of Materials: 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 and von Mises. Strain energy. Castigliano's principles. Statically determinate and indeterminate trusses and beams. Elastic flexural buckling of columns. Vibration of beams
Flight vehicle structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials. Torsion, bending and shear of thin-walled sections. Loads on aircraft. Theory of elasticity
Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped SDOF systems. Free vibrations of undamped 2-DOF systems. Equilibrium and compatibility equations, Airy’s stress function.

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Section 5: Propulsion

Propulsion is a means of creating force leading to movement. A propulsion system consists of a source of mechanical power, and a propulsor (means of converting this power into propulsive force). The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Basics: Thermodynamics, boundary layers, heat transfer, combustion and thermochemistry. Aerothermodynamics of non-rotating propulsion components such as intakes, combustor and nozzle.
Aerothermodynamics of aircraft engines: Thrust, efficiency, range. Brayton cycle. Engine performance: ramjet, turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft engines. Afterburners. Turbine blade cooling.
Turbomachinery: Axial compressors: Angular momentum, work and compression, characteristic performance of a single axial compressor stage Efficiency of the compressor and degree of reaction, multi-staging. Centrifugal compressor: Stage dynamics, inducer, impeller and diffuser. Axial turbines: Stage performance. Compressor-turbine matching
Rockets: Thrust equation and specific impulse, rocket performance. Multi-staging. Chemical rockets. Performance of solid and liquid propellant rockets. Surge and stall

Section 6: Space Dynamics

Space dynamics is the study of man made objects in space when subjected to natural forces or any artificially induced forces in space. The topics include in this section are - 

Core Topics Special Topics
Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Kepler’s laws; escape velocity. Orbit transfer, in-plane and out-of-plane.

Section 7 :General Aptitude 

General Aptitude is a common section to all the GATE Papers. It is helpful for testing the analytical skills along with comprehension skills sof the candidate. The topics include in this section are 

Verbal Ability Numerical Ability
English grammar; Sentence completion, Instructions; Verbal analogies, Word groups; Critical reasoning, Verbal deduction.  Numerical computation; Numerical reasoning; Numerical estimation; Data interpretation. 

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023– Weightage of Important Topics

Section Total Number of Questions
Engineering Mathematics  9
Basics of Flight Mechanics  5
Airplane Performance 3
Basic Fluid Mechanics 5
Airfoil and WIngs 6
Compressible Flows 3
Strength of Materials 5
Flight Vehicle Structures 3
Structural Dynamics 4
Basics of Propulsion 2
Aerothermodynamics of Blade Engines 4
Turbomachinery  3
Space Dynamics  3
GATE AE Exam Pattern

GATE 2023 Aerospace Engineering Exam Pattern

The details of the Exam Pattern are given below. Check GATE 2023 Exam Pattern

  • Mode of Examination: Online
  • Duration of Exam: 3 hours
  • Types of Questions: MCQs and NAT
  • Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Subject-based
  • Total Questions: 65 questions
Section  Distribution of Marks Total Marks Types of questions
General Aptitude 5 questions of 1 mark each 5 questions of 2 marks each 15 marks  MCQs
Engineering Mathematics Subject Syllabus (AE) 25 questions of 1 mark each 30 questions of 2 marks each  85 marks MCQs and NATs
GATE AE Weightage of Topics

GATE 2023 Marking scheme:

  • Total Marks: 100 marks
  • Negative Marking: For MCQs only
Type of question Negative marking for wrong answer
MCQs ⅓ for 1 mark questions ⅔ for 2 marks questions
NATs No negative marking 

Must Read: How to calculate GATE Score?

GATE AE Preparation

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023: Preparation

  • Solving Practice Papers
    • Solve practice papers daily to get a better and clear idea of exam pattern, type of questions, difficulty level, etc.
    • Judge your weak areas.
    • Do not panic if you are not able to solve the questions. 
  • Try to Complete whole Syllabus
    • Do not leave any topic for the end. Try to complete your syllabus 1-2 weeks before the exam.
    • After completion of your syllabus, you must start with your revisions. 
    • Go through your syllabus again and again so that you won’t miss any topic.
  • Regular Practice
    • Daily practice of questions will help you in aging speed.
    • Candidates have to keep one more thing in mind that with speed you have to improve the level of accuracy also. 
    • Try to solve more and more mock tests. 

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023: Important Books

One of the most efficient tools to prepare for any exam are the reference books for it. Reference books offer all the insights and subject materials related to the subject. Candidates can check the section-wise important book for GATE 2023 Aerospace Engineering in the lists given below:

Important Books For Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics

Books Author/Publisher
GATE Engineering Mathematics for All Streams Abhinav Goel and Suraj Singh, Arihant Publication
GATE Engineering Mathematics Abhinav Goel, Arihant Publications
GATE 2020: Engineering Mathematics ME Team, Made Easy Publications
Higher Engineering Mathematics B.S.Grewal, Khanna Publishers

Important Books For Flight Mechanics 

Flight Mechanics Books

Books Author/Publisher
Introduction to Flight John D Anderson, Tata McGraw - Hill Education
Flight Mechanics Modeling and Analysis Jitendra R. Raol, Jatinder Singh, Crc Press
Mechanics of Flight R. H. Barnard, Pearson
Mechanics of Flight C. Kermode, R. H. Barnard, Pearson Higher Education

Must Read: Online Coaching Centers for GATE 2023 Preparation

Important Books For Aerodynamics 

Aerodynamics Books

Books Author/Publisher
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics John D Anderson, Tata McGraw - Hill Education
Aerodynamics for Engineering Students E. L. Houghton, P. W. Carpenter, Butterworth Heinemann
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics John D. Anderson, Tata McGraw - Hill Education(2010)
Aerodynamics for Engineers John J. Bertin, Pearson

Important Books for Structure 

Structure Books

Structure  Structure 
Theory of Structures Ramamrutham, Dhanpat Rai Publishing Company
Structural Analysis S.S. Bhavikatti, Vikas Publishing House
Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis S.S. Bhavikatti, I K International Publishing House Pvt. Ltd
Theory of Structures SMTS B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Laxmi Publications

Important Books for Propulsion 

Propulsion Books

Books Author/Publisher
Rocket Propulsion Elements George P. Sutton, Wiley India Pvt Ltd
Aircraft Propulsion Mayur R. Anvekar, Prentice-Hall of India Pvt.Ltd
Marine Propellers and Propulsion Carlton
Submarine Propulsion: Muscle Power to Nuclear Sekhar Basu, Kamlesh N Vyas, Frontier India

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GATE Aerospace Engineering Previous Year Question Papers and Answer Keys

GATE AE Question Paper

GATE conducting authorities release GATE Question Papers for all 27 papers and all the exams for the year have been concluded. The authorities also release respective GATE Answer Key along with the question papers on their official website. Going through previous years GATE question paper gives an insight into the important topics from GATE Syllabus. Given below are the links to download the previous year GATE Question Paper from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018.

Year GATE Question paper Answer Key
2021 Download Download
2020 Download Download
2019 Download Download
2018 Download Download

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 : Sample Questions 

Sample Question 1: While flying at Mach 2.0, 11 km altitude and producing the same thrust, what is the correct order from the lowest thrust specific fuel consumption (tsfc) to the highest tsfc?

Sample Question 2: A thin plate with Young’s modulus 210 GPa and Poisson’s ratio 0.3 is loaded as shown in the figure. The change in length along the y-direction is __________ mm (round off to 1 decimal place).

Sample Question 3: For a symmetric airfoil at an angle of attack of 10 degrees, assuming thin airfoil theory, the magnitude of the pitching moment coefficient about the leading edge is__________ (round off to 2 decimal places).

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GATE 2023 Syllabus Of Other Papers

Frequently Asked Questions

GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 FAQs

Ques: What will be the section-wise weightage of topics from GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 in the exam ?

Ans: The section-wise weightage of the GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 in the exam is :

  • The maximum weightage will be given to the Core Topics i.e. 90%
  • 10% weightage will be given to Special Topics 

Apart from this the sectional weightage in GATE 2023 is:

GATE 2023 Sectional Weightage
Engineering Mathematics 15%
General Aptitude 15%
Topics From Aerospace Engineering  70%

Ques: What are the important topics from GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 that will help in scoring good marks?

Ans: Some of the important topics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 are:

  • Dynamic stability, Euler angles, Equations of motion, Aerodynamic forces and moments
  • Equilibrium and compatibility equations, Airy’s stress function.
  • Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics, longitudinal modes, lateral-directional modes.

Ques: Which are the best books for preparing GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 ?

Ans: Some of the best books for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 are:

  • Rocket Propulsion Elements – By George P. Sutton, Wiley India Pvt Ltd
  • Fundamentals of Aerodynamics – By John D Anderson
  • Introduction to Flight – By John D Anderson

Ques. What is the paper code for GATE Aerospace Engineering?

Ans: The paper code for GATE Aerospace Engineering is AE. Engineering graduates (Code: AE) applying for GATE 2023 have an option of undertaking Engineering Sciences (Code : XE) as their second paper.

Ques. What are the topics included in Engineering Mathematics for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Engineering Mathematics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of the following topics: 

Core topics Special Topics
Linear Algebra Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Complex analysis, Probabil+ity and statistics.
Calculus Numerical methods for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations
Differential Equations Numerical integration and differentiation.

Ques. What are the topics included in Flight Mechanics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Flight Mechanics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of the following topics:

Core Topics Special Topics
Basics: Atmosphere: Properties, 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 & yaw controls. Aerodynamic forces and moments. Dynamic stability, Euler angles, Equations of motion
Airplane performance: Drag polar; takeoff and landing; steady climb & descent; absolute and service ceiling; range and endurance, load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram. Winds: head, tail & cross winds. Longitudinal modes, lateral-directional modes.
Static stability: Stability & control derivatives; longitudinal stick fixed & free stability; horizontal tail position and size; directional stability, vertical tail position and size; lateral stability. Wing dihedral, sweep & position; hinge moments, stick forces. Decoupling of longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics

Ques. What are the topics included in Aerodynamics for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Aerodynamics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of the following topics: 

Core Topics Special Topics
Basic Fluid Mechanics: Conservation laws: Mass, momentum and energy (Integral and differential form) Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity; Potential flow theory: sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex and their superposition. Elementary ideas of viscous flows including boundary layers. Shock - boundary layer interaction.
Airfoils and wings: Airfoil nomenclature; Aerodynamic coefficients: lift, drag and moment; Kutta-Joukoswki theorem Thin airfoil theory, Kutta condition, starting vortex; Finite wing theory: Induced drag Prandtl lifting line theory; Critical and drag divergence Mach number. Wind Tunnel Testing
Compressible Flows: 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. Measurement and visualization techniques

Ques. What are the topics included in Structures for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Structures in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of the following topics: 

Core Topics Special Topics
Strength of Materials: 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 and von Mises. Strain energy. Castigliano's principles. Statically determinate and indeterminate trusses and beams. Elastic flexural buckling of columns. Vibration of beams
Flight vehicle structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials. Torsion, bending and shear of thin-walled sections. Loads on aircraft. Theory of elasticity
Structural Dynamics: Free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped SDOF systems. Free vibrations of undamped 2-DOF systems. Equilibrium and compatibility equations, Airy’s stress function.

Ques. What are the important topics included in Propulsion for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Propulsion in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 have following as important topics:

  • Basics: Thermodynamics, boundary layers, heat transfer, combustion and thermochemistry.
  • Aerothermodynamics of aircraft engines: Thrust, efficiency, range. Brayton cycle.

Engine performance: ramjet, turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft engines. Afterburners.

  • Turbomachinery: Axial compressors: Angular momentum, work and compression, characteristic performance of a single axial compressor stage
  • Efficiency of the compressor and degree of reaction, multi-staging.
  • Centrifugal compressor: Stage dynamics, inducer, impeller and diffuser. Axial turbines: Stage performance.
  • Rockets: Thrust equation and specific impulse, rocket performance. Multi-staging. Chemical rockets.Performance of solid and liquid propellant rockets.

Ques: What will be the marking scheme of GATE 2023 Aerospace engineering paper?

Ans: Yes, there will be negative marking in the examination. Negative marking depends on the type and marks of questions. For NAT questions there will be no negative marking but for 1 or 2 marks ½ and 2/3 marks will be deducted respectively for wrong answers. 

Type of question Negative marking for the wrong answer
MCQs 1/3 for 1 mark questions 2/3 for 2 marks questions
NATs No negative marking 

Ques. What are the topics included in Space Dynamics for GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023?

Ans. Space Dynamics in GATE Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 2023 consists of the following topics:

Core Topics Special Topics
Central force motion, determination of trajectory and orbital period in simple cases. Kepler’s laws; escape velocity. Orbit transfer, in-plane and out-of-plane.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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