Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering that involves the design, production and operation of machinery. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines and one of the top most coveted subjects that engineering aspirants want to pursue. Mechanical Engineering, is the discipline that applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2018 exam will be held on February 3-4 and February 10-11, 2018. Aspirants who wish to apply for the GATE 2018 examination will have to register themselves by filling the application form, which will be available from September 1 to October 5, 2017.
It is time for the GATE 2018 aspirants to start their preparation in a serious and intense manner, but before that it require proper planning, a road map to reach the aim of better GATE 2018 Score. Mechanical Engineers must be well versed in calculation and basic physics concepts. You might want to revisit you Newtonian Mechanics from your previous classes to ensure your preparation of that part is perfect.
As far as guidance are concerned, AfterGraduation can share the basic mantras that worked perfectly for all candidates. Below are the selected important topics and their section for GATE 2018 Mechanical Engineering Subject –
Engineering Mathematics
- Calculus
- Complex Variables
- Differential Equations
- Linear Algebra
- Numerical Methods
- Probability and Statistics
Applied Mechanics and Design
- Engineering Mechanics
- Machine Design
- Mechanics of Materials
- Theory of Machines
- Vibrations
Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences
- Applications
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Thermodynamics
Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering
- Casting, Forming and Joining Process
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Engineering Materials
- Inventory Control
- Metrology and Inspection
- Machining and Machine Tool Operations
- Operations Research
- Production Planning and Control
READ Too: Guidance On How To Prepare For GATE 2018 Exam
Plan a schedule to read these each concepts and practice at least 10-20 questions daily from each concept. It is important to do this exercise to be clear in your GATE preparation. AfterGraduation brings the Syllabus, books to be referred for GATE preparation, Understanding the GATE pattern and Guidance for preparing and scoring well in GATE 2018 exam.
Understand the GATE 2018 Pattern
First of all make a clear understanding about GATE exam. GATE exam is online and the questions asked are objective type. There are two types of questions: multiple choice and numerical answer type. There are 3 sections.
1) Mechanical Engineering (70%)
2) Aptitude (15%)
3) Engineering Mathematics (15%)
The aptitude problems are based on basic math and English skills and are very easy. They do not require much preparation. The course for the Mathematics portion is vast but the questions asked are relatively easy. It would be better to cover all the topics as it is high scoring portion. Most questions are short and based on direct application of formulae. The most important part is Mechanical Engineering. This section is comparatively difficult and requires sincere effort.
GATE 2018 Mechanical Engineering Syllabus
The first step the students need to take is to collect the correct syllabus. This step will ensure to prepare only those subjects from which the questions would be asked in the GATE exam. The same will prevent unnecessary time wastage by studying non-important topics.
Mark the Subjects and topic according to weightage and prepare with more weightage subjects or something that interest you. This requires a good checking of the GATE 2018 Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering to know in detail the topics that need to be covered. You can plan your preparation after segregation of the topics into difficult, easy and to be learnt. The topics you are strong in need to be revised while the others require a good effort. It is important exercise to be clear in your Gate 2018 preparation.
ALSO READ: GATE 2018 To Be Conducted By IIT Guwahati In February
Concentrate more on general aptitude; this will be quite easy to score more. Don’t stuck with the unknown questions and concepts, have a look on almost all categories of question paper and choose the section that you will excel.
Mechanical Engineering Important Topics & Books
An analysis of the previous GATE Papers suggests that the following topics are relatively more important for preparation in Mechanical Engineering. Here, it may be noted that ideally one should complete studying as per the GATE Syllabus.
One should never leave things to chance but if emphasis has to be given, the topics given below can be considered as slightly important to merit more attention to their preparation. Alongside, we have also listed the books that can be used for studying these topics. Please note that the topics mentioned below are not placed in order of priority.
| Topics | To emphasize on | Books Recommended |
| Engineering Mechanics
|
Resolving Forces, Equilibrium, Equilibrium And Truss | Engineering Mechanics by Bhavikatti
Engineering Mechanics by Beer and Johnston, Engineering Mechanics by R K Rajput |
| Strength of Materials | Principe stress and strain, BMD and SFD, Macaulay’s theorem (slope & deflection), Thin Pressure Vessels, Problems On Various Theories Of Failure, Torques and Bending Moment Calculation. | Strength of Materials – Gere & Timoshenko |
| Theory of Machines | Mechanism, Gear train, Flywheel, Linear Vibration Analysis of Mechanical systems (Goodman or Soderberg or Gerber Criteria), torsion, strain energy, S-N curve, Degrees Of Freedom, Instantaneous Centre Method, Clutch Power, Brake Power, Belt Drive, D.O.F. Of Mechanisms, Simple Gearing Ratio Spur Gears, Type Of Mechanism Simple Spur Gear Main, Quick Return Mechanism, Mobility | Theory of Machines by Ratan |
| Design of Machine Elements | Design For Static And Dynamic Loading, Failure Theories, Fatigue Strength And The S-N Diagram, Principles of The Design of Machine Elements Such As Bolt etc, Riveted And Welded Joints, Shafts, Spur Gears, Rolling And Sliding Contact Bearings, Brakes And Clutches. | Machine design-V.B. Bhandari |
| Strength of Materials | Concepts, Generally Theories of Failure, Mohr’s Circle | Strength of Materials by Gere & Timoshenko, B C Unamia, Sadhu Singh, Ramamrutham |
| Fluid Mechanics | Simple & Differential Piezometer, Pressure Column Height Calculation, Reynold’s No. Calculation, Hydraulic Power, Nozzle Velocity Etc. Of Turbines, Bernoulli’s Law (Simple Problems), Tapered Sections, Pump Parameters (Speed, Power, Discharge), Force Calculation | Fluid Mechanics by R K Bansal
Fluid & Hydraulics- Modi and Seth |
| Thermal Science | Rankine Cycle, Brayton Cycle, Regeneration in steam and other cycles, T-S diagrams, P-V diagrams, Enthalpy Calculations, C.O.P. parameters of I.C. Engine, DBT, WBT, Relations (Otto ,Diesel Cycles), Exit Temperature In Various Stages Of Cycles , Pressure of Nozzle, Compressor Work Calculations, Work Done | Mathur Sharma
Engineering Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag |
| Heat Transfer | Convection, Conduction, Radiation, Efficiency Calculation, Heat Exchanger (Parallel & Counter Flow) Outlet Temp. Calculation, Biot Number, Prandtl Number, LMTD, Heat Transfer Through Slabs, Shells, Cylinders, Condenser | Heat and Mass Transfer by J P Hollman and R C Sachdeva
Heat Transfer by Cengel and Holman |
| Manufacturing Engineering | Machining (Milling, Drilling, EDM, ECM) Tool Geometry, Punching, Blanking, Force, Conceptual & Theoretical Questions, Orthogonal Machining, Heat & Power Required In Welding, Transformations (Rotations, Scaling Etc.), Solidification Time, CNC Machine G Codes And M Codes, Sheet Metal, Various Types Of Fits, | P N Rao, Amitabha Ghosh and AK Mallik |
| Industrial Engineering | Forecasting Model, CPM, PERT, Work Study And Measurement, Scheduling And Johnson’s Rule Time Study, EOQ, Standard Time, Demand, Poisson’s Arrivals & Departures, LPP Problems, Graphical Queueing Model, Break Even Analysis | Industrial Engineering by O P Khanna, Buffa and Sarin |
| Vibrations | Single D.O.F, Finding Natural Frequencies (Underdamped, Critically Damped, Overdamped) | Mechanical Vibration by Grover |
| Thermo Dynamics | Cycles, Turbines, Refrigeration, Work & Heat, First Law of Thermodynamics, Second Law Of Thermodynamics, Entropy, Properties Of Pure Substances | Engineering Thermodynamics by P K Nag and Rajput
Thermodyanmics by Cengel. |
I will suggest to follow the text book that you are most comfortable. The main thing is to be clear your fundamentals before appearing for any exam. The above mentioned topics are just for better preparation. It is highly recommended that aspirants should study the complete syllabus in detail rather than just a few topics. Since there is still ample time for good preparation for GATE, candidates should cover the complete Mechanical Engineering GATE Syllabus.
ALSO READ: GATE 2017 Expert Tips For Last Minute Preparation
Prepare a Formula Book
Prepare a handbook containing important formulae needed for GATE questions. Prepare a quick guide and make note of each important and tricky formula that you are learning. This handbook will be your last minute guide for revision. This will help you to give a fast look on formulas during exam time. Have a regular read out on every concept and work out more than analyzing the concept.
So during initial preparing days, study the major topics 3-4 hours daily and prepare a formula book out of it. Besides, whenever you find some important concept or trick while solving problems, note it down in your formulae book.
Practice GATE Sample Papers
Experts and Toppers firmly believe that one of the important exercises in GATE Preparation is practice with the help of previous year GATE papers. You get all of them on the GATE website. There are many advantages to this:
- GATE Question Paper Pattern becomes familiar and you can get comfortable knowing the pattern of questions to expect.
- The type of questions that may be asked in the actual exam can be generally gauged along with the difficulty levels of questions with constant practice.
- With more practice, you can improve on your speed and hone your time management skills.
- You can plan your exam strategy by solving as many as possible sample papers.
ALSO READ: How Scores Are Calculated In GATE Normalization Process?
GATE Mock Test
Mock test is the simulation of GATE exam, and is online. Aspirants are advised to attempt it so that they get a fair idea of the actual entrance test. The GATE Mock Test will have an online calculator, timer and, will just be like the real GATE exam. So it is advantageous to attempt it in order to get a feel of the exam.
Not to Missed Guidelines during Preparation
- Study in the best manner that is suited to you. Scheduling and planning is very important.
- Prepare short notes on all topics during your study for GATE. This can be used for revision in the last days of GATE preparation.
- Ensure that you cover Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude in the course of your preparation. Preparing for them and doing them well will ensure a good score.
Candidates can check how best to go for the GATE 2018 Mechanical Engineering preparation and also the books needed. Some major checkpoints for preparation are as below –
- Identify your weak areas and plan to improve on
- Make a improvement plan & track the progress
GATE Qualifying Cutoff for Mechanical Engineering
- The cutoff trends to qualify the mechanical engineering examination of GATE is provided below for reference. To qualify the examination, the candidates will have to meet the GATE cutoff marks which is different as per the category.
| S.No | Category | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
| 1 | General | 32.87 | 29.6 | 32.73 | 28.86 | 25 |
| 2 | OBC | 29 | 26.6 | 29.49 | 25.97 | 22.25 |
| 3 | SC/ST/PD | 21 | 19.7 | 21.82 | 19.24 | 16.67 |
After completing B.Tech or B.E, most of the students who want to make their career in research and development, they look forward for Masters and PhD degree. Getting a Master’s degree from reputed universities like IIT, IISC etc. increases the importance and knowledge of his field. When anyone qualifies GATE, means he/she has good engineering knowledge. That’s why R&D companies and organizations demand for GATE qualified score during their recruitment process also.
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