GATE Robotics and Automation Syllabus 2027: Weightage, Sample Questions, Eligible Paper

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced Robotics and Automation (RA) as a new paper for GATE 2027. The new paper covers topics from Engineering Mathematics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Candidates appearing for the examination must prepare for the common section and choose one optional section from Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.

The GATE Robotics and Automation Syllabus is divided into Part A (Common Section), Part B1 (Electrical Engineering) and Part B2 (Mechanical Engineering). Part A is compulsory for all candidates, while candidates can select either B1 or B2 during the examination. The paper carries 100 marks, including General Aptitude, and has a duration of three hours.

GATE Robotics and Automation Exam Pattern

The GATE Robotics and Automation paper will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode. The examination will contain 65 questions carrying 100 marks, and candidates will get three hours to complete the paper.

The paper is divided into General Aptitude, a compulsory common section and an optional section.

Candidates must attempt either Part B1 or Part B2, not both. The optional section can be selected during the examination.

GATE RA 2027 Marking Scheme

The examination will include MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions. Each question will carry either one or two marks.

The marking scheme is as follows:

• For a wrong answer to a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted.
• For a wrong answer to a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted.
• There is no negative marking for incorrect MSQ and NAT answers.
• No partial marking is provided for MSQ questions.

Candidates should understand the marking scheme before attempting the examination to avoid unnecessary negative marks.

GATE Robotics and Automation Section-Wise Topics

The GATE RA syllabus 2027 covers Engineering Mathematics, Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation, along with an optional Electrical or Mechanical Engineering section.

The common section is compulsory, while candidates can choose their preferred optional section based on their preparation and subject knowledge.

Part A: Common Section

Part A is compulsory for every candidate appearing for the GATE Robotics and Automation examination. It consists of three sections: Engineering Mathematics, Basics of Mechatronics and Principles of Robotics and Automation.

Section A.1: Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics covers five major areas, including Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, and Numerical Methods.

Section A.2: Basics of Mechatronics

This section covers fundamental concepts of electrical networks, digital circuits, sensors, actuators, engineering mechanics, programming and data structures.

Section A.3: Principles of Robotics and Automation

This section focuses on robotic systems, their configurations, kinematics, applications and computer-integrated manufacturing.

Part B1: Electrical Engineering

Candidates selecting the Electrical Engineering optional section must prepare the following three sections.

Section B1.1: Analog Circuits and Embedded Systems

The syllabus includes:

• Analog filters: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject filters.
• Amplifiers: biasing, equivalent circuits, frequency response and feedback amplifiers.
• Operational amplifiers: characteristics and applications.
• Oscillators, Voltage Controlled Oscillators and timers.
• Schmitt triggers and sample-and-hold circuits.
• Analog-to-Digital (A/D) and Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converters.
• Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS).
• Microprocessor and microcontroller applications.
• Microcontroller components: CPU, memory, I/O ports and timers.
• Interrupt handling, memory and input-output interfacing.
• Basics of data acquisition systems.

Section B1.2: Signals and Systems

The important topics covered under Signals and Systems are:

• Representation of continuous and discrete-time signals.
• Shifting and scaling properties.
• Linear time-invariant and causal systems.
• Fourier series representation of continuous and discrete-time periodic signals.
• Shannon's sampling theorem.
• Definitions and properties of Fourier Transform.
• Laplace Transform and Z-transform.
• RMS value and average value calculations.

Section B1.3: Control Systems

Candidates must prepare the following topics:

• Mathematical modelling and representation of systems.
• Feedback principles and transfer functions.
• Block diagrams and signal flow graphs.
• Transient and steady-state analysis of linear time-invariant systems.
• Stability analysis using Routh-Hurwitz and Nyquist criteria.
• Bode plots and Root Locus.
• Lag, Lead and Lead-Lag compensators.
• P, PI and PID controllers.

Part B2: Mechanical Engineering

Candidates choosing Mechanical Engineering as their optional section must prepare the following topics.

Section B2.1: Mechanics of Materials

• Stress and strain, elastic constants and Poisson's ratio.
• Mohr's circle for plane stress and plane strain.
• Thin cylinders.
• Shear force and bending moment diagrams.
• Bending and shear stresses.
• Concept of shear centre.
• Deflection of beams.
• Torsion of circular shafts.
• Euler's theory of columns.
• Castigliano's theorems.
• Thermal stresses.
• Strain gauges and rosettes.
• Testing of materials using a universal testing machine.
• Testing of hardness and impact strength.

Section B2.2: Kinematics and Dynamics

• Displacement, velocity and acceleration analysis of plane mechanisms.
• Dynamic analysis of linkages.
• Gears and gear trains.
• Balancing of reciprocating and rotating masses.
• Gyroscope.
• Free and forced vibrations of single-degree-of-freedom systems.
• Effect of damping and vibration isolation.
• Resonance.
• Critical speeds of shafts.

Section B2.3: Machine Design and Computer Integrated Manufacturing

• Design for static and dynamic loading.
• Failure theories.
• Fatigue strength and S-N diagram.
• Design of machine elements, including bolted, riveted and welded joints.
• Shafts, rolling and sliding contact bearings.
• Brakes and clutches.
• Springs.
• Basic concepts of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
• Integration tools and additive manufacturing.

GATE Robotics and Automation Expected Weightage

Understanding the expected weightage of different sections can help candidates plan their preparation and prioritise important topics.

The following table provides an indicative section-wise weightage estimate. These figures are not officially announced by IIT Madras and should not be treated as confirmed marks distribution.

Note: The estimates above are third-party preparation estimates. The official examination structure specifies 60 marks for Part A and 25 marks for the selected Part B section, apart from 15 marks for General Aptitude. Candidates should follow the official marks distribution rather than rely on estimated topic-wise weightage.

GATE Robotics and Automation Sample Questions

Since Robotics and Automation has been introduced as a new GATE paper in 2027, there are no previous-year GATE RA question papers available for candidates to practise. Candidates can, however, prepare using questions from overlapping Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Engineering Mathematics topics.

IIT Madras provides examination-related downloads and previous-year papers for other GATE subjects through its official website. Candidates should also check the official website for the release of the GATE 2027 RA mock test.

GATE Robotics and Automation Practice Questions

The following are illustrative practice questions based on the official syllabus. They are not official IIT Madras sample questions.

Question 1: Engineering Mathematics

If a square matrix has two identical rows, what is its determinant?

• A. 1
• B. 0
• C. -1
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: B. 0

Question 2: Basics of Mechatronics

Which of the following sensors works on the Hall effect principle?

• A. Resistive sensor
• B. Capacitive sensor
• C. Hall effect sensor
• D. Piezoelectric sensor

Answer: C. Hall effect sensor

Question 3: Principles of Robotics and Automation

Which transformation is used to represent both rotation and translation of a rigid body in robotics?

• A. Fourier transformation
• B. Homogeneous transformation
• C. Laplace transformation
• D. Z-transformation

Answer: B. Homogeneous transformation

Question 4: Electrical Engineering

Which controller combines proportional and integral control actions?

• A. P controller
• B. PI controller
• C. PD controller
• D. PID controller

Answer: B. PI controller

Question 5: Mechanical Engineering

Which diagram represents the variation of bending moment along the length of a beam?

• A. Shear Force Diagram
• B. Bending Moment Diagram
• C. Free Body Diagram
• D. Mohr's Circle

Answer: B. Bending Moment Diagram

GATE Robotics and Automation Eligibility

IIT Madras has specified the general eligibility criteria for GATE 2027. Candidates from different academic backgrounds can appear for the examination if they meet the prescribed educational requirements.

The eligibility conditions include:

• Candidates currently studying in the third or higher year of an undergraduate degree programme can apply.
• Candidates who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities are eligible.
• Candidates pursuing or holding higher degrees can also appear, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
• Candidates with qualifying degrees from institutions outside India must meet the specified degree-duration and study-year requirements.

There is no restriction that candidates must have an undergraduate degree specifically in Robotics and Automation to appear for the RA paper. However, candidates should check the admission requirements of their preferred institutions separately.

GATE Robotics and Automation Best Books

Candidates preparing for the GATE RA paper should select books according to the official syllabus. Since the examination covers multiple engineering disciplines, relying on a single textbook may not be sufficient.

The following books can help candidates prepare for Robotics, Mechatronics, Engineering Mathematics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. Check the table given below:

These books cover important concepts related to robotic configurations, kinematics, sensors, actuators, control systems and manufacturing automation. Candidates should select books based on the topics prescribed in the GATE Robotics and Automation syllabus.

GATE Robotics and Automation Preparation

Candidates should prepare according to the official syllabus and understand the distribution of marks before starting their preparation. Since the RA paper is newly introduced, candidates should focus on building conceptual clarity across all three common sections and their selected optional section.

The following preparation tips can help candidates organise their study schedule:

• Go through the complete GATE Robotics and Automation syllabus and divide it into smaller topics.
• Focus on Engineering Mathematics, Basics of Mechatronics and Principles of Robotics and Automation, as this section is compulsory.
• Choose Electrical or Mechanical Engineering based on your academic background and subject knowledge.
• Give special attention to Engineering Mathematics, Robotics Kinematics, Control Systems and Mechanics.
• Practise Python, pseudocode, flowcharts and data structures.
• Use relevant GATE EE and ME questions for topics overlapping with the RA syllabus.
• Practise MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Prepare short notes and formula sheets for important concepts.

GATE Robotics and Automation Syllabus 2027 FAQs