GATE AR syllabus and paper pattern
GATE Architecture and Planning (AR) tests General Aptitude plus graduate-level technical knowledge across planning, housing, geospatial tools, transport, building science, and professional practice. The only authoritative syllabus is the PDF published each year on the official GATE portal — this page summarises structure, links the current PDF, and maps every section to the free APJ GATE AR course (89 lessons).
Official GATE AR syllabus PDF
Download the syllabus from the organizing institute each cycle. Do not rely on third-party PDFs alone — section titles and scope can shift between years.
| Cycle | Organizing institute | Official syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| GATE 2026 | IIT Guwahati | AR syllabus PDF (2026) · Portal |
| GATE 2027 (when live) | IIT Madras | Check gate2027.iitm.ac.in after registration opens |
After downloading, tick every bullet once and note which topics you have never studied — those become your first-pass priority in the course curriculum below.
GATE AR paper pattern (2026 reference)
The brochure defines marks, duration, and negative marking each year. The table below reflects the 2026 pattern; confirm numbers in the current brochure before exam day.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | Q1–Q10 | 15 | Verbal, numerical, analytical — not discipline-specific |
| Common AR technical | Q11–Q49 | 60 | All candidates; MCQ, MSQ, NAT mix |
| Optional AR-B1 (Building & Construction) | Q50–Q65 | 25 | Pick B1 or B2 — answer any 16 of 16 in chosen block |
| Optional AR-B2 (Planning) | Q66–Q81 | 25 | Planning theory, transport, GIS, governance emphasis |
| Total attempted | 65 | 100 | 180 minutes · calculator allowed per brochure |
Question types: MCQ (single correct, negative marking), MSQ (one or more correct), NAT (numerical answer, no options). Match-the-following sets appear regularly in the common section — practise under timed conditions using GATE AR previous year papers.
Syllabus sections → APJ course map
The free course follows the official AR syllabus groupings. Use this table to jump from a syllabus bullet to lessons and PYQ practice.
| Official syllabus area (typical) | APJ course chapter | Lessons (count) | PYQ entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture & design fundamentals, graphics, anthropometrics, NBC | Ch 1 — Architecture & design | 9 | PYQ hub |
| Building materials, construction, estimation, contracts | Ch 2 — Building construction | 8 | 2025 analysis |
| Environmental systems, climate, sustainability, EIA | Ch 3 — Environment & ecology | 6 | 2026 analysis |
| Urban design, morphology, heritage, landscape | Ch 4 — Urban design | 5 | PYQ hub |
| Planning frameworks, housing, settlements, economics | Ch 5 — Planning & housing | 8 | 2024 analysis |
| Water, waste, fire, electrical, transport (Part A level) | Ch 6 — Building services & transport basics | 6 | PYQ hub |
| History of architecture (world & India) | Ch 7 — History | 8 | PYQ hub |
| Structures — masonry, RCC, steel, special structures | Ch 8 — Structures (B1 focus) | 5 | PYQ hub |
| Advanced building science — thermal, HVAC, daylight, acoustics | Ch 9 — Advanced services | 6 | PYQ hub |
| Planning thought, legislation, governance, decentralisation | Ch 10 — Planning governance | 3 | PYQ hub |
| Regional planning, special areas, housing contexts | Ch 11 — Regional & special planning | 4 | PYQ hub |
| Geospatial techniques & surveying | Ch 12 — Geospatial | 3 | PYQ hub |
| General Aptitude (GA) | Ch 13 — GA from PYQs | 7 | GA PYQ quiz |
| Exam strategy, B1/B2 choice, PYQ workflow | Ch 14 — Exam strategy | 6 | How to use PYQs |
High-traffic lessons (syllabus starters)
Jump directly to the most searched topics on APJ — each lesson includes an “At a glance” summary and links back to PYQ analysis.
| Lesson | Syllabus area | Open |
|---|---|---|
| L1.4 Anthropometrics & ergonomics | Ch 1 — architecture & design fundamentals | Study lesson → |
| L1.8 Room standards | Ch 1 — NBC space standards, housing rooms | Study lesson → |
| L2.3 Formwork & scaffolding | Ch 2 — construction & temporary works | Study lesson → |
| L2.4 PERT & CPM | Ch 2 — project management | Study lesson → |
| L2.6 Estimation | Ch 2 — quantity surveying & specifications | Study lesson → |
Return to the GATE AR exam guide or open the previous year papers hub after one syllabus pass.
General Aptitude vs technical AR
| Part | Focus | Prep on APJ |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | Verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, analytical reasoning | GA PYQ quiz + course Ch 13 |
| Technical — common (Q11–Q49) | Full AR syllabus breadth — planning, housing, environment, services, history | Ch 1–12 lessons + year-wise analysis pages |
| AR-B1 optional | Structural systems, building services calculations, construction detail | Ch 8–9 + B1-weighted PYQ review |
| AR-B2 optional | Planning theory, transport, GIS, regional plans, governance | Ch 5, 10–12 + B2-weighted PYQ review |
Topic checklist (study once per bullet)
Planning framework and development
- Regional and settlement planning concepts; URDPFI instruments (FAR, ground coverage, land use)
- Coastal Regulation Zone, environmental overlays, and plan implementation
- Housing standards, NBC 2016 references, PMAY and national housing missions
- Land acquisition, feasibility, and urban finance at plan level
Geospatial and governance
- Remote sensing, GIS workflows, surveying for planning applications
- 73rd/74th amendments, smart cities, AMRUT — as listed in the current syllabus PDF
- Demography, migration, and service-delivery frameworks
Transport, environment, and building science
- Urban transport hierarchy, parking, and modal share problems
- Environmental impact assessment, pollution controls, solid waste
- Thermal comfort, building envelope, HVAC, daylight, acoustics (especially for B1)
How to study the syllabus efficiently
- Download the official syllabus PDF and highlight every bullet once.
- Enrol in the GATE AR course and complete lessons in chapter order — each maps to the table above.
- After one syllabus pass, read recent paper analysis then attempt a timed mock from the PYQ hub.
- Log weak topics and re-read only those lessons plus linked solution questions.
- Confirm eligibility and registration dates on the GATE portal each year.
FAQ
Where is the official GATE AR syllabus PDF?
On the GATE organizing institute website each cycle — e.g. GATE 2026 AR PDF. APJ links but does not host the PDF.
How many questions are in GATE AR?
Candidates answer 65 questions (10 GA + 49 common + 16 from either B1 or B2 optional block) for 100 marks in 180 minutes — confirm in the current brochure.
Should I choose AR-B1 or AR-B2?
Choose based on strength: B1 suits candidates strong in structures and building services; B2 suits planning, GIS, and governance. See GATE AR vs other exams and course Ch 14.
Does APJ cover the full GATE AR syllabus?
Yes — 89 lessons across 14 chapters aligned to the official AR syllabus groupings, plus GA and exam-strategy modules.