IIT Madras has released the GATE DA syllabus PDF along with the information brochure on its official website, gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
The GATE 2027 Syllabus has been revised for various papers, but the GATE DA syllabus has not been changed for 2027.
- The GATE DA syllabus consists of seven core sections and a General Aptitude section, which is common to all papers.
- The paper includes 65 questions to be attempted in 3 hours, worth 100 marks.
- The 100 marks are divided between 15 and 85 for general aptitude and subject-specific, respectively.
- Based on previous years' trends, Machine Learning has the highest weightage, at around 25-30%, in the core section.
IIT Madras will conduct GATE 2027 on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027, so students should start preparing for the GATE DA 2027 exam.
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Key Summary
- GATE DA syllabus 2027 is the same as the 2026 syllabus and has been released by IIT Madras.
- The Programming questions in the GATE DA exam are based on Python, and not on C or Java.
- Students should start their preparation with Machine Learning and Probability, as these two sections carry half of the core marks.
- The GATE DA syllabus does not include the Engineering Mathematics section, unlike other papers.
| Table of Contents |
GATE DA Syllabus 2027: Overview
The GATE DA is one of the newest papers added to the GATE exam in 2024. IIT Madras will conduct the GATE DA 2027 exam.
- The GATE DA syllabus has not been changed and is similar to the 2026 syllabus.
- It covers topics such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and tests your maths, programming, database, and machine learning skills.
- A GATE DA score opens M.Tech and MS seats in data science at IITs and NITs. Many PSUs also accept GATE scores for recruitment.
The GATE DA paper has been moderate to hard in overall difficulty. In GATE DA, around 11,007 candidates qualified out of the 57,054 who appeared for the exam.
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GATE DA Syllabus 2027: Core Sections
The GATE DA exam includes seven core sections, which carry 85 of the 100 marks. The rest of the 15 marks are given to the general aptitude section.
Given below is the topic list for each core section:
| Section | Approx. Weightage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Probability and Statistics | 20–25% | Counting (permutation and combinations), probability axioms, Sample space, events, independent events, mutually exclusive events, marginal, conditional and joint probability, Bayes Theorem, conditional expectation and variance, mean, median, mode and standard deviation, correlation, and covariance, random variables, discrete random variables and probability mass functions, uniform, Bernoulli, binomial distribution, Continuous random variables and probability distribution function, uniform, exponential, Poisson, normal, standard normal, tdistribution, chi-squared distributions, cumulative distribution function, Conditional PDF, Central limit theorem, confidence interval, z-test, t-test, chi-squared test. |
| Linear Algebra | 10–12% |
|
| Calculus and Optimization | 8–9% | Functions of a single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, Taylor series, maxima and minima, optimization involving a single variable. |
| Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms | 15–20% |
|
| Database Management and Warehousing | 8–10% |
|
| Machine Learning | 25–30% |
|
| Artificial Intelligence | 12–14% |
|

Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
GATE DA General Aptitude Syllabus 2027
The General Aptitude section is common to all 30 GATE papers, and it carries 15 marks out of 100. Candidates should not skip this section, as these are the easiest 15 marks for them.
- Around 30 minutes of daily practice is enough for this section. The level of questions remains moderate each year.
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Verbal Aptitude |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Analytical Aptitude | Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations and reasoning. |
| Spatial Aptitude | Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions. |

Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
GATE DA Exam Pattern 2027
The GATE DA 2027 exam is conducted in a computer-based test mode for a duration of 3 hours. It includes 65 questions, totaling 100 marks. The official exam pattern is given below:
- The MCQs carry 1 or 2 marks with negative marking of one-third for a 1-marker question and two-thirds for a 2-marker question.
- There is no negative marking in the MSQ and NAT questions, so you should never leave these questions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| General Aptitude Marks | 15 |
| Core DA Marks | 85 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, and NAT |
| Negative Marking | Only for MCQs |

Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
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GATE DA Syllabus 2027: Topic-Wise Weightage
Based on the GATE DA papers of the last 3 years, the topic-wise weightage for the GATE DA is given below.
- Machine Learning and Probability together cover more than half of the core marks.
- The top three sections given below alone carry around 65% of the core marks.
| Section | Expected Questions | Expected Marks | Share of Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Learning | 11 to 14 | 18 to 22 | 25 to 30% |
| Probability and Statistics | 9 to 10 | 15 to 18 | 20 to 25% |
| Programming, DS and Algorithms | 10 to 12 | 13 to 17 | 15 to 20% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 6 to 7 | 10 to 12 | 12 to 14% |
| Linear Algebra | 5 to 6 | 8 to 10 | 10 to 12% |
| Database and Warehousing | 5 to 6 | 7 to 9 | 8 to 10% |
| Calculus and Optimization | 4 to 5 | 6 to 8 | 8 to 9% |

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GATE DA Syllabus 2027 vs 2026
The GATE DA syllabus 2027 has not been changed or revised, and is the same as the 2026 syllabus.
- IIT Madras has released the official syllabus PDF; candidates can download it from the official website.
- The only differences in the GATE DA syllabus of 2027 as compared to 2026 are presentation-related, with the 2027 syllabus organized into numbered sections.
| Element | GATE DA 2027 | GATE DA 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Sections | 7 | 7 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 | 65 |
| Programming Language | Python | Python |
| Organising Institute | IIT Madras | IIT Guwahati |

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Best Books for GATE DA 2027
The GATE DA paper needs books across maths, programming, and machine learning. You should pick one standard book per section. The table below lists some of the best books:
- Candidates should not use these books for basics, as they are only for reference to build conceptual understanding for some difficult topics.
| Section | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Probability and Statistics | A First Course in Probability | Sheldon Ross |
| Linear Algebra | Introduction to Linear Algebra | Gilbert Strang |
| Algorithms | Introduction to Algorithms | Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest and Stein |
| Database Management | Database System Concepts | Silberschatz, Korth and Sudarshan |
| Machine Learning | Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning | Christopher Bishop |
| Machine Learning | Machine Learning | Tom Mitchell |
| Artificial Intelligence | Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach | Russell and Norvig |
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How to Download GATE DA Syllabus 2027 PDF
IIT Madras will release the GATE DA syllabus 2027 PDF with the information brochure. Follow these steps to download it once it is live.

GATE DA 2027 Preparation Tips
As the exam is scheduled for February, the candidates have around seven months to prepare. Candidates can complete the syllabus and its revision in this time with a good plan. Here is how you should plan it.
| Phase | Duration | Subjects to Cover | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation | August 2026 | Engineering Mathematics, Probability & Statistics | Build mathematical foundation and understand probability concepts. |
| Phase 2: Programming Fundamentals | September 2026 | Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms | Master Python, data structures, algorithms, and complexity analysis. |
| Phase 3: AI & ML Core | October 2026 | Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence | Learn ML algorithms, AI search techniques, and solve topic-wise PYQs. |
| Phase 4: Remaining Core Subjects | November 2026 | Database Management Systems, Aptitude, Revision of Weak Topics | Complete the syllabus and begin full-length mock tests. |
| Phase 5: Practice & Analysis | December 2026 | Previous Year Papers, Mixed Subject Practice | Improve speed, accuracy, and identify weak areas through mocks. |
| Phase 6: Advanced Revision | January 2027 | Full Syllabus Revision | Revise formulas, concepts, and frequently asked topics with regular tests. |
| Phase 7: Final Preparation | February 2027 (Till Exam) | Mock Tests, Formula Revision, Error Analysis | Maximize score through exam-like practice and quick revision. |
Also Check: GATE Preparation Tips 2027
GATE DA Syllabus 2027: FAQs
Ques. Is the GATE DA syllabus 2027 the same as 2026?
Ans. Yes, IIT Madras has not revised the GATE DA syllabus for 2027, and the syllabus is the same as 2026. The paper has kept the same seven core sections since 2024.
Ques. Which section has the highest weightage in GATE DA 2027?
Ans. The Machine Learning section has the highest weightage in GATE DA 2027. It carries around 25 to 30% of the core marks, or about 18 to 22 marks.
Ques. How many sections are there in the GATE DA syllabus 2027?
Ans. There are seven core sections and a General Aptitude section. The core sections carry 85 marks, and General Aptitude carries 15 marks.
Ques. Which programming language is used in GATE DA 2027?
Ans. Python is the programming language for GATE DA 2027. You should practice writing Python code by hand, as no compiler is available in the exam.
Ques. Where can I download the GATE DA syllabus 2027 PDF?
Ans. IIT Madras has released the GATE DA syllabus PDF. Candidates can download the GATE DA syllabus of 2027 from the official GATE 2027 website, gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Ques. Is GATE DA easier than GATE CSE?
Ans. GATE DA has a smaller syllabus than GATE CSE. But the competition is rising each year, so the cutoff has stayed strong since 2024.
Ques. Can non-CSE students appear for GATE DA 2027?
Ans. Yes, students from maths, statistics, electronics, and other streams can appear for the exam. Candidates need a strong base in maths and programming to score well.
Ques. Is there negative marking in GATE DA 2027?
Ans. Negative marking applies only to MCQs. The negative marking for the One-mark MCQs is one-third, and for the two-mark MCQs is two-thirds. MSQ and NAT have no negative marking.
Ques. How many months are needed to cover the GATE DA syllabus?
Ans. Most students need six to eight months to cover the GATE DA syllabus. Starting now gives you time for one full cycle along with two revisions.
Ques. Is Deep Learning part of the GATE DA syllabus 2027?
Ans. The syllabus covers neural networks and multi-layer perceptrons under Machine Learning. Advanced deep learning topics like CNN and transformers are not included.
Ques. Does GATE DA include multivariable calculus?
Ans. No, the Calculus and Optimization section covers functions of a single variable only. This keeps it smaller than the calculus in other GATE papers.








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