Quick answer: GATE PH 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks and the Physics syllabus carries 85 marks. There is no separate Engineering Mathematics section. The exam is a Computer Based Test conducted by IIT Madras on 6 to 21 February 2027. MCQs carry negative marking (1/3 or 2/3); MSQ and NAT questions do not. Below is the complete, official GATE PH 2027 syllabus with the section-wise structure, GATE 2026 cutoffs and a preparation plan.
📋 Table of Contents
- GATE PH 2027 overview
- Exam pattern and marks distribution
- Question types and marking scheme
- GATE PH 2027 syllabus (official)
- General Aptitude syllabus
- GATE 2026 cutoff and statistics
- Allowed second papers
- Important dates and eligibility
- Preparation strategy
- What a GATE PH score gets you
- GATE PH course, notes and test series
- FAQs
GATE Physics (PH) 2027: Overview
GATE Physics (PH) is the main GATE route into PhD, integrated PhD and M.Tech programmes in physics and applied physics at IITs, IISc and research institutes. The syllabus is at M.Sc. level and covers mathematical physics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, atomic, solid state, nuclear physics and electronics.
Who usually takes this paper: M.Sc. Physics students and graduates, and B.Sc. Physics students in the third year or higher.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | GATE 2027: Physics |
| Paper code | PH |
| Organising institute | IIT Madras |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT), English only |
| Exam dates | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 (two sessions a day) |
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours with compensatory time for eligible PwD candidates) |
| Questions / marks | 65 questions / 100 marks |
| Question types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Calculator | On-screen virtual scientific calculator only |
| Result date | 19 March 2027 |
| Score validity | 3 years |
| Official website | gate2027.iitm.ac.in |
GATE PH 2027 Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution
GATE PH 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks and the Physics syllabus carries 85 marks. There is no separate Engineering Mathematics section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15 | 5 × 1 mark + 5 × 2 marks |
| Physics (subject) | 55 | 85 | No separate Engineering Mathematics section |
| Total | 65 | 100 | 3 hours, CBT |
Question Types and Marking Scheme
| Question type | What it is | Marks | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | Four options, exactly one correct | 1 or 2 | −1/3 for a 1-mark MCQ, −2/3 for a 2-mark MCQ |
| MSQ | Four options, one or more correct; full marks only for the exact correct combination | 1 or 2 | None (and no partial marks) |
| NAT | Numerical answer typed on a virtual keypad (integer or decimal) | 1 or 2 | None (and no partial marks) |
GATE questions test four abilities: Recall, Comprehension, Application, and Analysis and Synthesis. For NAT answers, round off only at the final step, to the number of decimal places asked in the question.
GATE PH 2027 Syllabus (Official, IIT Madras)
The GATE 2027 syllabus has been revised for most papers, so use this version rather than older lists. Here is the section-wise summary of the GATE PH 2027 syllabus, followed by the complete official topic list as published in Appendix D of the GATE 2027 Information Brochure.
| # | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measurements and Error Analysis |
| 2 | Mathematical Physics |
| 3 | Classical Mechanics |
| 4 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
| 5 | Electromagnetic theory |
| 6 | Optical Physics |
| 7 | Quantum Mechanics |
| 8 | Atomic and Molecular Physics |
| 9 | Solid State Physics |
| 10 | Nuclear and Particle Physics |
| 11 | Electronics |
Complete GATE PH 2027 syllabus: topic-wise
Section 1: Measurements and Error Analysis
Units and dimensions, dimensional analysis; least count, significant figures; Methods of measurement and error analysis for physical quantities associated with various measurements; 2-probe and 4-probe methods for resistance measurement; Grounding for electrical circuits, Ground loops; Design of DC power supply, Signal processing through lock-in amplifiers.
Section 2: Mathematical Physics
Linear vector spaces: basis, orthogonality and completeness; matrices: similarity transformations, diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigen vectors; linear differential equations: simple applications of first and second order linear differential equations and solutions; complex analysis: Cauchy-Riemann conditions, Cauchy’s theorem, singularities, residue theorem and applications; Fourier analysis; tensors: tensor transformations, covariant and contravariant tensors.
Section 3: Classical Mechanics
D’Alembert’s principle, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton’s principle, calculus of variations; symmetry and conservation laws; central force motion: Kepler problem; small oscillations: coupled oscillations and normal modes; rigid body dynamics: inertia tensor, orthogonal transformations, Euler angles, torque free motion of a symmetric top; Hamiltonian and Hamilton’s equations of motion; canonical transformations: Poisson bracket.
Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy equivalence.
Section 4: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Laws of thermodynamics; macrostates and microstates; phase space; ensembles; partition function, free energy, calculation of thermodynamic quantities; classical and quantum statistics; degenerate Fermi gas; black body radiation and Planck’s distribution law; Bose-Einstein condensation; first and second order phase transitions, phase equilibria, critical phenomena.
Section 5: Electromagnetic theory
Solutions of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems including boundary value problems; method of images; separation of variables; dielectrics and conductors; magnetic materials; multipole expansion; Maxwell’s equations; scalar and vector potentials; Coulomb and Lorentz gauges; electromagnetic waves in free space, non-conducting and conducting media; reflection and transmission at normal and oblique incidences; polarization of electromagnetic waves; Poynting vector, Poynting theorem, energy and momentum of electromagnetic waves.
Section 6: Optical Physics
Wave equation: plane and spherical waves, superposition of waves, standing waves, phase and group velocities; Interference: spatial and temporal coherence, dielectric films, Newton’s ring, multiple-beam interference, Michelson interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer and etalon; diffraction: Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, rectangular and circular aperture, Rayleigh criterion of resolution, diffraction from double slit and many slits. dispersion by a grating; polarization: Jones vectors and matrices for linear, circular and elliptical polarization, birefringence, ray-transfer matrix for mirrors and lenses; lasers: Einstein coefficients, population inversion, two and three level laser systems.
Section 7: Quantum Mechanics
Basic ideas of quantum mechanics; uncertainty principle; linear vectors and operators in Hilbert space; time independent Schrodinger equation; one dimensional potentials: step potential, finite rectangular well, tunnelling from a potential barrier, particle in 1,2,3-dimensional box, particle in single and double delta function potentials, 1,2,3 dimensional harmonic oscillator: concept of degeneracy; central potentials; hydrogen-like atoms; orbital and spin angular momenta; addition of angular momenta; variational method, time independent perturbation theory; elementary scattering theory, Born approximation.
Section 8: Atomic and Molecular Physics
Spectra of one-and many-electron atoms; spin-orbit interaction: L-S and j-j coupling schemes; fine and hyperfine structures; Zeeman, Paschen-Back and Stark effects; electric dipole transitions and selection rules; rotational and vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules; electronic transitions in diatomic molecules, Franck-Condon principle; Raman effect and basics of Raman spectroscopy; NMR, ESR, X-ray and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Section 9: Solid State Physics
Elements of crystallography; diffraction methods for structure determination; bonding in solids; lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids; free electron theory; band theory of solids: nearly free electron model; metals, semiconductors and insulators; conductivity, electron and hole statistics in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, mobility and effective mass; metal-semiconductor junctions; ohmic and rectifying contacts; dielectric properties of solids; polarizability, ferroelectricity; magnetic properties of solids; dia, para, ferro, antiferro and ferri magnetism, ferromagnetic domains; superconductivity: type-I and type II superconductors, Meissner effect, London equation, BCS theory, flux quantization.
Section 10: Nuclear and Particle Physics
Nuclear binding energy, electric and magnetic moments; semi-empirical mass formula; nuclear models; liquid drop model, nuclear shell model; nuclear force and two nucleon problem; alpha decay, beta-decay, electromagnetic transitions in nuclei; Rutherford scattering, nuclear reactions, conservation laws; fission and fusion; particle accelerators and detectors; elementary particles; photons, baryons, mesons and leptons; quark model; conservation laws, isospin symmetry, charge conjugation, parity and time-reversal invariance.
Section 11: Electronics
p-n diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors; negative and positive feedback circuits; oscillators, operational amplifiers and their applications, active filters; wave form generators: sine wave, square wave and triangular wave; basics of digital logic circuits, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, timers, counters, registers, A/D and D/A conversion.
General Aptitude (GA) Syllabus: 15 Marks, Common to All Papers
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Aptitude | Basic English grammar, vocabulary (words, idioms, phrases in context), reading comprehension, narrative sequencing |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data interpretation (graphs, charts, maps, tables), ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, logarithms, permutations and combinations, series, mensuration and geometry, elementary statistics and probability |
| Analytical Aptitude | Deduction and induction, analogy, numerical relations and reasoning |
| Spatial Aptitude | Translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling and grouping, paper folding, cutting and patterns in 2D and 3D |
GATE PH 2026 Cutoff, Qualifying Marks and Statistics
These are the official GATE 2026 figures for Physics from the GATE 2026 Statistical and Performance Report (IIT Guwahati). They are the best guide to what to expect in GATE PH 2027. Qualifying marks are out of 100; the qualifying GATE score for the general category is always 350.
| Paper | Registered | Appeared | Qualified | Qualified % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics (PH) | 24,225 | 18,055 | 3,588 | 19.9% |
| Paper | GEN | OBC-NCL / EWS | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics (PH) | 25.5 | 22.9 | 17 |
| Paper | Highest marks | Mean of top 0.1% (or top 10) | Average marks | Std. deviation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics (PH) | 70 | 64.68 | 14.68 | 10.88 |
What this means for you: in GATE 2026 the average PH candidate scored 14.68 marks, while the top 0.1% averaged 64.68. Crossing the general qualifying mark of 25.5 puts you in the top 20% of candidates, but admissions to top IITs and PSU interview calls usually need a score far above the qualifying line.
How the qualifying marks and GATE score are calculated
For each paper, the general-category qualifying mark is max(25, min(40, μ + σ)), where μ and σ are the mean and standard deviation of the marks of all candidates who appeared. OBC-NCL/EWS qualifying marks are 90% and SC/ST/PwD qualifying marks are about two-thirds of the general value.
Your GATE score (out of 1000) is computed as Score = 350 + 550 × (M − Mq) / (M̄t − Mq), where M is your marks (normalised marks for multi-session papers), Mq is the general qualifying mark and M̄t is the mean marks of the top 0.1% or top 10 candidates, whichever is larger. A score of 350 corresponds to the qualifying mark and 900 to the top-candidate average.
Which Papers Can Be Combined with GATE PH 2027?
You may appear in one or two GATE papers. As per the tentative list in the GATE 2027 brochure, the second paper allowed with PH as the primary paper is: Computer Science and Information Technology (CS), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA), Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mathematics (MA), Engineering Sciences (XE). The fee for two papers is twice that of one paper.
GATE 2027 Important Dates, Fee and Eligibility
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration (regular period) | 2 to 27 September 2026 (closed) |
| Extended period with late fee | Up to 12 October 2026 (closed) |
| Special window (late fee) | 15 October 2026, 10:30 AM to 16 October 2026, 10:29 AM (closed) |
| Exam city notification | 4 January 2027 |
| Admit card | To be announced on GOAPS |
| GATE 2027 exam | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 |
| Result | 19 March 2027 |
Application fee per paper (regular period): ₹1,000 for female, SC, ST and PwD candidates and ₹2,000 for all others; ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 respectively in the extended period and special window.
Eligibility: candidates in the third or higher year of any undergraduate degree, or who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities, are eligible. M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. students from the fifth semester and M.Sc./M.A./MCA students from the first year are also eligible. There is no age limit. All dates are as per the brochure and subject to change, so always confirm on the official website.
GATE PH 2027 Preparation Strategy
- Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory and Mathematical Physics are the backbone. They also feed problems in atomic, solid state and nuclear physics.
- Classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics are highly numerical: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods and partition functions should be quick.
- Solid State Physics and Electronics give dependable marks through standard derivations and circuit problems.
- Measurements and Error Analysis and Optical Physics are separate sections in the 2027 syllabus. Do not skip them.
- In 2026 the topper scored 70 and the general qualifying mark was 25.5. A score of 45 to 50 is very competitive in PH.
- Solve previous GATE papers (2007 to 2026 are available on the official website) section by section, then as timed full-length papers.
- Practise every numerical with the GATE virtual calculator, since no physical calculator is allowed.
- From December, take one full mock a week in the real interface and analyse every mistake, especially negatively marked MCQs.
What Can You Do with a GATE PH 2027 Score?
GATE PH scores are used for PhD and M.Tech admissions with MoE scholarships, and qualifying GATE is a minimum requirement for many government research fellowships in physical sciences.
Under MoE guidelines, admitting institutes give at least 70% weightage to GATE performance for M.Tech admissions with scholarship. Qualifying GATE does not by itself guarantee admission, a scholarship or a job; each institute and employer applies its own criteria.
GATE PH 2027 Course, Notes and Test Series
Get structured guidance for GATE Physics from Piyush Wairale (IIT Madras) on www.piyushwairale.com. Start with the section that is common to every paper, then build your subject preparation:
Best GATE Aptitude Test Series 2027
General Aptitude is 15 of your 100 marks in GATE PH. Topic-wise tests, full GA mocks in the real interface and solved PYQs from 2010 to 2026.
GATE Engineering Mathematics courses
Linear Algebra, Calculus and Probability and Statistics taught for GATE, for the core mathematics in your syllabus.
All GATE courses, notes and test series
Browse every GATE course, notes package and test series in the PiyushAI store.
Writing two papers in GATE 2027?
Adding GATE DA as your second paper?
DA is an allowed second paper with PH. Get the complete GATE DA 2027 course and test series.
GATE 2027 courses, notes and test series by Piyush Wairale (IIT Madras)
Free lessons on YouTube (@piyushwairaleiitm)
GATE PH 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GATE PH 2027 exam pattern?
GATE PH 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks and the Physics syllabus carries 85 marks. There is no separate Engineering Mathematics section. Questions are MCQ, MSQ and NAT, and each carries 1 or 2 marks.
Is there negative marking in GATE PH 2027?
Yes, but only for MCQs. A wrong 1-mark MCQ costs 1/3 mark and a wrong 2-mark MCQ costs 2/3 mark. MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marking, and there is no partial marking for any question.
What was the GATE PH 2026 cutoff?
The GATE 2026 qualifying marks out of 100 were Physics (PH): 25.5 (GEN), 22.9 (OBC-NCL/EWS), 17 (SC/ST/PwD).
When is the GATE PH 2027 exam?
GATE 2027 will be held on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 in forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) sessions. The paper-wise schedule will be published on the official website, and results are scheduled for 19 March 2027.
Which IIT is conducting GATE 2027?
IIT Madras is the organising institute for GATE 2027. The official website is gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Which papers can be combined with GATE Physics 2027?
Physics (PH) can be combined with CS, DA, EC, EE, MA or XE.
How many sections are there in the GATE PH 2027 syllabus?
The GATE 2027 Physics syllabus has eleven sections, from Measurements and Error Analysis and Mathematical Physics to Nuclear and Particle Physics and Electronics. The full list is given in the syllabus section of this article.
How long is the GATE PH 2027 score valid?
The GATE 2027 score is valid for three years from the date the results are announced.
Sources: GATE 2027 Information Brochure, IIT Madras (gate2027.iitm.ac.in); GATE 2026 Statistical and Performance Report, IIT Guwahati. Last updated 27 October 2026.
More GATE 2027 guides: GATE 2027 syllabus and exam pattern for all 30 papers | GATE General Aptitude 2027 | GATE AE 2027 | GATE AG 2027 | GATE AR 2027 | GATE BM 2027 | GATE BT 2027 | GATE CE 2027 | GATE CH 2027 | GATE CS 2027 | GATE CY 2027 | GATE DA 2027 | GATE EC 2027 | GATE EE 2027 | GATE ES 2027 | GATE EY 2027 | GATE GE 2027 | GATE GG 2027 | GATE IN 2027 | GATE MA 2027 | GATE ME 2027 | GATE MN 2027 | GATE MT 2027 | GATE NM 2027 | GATE PE 2027 | GATE PI 2027 | GATE RA 2027 | GATE ST 2027 | GATE XE 2027 | GATE XH 2027 | GATE XL 2027
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