GATE CS Previous Year Question Analysis (2020–2024)

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Overview: Topic-wise Weight Distribution (Approximate)

Subject Area20202021202220232024
Algorithms1088910
Data Structures910788
Computer Networks891079
Databases (DBMS)898107
Operating Systems1088910
TOC (Theory of Comp.)67767
Compiler Design65545
Computer Organization87897
Digital Logic44545
Software Engineering21212
Discrete Mathematics66776
Linear Algebra33433
Probability & Stats33344
Calculus11111
General Aptitude1515151515
Total Marks100100100100100

Observation: Core subjects like DS, Algo, OS, CN, DBMS consistently carry the highest weight. Engineering Maths + Aptitude contributes around 30–32 marks.

Frequently Asked Topics (Must-Prepare)

Data Structures & Algorithms

  • Time Complexity (Master's theorem, Big-O)

  • Sorting & Searching Algorithms

  • Trees (BST, AVL, Heap)

  • Graph Algorithms (BFS, DFS, Dijkstra, Kruskal)

  • Recursion and Dynamic Programming

Operating Systems

  • Process Scheduling

  • Deadlocks (Banker’s Algorithm, Detection)

  • Paging, Segmentation, Virtual Memory

  • Threads and Concurrency (Semaphores)

Computer Networks

  • TCP/IP, OSI Model

  • IP Addressing & Subnetting

  • Congestion Control (TCP)

  • Routing Algorithms (DVR, Link-State)

  • Application Layer Protocols (HTTP, DNS)

DBMS

  • SQL Queries & Joins

  • Functional Dependency & Normalization

  • Transactions, Concurrency Control (Locks, Serializability)

  • ER Model and Relational Algebra

TOC & Compiler Design

  • Regular Expressions, DFA, NFA

  • Context-Free Grammar

  • LR Parsing, Syntax Trees

  • Lexical Analysis and Symbol Table

COA (Computer Organization)

  • Number Systems and Binary Arithmetic

  • Instruction Format and Addressing Modes

  • Cache Mapping Techniques

  • Pipelining and Performance Calculation

Discrete Mathematics

  • Set Theory, Relations and Functions

  • Propositional and Predicate Logic

  • Graph Theory (DFS, BFS, Trees)

  • Combinatorics and Pigeonhole Principle

Question Type Breakdown

TypeDescription% of Paper
MCQs (Multiple Choice)One correct option~50%
MSQs (Multiple Select)More than one correct option~25%
NATs (Numerical Answer)Type-in answers~25%

Year-wise Difficulty Level (Subjective)
YearOverall DifficultyToughest Sections
2020ModerateCOA, Networks
2021Moderate–ToughOS, Discrete Math
2022Easy–ModerateTOC, CN
2023ModerateAlgorithms, DBMS
2024Moderate–ToughOS, Algo, CN


General Aptitude is typically easy and high scoring—don’t ignore it!

Conclusion & Tips

  • Focus on core 6–7 subjects: OS, CN, DBMS, DS, Algo, COA, TOC.

  • Practice 10 years of PYQs – most concepts repeat in various forms.

  • Make short notes of formulas, tricky concepts, and code snippets.

  • Use MSQ and NAT practice tests – often neglected but crucial.

  • Keep solving subject-wise tests and gradually move to full mocks.

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