Force, Scalar and Vector, Addition of Two
Forces: Parallelogram Law & Triangle law Concept of the
Resultant of Several Forces, Resultant of Several Concurrent Co-
planar Forces: Polygon Law, Resolution of a Force into
Components, Resultant of a Several Concurrent Coplanar Forces
by summing Rectangular Components (Method of Projections),
Equation of Equilibrium for a System of Concurrent Forces in
plane constraint, action and reaction, Types of Supports and
Support Reactions,
Free-Body Diagram.
(a) Equilibrium of a body Subjected to Two Forces
(Two Force Body)
(b) Equilibrium of a Body Subjected to Three Forces
Moment of a Force, Theorem of Varignon, Equations of
Equilibrium
PARALLEL FORCES IN A PLANE
Parallel Forces, Resultant of Two Parallel Forces Acting in the
same Direction, Resultant of Two Unequal Parallel Forces
Acting in Opposite Directions, Two Equal Parallel Forces Acting
in Opposite Directions: Couple, Resolution of a Force into a
Force and a Couple
Equivalent System of Forces
General Case of Parallel Forces in a plane,
Distributed Forces in a Plane
Hydrostatic Pressure: Forces on Submerged Surfaces.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: These topics are very basic things, you
must have done in your school level. You won’t find questions
directly been asked from these topics but these are the
fundamental concepts which will be required in other subjects.
You don’t have to go in-depth but you must know basic concept
at least. So, go through it once from the book mentioned above.
Solve questions from standard books as much as possible.
No. of hours: – 15-16 hours
CENTROID, CENTRE OF MASS AND CENTRE OF
GRAVITY: Duration-1 Day
Topics to be done: -Centre of Gravity of a Body, Concept of
centroid, Centroid of Two-Dimensional Body, Centroid of a
Composite Plane Figure, centroids of Various Shapes of Areas.
Solved example of standard book.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
No. of hours: 12 hours
Tips & instruction: This is one of the important topics from
the GATE point of view, few questions have been asked from
this part till now, also this part is important for the other
subjects like SOM, FM. Attempt test series as much as possible.
Solve previous year questions of GATE & ESE (ME).
GENERAL CASE OF FORCES IN A PLANE : Duration-1
Day
General Case of Forces Acting on a Plane: Equations of
Equilibrium.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Solve questions from the book i.e.
A.K.Tayal. Questions can be solved with the previous concepts
which you have.
No. of hours: 5-6 hours
FRICTION: Duration – 2 days
Topics: Introduction, Dry Friction, Laws of Dry Friction,
Rolling Resistance, Force of Friction on a Wheel
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Spend time on developing concepts on
Friction. All of the topics which are mentioned above are very
important. Solve questions from the book i.e. A.K.Tayal. Try to
Solve all the examples and exercises questions. Good questions
are there in the previous year questions also solve those
questions.
No. of hours: 12-14 hours
ANALYSIS OF PLANE TRUSSES : Duration – 2 days
Topics:
Engineering Structures
Rigid or Perfect Truss: Mathematical condition for Rigid or
perfect Truss.
Truss: Determination of Axial Forces in the Members
1. The Method of joints
2. The Method of Sections
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: This is a very important topic from the
GATE point of view. Questions should be practised on the
method of joints & the method of sections. The method of
sections is easy to solve and you can reach to answer very fast
with this method. There are some special cases where we can
directly tell the zero-force member and question become very
easy to solve which should be practised a lot. Solve previous year
questions too.
No. of hours: 15-16 hours
Moment of Inertia: Duration-1 day
Topics: Moment of Inertia, Polar Moment of Inertia, Radius of
Gyration of an Area, Parallel Axes Theorem and its examples,
Moment of Inertia of a Composite Section/Hollow Section,
Moment of Inertia of a Mass (Rigid Body), Mass Moment of
inertia of various bodies about different axes.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: This topic is important for solving
numericals related to vibration and Dynamics questions in
Engineering Mechanics. Practice parallel axis theorem enough
so that you can apply it whenever is required. Memorize some of
the general formulae of Disc, rod, ring etc.
No. of hours: 5-6 hours
RECTILINEAR MOTION OF A PARTICLE : Duration –
2 days
Kinematics:
Topics: Introduction to Dynamics, Rectilinear Motion;
Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration, Graphical
Representations, Motion with uniform Acceleration, Motion
with Variable Acceleration
Kinetics:
Topics: Equations of Rectilinear Motion, Equations of Dynamic
Equilibrium: D’Alembert’s Principle.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Very less theory in it and lots of questions
to solve. So I will suggest you to solve lots of numerical problems
from the standard books. Just don’t hesitate to use your logical
brain. Questions from Motion with uniform acceleration and
Motion with variable acceleration are important. Learn
D’Alembert’s Principle and solve the related questions.
No. of hours: 12-13 hours
CURVILINEAR MOTION OF A PARTICLE: Duration –
2 days
Part-A: Kinematics
Topics: Introduction, Position Vector, Velocity and
Acceleration, Components of Motion Rectangular Components,
Components of Acceleration Normal and Tangential,
Components of Motion Radial and Transverse.
Part-B: Kinetics
Topics: Introduction, Equations of Motion: In Rectangular
Components, Equations of Motion: In Tangential and Normal
Components, Equations of Dynamic Equilibrium (D’ Alembert’s
Principle)
Working Concepts Curvilinear Motion.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Again don’t spend much in theory part
instead practice lots of questions from the standard book. Just
don’t hesitate to use your logical brain. Few theoretical
questions have been asked in GATE. Learn D’Alembert’s
Principle with solving the question.
No. of hours: 12-13 hours
KINETICS OF A PARTICLE: WORK AND ENERGY
Introduction, Work of a Force, Energy of a particle, Principle of
Work and Energy, Work and Energy Principle for a System of
Particles, Potential Energy and Conservative Forces, Principle of
Conservation of Energy, Power.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: The Conceptual theory is there so learn it
and solve lots of questions from the standard books. Learn how
to use the principle of conservation of energy & Work energy
principle.
No. of hours: 12-13 hours
KINETICS OF A PARTICLE IMPULSE AND
MOMENTUM, IMPACT: COLLISION OF ELASTICS
BODIES
Conservation of Momentum
Angular Momentum
Conservation of the Angular Momentum
Introduction, Direct Central Impact, Nature of Impact and
Coefficients of Restitution, Important Cases of Impact, Loss of
Kinetic Energy During Impact, Oblique Central Impact,
Problems involving Energy and Momentum, Principle of
Impulse and Momentum
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Application of conservation of
momentum is very important, practice questions from it.
Practice questions on the collision of elastic bodies. Some good
questions are there from the previous year.
No. of hours: 12-13 hours
MOTION OF PROJECTILE
Equation of Path: Trajectory, Expressions for Time of Flight,
Height, Range, and Angle of Projection
Motion of Projectile Thrown Horizontally Motion of a Projectile
up an Inclined Plane.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: This is the school level topic, you must
have learned in your class-12. Questions have never been asked
till now from this topic. But GATE is unpredictable so better
prepare for the least expected as well.
No. of hours: 5-6 hours
KINEMATICS OF RIGID BODY (Duration- 2-3 days)
Rotation, Linear and Angular Velocity, Linear and Angular
Acceleration in Rotation, General Plane Motion, Instantaneous
Centre of Rotation in Plane Motion, Absolute and Relative
Velocity in Plane Motion, Location of the Instantaneous Centre.
KINETICS OF RIGID BODY: FORCE AND
ACCELERATION
Plane Motion of a Rigid Body: Equations of Motion, Relation
between the Translatory and Rotary Motion of a Body in Plane
Motion, D’ Alembert’s Principle in Plane Motion.
KINETICS OF RIGID BODY: WORK AND ENERGY
Kinetic Energy of Rigid Body, Work of the Forces Acting on a
Rigid Body, Principle of Work and Energy for a Rigid body,
Principle of Conservation of Energy.
Book: A.K. TAYAL
Tips & instruction: Recently Questions have been asked from
the topics, Questions can be solved with the help of both the
methods whether it is D’ Alembert’s Principle or work energy
Principle. This is also very important from GATE point of view.
Pure rolling problems are important. A.K. TAYAL book has
some good questions, you must solve it. Previous year questions
of GATE are also recommendable.
Displacement, velocity and acceleration analysis of
plane mechanisms (Duration-4 days)
Day-1
TOPICS: Mechanism and Machine, Types of constrained
motion, Rigid and resistant Bodies, Link, Kinematic Pair (Lower
pairs, higher pairs etc.), Types of joints, Degree of
Freedom(DOF), Classification of Kinematics Pairs, Kinematics
Chain, Linkage, Mechanism and structure, Mobility of
Mechanisms, Application of Kutzbach Criterion to plane
mechanisms, Grubler’s criterion for plane mechanisms.
Tips and Instructions: Questions on Degree of
freedom(mobility) should be practiced a lot & should attempt
Chapter wise test. After attempting test note down the mistakes
in a separate copy and new formula which you learned from the
test. This pattern of test should be followed for all the units.
In this section, visualization will help you to solve some tricky
questions of DOF. Don’t forget to learn the difference between
redundant DOF and redundant link.
There is a good number of questions that has been asked in
GATE so practicing those questions is highly recommended.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta or SS Rattan. SS. Rattan is more
preferred for both Concept and Questions.
Day-2
Solve lots of questions of the “Day-1” topics from the standard
books which are mentioned.
TOPICS: Equivalent Mechanisms, The Four-bar Chain,
Mechanical Advantage, Transmission angle, The slider-crank
Chain & its inversion, Double Slider-crank chain & its inversion,
Miscellaneous Mechanisms.
Tips and Instructions: Practice numerical from the standard
books as mentioned below and solve previous year GATE
questions as much as possible. In this section try to memorize
the names of all the inversions of slider-crank and double slider
crank.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 8-10 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta and SS Rattan.
Day-3
Velocity analysis
TOPICS: Absolute and relative motion, Vectors, Addition and
subtraction of vectors, Motion of a link, Four-link Mechanism,
the Angular velocity of links, Velocity of rubbing, Velocity in the
slider-crank mechanism, Crank & slotted lever mechanism,
Kennedy’s theorem, Locating I-centers, Angular velocity
theorem.
Tips and Instructions: This is the favorite topic of the GATE
as questions from this topic is very much probable of coming in
GATE, so it is necessary to practice more no. of numerical from
this topic. Almost every year the question comes from this topic
and the questions are quite tricky but easy to practice as many
as problems.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta and SS Rattan.
Day-4
Revise & Practice Question of velocity analysis and attempt
chapter test as much as possible.
Acceleration analysis
TOPICS: Slider-crank mechanism, Coriolis acceleration
component, Crank and slotted-lever mechanism, Practice
questions from standard books.
Instructions and Tips: Coriolis acceleration component is the
very important topic from the acceleration analysis. In this
topic, you must learn how to find the direction of different
accelerations.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 4-5 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta and SS Rattan.
Dynamic analysis (Duration-1 Day)
Day-5
TOPICS: D’Alembert’s Principle, Dynamic analysis of slider-
crank mechanisms, velocity, and acceleration of a piston, Engine
force analysis, turning moment on the crankshaft, Inertia Force
in reciprocating engines (Graphical method), Force on
connecting rod, Force on Bearing.
Instructions and Tips: Force analysis of slider-crank
mechanism for finding the values of forces in different
components like connecting rod, gudgeon pin, bearings, turning
moment etc. should be done properly from the standard book
(Khurmi & Gupta)
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 4-5 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta (For concepts and Questions)
Gears and gear trains (Duration- 3 Days)
Day-6 & 7
Gears: This topic covers both theoretical and numerical
questions. Solve Previous year GATE questions too.
TOPICS: Classification of Gears, Gear Terminology, Law of
Gearing (Diagram is very important), Velocity of sliding, Forms
of teeth, Cycloidal & Involute Profile teeth, Path of contact, Arc
of contact, Contact Ratio, Interference in Involute gears,
Minimum no. of teeth, Interference between Rack and pinion,
Undercutting, Comparison of cycloidal and involute Tooth
Forms
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours
Books: SS Rattan (For Concept & Questions) and Khurmi &
Gupta (For Questions).
Day-7 & 8
Gear Trains: This is the very important topic from the GATE
exam point of view, one question is fixed from the Gear train
almost every year. Mostly numerical questions are asked about
this topic. This is a very scoring topic so don’t dare to leave this
topic and try to solve all the examples from the standard books
given below. A good number of questions has been asked in
GATE from this topic so practicing those questions is highly
recommended. Solve previous year GATE question at least 2-3
times.
TOPICS: Types of gear trains, simple gear train, Compound
gear train, Epicyclic gear train and its velocity ratio, Compound
epicyclic gear train (Sun and planet wheel), Torques in epicyclic
gear trains.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours
Books: SS Rattan (For Concept & Questions) and Khurmi &
Gupta (For Questions).
Turning Moment diagrams & flywheel (Duration- 1
Day)
Day-9
This is a very easy and scoring topic. In this topic, you must
know the formulas and few important concepts regarding work
is done/cycle, power and Turning moment diagrams. Solve
questions from the standard book mentioned below and
previous year questions at least 2-3 times.
TOPICS: Turning moment Diagram for a four-stroke cycle
internal combustion Engine, Turning moment Diagram for a
multi-cylinder Engine. Fluctuation of Energy, Determination of
Maximum fluctuation of energy, Coefficient of fluctuation of
Energy, Coefficient of fluctuation of speed, Energy stored in a
Flywheel, Dimensions of Flywheel Rim, Flywheel in punching
press.
Though punching press & dimension of flywheel rim are not so
important but if you prepare for it, it may give you an extra edge
during your exam if a question comes as Gate is unpredictable
now a day so you can’t leave any topic.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta (For concepts and Questions)
Balancing of rotating & reciprocating masses
(Duration- 1 Day)
Day-10
TOPICS: Static balancing, Dynamic Balancing, balancing of
several masses in different planes, Balancing of Reciprocating
mass, Primary & secondary unbalanced forces of reciprocating
masses, Partial balancing of unbalanced primary force in a
reciprocating Engine, Variation of tractive force, Swaying
couple, Hammer blow.
Tips and Instructions: This topic is not so important. You
will find very fewer questions in the previous year but solving
those few questions are highly recommended as it will give you
the idea of questions. For practicing question, you can solve
previous year ESE questions and standard books. Also, try to
attempt a chapter test.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 5-6 hours
Books: Khurmi & Gupta (For concepts and Questions)
Vibration (Duration- 4 Days)
Day-11 & 12
SECTION-1(LONGITUDINAL VIBRATION)
TOPICS: Free Longitudinal Vibrations, Displacement, Velocity,
acceleration, Inertia effect of the mass of spring, Damped
Vibrations, Logarithmic decrement, Forced Vibrations, Forced-
damped Vibrations, Magnification factor, Vibration Isolation,
and transmissibility, forcing due to unbalance, Forcing due to
support the motion.
Tips and Instructions: All the topics are important from this
unit. Every year 2-3 marks questions are fixed in each of the set
of the Mechanical stream. Solve questions from the previous
year GATE at least 2-3 times before the GATE exam, standard
books mentioned below and attempt online test as much as
possible.
Learn the concept from the standard book (“SS Rattan”) and
then solve the examples given in it and make notes of all the
important formula and concept. There are good questions has
been asked in GATE so practicing those questions are highly
recommended.
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours/day
Books: SS Rattan (For Concept & Questions) and Khurmi &
Gupta (For Questions).
Day-13 & 14
SECTION-2(TRANSVERSE VIBRATION)
TOPICS: Single concentrated load, uniformly loaded shaft,
Shaft carrying several loads, whirling of shafts.
SECTION-3(TORSIONAL VIBRATION)
TOPICS: Free Torsional Vibrations (Single Rotor), Inertia
effect of the mass of shaft, Free Torsional Vibrations (2 rotor
and 3 rotor system), Torsionally equivalent shaft.
Tips and Instructions: Learn concepts from the “SS Rattan”
book, make notes from it and solve previous year questions at
least 2-3 times before the exam. Also solve questions of
Longitudinal Vibration simultaneously.
Books: SS Rattan (For Concept & Questions) and Khurmi &
Gupta (For Questions).
No. of hours required for clearing concepts & solving
questions: 10-12 hours/day
Note: I will recommend to solve as many as problems of
vibration and revise the concepts and formula regularly and try
to attempt as many as the test of this unit. It is scoring and an
important topic.
Gyroscope (Duration- 1 Day)
Day-15
TOPICS: Angular velocity, Angular acceleration, precessional
angular motion, Gyroscopic torque(couple), Effect of Gyroscopic
couple on an Aeroplane, Terms used in Naval ships, Effect of
Gyroscopic couple on a Naval ship during pitching, rolling,
steering, Effect of Gyroscopic couple on a disc Fixed rigidly at a
certain angle to a rotating shaft, Stability of a four-wheel drive
moving in a curved path, Stability of a two-wheel vehicle taking
a turn.
Tips and Instructions: This is the newly added topic in gate
mechanical syllabus so few questions have been in the previous
year so learn concept from standard books and solve previous
year questions ESE and solved examples of standard books. Till
now very easy and formula-based question have been asked in
GATE.
Books: Khurmi & Gupta or SS Rattan for concepts and
questions.
Governor (Duration- 1 Day)
Day-16
TOPICS: Types of Governors, Centrifugal Governors, Terms
used in Governors, Watt governors, Porter Governors, Proell
governors, Hartnell Governors, Hartung Governors, Wilson-
Hartnell Governors, Pickering governors, Sensitiveness of
Governors, Stability of Governors, Isochronous Governors,
Hunting, Effort and power of a Porter Governor, controlling
force, Controlling force Diagram for a Porter governor and
spring-controlled governor, coefficient of insensitiveness
Tips and Instructions: This is also a newly added unit in
GATE. Till now no questions have been asked in GATE but ESE
previous questions are recommended to solve for practice. This
is not so important topic but it is recommended to cover this
topic as it is probable that GATE authority may ask questions
from this topic as the questions from this topic have never been Design for Dynamic Loading or Design Against
asked after it was included in the syllabus. So be prepared for Fluctuating Load, Endurance or Fatigue strength, S-N
the worst situation. curve:

Topics: Stress concentration, Stress Concentration Factors,

Fluctuating stresses like (Alternating stress, completely reversed
loading, Repeated stresses), Fatigue Failure, Endurance Limit,
Notch Sensitivity, Endurance Limit approximations
Design for static Loading: (Relationship between endurance limit and ultimate strength),
S-N curve Reversed Stresses-Design for Finite & Infinite Life,
Cumulative Damage in Fatigue, Gerber, Soderberg and
Day-1
Goodman lines, Modified Goodman diagrams.

Topics: Modes of failure, Factor of safety (FOS), Stress-strain

Tips and instructions: In this section mostly, questions will
relationship, Shear stress and Shear strain, Stresses Due to
be from Graphs. So, one must have the problem-solving skills
Bending Moment and Stresses Due to Torsional Moment,
using graphs. Practice questions from the standard books and
Eccentric Axial loading, residual stresses.
make notes of tough and conceptual questions. This part of
machine design is very important and you can expect questions
Tips and instructions: Although very few questions have from it almost every year, so learn from the standard books and
been asked in GATE till now but it is a very important topic as it make notes simultaneously. Give test series as much as possible.
forms the basics for all the further topics in MD. Solve Numericals based on S-N graph, Soderberg, Goodman and
numericals from the standard books and attempt test series as Gerber lines, Fluctuating loads are very important.
much as possible.
Books for solving numerical and clearing
Books for solving numerical and clearing concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
No. of hours: 10-12 hours
No. of hours: 5-6 hours

Principles of the design of machine elements such as bolted,

Design for dynamic Loading, Theories of failure, fatigue strength riveted and welded joints:
and the S-N diagram:
Day- 4, 5 & 6
Day-2 & 3
Riveted joint:
Topics: Definition, Types of Riveted joints, types of Failure,
strength equations, the efficiency of joints, Fullering and
Caulking (For theoretical questions).
Tips and instructions: Learn all the types of riveted joints
very well, that will be very helpful in solving numerical.
Numericals on failure, efficiency and strength equations are very
important. Attempt test series.
Welded joints:
Topics: Definition, stress relieving of welded joints, Description
of Butt joints, Description of Fillet joints, Strength of Butt welds,
Strength of parallel Fillet welds, Strength of transverse Fillet
weld, Maximum shear stress in parallel Fillet weld, Maximum
shear stress in Transverse Fillet weld, Axially Loaded
unsymmetrical welded joints, Eccentric loading in the plane of
weld, welded joint subjected to Bending Moment & Torsional
moment, Welding symbols.
Tips and instructions: Practice Numericals of all types of
welded joints as much as possible from the standard book and
solve previous year GATE questions, Memorize all the welding
symbols. Learn stress relieving of welded joints for Theoretical
questions. Attempt test series
Bolted joints:
Topics: Definition, eccentrically loaded bolted joints in Shear,
eccentric Load Perpendicular to the axis of Bolt, the Eccentric
load on a circular base.
Tips and instructions: For practicing numericals previous
year questions are the best questions for practicing, also practice
questions from standard books. You must practice lots of
question for the Bolted joints as it is very much important from
the GATE point of view. Attempt test series.
Books for solving numericals and clearing
concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
No. of hours: 17-18 hours
When done with each subject you can refer to Revision Plan for
GATE ME so that you can fully get prepared for GATE Exam
Shaft, Gears & Keys:
Day- 7 & 8
Gears
Topics: Classification of Gears, Law of Gearing, Terminology of
Gears and its Formulae, Standard systems of Gear Tooth (just
memorize the diagrams of the full depth and stub), Interference
and undercutting, Backlash, Force Analysis, Gear Tooth Failure,
Beam strength of Gear Tooth, Wear strength of Gear Tooth.
Tips and instructions: Some topics from gear are common in
TOM and MD. So, I have mentioned only those topics which are
in MD. Few theoretical questions also have been asked from this
section, so learn the theories of “Interference, undercutting,
Gear Tooth Failure, Elimination of interference” very well.
Theories can be asked from these topics. Practice numericals
from the standard books and Previous GATE questions.
Numericals from Force analysis, Beam strength, Wear strength
are very important, so solve examples from the book and if you
have time then you can solve exercise unsolved problems.
Attempt tests as much as possible.
Shaft and Keys:
Keys:
Topics: Saddle key, sunk key, woodruff key, Feather
keys. (Read basics)
Tips and instruction: This is not so important topic from the
GATE point of view. So, solve previous year questions directly
will be better as these questions can be solved by using common
sense. If you have a problem with these topics then you may
refer “V.B. Bhandari” book for reference.
Books for solving numericals and clearing
concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
No. of hours: 9-10 hours
Bearings Design:
Day-9 & 10
Rolling contact bearing:
Topics: Classification of Bearings, Types of Rolling contact
bearings, Stribeck’s Equation (Diagram and formula only),
Equivalent Bearing load, Dynamic load carrying capacity, Load-
Life Relationship, Design for cyclic loads and speeds.
Tips and instructions: Numericals based on Load-Life
Relationship, Dynamic load are very important, Theories based
on classification and types of the bearing are very important as a
1-mark question can be framed. You must know the type of
bearing that is being used for the type of application.
Sliding contact bearing:
Topics: Lubrication and its basic modes like Thick film and
Thin film lubrication, Thick film – Hydrostatic and
Hydrodynamic lubrication, Viscosity Index (VI), Petroff’s
Equation, McKee’s Investigation, and µN/p curve, bearing
characteristics number, Somerfield number, Comparison of
sliding contact bearing and Rolling contact bearing.
Tips and instructions: Numericals based on Somerfield no.
and Heat generated (power required) numerals are very
important, Theories on Thick and Thin film lubrication, Bearing
Characteristics no. and µN/p curve are important from the
GATE point of view.
Books for solving numerical and clearing
concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
No. of hours: 8-10 hours topic. Fewer topics are there and important from the GATE
point of view, formulae and Diagrams with notations for Multi-
disk, cone and centrifugal clutches should be memorized.
Attempt test series.
Brakes and clutches:

Books for solving numerical and clearing

Day-11 & 12 concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.

No. of hours: 10-12 hours.

Brakes:

Topics: Definition of Brakes, Energy Equations, Block Brake Springs & power screws:
with Short Shoe, Band brakes.

Day-13
Tips and instruction: Numericals based on block brake and
band brake are very important. Many good questions have been
asked till now in the GATE exam, you can practice all of them.
Also, solve numerical problems from the standard books. This Springs:
topic is very important, so do lots of practice and attempt test
series as much as possible.
Topics: Types of springs, the terminology of Helical springs,
Stress and deflection equations, Wahl factor, Series and parallel
connections, Spring materials.
Clutches:
Tips and instruction: Derivation of Stress & deflection of
Topics: Definition of clutches, Classification of clutches, springs should be practiced and also practice relevant numerical
Torque transmitting capacity for uniform Pressure Theory and problems. Few theoretical questions have been asked from
uniform wear theory, Torque transmitting capacity of the clutch spring materials. Attempt test series for more questions.
is maximum when d/D=0.577 for uniform wear theory, Multi-
disk clutches, cone clutches, centrifugal clutches.
Power screws:
Tips and instruction: Derivation of Torque Transmitting
capacity for both the theories must be covered and final formula
for Torque and Axial force must be memorized. Solve previous Topics: Definition of Power screws, Forms of threads,
year GATE questions. Practice numerical questions from Terminology of power screw, Torque Requirement-Lifting and
standard books as much as possible as it is a very important
Lowering Load, Self-locking Screw, Efficiency of different
screws.
Tips and instruction: This portion is not important but few
unpredictable questions asked in GATE exam every year so you
should prepare for the worst situation so one should not leave
this portion and prepare well this Unit. Attempt test series for
more questions.
Books for solving numerical and clearing
concepts: Design of machine elements by “V.B. Bhandari”.
Out of a plethora of options available we would suggest you, to
go for Gere & Timoshenko. This is one of the best standard
books for SOM available in the market & also it will help you to
build your concepts. And for the problem-solving, B.C. Punamia
is suitable.
1. Stress and Strain (5 DAYS)
As seen from the above scenario that it the topic that gaining
more importance and as it is the basic so it is very important
from the point of view of interviews also. This is the only chapter
from which theoretical questions are more commonly asked like:
What is Stress in a material?
First Understand the Various types of loading condition and
clear understanding of which kind of stress is exerted by which
kind of load.
Axial displacements in bars, compound bar, Impact
Elongation and Compression, Plain Strain, Principle Stress and
Strain. Practice numerical on these topics.
2. STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONSHIP & ELASTIC
CONSTANTS (2 DAYS)
This topic is easily covered by the just follow basic learned in
earlier chapter and relations b/w Elastic Constants
(E, G, K, n) should be remembered.
Practice numerical on Poisson’s Ratio and Relation b/w elastic
constants.
3. Mohr’s Circle (1DAYS)
It is also a small topic after studying an analytical formula for
finding Principal Stresses and directions.
Practice more and more numerical on Stress at various planes in
a point, Max shear stress.
Also, While Preparing for GATE (ME), make sure that you
constantly keep on revising these topics which are important
from the GATE point of view.
4.THIN CYLINDERS (1 DAY)
It is the total formula based topic and very easy to score marks.
Remember formulas of Hoop stress, Longitudinal stress,
Circumferential strain, Longitudinal strain and Volumetric
strain for thin cylinder and thin spheres and practice numerical
on these.
5. SFD and BMD (3 DAYS)
The most important topic in SOM for interviews. So, Through
understanding is required. But now, This topic is losing
potential as the paper point of view.
SFD and BMD of simply-supported beams and cantilevers for
various loading (point load, UDL, UVL, concentrated
moment).Practice numerical on these topics.
6. BENDING of BEAMS (4DAY)
This is also the most important topic for the paper and also
require basic information on engineering mechanics.
Understand the variation of bending stress in the beam under
diff loading condition, learn how to shift the load, learn bending
equation. For deflection learn the various possible case as in
paper there will no time to drive.
Practice numerical on Deflection (Superposition method,
Moment area Method, Castigalno theorem), Beam of uniform
strength and Bending equation.
7. TORSION IN SHAFTS (2 DAY)
It becomes easy to understand this topic after bending as a
similar variation of the twisting moment in a shaft.
Learn Twisting Moment equation and Practice numerical on
series and parallel arrangement of shafts and finding various
parameters like angle of twist, stiffness etc for the hollow and
solid shaft.
8. SPRINGS (1/2 DAY)
Learn the formula of Deflection, Stiffness of helical spring and
practice numerical.
9. EULER’S THEORY OF COLUMN (1 DAY)
Very easy and Formula-based topic just learn Euler’s buckling
load for these end conditions (Both End Hinge, Hinge and Fix,
Both End Fix, Fix and free) and Slenderness Ratio.
10. STRAIN ENERGY AND THERMAL STRESSES (2.5
DAY)
In this thermal stresses is the important topic for GATE and
Practice numerical on Thermal Stresses on Yielding Support,
Free Expansion, Rod fixed at both ends.
For Strain Energy better to remember the basis derivations of
strain energy for Beam/Shaft under Torsion, Bending and axial
load.
 Mechanical GATE Krash notes by Kreatryx – For basic
preparation and understanding the concepts.
 “Introduction to Fluid Mechanics” – Som and Biswas –
For referring some of the concepts and solving basic numerical.
 “Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines: Problems and
Solutions” – by Subramanya – For solving/practicing numerical.
 NPTEL lectures by Prof Som. – For referring any doubts
for particular topics.
*These are the books recommended by me but if you are
comfortable with any other standard books, then choose it. I
would highly recommend the book by Subramanya for practice
in place of any other as it covers all kind of numerical.
Syllabus of Fluid Mechanics in GATE –
I will be dealing with the syllabus in detail but the rough cut of
the syllabus is as below –
Fluid Properties , Fluid Statics, Manometry, Buoyancy, Forces
on Submerged Bodies, Stability of Floating Bodies , Control-
Volume Analysis of Mass, Momentum and Energy , Fluid
Acceleration , Differential Equations of Continuity and
Momentum , Bernoulli’s Equation , Dimensional
Analysis , Viscous Flow of Incompressible Fluids , Boundary
Layer , Elementary Turbulent Flow , Flow Through Pipes, Head
Losses in Pipes, Bends and Fittings. Turbomachinery, Impulse
1.
and Reaction Principles, Velocity Diagrams, Pelton-Wheel,
Francis and Kaplan Turbines
I have included Application part as well because it is better to
complete that part of the syllabus of GATE along with the basic
Fluid Mechanics syllabus.
Time required for the whole subject – 20 days (Without
counting any breaks)
How to study Fluid Mechanics for GATE?
Now that you have everything, you should be ready to start. You
should have basic knowledge of this subject since it is taught in
detail during any engineering course as well. Before starting,
just make sure to have your notes ready with you along with
Som and Biswas and Subramanya or any other book that you
have decided to refer.
I would recommend keeping a separate notebook to make notes.
Make note of anything that you understood or would like to
refer later on. You can, in fact, highlight the important points as
well. Also, in the same note, write down all the formulas topic
wise.
Note – For the sub-topics which are in Bold and italic, solve as
many numerical as possible.
Also if you want to make a more personalized study plan then
you can create one for yourself here using our free tool: Create
My Study Plan
Flow and fluid properties –
Topics covered – Relationship between stress and strain for
Newtonian fluids, viscosity, incompressible and compressible
flows, manometry, Hydrostatics: Buoyancy, forces on
submerged bodies, the stability of floating
bodies, differences between the laminar and turbulent flow.
How to study – Refer the notes for the theory part.
Manometry part is very easy to solve once you understand the
concept. There is always at least one question from this topic, so
make sure you understand the concept. It is very important to
understand the concept of hydrostatics to solve problems of
buoyancy, forces on submerged bodies and stability of floating
bodies. All these topics are inter-related. Wherever there is
doubt in concept, I would recommend referring the book and if
doubt persists, then refer NPTEL for that topic only.
 Numerical – Solve 50 % of solved numerical from How to study – It is a very easy topic to cover. There is no
Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from need to refer to the book also. Just study it through the notes
unsolved ones. and solve some numerical and you are done with this topic.

Time required – 3 days. Numerical – Solve 30% of solved numerical from

Subramanya.

Time required – 1 day.

2. Fluid Kinematics –

Topics covered – Concept of local and convective

accelerations, Eulerian and Lagrangian description of fluids 4. Differential Analysis –
motion, steady and unsteady flow.
Topics covered – Concept of fluid rotation, Differential
How to study – These topics are more mathematical related equations of mass and momentum for incompressible
and numerical are very easy to understand. Refer them only flows: inviscid – Euler equations and viscous flows –
from notes and you will be done. There are some important Navier-Stokes equations, vorticity, exact solutions of
theory parts as well as an understanding of steady and unsteady Navier – Stokes equation for Couette flow and
flow for which you can refer notes or book. Poiseuille flow, stream functions and potential
functions
Numerical – Solve 30 % of solved numerical from
Subramanya. How to study – This basically covers a part of fluid dynamics.
Majority of the questions from these topics are formula based.
So, it is very important to remember all the formulas. Some of
Time required – 1 day. the questions from vorticity are conceptual. So, it is important to
understand the working for this part. The numerical questions
from stream functions and potential functions are very easy and
formula based. Try and cover all these topics from notes itself. If
any doubt in the concept or formula, you can refer to the book.
3. Integral analysis –
Numerical – Solve 50 % of solved numerical from
Topics covered – Control volume analysis for mass, Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from
momentum & analysis. unsolved ones.
 Time required – 3 days.
5. Inviscid flow –
Topics covered – Bernoulli’s equation – assumption
and application, source, elementary plane flows, sink and
doublet and their superposition for potential flow past simple
geometries.
How to study – Bernoulli’s equation is the mother of all
equations. There will definitely be at least one question where
you have to apply this equation. So, it is important to
understand where and how to use this equation. Other topics are
not so important and mostly theory part or application of
Bernoulli’s equation.
7.
Numerical – Solve 60 % of solved numerical from Subramanya
involving Bernoulli’s equation. Try and solve some of the 3-star
problems from unsolved ones.
Time required – 2 days.
6. Dimensional analysis –
Topics covered – Kinematic and dynamic similarity,
Concept of geometric, some common non-dimensional
parameters and their physical significance Froude number and
Mach number, Reynolds number.
How to study – Although the topic is very simple, it is
advisable to go through the theory part through the book once.
Normally in GATE, numerical are asked based on the given
similarity for which various formulas are there. So, remember
all the similarity formulas. Mostly, these numerical can be
solved just by applying formulas. Also, remember all different
kind of numbers as they may be useful in solving some of the
numerical.
Numerical – Solve 50 % of solved numerical from
Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from
unsolved ones.
Time required – 2 days.
Internal Flows –
Topics covered – Empirical relations for laminar and
turbulent flows; friction factor & Darcy Weisbach
equation, fully developed pipe flow, losses in pipe
flow.
How to study – The topic is small but covers a huge variety of
numerical. You will have to remember the basic empirical
relations for laminar flows for solving some of the numerical.
Generally, for turbulent flow, there is no need for remembering
the empirical relations. Friction factor and DW relation are both
very important. There are also wide ranges of numerical from
pipe flows which are mostly formula based. Since the whole
topics are formula based, you will have to remember all the
formulas without fail.
 Numerical – Solve 60 % of solved numerical from
Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from
unsolved ones.
Time required – 3 days.
8. Prandtl boundary layer equations –
Topics covered – Qualitative idea of boundary layer
and separation, drag and lift forces, Concept, and
assumptions, streamlined and bluff bodies, Flow
measurements: Pitot – static tube and orifice plate,
the Basic idea of flow measurement by venturi meter.
How to study – There will be several empirical relations here
as well which you need not remember. But it is important to
understand the concept of the boundary layer. If you are having
difficulty, I would recommend watching the NPTEL lecture by
Prof Som on boundary layers. There are some simple numerical
in drag and lift forces. This topic has some theory part as well
which you can go through the notes and/or book. I would also
recommend understanding the concept of all flow measurement
devices instead of remembering their formulas as it will help you
solve numerical better.
Numerical – Solve 50 % of solved numerical from
Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from
unsolved ones.
Time required – 2 days.
9. Applications –
Topics covered – Impulse and Reaction Principles,
Velocity Diagrams, Pelton-Wheel, Francis and Kaplan
Turbines
How to study – The application part is also one of the most
important. There are some theory parts for different types of
turbines which you can go through notes/book. Understanding
the velocity diagram is very important. If you have any doubt at
all, go through the NPTEL videos by Prof Som on velocity
diagrams. There will be some basic numerical which can be
solved easily once you understand the velocity diagrams
Numerical – Solve 40 % of solved numerical from
Subramanya. Try and solve some of the 3-star problems from
unsolved ones.
Time required – 2 days.
Point to remember while preparing Fluid Mechanics –
1. Although I have mentioned the time frame for all the
topics, take little more time if you feel like you are not able to
solve the numerical. Move on to the next topic only when you
are satisfied with the previous topic.
2. Since FM is one of the subjects which is mostly about
numerical, solve as many numerical as possible. I have given an
idea of how many numerical to be solved from each topic but it
is always better to solve more. I would recommend solving
numerical as and when suggested and then while revising, you
can always solve more.
3. Notes are necessary to understand the concept. Normally
on your first-time preparation of the subject, refer both notes
and book for theory part. Move to NPTEL only if you have
 doubt. While revising, only refer to the notes and the separate Topics: –
notebook which you have prepared.
4. Once you are done with the subject, solve the last 15 year  Modes of heat transfer
papers. If you are able to solve 75% or more numerical, you are
in the right track. 1. Conduction

5. You have to remember all the formulas. So, in your 1. One dimensional heat conduction
separate notebook, keep all the formulas ready and refer them
for 10 to 15 minutes every night before sleeping so that you don’t 
forget them. 

6. Do not spend more than 25 days on the whole subject. 1. Plane slab*
7. Take test series for GATE as soon as you are done with 2. Radial*
the topic/subject.
3. Spherical
If you do this much, it will be more than sufficient for
preparation of Fluid Mechanics for GATE exam. Then you can 2. Resistance concept and electrical analogy*
move on to subject like Engineering Mechanics and learn how to 3. Critical thickness*
prepare Engineering Mechanics for GATE exam
4. Heat transfer through fins
Books required for Heat Transfer preparation: – 5. Unsteady heat conduction*
6. Lumped parameter system & Heisler’s charts
Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications – by
Cengel & Boles 2. Convection
1. Difference between Free and forced convection
Heat and Mass Transfer- P K Nag
2. Thermal boundary layer

Notes – KRASH (ME), postal study course 3. Dimensionless parameters in free and forced
convective heat transfer
Time required for Heat Transfer preparation: – 4. Heat transfer correlations for flow over flat plates
and through pipes with and without effect of turbulence.
4 to 7 days (if you have 4 to 5 months of preparation) with 4 to 6 3. Radiation
hours daily
1. Radiative heat transfer
2. Stefan Boltzmann law
3. Wien’s displacement law
4. black and grey surfaces*
5. View factors* (atleast 1 question is compulsory)
6. Radiation network analysis*.
4. Heat Exchangers*
1. Heat exchanger performance
2. LMTD and NTU methods
The topics marked with * are more important and you have to
solve more numericals in these topics.
How to start with Heat Transfer preparations –
Make sure that you have P K Nag as it will help with theory as
well as numericals. Keep the notes with you as well. I would
suggest keeping an extra note book which you should keep for
preparing notes, different kind of notes, where you note down
anything which you understand in concepts and formulae. Also
keep one separate notebook for solving numericals. I would
advise you to solve full length numericals. If you keep full length
numericals solved in a notebook that will help you later on while
revising. Cengel is a book of advance stage at least try its
examples numericals, after doing a fair amount of numericals
from Nag. Wherever you get confused in theory, refer the
Cengel.
Now I will be telling topic wise how to prepare.
1. Basic concepts (1 day) You will find it in starting
chapters of P K Nag. The theory part is necessary for going
further ahead with the preparations. Focus only on
theory. Solve 5 to 10 solved numericals from P K Nag.
That much will be enough. Here you will understand what the
difference between HT (heat transfer) and Thermo
(Thermodynamics).
2. Conduction This topic starts with Fourier law of
conduction and it leads to thermal conductivity and you have to
study how it reacts with change in different parameters like
Temperature, pressure alloying etc.
3. Convection This topic tells you how the heat moves in
fluids, understand the term Diffusion, Free & Forced convection.
Give a time to Hydrodynamic Boundary layer & comprehend the
uses of various Dimensionless numbers in Free & Forced
convection. Learn to use the empirical relations for flow over flat
plates and through pipes and these are affected by turbulence.
Don’t forget the way how they are derived.
4. Radiation This mode shows its complete significance in
high temperatures. Here we have to understand all the terms
used in this mode. What are Stefan Boltzmann law, Kirchhoff’s
Law and Wien’s displacement law. While studying network
analysis be clear about Shape and Surface Resistance, and what
is the effect of radiation Shield. Be clear about BLACK, WHITE
& GREY BODIES with their characteristics.
5. Heat exchangers It is the machine where all modes are
prominent (radiation excluded in our syllabi). There are two
approaches to solve its problem for both Counter flow & Parallel
flow, i.e. LMTD and NTU. Comprehend where and when to use
LMTD and NTU. And how to find the effectiveness.
Books required for thermodynamics preparation:-
Thermodynamics – by P K Nag
 Thermodynamics – by Cengel & Boles (Just for occasional 10. Thermodynamic relations, equilibrium and stability
reference)
11. Application (1) – Different cycles*

RAC – by Khurmi 12. Application (2) – air conditioning*

13. Refrigeration*
Notes – KRASH (ME), postal study course
The topics marked with * are more important and you have to
solve more numericals in these topics.

Time required for thermodynamics preparation:-

How to start with Thermodynamics preparations –

25 to 30 days (if you have 8 to 10 months of preparation) with 2
to 3 hours daily
Make sure that you have P K Nag as it will help with theory as
well as numericals. Keep the notes with you as well. I would
10 to 15 days (if you have 4 to 5 months of preparation) with 4 to suggest keeping an extra note book which you should keep for
6 hours daily preparing notes, different kind of notes, where you note down
anything which you understand in concepts and formulae. Also
keep one separate notebook for solving numericals. I would
advise you to solve full length numericals wherever I suggest. If
Topics :-
you keep full length numericals solved in a notebook that will
help you later on while revising.
1. Basic concepts
2. Energy interaction*
Now I will be telling topic wise how to prepare.
3. First law of Thermodynamics*
4. First law applied to flow process* 1. Basic concepts (1 day) – You will find it in starting
chapters of P K Nag. The theory part is necessary for going
5. Second law of Thermodynamics* further ahead with the preparations. Focus only on
theory. Solve 5 to 10 solved numericals from P K Nag.
6. Entropy* That much will be enough.
7. Available energy, availability and Irreversibility
8. Properties of pure substance*
9. Properties of Gas and Gas mixture* 2. Energy interaction (1 day) – This topic covers the
basic different kind of processes like isothermal process, isobaric
 process etc and how to calculate different kind of values like
Heat transfer, Work done etc. Generally in GATE at least 1
question will be there from this topic and since the topic is easy,
there can be a conceptual type of question from this topic. This
topic actually complements with other later topics, so it’s
important to be strong in this topic. Solve all the solved
numericals from P K Nag along with 30% unsolved
numericals.
3. First law of Thermodynamics (2 days) – It is just
the extension of last topic with some additional equations. It’s
important to remember formulae from this topic and practice a
lot questions. In GATE, numericals are based on the concept on
the laws of thermodynamics. At least 1 numerical is always there
from this topic. Again, solve all the solved numericals
from P K Nag with 30% unsolved questions.
4. First law applied to flow process (1 day) – This
topic covers the steady flow process (open and closed). One
numerical is always there in GATE form this topic and it is very
easy. The question from this topic is not conceptual but only
required formula to be used. You should be aware what values to
put where and that’s it. There are some small topics like Free
expansion which you shouldn’t leave. You just need to be aware
what values are to be taken in these processes. Again, solve all
the solved numericals from P K Nag with 30% unsolved
questions.
5. Second law of Thermodynamics (3 days) – There is
a little bit of theory in this topic as well. Cover the theory part
first and then go to numericals. The numericals are based on
concept of Heat engines, Refrigerator and Carnot cycles. Once
you understand the concept, the numericals are very to solve.
You should be aware of how thermal sources or reservoirs are
connected in series and parallel and how the calculation is done
for these kind of questions. Generally 2 to 3 questions from this
topic is there. Solve all the solved numericals and 20% of
the unsolved numericals which will cover all kind of
questions.
6. Entropy (2 days) – This topic is very important as it
combines with other type of numericals. The numericals in this
topic is formula based but you should be aware how the formula
is generated which will help you understand the concept. Also,
there are sometimes graph related questions in GATE. So, in
theory part also cover the P-V and T-S diagrams. Solve all the
solved numericals and 30% of unsolved numericals.
7. Available energy, Availability and Irreversibility
(1 day) – Not so important topic in respect to GATE. There are
sometimes question on Irreversibility. The concept is also a little
confusing but once you understand it, you can solve any
problems. Just solve all the solved numericals from P K
Nag and that will be enough. There is some theory part as
well. Don’t skip those.
8. Properties of pure substance (2 days) – It has a lot
of theory part based on the concept. I advise you to refer Cengel
& Boles if you are having difficulty in understanding the
concepts. The topic parts like critical pressure, critical
temperature, saturation state etc are very important. In GATE,
sometimes they give extract of steam table to solve the questions
 so you have to practice those kind of numericals. Although the
numericals are very simple, you should be aware of how to
calculate all the values. Sometimes confusing problems
are also there but if you cover all the solved numericals
from P K Nag, it will cover all kinds of problems.
9. Properties of Gases and Gas mixture (2 days) –
Just similar to last topic, the topic is not that big. It covers
equations like ideal gas equation with formula based
numericals. Normally the numericals from this topic are
conceptual, so you need the cover the theory part more
comprehensively. The numericals based on mixture of
gases at times can be tricky, so I recommend solving all
the solved problems and 20% unsolved problems from
P K Nag.
12.
10. Thermodynamic relations, equilibrium and
stability (2 days) – The theory from this part is very
important. All the TdS equations are required for solving
majority of the problems. There are certain theorems and
equations as well which you should cover as theory only. There
are topics like Joule – Kelvin Effect, Isothermal compressibility
etc which you won’t find in P K Nag along with other topics.
They are towards the end section of the book. So, make sure you
are not missing out on those. Covering only theory part
from this section is enough.
13.
11. Application (1) – Different cycles (6 days) – It is
one of the most important topics of thermodynamics, There may
be as much as 4 questions from this topic. You have to cover all
kind of cycles – from Otto, diesel cycle to Brayton, Rankine and
other cycles. You should be aware of P-V and T-S diagram of
each and every cycle. In some cycles different kind of graph is
required, so cover that accordingly. This topic is a little spread in
P K Nag, so you have to cover the topics after searching
them. Solve all the solved numericals along with 30% of
unsolved numericals. You should be aware of what
regeneration and reheating is. There are some direct formulae as
well but you should be aware of how to reach to that formula.
Also, calculation of efficiency, COP etc by using simple PV
equations is generally required. It is a broad topic and required
solving a lot of problems covering all types. Try to also cover
steam turbines and nozzles along with this topic. Theory like
velocity compounding and pressure compounding are not along
with other topics. So, search for that and cover it.
Application (2) – Air conditioning (3 days) – This
is a totally different kind of topic. I suggest you to prepare this
topic either from Khurmi or P K Nag. You should be aware of
psychrometric chart in detail. There are different values like
DBT, DPT, WBT etc and different formulae for all these values.
Also, it cover different kind of processes like sensible heating,
sensible cooling etc. Normally the questions are very conceptual
from this topic so you need to practice as many numericals as
possible. There are topics are by-pass factor which you should
cover by Khurmi. I would suggest you to solve all the
solved numericals from P K Nag as well as Khurmi.
Refrigeration (3 days) – Cover this topic from
Khurmi. There are different kind of refrigeration cycles and
some theory part like effect of decrease or increase evaporator
pressure or effect of super-heating etc. The numericals are of
various types covering from simple type of cycle to cascading,
vapour absorption cycle etc. You need to practice all kinds of
numericals. There are a lots of solved numericals in
 Khurmi which should be enough for practicing. Don’t
forget about gas absorption cycle and theory part of different
types of refrigerants as well.
Now that I have told about all the topics there certain
other things to be taken care as well, which are:-
1. Cover the theory part from P K Nag but if you are having
doubt in any topic, clarify it through Cengel and Boles. This
book is a novel in itself. Any concepts can be made cleared using
this book.
2. P K Nag covers a very large number of numericals, both
solved and unsolved. Cover the number of questions that I
mentioned here which will be more than enough. If you hung up
on s single topic, it may become just a waste of time.
3. I would recommend solving full length numericals in a
separate notebook as I mentioned earlier. This will not only help
with accuracy but also with your revision, later on.
4. The timeline that I mentioned should be enough. You
should keep that as target and complete the topics in mentioned
timeline. Divide it into theory and numerical and cover as much
as possible.
5. If you lag at any particular topic, don’t worry, try to make
up with other topics.
6. If you are within target period, you should cover all the
topics in 27 days.
Revision and practice –
Once you cover all the topics and numericals. You can go ahead
with solving the last year papers questions for practice. There
may be some questions which you may not be able to solve but if
you are able to solve even 70% of problems, you are on right
track. Take the target as 3 days to cover all the previous year
questions papers.
If you have certain doubts on concepts while solving last year
paper, you can take reference from your notes/books and make
sure that you don’t make such mistakes again.
This covers the entire Thermodynamics subject in 30 days. If
you have 8 to 10 months of preparations, this is the optimum
time to dedicate in this subject.
If you are starting late and want to cover the subject fast, try to
cover the mentioned timeline by divide it by 2 and dedicating
more time each day. You can cut down on some numericals and
make that happen.
If you are starting early, I would highly recommend reading
Cengel and Boles just like a novel. It’s a book worth reading and
I am sure you will like it. You will be very strong conceptually if
you do that.
1. CASTING (8 Days)
One numerical problem in either set would be definitely there
from Casting, Design Methods, Core Design, Solidification Time
of Cube, Cylinder, Sphere (Chvorinov’s Principle). These topics
should be well-practiced for scoring 2 marks.
One theoretical question can be covered from Casting
Applications, Defects and basic properties of casting like
Fluidity, Permeability, etc.
This is least that can be expected and one more question if asked
then that would be from these concepts.
Casting is the very scoring topic as GATE point of view.
How to Prepare Theory of Machines for GATE exam?
2. JOINING/WELDING (5 days)
One easy numerical problem on Melting Efficiency calculations
and Arc Characteristics are mostly linear so practice more and
more numerical on these. Other basics properties, defects, and
applications must be initially understood.
3. SHEET METAL (2 Days)
Learn only Clearance in Punching and Blanking operation and
Shearing concepts. No need to focus on theory and practice
numerical on these only.
4. MACHINING & MACHINING TOOLS (9 Days)
Huge and vast topic but can be covered wisely as there are
mostly chance of calculation of machining time so in the whole
machining tools section focus on this and if one theoretical
question if asks then I am not suggesting to cover the whole
topic.
Metal Cutting is easy to prepare and scoring. So practice
numerical on Economics and various angles calculations of
orthogonal cutting. Often a question is asked of Taylor’s Tool
Life so don’t mistake if the question from these three concepts
that’s why practice numerical on these as much as you can.
5. METAL FORMING (4 Days)
Generally, numerical type questions are asked from this topic so
practice Bite angle in Rolling, True stress and strain and force
analysis (Rolling, Extrusion, Forging). Numerical on Up to now
only one question asked from Powder Metallurgy and I am not
suggesting to prepare this.
As soon as you are done with a part of this subject or the
complete subject then you can start taking online test series for
GATE (ME).
6. NON. CONVENTIONAL MACHINING (3 Days)
This and two next topics are short, conceptual and acts as an
edge for GATE specifically.
My suggestion is to practice Numerical on EDM and ECM and
read all processes and learning applications.
7. CIMS (2 Days)
This topic is very easy to prepare and generally asked in every
set.
Basic Machining G and M codes should be on tips. Practice
numerical on Transformation.
8. METROLOGY AND INSPECTION (4 Days)
This is a little typical of the last three topics but less time-
consuming in the paper once you know the concepts. Practice
numerical on Tolerance Calliper, Sink and measuring (Vernier
Optical Flat, Precession Balls). This subject requires at least 4
revision and final suggestion from my side is to solve all the
question that asked in P&I branch just before paper as many
time same concepts repeat in our paper.
Production planning and control:
Forecasting models and work-study:
Day-1
This topic is very easy and scoring also, although fewer
questions have been asked about this topic till now it is
recommended to solve questions of the previous year and
standard books.
Standard Book for Work-study for clearing concepts
and solving questions: O.P.Khanna (Industrial Engineering
and management)
Forecasting models methods: Moving Average Methods for
Forecasting, Weighted Average method, Exponential Smoothed
Method.
Standard Book for Forecasting models for clearing
concepts and solving questions: HIRA & Gupta (Operations
Research)
No. of Hours: 6-7 hours
Aggregate production planning, Scheduling and MRP:
Day-2 & 3
Aggregate production planning and MRP:
Tips and instructions: Fewer questions have been asked till
now from this topic There are lots of topics from this unit which
should be read twice before GATE exam so, suggesting you to
read two times before GATE exam, just read like a storybook 1
hour daily. 1-mark theoretical questions can be framed from this
part.
Standard Book for clearing concepts: O.P.Khanna
(Industrial Engineering and management)
Scheduling:
Topics: Sequencing problems, Assumptions in sequencing
Problems, Processing n jobs through one machine, SPT rule
(Shortest processing Time), EDD rule (Earliest Due Date),
Processing n jobs through 2 machines, Processing n jobs
through 3 machines.
Tips and instruction: Very important, very easy and scoring
topic. Solve numerical on SPT and EDD rule for calculating
Completion time of the jobs, mean flow time, average in process
inventory, lateness, mean lateness, maximum lateness, number
of jobs actually late.
No. of Hours: 6-7 hours
Inventory Control and Break-Even Analysis:
Day- 4 ,5 & 6
Inventory control:
Topics: Basic terminologies like Ordering cost (procurement
cost or replenishment cost), carrying cost or (inventory or
holding cost), purchase cost, EOQ (Economic Ordering cost);
Inventory models with Deterministic Demand (Learn all the
models given in Hira and Gupta book inside this topic),
Inventory models with Probabilistic Demand.
Tips and instruction: This is one of the important of
Operation research and this topic should not be left at any cost.
Solve all the previous year GATE question of ME and PI branch.
Also, practice quality questions from the standard book.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 14-16 hours
Break-even analysis:
Tips and instruction: This topic is very easy and can be
learned from the standard book “Hira and Gupta”, few previous
year GATE questions of ME and PI are there to solve for
practice.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 2-3 hours
Operations Research:
Day- 7, 8 & 9
Linear Programming:
Topics: Assumptions in Linear programming Models,
Formulation of LPP, Graphical method of solution, Theory of
simplex method and its technique or Algorithm,
Some important definitions like solution, Feasible solutions,
Basic solution, Basic feasible solution, Non-degenerate basic
solution, degenerate basic feasible solution, Optimal basic
feasible solution, Unbounded solution, Set of points, Convex and
non-convex sets.
Artificial variable techniques, The Big-M Method, Dual Simplex
Method.
Tips and instruction: You must have good knowledge of basic
definitions as I mentioned in the topics section which will help
you to find the type of solutions. Solve questions from previous
year GATE and ESE of ME & PI branch. Practice formulation of
LPP from the standard book and also practice questions on
graphical methods and simplex method too. You must know
how to draw the graph of every solutions mentioned above and
what should be the final table in Simplex method for every
solution of the given set of constraints.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical : HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 12-14 hours
Transportation:
Day- 10 & 11
Topics: Assumptions in the Transportation model, Definition
of the Transportation Model, Definitions of the different types of
solution, Matrix terminology, Formulation and solution of
Transportation Models, to find an initial feasible method:
North-west Corner Rule (NWCM), Row Minima Method,
Column Minima Method, Least-Cost Method (Matrix Minima
Method or Lowest cost Entry Method), Vogel’s Approximation
method (VAM) or Penalty method or Regret method.
To find an Optimal solution method: The Stepping-Stone
Method, The Modified Distribution (MODI) Method or the u-v
Method. Degeneracy in Transportation Problem, Unbalanced
Transportation Problem, The Maximization Problem.
Tips and instruction: Few questions have been asked in the
GATE exam till now but still 2 marks questions can be framed
from this topic so practice questions from the standard book for
all the 6 methods. Previous GATE and ESE questions are
recommended to solve.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 8-9 hours
PERT and CPM:
Day- 11 & 12
Topics: Basic Tools and Techniques of Project Management,
Network Logic (Network or Arrow Diagram), Numbering the
Events (Fulkerson’s Rule), Activity on Node Diagram, Critical
Path Method (CPM), Programme Evaluation and Review
Technique (PERT), Cost Analysis and Crashing the Network.
Tips and instruction: Very important topic from the GATE
point of view and very easy too. There are very few contents to
cover inside this topic so suggesting you to cover everything that
I mentioned and practice Previous year GATE questions as some
good questions have been asked from it. In PERT you will have
to learn concepts for Z-score, probability, and relevant topics.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 7-10 hours
Simple Queuing models:
Day- 13
Topics: Introduction, Elements of a Queuing system (structure
of a Queuing system), Kendall’s Notation for Representing
Queuing Models, Probabilistic Queuing models- Single channel
Queuing Theory-Models for Arrival and service times (Model-1)
[(M/M/I): (FCFS/∞/∞)]
Tips and instruction: You must know all the terminologies
which are asked to find out in the question and mug up all the
relevant formulae.
Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving
numerical: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)
No. of Hours: 4-5 hours
Assignment Models:
Day- 14

Topics: Definition, Mathematical representation, Comparison

with the transportation, solution of the Assignments models,
The Hungarian method, Formulation and solution of the
Assignment Problems, The Travelling salesman problem.

Tips and instruction: This topic is not so important but still

1-mark theoretical questions have been asked in the GATE exam
so learn some theories of the above topics mentioned and
Practice numericals from the standard book

Standard Book for clearing concepts and solving

numericals: HIRA & Gupta (Operations Research)

No. of Hours: 4-5 hours

And when you are done with preparation of Industrial

Engineering subject, you can practice the mock tests or practice
questions simultaneously related to this subject because they are
quite necessary for your overall confidence building and
preparation.