Check the best books for GATE 2026 preparation for CSE, ME, EE, ECE, and Civil Engineering. Find recommended books for General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core subjects.
Preparing for the GATE 2026 exam requires the right resources. While online study materials are helpful, standard textbooks and preparation books remain the backbone of a strong strategy. Choosing the best books for GATE 2026 can save time and boost your score.
In this article, we’ll cover:General Aptitude & Engineering Mathematics popular GATE papers how to use these books effectively
Best Books for GATE 2026 – General Sections General Aptitude (15 Marks) Subject Recommended Books Verbal Ability A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. AggarwalNumerical Ability Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. Aggarwal
Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks) Topics Recommended Books Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability Higher Engineering Mathematics – B.S. GrewalNumerical Methods Advanced Engineering Mathematics – Erwin Kreyszig
Best Books for GATE 2026 – Stream-wise Computer Science & IT (CSE) Subject Book Algorithms Introduction to Algorithms – Cormen (CLRS)Operating System Operating System Concepts – SilberschatzComputer Networks Data Communications and Networking – ForouzanDatabase Database System Concepts – SilberschatzTheory of Computation Introduction to Automata Theory – HopcroftProgramming Let Us C – Yashavant Kanetkar
Mechanical Engineering (ME) Subject Book Engineering Mechanics Engineering Mechanics – S. TimoshenkoStrength of Materials Strength of Materials – R.K. BansalThermodynamics Engineering Thermodynamics – P.K. NagFluid Mechanics Fluid Mechanics – Modi & SethManufacturing Production Technology – P.C. Sharma
Electrical Engineering (EE) Subject Book Electrical Machines Electrical Machinery – P.S. BimbhraPower Systems Power System Engineering – Nagrath & KothariControl Systems Automatic Control Systems – Benjamin C. KuoSignals & Systems Signals and Systems – OppenheimNetwork Theory Engineering Circuit Analysis – Hayt & Kemmerly
Electronics & Communication (ECE) Subject Book Electronic Devices Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory – BoylestadDigital Electronics Digital Design – Morris ManoSignals & Systems Signals and Systems – OppenheimControl Systems Control Systems Engineering – OgataCommunication Systems Principles of Communication Systems – Taub & Schilling
Civil Engineering (CE) Subject Book Structural Analysis Structural Analysis – R.C. HibbelerRCC & Steel Design Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures – S. RamamruthamGeotechnical Soil Mechanics and Foundations – B.C. PunmiaEnvironmental Environmental Engineering – S.K. GargTransportation Highway Engineering – S.K. Khanna & Justo
Tips for Using These Books Cover basics first before solving advanced problems.Use previous year GATE questions along with these books. Make short notes and formula sheets while studying. Revise important topics regularly. Combine books with online test series and video lectures for best results. 
