GATE 2026 Biomedical Engineering (BM) SYLLABUS – Complete Guide

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted in India that helps biomedical engineers pursue M.Tech or Ph.D. in IITs, NITs, and top global universities. For Biomedical Engineers, it’s a gateway to research, innovation, and advanced technical careers in healthcare technology.

1.    Why GATE for Biomedical Engineers?

• Enhances biomedical career opportunities in R&D, medical device companies, and healthcare technology.

• Opens admissions to IITs/NITs for M.Tech/Ph.D.

• Used for Public Sector Units(PSUs) shortlisting (DRDO, ISRO, BHEL depending on openings).

• Adds strong value to your resume and establishes technical credibility.

2.    Admissions & Opportunities After GATE

• M.Tech/Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering / Medical Instrumentation.

• R&D and technical roles in medical device companies.

• Eligibility for research fellowships.

• Higher academic career possibilities (Teaching/Research).

3.    IITs Accepting GATE BM Score

Below IITs accept GATE Biomedical Engineering (BM) score for admissions:

- IIT Guwahati- IIT Delhi- IIT Bombay- IIT Madras- IIT Kanpur- IIT Kharagpur- IIT Roorkee

4.    Who Conducts GATE?

GATE is jointly conducted by IISc Bangalore and seven IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee) overseen by the National Coordination Board, Ministry of Education. Each year, one IIT becomes an organizing institute.

5.    GATE Exam Pattern & Marks Distribution

Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Question Types: MCQ, MSQ, NAT

Negative Marking: −0.33 for 1-mark & −0.66 for 2-mark MCQs

Duration: 3 hours

a. Exam Pattern & Marks DistributionDistribution

b. Question Types

6.    Detailed Syllabus for GATE Biomedical Engineering (BM)

Based on IIT Guwahati Official Outline (IIT Organizing GATE 2026)

(DOWNLOAD GATE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SYLLABUS PDF BELOW👇)

6.A. General Aptitude (15 Marks)

• Verbal aptitude – grammar, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms.

• Analytical aptitude – logic, pattern recognition, data interpretation.

• Numerical aptitude – arithmetic, percentages, averages, ratios, time-work problems.

6.B. Engineering Mathematics (13–15 Marks)

1.1. Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Calculus: Mean value theorems, theorems of integral calculus, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, Fourier series, vector identities, line, surface and volume integrals, Stokes, Gauss and Green's theorems.

1.2. Differential equations: First order linear and nonlinear differential equations, higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients, method of separation of variables, Cauchy's and Euler's equations, initial and boundary value problems, and solution of partial differential equations.

1.3. Analysis of complex variables: Analytic functions, Cauchy's integral theorem and integral formula, Taylor's and Laurent's series, residue theorem.

1.4. Probability and Statistics: Sampling theorems, conditional probability, mean, median, mode and standard deviation, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions: normal, Poisson and binomial distributions. Tests of Significance, statistical power analysis, and sample size estimation. Linear Regression and correlation analysis.

1.5. Numerical Methods: Matrix inversion, numerical solutions of nonlinear algebraic equations, iterative methods for solving differential equations, numerical integration.

6.C. Core Biomedical Engineering (70–72 Marks)

1.1. Electrical Circuits:

Voltage and current sources - independent, dependent, ideal and practical; v-i relationships of resistor, inductor and capacitor; transient analysis of RLC circuits with dc excitation; Kirchoff’s laws, superposition, Thevenin, Norton, maximum power transfer and reciprocity theorems; Peak, average and rms values of ac quantities; apparent, active and reactive powers; phasor analysis, impedance and admittance; series and parallel resonance, realization of basic filters with R, L and C elements, Bode plot.

1.2. Signals and Systems:

Continuous and Discrete Signal and Systems - Periodic, periodic and impulse signals; Sampling theorem; Laplace and Fourier transforms; impulse response of systems; transfer function, frequency response of first and second order linear time invariant systems, convolution, correlation. Discrete time systems - impulse response, frequency response, DFT, Z - transform; basics of IIR and FIR filter.

1.3. Analog and Digital Electronics:

Basic characteristics and applications of diode, BJT and MOSFET; Characteristics and applications of operational amplifiers - difference amplifier, adder, subtractor, integrator, differentiator, instrumentation amplifier, buffer, filters and waveform generators. Number systems, Boolean algebra; combinational logic circuits - arithmetic circuits, comparators, Schmitt trigger, encoder/decoder, MUX/DEMUX, multi-vibrators; Sequential circuits - latches and flip flops, state diagrams, shift registers and counters; Principles of ADC and DAC; Microprocessor- architecture, interfacing memory and input- output devices.

1.4. Measurements and Control Systems:

SI units, systematic and random errors in measurement, expression of uncertainty - accuracy and precision index, propagation of errors; PMMC, MI and dynamometer type instruments; DC potentiometer; bridges for measurement of R, L and C, Q-meter. Basics of control system - transfer function.

1.5. Bioinstrumentation and Sensors:

Sensors - resistive, capacitive, inductive, piezoelectric, Hall effect, electro chemical, optical; Sensor signal conditioning circuits; application of LASER in sensing and therapy. Origin of bio potentials and their measurement techniques - ECG, EEG, EMG, ERG, EOG, GSR, PCG, Principles of measuring blood pressure, body temperature, volume and flow in arteries, veins and tissues, respiratory measurements and cardiac output measurement. Operating principle of medical equipment-sphygmomanometer, ventilator, cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, pulse oximeter, hemodialyzer Electrical Isolation (optical and electrical) and Safety of Biomedical Instruments.

1.6. Human Anatomy and Physiology:

Basics of cell, types of tissues and organ systems; Homeostasis; Basics of organ systems - musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine, nervous, gastrointestinal and reproductive.

1.7. Medical Imaging Systems:

Basic physics, Instrumentation and image formation techniques in medical imaging modalities such as X-Ray, Computed Tomography, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Positron Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound.

1.8. Biomechanics:

Kinematics of muscles and joints - free-body diagrams and equilibrium, forces and stresses in joints, biomechanical analysis of joints, Gait analysis; Hard Tissues - Definition of Stress and Strain, Deformation Mechanics, structure and mechanical properties of bone - cortical and cancellous bones; Soft Tissues - Structure, functions, material properties, visco elastic properties, Maxwell & Voight models; Biofluid mechanics - Flow properties of blood in the intact human cardiovascular system.

1.9. Biomaterials:

Basic properties of biomaterials - Metallic, Ceramic, Polymeric and Composite; Fundamental characteristics of implants - biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability; Basics of drug delivery; Basics of tissue engineering. Biomaterial characterization techniques - Rheology, Atomic Force Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.

1.10. Artificial and Assist Devices:

Pacemakers, dialysis machines, artificial heart valves, orthopaedic implants, ventilators.

7.    Eligibility Criteria

• Students currently in 3rd year of bachelor's degree or higher are eligible.

• Graduates from Biomedical, Biotechnology, Electronics, Instrumentation, Electrical, or related fields can apply.

• No age limit.

• International students (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE) can also apply.

8.    Application Guidelines (Documents Required)

• Photo (passport size), signature (digital), ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport).

• Category certificate (if applicable).

• Degree/College Enrollment proof.

9.    Application Fee

Female / SC/ST / PwD: ₹1,000 (early), ₹1,500 (extended)General & Others: ₹2,000 (early), ₹2,500 (extended)

10.    Financial Assistance (₹12,400 Stipend)

GATE qualified candidates admitted to M.Tech/Ph.D. in government-funded institutes receive ₹12,400 per month stipend from the Ministry of Education for the duration of the program.

11.    Recommended Books

• R.S. Khandpur – Handbook of Biomedical Instrumentation

• John Webster – Medical Instrumentation Application and Design

• Rangayyan – Biomedical Signal Analysis

• Guyton & Hall – Medical Physiology

• Oppenheim – Signals and Systems

• Arihant – Engineering Mathematics

12.     GATE BM Application Timeline

GATE Biomedical Engineering (GATE BM) applications typically begin in late August or early September, with the last date to apply falling in October. The exam is held in February every year.For GATE 2026, registrations are closed and the admit card/advisory schedule will proceed as per IIT guidelines.

The GATE Biomedical Engineering exam is your opportunity to step into advanced domains of healthcare technology and innovation. This guide is a one-stop reference for all GATE BM-related queries. Harvey Biomedical continues to mentor Biomedical Engineers through training and career guidance.

🔗 Official link: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/doc/GATE2026_Syllabus/BM_2026_Syllabus.pdf

🔗 For Updated Notifications-Visit Official Website: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/