GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) Important Topics 2024

Jan 26, 2026, 13:28 IST

GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) Important Topics: Check the Important Topics of GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence along with the best books for preparing for GATE Data Science & AI paper.

Get important topics of GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) syllabus
Get important topics of GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) syllabus

GATE Data Science Important Topics: GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) Important Topics cover the key areas that carry high weightage in the exam. These topics are selected based on the latest GATE DA syllabus and previous years’ question trends. Focusing on them helps candidates plan their preparation in a structured way. Regular revision of these topics improves accuracy and confidence in the exam. In this article, we will discuss the important topics, best books, etc., for the GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence subject.

GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) Important Topics: Overview

After seeing the rising demand for AI-focused data science professionals in India as well as the global market, IIT Guwahati has added Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) as a new subject in GATE 2026. The inclusion of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence as subjects in the GATE 2026 exam shows the growing importance of these fields in various industries. A candidate from any engineering discipline can apply for the GATE Data Science and AI paper. An overview of the GATE Data Science & AI subject is provided below.

GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) 2026: Overview

Conducting Body

IIT Guwahati

Total Number of Questions

65

Maximum Marks

100 

Time Allotted

3 hours

Mode of Exam

Online

Type of Questions

  • Multiple choice Questions(MCQs)
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA): Important Topics 

GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) exam consists of two sections i.e. General Aptitude and core Data Science & AI subjects. The weightage of General Aptitude and core Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is 15% and 85%, respectively. Candidates should also go through the GATE Data Science and AI syllabus in great detail to know the important topics that will be asked in the exam. Here we will discuss important topics for Data Science & AI.

Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Important Topics 

GATE Data Science and AI Important Topics

Topic

Sub Topics

Probability and Statistics

  • Permutation and Combinations
  • Independent events, mutually exclusive events
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Variance, mean, median, mode and standard deviation, correlation, and covariance
  • Bernoulli, Binomial Distribution
  • t-distribution, chi-squared distributions
  • z-test, t-test, chi-squared test

Linear Algebra

  • Vector space, subspaces
  • Linear dependence and independence of vectors
  • Matrices
  • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
  • Determinant
  • LU decomposition, singular value decomposition

Calculus and Optimization

  • Functions of a single variable
  • Limit, continuity, and differentiability
  • Taylor Series
  • Maxima and Minima

Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms

  • Programming in Python
  • Search Algorithms
  • Basic Sorting Algorithms
  • Divide and Conquer
  • Basic Graph Algorithms

Database Management and Warehousing

  • ER-model
  • Relational Model
  • Data Transformation
  • Data Warehouse Modelling

Machine Learning

  • Regression and classification problems
  • Cross-validation Methods
  • Clustering Algorithms
  • k-medoid
  • Top-down
  • Bottom-up: single-linkage, multiple linkage

Artificial Intelligence

  • Informed, uninformed, adversarial
  • Logic, propositional, predicate
  • Reasoning under uncertainty

What are the best books for GATE Data Science & AI

Choosing the right study materials is of utmost importance when preparing for the GATE Data Science & AI exam. As this paper is introduced in the GATE 2026 exam, it is better to get acquainted with the best books for this paper. You should also go through the GATE Syllabus as well. Here is a list of some highly recommended books for the GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence syllabus.

  • Introduction to Probability by Dimitri P. Bertsekas & John N. Tsitsiklis
  • Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang
  • Learning Python by Mark Lutz
  • Database Management Systems by Raghu Ramakrishnan and Johannes Gehrke
  • Machine Learning for Beginners by Chris Sebastian
  • Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig

Sunil Sharma is an edtech professional with over 12 years of experience in the education domain. He holds an M.Sc. in Mathematics from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. He has worked as an Subject Matter Expert (SME) at Vriti Infocom Private Limited. and later joined Aakash Edutech Private Limited. At Jagran New Media, he writes for the Exam Prep section of JagranJosh.com. 
Sunil has expertise in Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and English, making him a versatile professional in the education and test preparation sector. He has created content for various management exams CAT, XAT and also for exams such as CUET etc

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FAQs

  • Can a candidate choose another subject along with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence?
    +
    Yes, the candidate who chooses Data Science & Artificial Intelligence as his/her first choice can choose CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, ST, and XE as their second choice in GATE two-paper combination.
  • What are the important topics for GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence paper 2024?
    +
    The important topics for GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence paper are Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management and Warehousing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence.
  • Has the official GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence syllabus 2024 been released?
    +
    Yes, the official GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence syllabus 2024 has been released by IISc Bangalore on the official website of GATE 2024. You can also find the detailed GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence syllabus at Jagran Josh.

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