Most important subjects for GATE Mechanical Engineering

Normally in Mechanical engineering, we learn different subjects covering complete mechanical engineering and its basics. Undergraduate syllabus or curriculum normally contains subjects like 

Machine Design subject mainly requires knowledge of Strength of Materials because while designing any machine component, we need to look for types of loading, calculation of equivalent forces and stresses. So, before studying Machine Design, we need to have sound knowledge of strength of materials. So, in curriculum of any mechanical engineering, Strength of Materials/Mechanics of Solids are covered (in first or second semester) before to that of Machine Design.

Theory of machines (Dynamics) requires knowledge  of engineering mechanics to calculate forces on element while in motion and other related theories also.

Heat and Mass Transfer requires knowledge of fluid mechanics for convection mode of heat transfer between solid body and fluid which is in motion as well as for heat exchanger analysis.  So, before you study Heat and Mass transfer, you need to first learn aboutFluid mechanics subject.

Refrigeration and Air conditioning requires use of thermodynamics cycles and heat and mass transfer knowledge for understanding the analysis of vapor compression and vapor absorption cycle which are base of any refrigeration and air conditioning. So, Refrigeration and Air conditioning subject is covered after Thermodynamics and Heat and mass transfer subjects.

Thus we can conclude that some of the subjects are unique that do not depend on other subject or its knowledge. These are 

• Mechanics of Solids (Strength of Materials + Engineering Mechanics), 
• Elements of Mechanical Engineering
• Engineering Graphics
• Engineering thermodynamics, 
• Heat and Mass Transfer, 
• Fluid Mechanics, 

While below are the subjects which are totally dependent on above subjects. One need to have sufficient and enough knowledge to have study of

• Theory of Machines/Dynamics of Machines
• Machine Design
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Heat and Mass Transfer
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Power Plant Engineering

Above all subjects are helpful to get overall aspects of Mechanical Engineering but if you see once again on above subject lists, you will come to know that some subjects are totally dependent on others. These subjects are also very important for GATE examination point of view as well as it can be very helpful while doing final year project in mechanical engineering. The final year will include most of work that deals with basics learning. 

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