The GATE Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) exam is a national-level entrance test that opens the gateway to higher studies and research in the field of textiles, fibres, and allied engineering sciences. Conducted by the IITs and IISc, this exam assesses a candidate’s understanding of core subjects like textile manufacturing, fibre science, yarn and fabric formation, testing, and chemical processing. Aspirants who qualify gain opportunities to pursue M.Tech, Ph.D., or research programs in IITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutes, as well as access to recruitment in leading PSUs. In this article, we will explore the detailed syllabus, eligibility criteria, recommended books, exam difficulty level, previous year cut-offs, available seats in IITs, secure scores for admission, and the wide career scope after qualifying GATE TF. This will serve as a comprehensive guide for students planning to make a career in the ever-evolving textile industry.

GATE Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) – Exam Overview

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF)
Conducting Body	IISc / IITs (on a rotational basis)
Exam Level	National Level
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT – Online)
Duration	3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Total Questions	65 Questions
Total Marks	100 Marks
Question Types	MCQ (1 or 2 marks), MSQ (1 or 2 marks), NAT (1 or 2 marks)
Sections	1. General Aptitude (GA): 15 Marks 2. Engineering Mathematics: 13 Marks 3. Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (Core Subject): 72 Marks
Marking Scheme	– 1-mark MCQ: +1 for correct, –0.33 for wrong – 2-mark MCQ: +2 for correct, –0.66 for wrong – MSQ & NAT: No negative marking
Question Distribution	General Aptitude (GA): 10 Questions = 15 Marks Engineering Mathematics Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (Core Subject) Total = 65 Questions = 100 Marks
Language of Paper	English
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree (Final year or completed) in Engineering/Technology/Science (relevant streams)
Frequency	Once a year (February)
Score Validity	3 Years
Purpose	Admission to M.Tech/Ph.D. programs in IITs, NITs, IISc + recruitment in PSUs

GATE TF Syllabus – Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

Unit	Topics Covered
Engineering Mathematics	Linear Algebra: Matrices, Determinants, Systems of linear equations, Eigen values & Eigen vectors. Calculus: Limit, continuity, differentiability, Successive & Partial differentiation, Maxima & minima, Errors & approximations, Definite & improper integrals, Sequences & series, Convergence tests, Power series, Taylor series. Differential Equations: First-order linear & non-linear DEs, Higher-order linear DEs with constant coefficients, Euler–Cauchy equation, PDEs (Wave, Heat & Laplace equations). Probability & Statistics: Random variables, Poisson, Binomial, Normal distributions, Mean, Median, Mode, SD, Confidence interval, Hypothesis testing, Correlation, Regression, ANOVA, Control charts. Numerical Methods: Numerical solution of linear & non-linear equations, Numerical integration (Trapezoidal & Simpson’s rules), Single-step & multi-step methods for DEs.
Section 1: Textile Fibres	Classification of fibres; Requirements of fibre-forming polymers; Gross & fine structure of natural fibres (cotton, wool, silk); Bast fibres; Properties & uses of natural & man-made fibres (carbon, aramid, UHMWPE). Fibre & blend identification (physical & chemical methods). Polymer science: Molecular architecture, amorphous & crystalline phases, Tg & Tm factors, Polymerization (nylon-6, nylon-66, PET, PAN, PP). Fibre spinning: Melt, wet, dry, dry-jet-wet, gel spinning; Spinning of acrylic, viscose, polynosic, lyocell; Post-spinning (drawing, heat-setting, tow-to-top, spin-finish, texturing). Fibre structure analysis: Density, XRD, birefringence, SEM, TEM, IR, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA. Fibre structure-property correlation (mechanical properties, moisture sorption).
Section 2: Yarn Manufacture, Structure & Properties	Yarn manufacture: Ginning; Opening, cleaning, blending; Blow-room principles; Carding (modern vs. conventional, settings, clothing, auto-leveller); Roller drafting & draw-frame auto-leveller; Combing cycle, mechanisms & developments; Roving formation (drafting, twisting, bobbin building, modern machines); Ring spinning (drafting, twisting, cop building, end breakages, modern developments); Ring doubler, Two-for-one twister; Compact, rotor, air-jet, air-vortex, friction, core, wrap, twist-less spinning. Yarn structure: Fibre geometry, orientation, packing density, diameter, twist-strength relation, helical arrangement, contraction, fibre migration, stress-strain relation, mass irregularity; Structure–property relation in ring, compact, rotor, air-jet & friction yarns.
Section 3: Fabric Manufacture, Structure & Properties	Winding: Principles, methods, patterning, yarn clearers, tensioners, splicing. Warping & sizing: Objectives, classification, warping creels, beam & sectional warping, sizing systems for spun & filament yarns, drawing-in, pirn winding. Weaving: Primary & secondary motions, shedding (positive, negative, tappet, dobby, jacquard), types of sheds, weft insertion (shuttle picking, checking, shuttle-less: projectile, rapier, water-jet, air-jet), beat-up, sley kinematics, loom timing, cam design, sley setting, take-up & let-off, warp/weft stop motions, warp protection, weft replenishment, multiphase & circular looms, selvedges. Fabric structures: Basic weaves & derivatives, crepe, cord, terry, gauze, leno, double cloth, drafting & lifting plans. Knitting: Weft knitting (plain, rib, interlock, purl; loop, tuck, float stitches); Warp knitting (pillar, tricot, atlas, inlay, nets; swinging & shogging). Nonwovens: Fibre preparation, web formation, bonding, spun-bonding, melt-blowing, applications. Braiding: Types, Maypole braiding. Fabric geometry: Peirce’s equations, elastic model, thickness, cover, maximum set; Geometry of knitted loops, Munden’s constant, tightness factor, tubular braids.
Section 4: Textile Testing	Sampling (techniques, size, errors); Moisture in textiles; Fibre testing (length, fineness, crimp, maturity, trash, tensile testing, HVI). Yarn testing (linear density, twist, hairiness, tensile, evenness, faults). Fabric testing (thickness, compressibility, stiffness, shear, drape, crease recovery, tear & bursting strength, pilling, abrasion, tensile). Low-stress mechanical properties (objective evaluation); Air permeability; Wetting & wicking; Water-vapour transmission; Thermal resistance.
Section 5: Chemical Processing	Impurities in fibres; Singeing; Preparatory processes (cotton, wool, silk, man-made blends); Mercerization; Optical brightening agents. Dyeing: Classes of dyes, dyeing of cotton, wool, silk, polyester, nylon, acrylic; Blends (poly-cotton, poly-wool); Dyeing machines; Knitted fabric dyeing; Dye–fibre interactions; Thermodynamics & kinetics; Colour–constitution relation; Beer-Lambert law; Kubelka–Munk theory; Wash/light/rubbing fastness. Printing: Roller & screen printing, printing paste, thickeners & auxiliaries; Direct printing (cotton-reactive, wool/silk/nylon-acid & metal complex, polyester-disperse); Resist & discharge printing; Pigment, transfer & inkjet printing; Printing faults. Finishing: Mechanical finishing; Cotton finishes (stiff, soft, wrinkle-resistant, water repellent, flame retardant, bio-polishing); Wool finishes (milling, decatizing, shrink-resist); Synthetic finishes (antistatic, soil release, heat setting); Minimum application techniques. Pollution control: Effluent treatment & pollution control methods.

📊 GATE TF Chapter-Wise Question Distribution (2016–2025)

Year	Textile Fibres	Yarn Manufacture	Fabric Manufacture	Textile Testing	Chemical Processing	Engg. Maths	GA	Total
2016	8	10	10	8	9	12	10	65
2017	7	9	13	6	7	13	10	65
2018	9	11	12	7	6	12	10	65
2019	8	10	13	6	7	12	10	65
2020	7	9	14	7	6	13	10	65
2021	8	10	12	8	7	12	10	65
2022	9	11	13	6	7	12	10	65
2023	8	10	14	7	6	12	10	65
2024	7	9	13	10	9	13	10	65
2025	8	10	12	7	9	12	10	65

📊 GATE TF Exam Level (2016–2025)

Year	Overall Difficulty	Key Highlights
2016	Moderate	Maths was slightly tough; Yarn & Fabric questions were concept-based; Chemical Processing direct.
2017	Moderate–Difficult	Fabric Manufacture carried more weightage; tricky numerical problems in Maths & Fibre structure.
2018	Moderate	Balanced paper; Yarn & Testing had straightforward numericals; GA was easy.
2019	Moderate	Fibre & Fabric questions direct; Testing had tricky theory; Maths moderate.
2020	Difficult	Maths lengthy; Fabric questions tough; Yarn & Fibre required deeper concepts.
2021	Moderate	Testing and Chemical Processing were easy; Fabric & Yarn slightly conceptual.
2022	Moderate–Difficult	Fabric Manufacture heavy; Textile Testing asked in tricky way; GA easy.
2023	Moderate	Yarn & Fabric straightforward; Fibre numericals tested fundamentals; Maths moderate.
2024	Difficult	Maths lengthy; Fabric numerical heavy; Yarn conceptual; Testing moderate.
2025	Moderate	Balanced across sections; Fabric & Fibre conceptual; GA & Maths scoring.

🎓 GATE TF Eligibility Criteria

Aspect	Details
Educational Qualification	Candidates must be in the final year or already completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after Diploma in Engineering/Technology).
Eligible Degrees (for TF paper)	– B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. (Engineering/Technology) in Textile Engineering, Fibre Science, Polymer Science, Apparel, or related disciplines. – Candidates with Master’s degree in Science (M.Sc.) in disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, or Polymer Science are also eligible.
Age Limit	No age limit for appearing in GATE.
Nationality	Indian citizens and also candidates from other countries (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates) can apply.
Number of Attempts	Unlimited (you can appear as many times as you wish, if you meet qualification criteria).
Year of Qualification	– Candidates who completed their degree in 2025 or earlier are eligible. – Those currently studying in the final year (expected to complete in 2026) can also apply (with proof of completion at later stage).

📖 Chapter-Wise Books for GATE TF (Textile Engineering & Fibre Science)

Section / Chapter	Book Name	Author	Approx. Price (₹)
Textile Fibres	Introduction to Textile Fibres	J.E. Booth	~1,650
	Textile Science	E.P.G. Gohl & L.D. Vilensky	~800
	Man-Made Fibres	R.W. Moncrieff	~1,200
Yarn Manufacture, Structure & Properties	Spun Yarn Technology	Eric Oxtoby	~950
	Fundamental Principles of Yarn Production	W. Klein	~1,200
	Technology of Short Staple Spinning (Vol. I–V)	W. Klein	~4,000 (set)
Fabric Manufacture, Structure & Properties	Weaving: Conversion of Yarn to Fabric	P.R. Lord & M.H. Mohamed	~1,800
	Principles of Weaving	Marks & Robinson	~1,500
	Knitting Technology	D.J. Spencer	~1,600
	Nonwovens: Theory, Process, Performance and Testing	Albrecht, Fuchs & Kittelmann	~3,000
	Braiding Technology	Yordan Kyosev	~2,800
Textile Testing	Principles of Textile Testing	J.E. Booth	~680
	Physical Testing of Textiles	B.P. Saville	~1,200
	Objective Evaluation of Fabrics	Kawabata & Niwa	Research-based (₹2,000+)
Chemical Processing	Technology of Textile Processing (7 Vols.)	V.A. Shenai	~4,500 (set)
	Textile Chemistry	R.H. Peters	~1,500
	Textile Printing	Leslie W.C. Miles	~1,800
	Dyeing & Chemical Technology of Textile Fibres	E.R. Trotman	~2,200
Engineering Mathematics	Higher Engineering Mathematics	B.S. Grewal	~1,000
	Advanced Engineering Mathematics	Erwin Kreyszig	~1,200
General Aptitude (GA)	General Aptitude for GATE	R.K. Kanodia	~600
	Previous Year GATE GA Questions	Made Easy / ACE Academy Compilations	~400

GATE TF Qualifying Cutoff (2019–2025)

Year	General (GEN)	OBC-NCL / EWS	SC / ST / PwD
2025	34.7	31.2	23.1
2024	28.1	25.2	18.7
2023	25.4	22.8	16.9
2022	38.8	34.9	25.8
2021	41.8	37.6	27.8
2020	37.1	33.3	24.7
2019	40.1	36.1	26.7
2018	32.2	28.9	21.4

Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

YADAV AVADHESH ANANTRAM

73.67

1000

IITs Offering PG Programs in Textile & Related Fields

IIT	PG Program	GATE Paper Code Used	Eligibility Highlights	Seats
IIT Delhi	M.Tech in Textile Engineering & Chemical Processing	GATE TF (Textile Engineering & Fibre Science)	B.Tech or M.Sc. in relevant streams; GATE TF required. IIT grads with CPI ≥ 8.0 may be exempt from GATE.	44
IIT Kharagpur	M.Tech in Rubber Technology (Rubber Technology Centre)	GATE TF (and other relevant codes)	B.Tech/B.E. in relevant disciplines; valid GATE TF score required.	32

Career Scope after GATE Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF)

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🎓 1. Higher Education Pathways

• IIT Delhi – M.Tech in Textile Engineering & Chemical Processing (44 seats).
• IIT Kharagpur – M.Tech in Rubber Technology (32 seats).
• Other Institutes – ICT Mumbai, Anna University (ACT Chennai), UPTTI Kanpur, NIT Jalandhar, DKTE Kolhapur.
• Future – Ph.D. in IITs, IISc, foreign universities (specializing in polymers, nanofibres, technical textiles, composites).

🔑 Secure Score for Admission:

• General → 55+ marks (GATE score ≥ 650).
• OBC/EWS → 50+ marks.
• SC/ST → 40+ marks.

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🏢 2. Government & PSU Jobs

• PSUs accepting GATE TF (directly/through allied streams):
  ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, BPCL, HPCL.
• Textile Sector PSUs: National Textile Corporation (NTC), Handloom Development Boards, Ministry of Textiles projects.

💰 Salary Range: ₹8–15 LPA (initial).

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🏭 3. Private Sector & Industry Roles

• Fibre & Polymer Companies: Reliance, Grasim, SRF, Indorama.
• Textile Mills & Garments: Arvind, Raymond, Vardhman, Welspun, Shahi Exports.
• Technical Textiles (fastest-growing area): Defence textiles, medical textiles, geotextiles, composites.

👔 Job Profiles: Process Engineer, Quality Manager, Product Developer, R&D Engineer.
💰 Salary Range: ₹6–12 LPA (entry); ₹15–20 LPA (mid-career).

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🔬 4. Research & Development (R&D)

• Institutes: BTRA (Mumbai), ATIRA (Ahmedabad), SITRA (Coimbatore), NITRA (Ghaziabad), WRA (Mumbai).
• Focus Areas: Smart textiles, nano-textiles, eco-friendly dyeing, high-performance fibres, sustainable fabrics.

💰 Salary Range: ₹7–12 LPA (Research Associate/Scientist).

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🎓 5. Academia & Teaching

• Eligible for Assistant Professor in NITs, Textile Colleges, Fashion Universities (NIFT, NID).
• After Ph.D. → Professor / Research Guide.

💰 Salary Range: ₹7–12 LPA initially, growing with promotions.

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💡 6. Entrepreneurship & Startups

• Opportunities in:
  • Sustainable fashion & eco-textiles
  • Technical textile startups
  • Smart & wearable textile technology
  • Customized home furnishing exports

💰 Potential: Small-scale startups (~₹10–15 LPA revenue initially) → Large export houses (₹1 Cr+ turnover).

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🌍 7. Global Opportunities

• Countries in demand: USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy.
• Companies: DuPont, Toray, BASF, Invista.
• Fields: High-performance fibres, composites, sports textiles, medical applications.

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📊 Career Roadmap (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Qualify GATE TF → Aim 650+ score.
2️⃣ Admission → IIT Delhi / IIT KGP / Top institutes.
3️⃣ Specialize → M.Tech / Ph.D. in Textiles, Polymers, Technical Textiles.
4️⃣ Career Choice:

• PSU/Govt → Stable + benefits.
• Industry (Private/Global) → Higher salary + innovation.
• R&D/Academia → Research-driven career.
• Entrepreneurship → Build your own brand/startup.

Counselling Process

GATE IIT Counselling Process via COAP (2025)

🔹 What is COAP?

• COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) is the platform for M.Tech admissions to IITs.
• It does not conduct admissions but facilitates offer acceptance from different IITs.
• Applicants must apply separately to each IIT and use COAP to accept/reject offers.

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🪜 Step-by-Step COAP Counselling Process

Step	Description
1. Register on COAP	Visit https://coap.iitd.ac.in (or respective year’s portal), register with your GATE Registration number and GATE Score.
2. Apply to individual IITs	Visit each IIT’s M.Tech admissions portal and submit applications separately, mentioning your GATE ES (or CE) score.
3. Participate in COAP Rounds	COAP has multiple rounds (typically 5 main + additional rounds). Participating institutes make admission offers based on your application.
4. Choose Offer Option	In each round, you’ll get options to: <ul><li>Accept & Freeze</li><li>Retain & Wait</li><li>Reject & Wait</li></ul>
5. Final Offer Acceptance	Once you “Accept & Freeze” an offer, visit the respective IIT’s website to complete final admission formalities (document verification, fee payment, etc.).

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🕓 Tentative COAP Timeline (2025)

Event	Tentative Date
COAP Registration Opens	March 2025
Application to IITs	March–April 2025
COAP Round 1	Mid-May 2025
COAP Round 5	Mid-June 2025
Additional Rounds	June–July 2025

GATE Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) – FAQ

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1. What is the syllabus for GATE TF?

The syllabus covers Engineering Mathematics + 5 core sections:

• Textile Fibres
• Yarn Manufacture, Structure & Properties
• Fabric Manufacture, Structure & Properties
• Textile Testing
• Chemical Processing

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2. Who is eligible to appear for GATE TF?

• B.E./B.Tech in Textile/Polymer/Fibre related disciplines
• M.Sc. in relevant science fields (Polymers, Textiles, Fibres)
• No age limit. Final-year students are also eligible.

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3. Which IITs offer M.Tech in Textile/Fibre Science through GATE TF?

• IIT Delhi – M.Tech in Textile Engineering & Chemical Processing (44 seats).
• IIT Kharagpur – M.Tech in Rubber Technology (32 seats).
• Some NITs and institutes like ICT Mumbai, Anna University (ACT), DKTE Kolhapur also accept GATE TF.

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4. What is the cut-off for GATE TF?

Approximate recent cut-offs:

• General: 36–38
• OBC/EWS: 32–34
• SC/ST/PwD: 22–24
  🔑 Safe score for IIT admission: 55+ marks (GATE score ≥ 650)

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5. Are PSU jobs available for GATE TF-qualified candidates?

• National Textile Corporation (NTC) recruits via GATE TF (rarely).
• Past cut-off (2017): GEN – 31.88, OBC – 28.69, SC – 21.25.
• Vacancies are very limited compared to Mechanical/Electrical/Civil streams.

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6. What is the level of the GATE TF exam?

• Moderate to difficult.
• Questions are mostly conceptual + numerical.
• Exam pattern:
  • 65 questions (MCQ + NAT + MSQ).
  • 100 marks total (15 GA + 13 Maths + 72 TF core).

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7. Which books are best for GATE TF preparation?

• Textile Fibres – J.E. Booth, R.W. Moncrieff
• Yarn Manufacture – W. Klein (Short Staple Series)
• Fabric Manufacture – P.R. Lord & M.H. Mohamed, D.J. Spencer (Knitting)
• Textile Testing – J.E. Booth, B.P. Saville
• Chemical Processing – Trotman, Shenai Series

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8. What is the career scope after GATE TF?

• Higher Studies – M.Tech/PhD in IITs & foreign universities.
• PSU Jobs – Limited (NTC).
• Private Industry – Reliance, Raymond, Arvind, Welspun, Grasim, Indorama.
• Research Institutes – BTRA, SITRA, ATIRA, NITRA.
• Academia – Teaching in NITs, Textile Colleges, NIFT.
• Entrepreneurship – Technical textiles, sustainable fashion, startups.

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9. What salary can a textile engineer expect after GATE?

• PSU Jobs: ₹8–15 LPA.
• Private Industry: ₹6–12 LPA (entry level), ₹15–20 LPA (mid-career).
• R&D/Academia: ₹7–12 LPA initially.
• Abroad/High-tech textiles: ₹20+ LPA possible.

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10. Is GATE TF worth it?

✅ Yes, if you aim for:

• IIT admission (M.Tech/PhD).
• R&D in technical textiles.
• Teaching career.
• Global textile opportunities.
  ⚠️ PSU options are very limited, so don’t rely only on that.