Duration, fees and batch timings are quoted by the head office or your centre.
In this family
4courses
7study books
49lessons
245practice questions
15free ebooks
The courses
4 courses in this family
What each course is about, who it suits, what you practise and the study material that comes with it. Each course has a full page with every lesson, sample questions and admission details.
Every lesson of the study books that come with these courses in the student portal. Open a lesson to see its key points. Your centre gives you the syllabus, the duration and the fee.
C Programming
For C and C++
Learn to write, compile and run C programs, from data types, operators and decisions to loops, arrays, strings, functions, pointers, structures and simple file handling.
7 lessons
About 23 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1Structure of a C Program and Data Types5 key points · 4 min read
Every C program starts running at the main function.
Including stdio.h gives your program access to printf and scanf.
Statements end with a semicolon, and C is case-sensitive.
A char is always 1 byte; check the size of other types on your compiler with sizeof.
An identifier may use letters, digits and underscores, must not start with a digit and must not be a keyword.
2Operators, printf and scanf4 key points · 3 min read
Dividing one integer by another drops the fractional part, so 7 / 2 is 3.
The % operator gives the remainder and works only with integers.
x++ uses the old value and then adds 1; ++x adds 1 first.
In scanf, put & before ordinary variables and read a double with %lf.
3Making Decisions: if, else and switch5 key points · 3 min read
Any non-zero value is true in C, and 0 is false.
Use == to compare; a single = assigns a value.
An else-if ladder runs only the first block whose condition is true.
Case labels in a switch must be integer or character constants.
Without break, a switch case falls through into the next case.
4Loops: for, while and do-while4 key points · 3 min read
Use for when the number of rounds is known in advance.
while checks its condition first, so its body may run zero times.
do-while checks its condition last, so its body always runs at least once.
break leaves the loop; continue skips to the next round.
5Arrays and Strings4 key points · 3 min read
Array indexes start at 0, so an array of size n ends at index n - 1.
C does not check array bounds; going outside them is undefined behaviour.
A string is a char array ending in the null character, so it needs one extra place.
Compare strings with strcmp, which returns 0 when they are equal.
6Functions and Pointers5 key points · 4 min read
A prototype declares a function's name, return type and parameters before it is used.
C passes arguments by value, so a function works on copies.
The & operator gives an address; the star operator reads or writes the value at an address.
Passing addresses lets a function such as swap change the caller's variables.
A recursive function must have a base case.
7Structures and File Handling Basics5 key points · 3 min read
A structure groups members of different types into one new type.
Use the dot operator with a structure variable and the arrow operator with a pointer to one.
Always check that fopen did not return NULL before using the file.
Mode "w" erases an existing file, while "a" adds to the end of it.
Close every file with fclose when you have finished with it.
C++ Programming
For C and C++
Move from C to object-oriented C++17: classes, constructors, inheritance, virtual functions, overloading, templates, the STL containers vector, string and map, and exception handling.
7 lessons
About 23 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1C++ Basics: Input, Output and References4 key points · 3 min read
std::cout with << prints output; std::cin with >> reads input and stops at whitespace.
std::getline reads a whole line, spaces included.
A reference is an alias that must be initialised and cannot be re-bound.
Pass by reference to change the caller's variable, and by const reference to read large objects without copying.
2Classes, Objects and Access Specifiers5 key points · 3 min read
A class is a blueprint; an object is one instance with its own data members.
private members are reachable only inside the class, public members from anywhere.
class members are private by default and struct members are public by default.
A const member function promises not to change the object.
The scope resolution operator :: defines a member function outside its class.
3Constructors and Destructors5 key points · 3 min read
A constructor has the class's name and no return type, and runs when an object is created.
Declaring any constructor stops the compiler from generating the default constructor.
A copy constructor creates a new object from an existing one of the same class.
The destructor, named with a tilde, runs automatically when an object is destroyed.
Local objects are destroyed in the reverse order of their creation.
4Inheritance4 key points · 3 min read
A derived class inherits the members of its base class and can add its own.
The base constructor runs before the derived constructor; destructors run in reverse.
protected members are usable in derived classes but not from outside code.
Write public before the base class name; class inheritance is private by default.
5Polymorphism and Virtual Functions5 key points · 3 min read
Overloading and templates are compile-time polymorphism; virtual functions are run-time polymorphism.
Without virtual, a call through a base pointer or reference uses the base version.
A class with a pure virtual function (= 0) is abstract and cannot be instantiated.
override asks the compiler to confirm that a function really overrides a base virtual function.
Give a base class with virtual functions a virtual destructor, so deleting through a base pointer is safe.
6Function Overloading, Operator Overloading and Templates4 key points · 4 min read
Overloaded functions share a name but differ in the number or types of parameters.
A different return type alone cannot overload a function.
Operator overloading gives operators a meaning for your own classes; ::, ., ?: and sizeof cannot be overloaded.
A template is written once and works with many types.
7STL Containers and Exceptions5 key points · 4 min read
vector is a growable array; at() checks the index and throws std::out_of_range.
string offers length, substr, find and comparison with ==.
map keeps unique keys in sorted order, and [] inserts a missing key.
throw raises an exception, and the matching catch block after a try handles it.
Catch exceptions by const reference, specific types first.
Java
For Java
Learn Java 17 from the ground up: how the JDK, JRE and JVM fit together, data types, control flow, arrays, strings, classes, inheritance, interfaces, packages, exceptions and the ArrayList and HashMap collections.
7 lessons
About 23 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1The Java Platform and Your First Program5 key points · 3 min read
javac compiles .java source into .class bytecode, and the JVM runs the bytecode.
The JDK contains the JRE, and the JRE contains the JVM.
The same bytecode runs on any operating system that has a JVM.
A public class must be saved in a file with exactly the same name.
In Java 17, execution starts at public static void main(String[] args).
2Data Types, Variables and Operators5 key points · 4 min read
Java has eight primitive types, and each numeric type has the same size on every platform.
Whole-number literals are int and decimal literals are double unless you add L or f.
Narrowing conversions need a cast, which cuts off any fraction.
Integer division drops the fraction: 10 / 4 is 2.
Once a String is involved, + joins text from left to right.
3Control Flow: Decisions and Loops5 key points · 3 min read
Scanner reads keyboard input with methods such as nextInt and nextLine.
An if condition must be a boolean; an int is not accepted.
A classic switch falls through without break; arrow-style switch expressions do not.
switch cannot use long, float, double or boolean values.
do-while always runs its body at least once.
4Arrays and Strings5 key points · 3 min read
An array has a fixed size, and its elements start at default values such as 0 or null.
Use array.length (a field) for arrays and str.length() (a method) for strings.
A bad index throws ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException.
Strings are immutable; compare their text with equals, not ==.
Use StringBuilder to build a string from many pieces.
5Classes, Objects and Constructors5 key points · 3 min read
A class defines fields and methods; new creates an object from it.
Java supplies a default constructor only when a class declares none.
this.field = parameter copies a constructor parameter into a field of the same name.
A static field is shared by all objects of the class.
Assigning an object variable copies the reference, not the object.
6Inheritance, Interfaces and Packages5 key points · 4 min read
extends inherits from one superclass; every class ultimately extends Object.
In Java 17, super(...) must be the first statement of a subclass constructor.
Use @Override so the compiler checks that a method really overrides.
A class can implement many interfaces but extend only one class.
java.lang is imported automatically; other packages need an import.
7Exceptions and Collections5 key points · 3 min read
Code that may fail goes in try; catch blocks handle specific exception types.
finally runs whether or not an exception was thrown.
Checked exceptions such as IOException must be caught or declared with throws.
ArrayList is a resizable, ordered list that allows duplicates.
HashMap keys are unique: put with an existing key replaces its value.
HTML and CSS
For Web design and IT programme
Build web pages with HTML5 and style them with CSS3, from document structure, text, tables and forms to selectors, the box model, Flexbox, Grid and responsive design.
7 lessons
About 23 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1The structure of an HTML5 document5 key points · 4 min read
HTML is a markup language that labels the structure of content; it is not a programming language.
An element is usually an opening tag, content and a closing tag; attributes go in the opening tag as name="value".
Every page starts with <!DOCTYPE html> and has one html element containing a head and a body.
The head holds information about the page, such as charset, viewport and title; the body holds the visible content.
Void elements such as br, img, input and meta have no closing tag.
2Headings, paragraphs, lists, links and images4 key points · 4 min read
Use one h1 for the page title and go down the heading levels in order, without skipping.
ul makes a bulleted list and ol a numbered list; every item is an li.
The a element creates links; href can be an absolute URL, a relative path, a #id on the same page, mailto: or tel:.
Every img needs alt text that describes it, or alt="" if it is purely decorative.
3Tables and forms5 key points · 3 min read
Use tables only for tabular data: tr makes a row, th a header cell and td a data cell.
colspan joins cells across columns and rowspan joins cells down rows.
Link every input to a label by matching the label's for attribute to the input's id.
method="get" puts form data in the URL; method="post" sends it in the request body, which suits passwords.
Radio buttons with the same name allow one choice; checkboxes allow several.
4Semantic HTML5 elements5 key points · 3 min read
Semantic elements describe what content is, which helps screen readers, search engines and other developers.
header, nav, main, article, section, aside and footer name the common parts of a page.
Use one visible main per page for the content unique to that page.
article is for self-contained content; section groups related content under a heading.
div and span carry no meaning and are used when no semantic element fits.
5CSS basics: selectors, colours and fonts5 key points · 3 min read
A CSS rule is a selector followed by declarations of the form property: value;
Use an external stylesheet linked from the head for real websites.
Class selectors start with a dot and can be reused; ID selectors start with # and must be unique.
When rules conflict, !important wins, then higher specificity, then the rule written later.
Colours can be named, hex, rgb() or hsl(); font-family lists fallbacks ending in a generic family.
6The box model and Flexbox5 key points · 3 min read
Every element is a box of content, padding, border and margin.
With the default content-box, width covers only the content; border-box includes padding and border.
Margin and padding shorthand runs clockwise: top, right, bottom, left.
display: flex on a container lines up its children along one axis.
justify-content works on the main axis and align-items on the cross axis.
7CSS Grid and responsive design5 key points · 3 min read
Grid lays out rows and columns together; Flexbox handles one direction at a time.
repeat(3, 1fr) makes three equal columns; fr is a share of the free space.
grid-column: span 2 makes an item two columns wide.
Responsive pages need the viewport meta tag, flexible sizes and media queries.
Mobile-first means base styles for phones, then min-width media queries for larger screens.
Databases and SQL
For IT programme
Understand how a database management system stores data in related tables, and write MySQL 8 queries to create tables, add, read, change and summarise data, join tables and design them well.
7 lessons
About 24 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1Databases and the DBMS4 key points · 4 min read
A DBMS is software that stores, protects and shares data; programs ask the DBMS instead of reading files directly.
Compared with separate files, a DBMS reduces redundancy and inconsistency and adds constraints, safe multi-user access, security and backup.
A relational database stores data in tables: a column is one field and a row is one record.
SQL commands are grouped into DDL, DML, DCL and TCL.
2Data types, NULL and keys5 key points · 4 min read
Every column has a data type; use DECIMAL for money and text types for phone numbers and PIN codes.
NULL means missing or unknown, which is different from zero or an empty string.
A primary key uniquely identifies each row and can never be NULL; a table has at most one.
A foreign key refers to the primary key of another table and keeps the link between the tables valid.
A UNIQUE key blocks duplicates but allows NULL, and a table can have several.
3Creating tables and inserting data4 key points · 3 min read
CREATE DATABASE makes a database and USE selects it.
CREATE TABLE lists each column with its data type and constraints such as PRIMARY KEY, NOT NULL, UNIQUE, DEFAULT and FOREIGN KEY.
INSERT INTO table (columns) VALUES (...) adds rows; text and dates go in single quotes, dates as 'YYYY-MM-DD'.
ALTER TABLE changes a table's structure, and DROP TABLE deletes the table and all its data.
4Reading data: SELECT, WHERE and ORDER BY4 key points · 3 min read
SELECT chooses the columns, FROM names the table and WHERE filters the rows.
BETWEEN includes both ends, IN matches a list, and LIKE matches patterns with % and _.
Test for missing values with IS NULL, never with = NULL.
ORDER BY sorts in ascending order by default; DESC reverses it and LIMIT returns only the first rows.
5Changing data: UPDATE, DELETE and transactions4 key points · 3 min read
UPDATE ... SET ... WHERE changes values in existing rows, and DELETE FROM ... WHERE removes whole rows.
Without a WHERE clause, UPDATE and DELETE affect every row, so test the condition with SELECT first.
A transaction's changes become permanent with COMMIT or are cancelled with ROLLBACK.
TRUNCATE empties a table and DROP removes it; in MySQL neither can be rolled back.
6Aggregate functions and GROUP BY4 key points · 3 min read
COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN and MAX turn many rows into one value.
COUNT(*) counts rows; COUNT(column) and the other aggregates ignore NULL values.
GROUP BY calculates the aggregates separately for each group of rows that share a value.
WHERE filters rows before grouping; HAVING filters groups after aggregation.
7JOINs and normalisation5 key points · 4 min read
A JOIN combines rows from two tables, usually by matching a foreign key to a primary key.
INNER JOIN returns only matching rows; LEFT JOIN keeps every row of the left table and fills missing matches with NULL.
Normalisation splits data into related tables so that each fact is stored once.
Repeated data causes update, insert and delete anomalies.
1NF needs a single value in every cell, 2NF removes partial dependencies and 3NF removes dependencies between non-key columns.
Computer Networking
For IT programme
Learn how computers connect and talk to each other, from network types, topologies, devices, cables and Wi-Fi to IPv4 addressing, DNS, DHCP, the OSI and TCP/IP models, common ports and basic troubleshooting.
7 lessons
About 28 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1Networks, network types and topologies5 key points · 4 min read
A network connects devices so they can share data, printers and an internet connection.
In a client-server network, servers provide services to clients; in a peer-to-peer network all computers are equal.
By size, networks are PAN, LAN (building or campus), MAN (city) and WAN (countries); the internet is the largest WAN.
Star is the usual LAN topology: a broken cable affects one device, but a failed central device stops them all.
A full mesh of n devices needs n(n-1)/2 links.
2Network devices: NIC, hub, switch, router and access point5 key points · 4 min read
Every networked device has a NIC with a 48-bit MAC address, written as 12 hexadecimal digits.
A hub repeats data out of every port; a switch learns MAC addresses and sends data only to the right port.
A router connects different networks and forwards packets using IP addresses.
An access point lets wireless devices join a wired network.
A home Wi-Fi router combines a router, a switch, an access point, a DHCP server and a firewall.
3Cables, connectors and Wi-Fi5 key points · 4 min read
Twisted-pair LAN cable has four twisted pairs to reduce interference and uses RJ45 connectors.
A single twisted-pair Ethernet run should be no longer than 100 metres.
Optical fibre carries light, covers long distances at high speed and is immune to electrical interference.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi reaches further; 5 GHz is faster with a shorter range.
Secure Wi-Fi with WPA3 or WPA2; WEP is outdated and unsafe.
4IPv4 addresses, private ranges and subnet masks5 key points · 4 min read
An IPv4 address is 32 bits, written as four octets from 0 to 255; IPv6 uses 128 bits.
The subnet mask divides an address into a network part and a host part; /24 means 255.255.255.0.
A /24 network has 254 usable addresses; the first is the network address and the last is the broadcast address.
The private ranges are 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12 and 192.168.0.0/16, and NAT lets them share a public address.
Traffic for another network goes to the default gateway, which is the router.
5DNS and DHCP5 key points · 4 min read
DNS translates domain names such as www.example.com into IP addresses, and answers are cached.
A lookup goes from the resolver to a root server, then the top-level domain servers, then the domain's authoritative server.
DHCP gives a device its IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS servers automatically.
DHCP works in four steps, Discover, Offer, Request and Acknowledge (DORA), and addresses are leased.
Printers and servers need a fixed address: a static address or a DHCP reservation.
6The OSI and TCP/IP models and common ports4 key points · 4 min read
The OSI model has seven layers: Physical, Data link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and Application.
The TCP/IP model has four layers: Network access, Internet, Transport and Application.
TCP is reliable and connection-oriented; UDP is faster and connectionless.
7Troubleshooting with ping and ipconfig5 key points · 4 min read
ipconfig shows a Windows computer's IP address, subnet mask and default gateway; ipconfig /all adds the MAC address and the DHCP and DNS servers.
ping checks whether an address replies and shows the round-trip time in milliseconds.
An address starting with 169.254 means the computer could not get one from DHCP.
Troubleshoot outwards: loopback, then the default gateway, then an internet address, then a name.
If an IP address replies but a name cannot be found, the problem is DNS.
Cyber Security Basics
For IT programme
Protect your accounts, money and data: strong passwords, two-factor authentication, spotting phishing and UPI fraud, malware, safe browsing, backups and social media privacy.
7 lessons
About 21 min of reading
35 practice questions
25 key terms
1Strong Passwords and Password Managers5 key points · 3 min read
Length matters most: use a passphrase of at least 12 characters.
Use a different password for every account.
A password manager keeps passwords in an encrypted vault behind one master password.
Never share a password, even with someone claiming to be from your bank.
Passkeys sign you in with your device screen lock and resist phishing.
2Two-Factor Authentication5 key points · 3 min read
2FA adds a second proof of identity, so a stolen password alone is not enough.
The factors are something you know, something you have and something you are.
Authenticator apps are safer than SMS OTPs; security keys and passkeys are strongest.
Deny any sign-in approval request you did not start.
Keep backup codes offline in case you lose your phone.
3Phishing, Smishing and Vishing5 key points · 3 min read
Phishing impersonates a trusted source to steal secrets or install malware.
Smishing uses SMS or chat apps; vishing uses voice calls.
Urgency, prizes and requests for OTPs or PINs are red flags.
Verify by calling the official number on your card or the official website.
If you clicked, change passwords, enable 2FA and tell your bank quickly.
4UPI and OTP Fraud5 key points · 3 min read
You never need a UPI PIN or a QR scan to receive money.
Never share an OTP; read what the OTP message says it is for.
Do not install screen-sharing apps at a stranger's request.
Take helpline numbers only from official apps, websites or your card.
Report fraud at once to your bank and on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
5Malware: Types and How It Spreads4 key points · 3 min read
Malware is any software designed to harm, spy on or control a device.
A virus needs a host file, a worm spreads by itself, a trojan disguises itself.
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment; an offline backup is the best defence.
Pirated software, unknown apps, attachments and pen drives are common routes in.
6Updates, Antivirus and Safe Browsing5 key points · 3 min read
Updates patch vulnerabilities, so install them promptly.
Windows 10 and 11 include Microsoft Defender Antivirus; run only one real-time antivirus.
HTTPS encrypts the connection but does not prove a site is genuine.
Check the real domain name before entering a password.
Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi and sign out on shared computers.
7Backups and Privacy on Social Media5 key points · 3 min read
Follow 3-2-1: three copies, two kinds of storage, one copy off-site.
Keep an unplugged backup to survive ransomware, and test restoring files.
Syncing alone is not a backup.
Never post Aadhaar, PAN, tickets or your live location publicly.
Confirm unexpected money requests from friends by phone.
In the student portal
Practise until you are sure, then take the exam.
Students of the institute and its member centres sign in to read these study books lesson by lesson and test themselves on each one. Your centre gives you your login when you enrol.
Students above 12 years of age can take admission. Tell the head office or your centre what you already know, and they will suggest where to start.
How long is the course and what is the fee?
Duration, fees and batch timings depend on the course and the centre. Ask the head office or your nearest member centre, and get the details in writing before you pay.
Where are the classes?
At the head office in Delhi (A-10, Chief Commissioner Colony, opposite Rana Pratap Bagh) and at authorised member centres. Call or WhatsApp the head office to find the nearest centre.
Is there an exam and a certificate?
Yes. The institute prefers written exams, taken in front of a teacher. Students who pass receive a Gurukul Technicals Institute certificate and marksheet, which the head office verifies on request.
What study material comes with the course?
Students of the institute and its member centres sign in to the student portal to read 7 study books for these courses (C Programming, C++ Programming, Java, HTML and CSS, Databases and SQL, Computer Networking, Cyber Security Basics) and take timed practice tests. The free ebooks on this page can be downloaded by anyone.
Are study notes provided?
Students of the institute and its member centres get Gurukul E-Notes, online study notes. For these courses they cover C and C++ and HTML.
