GATE 2026 Syllabus for Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)

Introduction

Electronics and Communication Engineering aspirants preparing for GATE 2026 must master a comprehensive syllabus spanning 8 core technical subjects that collectively contribute 72% of the total examination marks. GATE 2026 ECE syllabus encompasses Engineering Mathematics (13% weightage, 13 marks), Communications (13% weightage, 13 marks), Networks Theory (12% weightage, 12 marks), Signals and Systems (10% weightage, 10 marks), Digital Circuits (9% weightage, 8 marks), Analog Circuits (7% weightage, 7 marks), Electronic Devices (6% weightage, 6 marks), Control Systems (5% weightage, 5 marks), and Electromagnetics (8% weightage, 8 marks), along with General Aptitude contributing 15% weightage. With IIT Guwahati conducting GATE 2026, the exam maintains its 100-mark structure across 3 hours, requiring strategic preparation focusing on high-weightage areas like Communications, Engineering Mathematics, and Networks for optimal scoring potential.

Exam Overview

GATE ECE assesses your grasp of core electronics and communication fundamentals through a 3-hour Computer-Based Test totaling 100 marks and 65 questions: 10 on General Aptitude (15 marks) and 55 on Engineering Mathematics plus ECE subjects (85 marks).

Section-Wise Syllabus

1. General Aptitude (15 Marks)

• Verbal Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, reading comprehension
• Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation

2. Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks)

• Linear Algebra: Matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors
• Calculus: Differentiation, integration, extrema
• Differential Equations: Ordinary and partial
• Probability & Statistics: Distributions, mean/variance, Bayes’ theorem
• Complex Analysis: Analytic functions, contour integration
• Numerical Methods: Interpolation, numerical integration

3. Core ECE Subjects (85 Marks)

3.1 Networks, Signals & Systems

• Network Theorems, transient analysis
• Continuous & discrete-time signals
• Fourier, Laplace, Z-transforms
• LTI systems, convolution, correlation

3.2 Electronic Devices & Circuits

• PN junction, BJT, MOSFET physics and characteristics
• Biasing, small-signal models
• Diode circuits, rectifiers, MOS inverters

3.3 Analog Circuits

• Operational amplifiers: configurations, frequency response
• Filters: RC, active, Bode plots
• Oscillators, feedback amplifiers

3.4 Digital Circuits

• Logic gates, Boolean algebra
• Combinational/sequential circuits
• Memory elements, ADC/DAC, PLDs

3.5 Control Systems & Electromagnetics

• Time- and frequency-domain analysis, stability criteria
• Root locus, Bode, Nyquist plots
• Maxwell’s equations, waveguides, transmission lines

3.6 Communications

• Analog modulation: AM, FM, PM
• Digital modulation: ASK, PSK, QAM
• Information theory, source/channel coding
• Antennas, propagation

3.7 VLSI & Embedded Systems

• MOS transistor circuits, layout design
• Fabrication process, timing analysis
• Microcontroller architecture, interfacing, RTOS basics

Topic-Wise Weightage & Question Distribution

Preparation Tip

Adopt a topic-wise study plan, allotting time proportionate to weightage. Practice previous-year GATE papers under exam conditions. Maintain an error log to identify and strengthen weak areas. Use mock tests and sectional quizzes for continuous feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where can I find the official GATE 2026 ECE syllabus?
A1: The official syllabus PDF is available on the GATE 2026 website under the ECE section.

Q2: How many marks are allocated to the General Aptitude section?
A2: General Aptitude carries 15 marks out of the total 100.

Q3: Are there negative markings in GATE ECE?
A3: Yes. For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark is deducted for incorrect answers; for 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark is deducted. No negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.

Q4: Which core topics should I prioritize in ECE preparation?
A4: Focus on Networks, Signals & Systems, Analog Circuits, and Communications due to their high weightage.

Q5: How do I best prepare for the Mathematics section?
A5: Strengthen fundamentals in Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, and practice numerical methods and probability problems regularly.

Q6: How many mock tests should I take before the exam?
A6: Aim for 20–25 full-length mock tests, supplemented with sectional quizzes on high-weightage topics.

Conclusion

GATE 2026 ECE syllabus success requires balanced preparation across all 8 core subjects while prioritizing high-weightage topics including Linear Algebra and Differential Equations from Engineering Mathematics (13% weightage), AM/FM Modulation and Digital Communication from Communications (13% weightage), Network Theorems and Two-Port Networks from Networks Theory (12% weightage), and Fourier Transform applications from Signals and Systems (10% weightage). Critical preparation strategies involve understanding that core ECE subjects contribute 72% of total marks compared to General Aptitude (15%) and Engineering Mathematics (13%), practicing numerical problem-solving for high-scoring topics like Control Systems stability analysis and Electromagnetics transmission line problems, and mastering conceptual clarity in areas like analog circuit analysis, digital logic design, and communication system parameters.

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