GATE ECE Syllabus 2026

Home

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 - Topic-Wise Syllabus

Author at PW

September 06, 2025

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026:- The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) is one of the most important exams for engineering graduates who are aiming for higher studies, research opportunities, or public sector jobs. This year, the exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati on 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026. The test will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for three hours, consisting of 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

The paper will be divided into three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core ECE subjects. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of having a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or an equivalent qualification to appear. A good GATE score not only helps in securing admission into prestigious M.Tech or PhD programmes but also opens doors for recruitment in top PSUs like BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, and DRDO. Job profiles after qualifying can include roles such as Design Engineer, Communication Engineer, Systems Engineer, and even research positions.

However, make sure you understand the GATE ECE syllabus 2026 properly. Paying extra attention to the technical subjects will help you aim for a better score. In the article below, you will find the complete GATE ECE syllabus, exam pattern, and some practical preparation tips for GATE 2026.

Check Out: Electronics & Communication Engineering and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude Combo Set of 2 Books

GATE 2026

Go through the GATE ECE 2026 exam overview from the table below:-

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	IIT Guwahati
Exam Dates	7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th February 2026
Exam Mode	Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration	3 Hours (180 minutes)
Total Questions	65
Total Marks	100
Sections in Paper	General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Core ECE Subjects
Question Types	MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQs (Multiple Select Questions), NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
Marking Scheme	1-mark and 2-mark questions
Negative Marking	For 1 mark MCQ: 0.33 deducted For 2 mark MCQ: 0.66 deducted
Negative Marking (MSQ/NAT)	No negative marking
Language of Paper	English
Sectional Weightage	General Aptitude – 15% Engineering Mathematics – 13% Core ECE Subjects – 72%

The GATE ECE syllabus 2026 will be followed for the exam scheduled in February 2026. The paper is divided into three sections with different weightage. General Aptitude carries about 15% of the marks and tests your basic reasoning and language skills. Engineering Mathematics makes up around 13% and includes topics like linear algebra, calculus, and probability.

The biggest part is the Core Subjects of ECE, which hold nearly 72% of the marks. This section covers areas such as electronic devices, circuits, signals, communications, electromagnetics, and control systems. Knowing this weightage helps you understand where most of the questions will come from in the GATE syllabus for ECE 2026. Check out the details here.

Check Out: GATE & ESE Books

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For General Aptitude

The General Aptitude part of the GATE ECE syllabus 2026 is common for all branches and focuses on testing basic skills. It usually carries 15 marks and includes topics like verbal ability, grammar, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, and reading comprehension.

The numerical ability section covers simple arithmetic, percentages, averages, profit and loss, ratios, probability, and data interpretation. Since this section is scoring, covering it well can boost your overall performance. Aspirants preparing with the GATE 2026 ECE syllabus should not ignore this area:-

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For General Aptitude
Topics	Syllabus
Verbal Aptitude	English grammar Vocabularies Reading and comprehension Narrative sequencing
Quantitative Aptitude	Data interpretation 2 & 3-dimensional plots Maps & tables Numerical computation & estimation that includes ratios, percentages, powers, exponents & logarithms Permutations & combinations Mensuration & geometry Elementary statistics & probability
Analytical Aptitude	Logic: Deduction & induction Analogy Numerical relations & reasoning
Spatial Aptitude	Transformation of shapes like translation, mirroring, rotation & scaling Assembling & grouping Paper folding, cutting, and patterns (2 & 3 dimensions)

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics is another important part of the ECE GATE syllabus that forms the base for problem-solving. The GATE 2026 syllabus ECE for maths includes topics like linear algebra, matrices, calculus, probability, random variables, statistics, numerical methods, and complex variables.

These concepts are not just theoretical but are often applied in core electronics questions, too. Check out the GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 for maths below:-

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For Engineering Mathematics
Sub-topics	Syllabus
Linear Algebra	Linear dependence and independence Vector space Matrix algebra, eigen values and eigen vectors Solution of linear equations- existence and uniqueness Rank.
Calculus	Mean value theorems Theorems of integral calculus Evaluation of definite and improper integrals Partial derivatives, maxima and minima Multiple integrals, line, surface and volume integrals Taylor series
Differential Equations	First-order equations (linear and nonlinear) Higher-order linear differential equations Cauchy's and Euler's equations Methods of solution using variation of parameters Complementary function and particular integral Partial differential equations Variable separable method initial and boundary value problems
Vector Analysis	Vectors in the plane and space Vector operations Gradient, divergence and curl Gauss's, Green's and Stokes’ theorems.
Complex Analysis	Analytic functions Cauchy’s integral theorem Cauchy’s integral formula, sequences, series, and convergence tests Taylor and Laurent series, residue theorem.
Probability and Statistics	Mean, median, mode, standard deviation Combinatorial probability Probability distributions Binomial distribution Poisson distribution Exponential distribution Normal distribution Joint and conditional probability.

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For Core Subjects

The core subjects are the most important part of the GATE ECE syllabus 2026, as they carry the highest weightage in the exam. This section includes major topics like electronic devices, analogue circuits, digital circuits, signals and systems, communications, electromagnetic theory, control systems, and networks. You will also find areas such as microprocessors, computer organisation, and electrical measurements in the ECE GATE syllabus. Go through the GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For Core Subjects below.

GATE ECE Syllabus 2026 For Core Subjects
Subject Name	Sub-topics	Syllabus
Networks, Signal & Systems	Circuit Analysis	Node and mesh analysis Superposition, Thevenin's theorem, Norton’s theorem & reciprocity. Sinusoidal steady state analysis: phasors, complex power Maximum power transfer. Time and frequency domain analysis of linear circuits such as RL, RC and RLC circuits Solution of network equations using the Laplace transform Linear 2-port network parameters, wye-delta transformation.
	Continuous-time Signals	Fourier series Fourier transform Sampling theorem and applications.
	Discrete-time Signals	DTFT, DFT, z-transform Discrete-time processing of continuous-time signals. LTI systems: definition and properties, causality & stability, their impulse response & convolution, poles & zeroes, Frequency response, group delay, phase delay
Electronic Devices	Semiconductors	Energy bands in semiconductors Equilibrium carrier concentration Direct and indirect band-gap semiconductors
	Carrier Transport	Diffusion current & drift current Mobility and resistivity Generation and recombination of carriers Poisson and continuity equations.
	Diode	P-N junction & Zener diode BJT, MOS capacitor & MOSFET LED, photo diode & solar cell
Analog Circuits	Diode Circuits	Clipping, clamping & rectifiers BJT & MOSFET
	Amplifiers	Biasing Ac coupling, small signal analysis & frequency response Current mirrors & differential amplifiers
	Op-amp Circuits	Amplifiers Summers, differentiators & integrators Active filters Schmitt triggers & oscillators
Digital Circuits	Number Representations	Binary Number System Integer & floating-point numbers
	Combinatorial circuits	Boolean algebra Minimisation of Boolean functions using Boolean identities & Karnaugh map Logic gates & their static CMOS implementations Arithmetic circuits Code converters Multiplexers & decoders.
	Sequential Circuits	Latches & flip-flops Counters & shift-registers Finite state machines Propagation delay & critical path delay Setup and hold time
	Data Converters Semiconductor	Sample & hold circuits ADCs & DACs
	Memories	ROM SRAM DRAM
	Computer Organization	Machine instructions & addressing modes ALU, data-path & control unit Instruction pipelining
Control Systems	Basic control system components	Feedback principle Transfer function Block diagram representation Signal flow graph
Control Systems	Transient and steady-state analysis of LTI systems	Frequency response Routh-Hurwitz & Nyquist stability criteria Bode and root-locus plots Lag, lead & laglead compensation State variable model Solution of state equation of LTI systems.
Communications	Random Processes	Auto correlation & power spectral density Properties of white noise Filtering of random signals through LTI systems.
	Analog Communications	Amplitude modulation & demodulation Angle modulation & demodulation Spectra of AM & FM Super heterodyne rECEivers.
	Information Theory	Entropy Mutual information Channel capacity theorem
	Digital Communications	PCM, DPCM Digital modulation schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK, QAM) & their bandwidth Inter-symbol interference, MAP & ML detection, Matched filter rECEiver SNR and BER
	Fundamentals of error correction	Hamming codes CRC.
Electromagnetics	Maxwell’s Equations	Differential and integral forms and their interpretation Boundary conditions Wave equation Poynting vector.
	Plane Waves and Properties	Reflection and refraction polarization Phase and group velocity Propagation through various media Skin depth.
	Transmission Lines	Equations Characteristic impedance Impedance matching Impedance transformation, S-parameters Smith chart.
	Waveguides and Antenna	Rectangular and circular waveguides Light propagation in optical fibers Dipole and monopole antennas Linear antenna arrays.

Read More: GATE Syllabus 2025

GATE Exam Pattern 2026

Before starting preparation, it’s important to know how the GATE ECE 2026 exam will look. The pattern tells you about the type of questions, total marks, sections, and time limit, so you can prepare in the right direction.

The exam will be held online (CBT mode) with 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours.
It will have MCQs and NATs, and only MCQs will carry negative marking.
The paper is divided into General Aptitude (15%), Engineering Mathematics (15%), and Core ECE subjects (70%), with the highest weightage given to the technical part.

GATE 2026 Books

When we prepare for competitive exams like GATE, one of the biggest challenges is choosing the right study material. With so many books available in the market, it’s easy to get confused and waste time deciding which one to follow. But in reality, what matters is picking that one resource which matches your level of understanding and guides you through the entire journey. A well-structured book becomes your constant support, helping you revise concepts, solve questions, and stay on track.

Keeping this in mind, PW has introduced GATE 2026 books designed in a simple and easy-to-follow manner. These books are created to make learning smoother, making sure that even the toughest topics feel understandable. For students aiming at Electronics and Communication Engineering, the content aligns with the GATE ECE syllabus and covers everything in the GATE 2026 ECE syllabus clearly.

How to Prepare for GATE ECE 2026?

Preparing for the GATE ECE 2026 exam may feel a bit difficult at first, but with the right plan, it becomes manageable. Here are some useful steps to help you get ready.

1. Understand the syllabus and exam pattern

The first step is to go through the GATE 2026 ECE syllabus carefully. You should know how much weightage each section carries. The paper has negative marking, so avoid guesswork. Only answer the questions you are confident about.

Read the ECE gate syllabus line by line before starting.
Focus on topics that carry more marks.

2. Prepare for GATE ECE 2026 General Aptitude

General Aptitude carries 15% weightage in the gate syllabus for ECE 2026. This section is often considered as scoring if you practice regularly. Focus on improving reasoning, comprehension, and basic maths skills.

Solve aptitude questions every day.
Practice reading comprehension to improve speed.
Revise basic maths and logical reasoning often.

3. Prepare for GATE ECE 2026 Engineering Mathematics

Maths has 13% weightage in the gate syllabus for ECE. This part can be tricky, but if you practice formulas and theorems regularly, it can become your strength.

Revise formulas and short tricks regularly.
Practice problem-solving daily.
Try solving maths questions from previous years

4. Prepare for GATE 2026 Core ECE subjects

The majority of marks come from the GATE ECE syllabus core subjects. These include communication, signals, circuits, and electronics. This is the part where you must spend the maximum time.

Make small notes while studying each subject.
Revise diagrams, formulas, and definitions often.
Solve topic-wise questions after finishing each chapter.

5. Make notes and revise

Writing short notes helps you remember better. During revision, notes save time and let you go over the gate 2026 syllabus ECE quickly.

Write formulas and key points on one page.
Use sticky notes for important topics.
Revise notes daily for better recall.

6. Solve PYQs and mock tests

Previous year questions show the real exam level. Mock tests help you learn time management. Together, they build exam confidence.

Solve at least 5 years of PYQs from the GATE ECE syllabus 2026.
Take mock tests in exam-like conditions.
Analyse your mistakes and improve them.

Also read: Books for GATE Exam

GATE ECE syllabus 2026 FAQs

Q1. What is the GATE ECE syllabus 2026?

The GATE ECE syllabus 2026 includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Electronics and Communication subjects like signals, systems, communication, and circuits.

Q2. How much weightage does General Aptitude carry in GATE 2026 ECE syllabus?

General Aptitude carries about 15% of the paper, so it is important to practice regularly.

Q3. What is the weightage of Engineering Mathematics in the GATE syllabus for ECE 2026?

Engineering Mathematics has around 13% weightage and is scoring if you revise formulas and practice problems often.

Q4. Which section has the highest marks in the GATE syllabus for ECE?

Core ECE subjects cover about 70% to 72% of the exam, making them the most important part of the GATE 2026 ECE syllabus.

Q5. Is there negative marking in the GATE ECE exam?

Yes, there is negative marking for MCQs. 0.33 marks are cut for wrong 1-mark MCQs and 0.66 marks for wrong 2-mark MCQs.

Recommended for you

See All