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Updated By Falak Khan on 11 Aug, 2025 18:01
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Predict RankGATE 2026 syllabus for EC has been released by IIT Guwahati at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE syllabus 2026 for EC consists of a total of 8 sections, namely Engineering Mathematics, Networks, Signals and Systems, Electronic Devices, Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits, Control Systems, and Communication and Electromagnetic. The GATE syllabus for ECE has been divided into three sections, ie, Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and core ECE disciplines. For better preparation for the GATE 2026 exam, you must make sure to have a good knowledge of the complete syllabus. While going through the topics of syllabus, you must make sure to understand the core concepts and practice the numerical questions. One of the best ways to get a hold of the syllabus is to study from the top books, practice from the previous year question papers, etc. Read on to know more details about GATE 2026 syllabus for EC.
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Attempt nowThe syllabus of GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering includes a total of 8 sections. In order to have a good understanding of the syllabus, you must make sure to go through all the sections of the GATE EC syllabus carefully. The table below explains the GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering section-wise syllabus:-
Subjects | Chapters |
|---|---|
Linear Algebra | Vector space, basis, linear dependence and independence, matrix algebra, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors, rank, solution of linear equations - existence and uniqueness. |
Differential Equations | First-order equations (linear and nonlinear), higher order linear differential equations, Cauchy's and Euler's equations, methods of solution using a variation of parameters, complementary function and particular integral, partial differential equations, variable separable method, initial and boundary value problems. |
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 |
Complex Analysis | Analytic functions, Cauchy’s integral theorem, Cauchy’s integral formula, sequences, series, convergence tests, Taylor and Laurent series, residue theorem. |
Vector Analysis | Vectors in plane and space, vector operations, gradient, divergence and curl, Gauss's, Green's and Stokes’ theorems. |
Probability and Statistics | Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, combinatorial probability, probability distributions, binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, exponential distribution, normal distribution, joint and conditional probability. |
Subjects | Chapters |
|---|---|
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: RL, RC and RLC circuits, solution of network equations using Laplace transform. Linear 2-port network parameters, wye-delta transformation. |
Continuous-time Signals | Fourier series and 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, impulse response, convolution, poles and zeroes, frequency response, group delay, phase delay |
Energy bands in intrinsic and extrinsic 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. P-N junction, Zener diode, BJT, MOS capacitor, MOSFET, LED, photodiode and solar cell
Diode Circuits: Clipping, clamping, and rectifiers.
BJT and MOSFET Amplifiers: Biasing, AC coupling, small signal analysis, frequency response. Current mirrors and differential amplifiers.
Op-amp Circuits: Amplifiers, summers, differentiators, integrators, active filters, Schmitt triggers, and oscillators
Subjects | Chapters |
|---|---|
Number Representations | Binary, integer and floating-point- numbers. Combinatorial circuits: Boolean algebra, minimization of functions using Boolean identities and Karnaugh map, logic gates and their static CMOS implementations, arithmetic circuits, code converters, multiplexers, decoders. |
Sequential Circuits | Latches and flip-flops, counters, shift-registers, finite state machines, propagation delay, setup and hold time, critical path delay |
Data Converters | Sample and hold circuits, ADCs and DACs. |
Semiconductor Memories | ROM, SRAM, DRAM. |
Computer Organization | Machine instructions and addressing modes, ALU, data-path and control unit, instruction pipelining |
Basic control system components; Feedback principle; Transfer function; Block diagram representation; Signal flow graph; Transient and steady-state analysis of LTI systems; Frequency response; Routh-Hurwitz and Nyquist stability criteria; Bode and root-locus plots; Lag, lead and lag-lead compensation; State variable model and solution of state equation of LTI systems.
Random Processes: Autocorrelation and power spectral density, properties of white noise, filtering of random signals through LTI systems.
Analog Communications: Amplitude modulation and demodulation, angle modulation and demodulation, spectra of AM and FM, superheterodyne receivers.
Information Theory: Entropy, mutual information and channel capacity theorem.
Digital Communications: PCM, DPCM, digital modulation schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK, QAM), bandwidth, inter-symbol interference, MAP, ML detection, matched filter receiver, SNR and BER. Fundamentals of error correction, Hamming codes, CRC.
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. Rectangular and circular waveguides, light propagation in optical fibers, dipole and monopole antennas, and linear antenna arrays.
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The section of General Aptitude is common among all the subjects of GATE. Moreover, GA is a crucial section as it holds 15% weightage. Thereafter, you must make sure not to ignore it and study it properly. The GATE GA section includes a total of 4 sections. Find the detailed GATE 2026 EC syllabus for General Aptitude below:-
Sections | Topics |
|---|---|
Analytical Aptitude | Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations, and reasoning |
Quantitative Aptitude | Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing data), 2- and 3-dimensional plots, maps, and tables. Numerical computation and estimation: ratios, percentages, powers, exponents and logarithms, permutations and combinations, and series. Mensuration and geometry, Elementary statistics and probability. |
Spatial Aptitude | Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping. Paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions |
Verbal Aptitude | Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech. Basic vocabulary: words, idioms, and phrases in context. Reading and comprehension, Narrative sequencing |
IIT Guwahati has published the GATE EC syllabus PDF. You can get the GATE EC syllabus 2026 pdf download link below:-
While preparing for the GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering, you must make sure to study the important topics properly. Know that these topics have been deemed important, as questions related to them have been asked repeatedly in the exam. Read about the GATE EC syllabus important topics 2026 below:-
Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
Analog Circuits |
|
General Aptitude |
|
Electronic Devices & Circuits |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
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Control System |
|
Signals and Systems |
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Digital Electronics |
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Electromagnetics |
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Communications |
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Networks |
|
Knowing the topic-wise weightage of the GATE EC syllabus is a crucial part of the preparation for the exam. Each section of the GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering contains a good amount of weightage in terms of marks. Several questions are asked from the GATE EC syllabus sections, of which some carry higher marks. You can check the expected GATE EC 2026 syllabus topic-wise weightage of marks below.
Section Name | 1 Mark Questions | 2 Marks Questions | Total Marks | GATE 2026 EC Expected Weightage of Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Control Systems | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5% |
Engineering Mathematics | 5 | 4 | 13 | 13% |
Digital Circuits | 3 | 3 | 8 | 9% |
Signal Systems | 4 | 3 | 10 | 10% |
Analog Circuits | 3 | 2 | 7 | 7% |
Electronic Devices | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6% |
Communication | 3 | 5 | 13 | 13% |
General Aptitude | 5 | 5 | 15 | 15% |
Networks Theory | 2 | 5 | 12 | 12% |
The GATE 2026 syllabus for EC includes various sections, topics, and chapters. Covering such a huge syllabus can be challenging, but not impossible if you are dedicated. To pass the GATE exam and get admission to your desired college, follow the preparation tips given below.
Analyze the GATE exam pattern and the syllabus of EC. It will help you give an idea about the marking scheme, section-wise weightage, topics to be studied, etc.
Make a study plan according to your level. Add all the chapters of the GATE 2026 EC syllabus to your timetable. Add days for revision, solving previous year papers, mock tests, etc.
Study as per your study plan. Make notes of important topics and points, which will come in handy in revision.
Learn the formulas and equations. Understand the concepts and memorize the theoretical part.
If you have any doubts, clear them with your teacher, mentor, coaching centre, etc.
Solve GATE previous year papers, mock tests, and sample papers regularly. This will help you improve your mistakes, analyze your preparation, and improve your time accuracy.
Revise continuously on a timely basis.
While preparing for GATE EC, you must make sure to study from the top recommended books. Below are some of the best books for GATE EC 2026:-
Section | Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|---|
Digital Circuits | Digital Electronic Principles and Applications | Ronald J. Toccii |
Modern Digital Electronics | R.P. Jain | |
Digital Logic and Computer Design | M Morris Mano | |
Electronic Devices | Solid State Electronic Devices | Ben G. Streetman and Sanjay Banerjee |
Semiconductor Physics and Devices | Donald A Neaman & Dhrubes Biswas | |
Semiconductor Devices | S. M. Sze | |
Networks, Signals and Systems | Engineering Circuit Analysis | William H. Hayt |
Fundamentals of Electric Circuits | Charles K. Alexander & Matthew N.O. Sadiku | |
Network Analysis | Mac Van Valkenburg | |
Analog Circuits | Integrated Electronics | Jacob Millman Christos C Halkias |
Micro Electronics circuit | Sedra & Smith | |
Electronic Devices and Circuit | Robert L. Boylestad Louis Nashelsky | |
Control Systems | Modern Control Engineering | Katsuhiko Dgata |
Automatic Control Systems | B.C. kuo, Farid Golnaraghi | |
Control Systems Engineering | I.J. Nagrath, M. Gopal | |
Principles of linear system and signals | BP Lath | |
Communications | Analog and Digital Communication Systems | Simon Haykin |
Modern digital and analog Communications system | BP Lathi | |
Principle of Communication System | Taub& Schillings | |
Electromagnetics | Principles of Electromagnetics | Matthew N.D. Sadiku & S.V. Kulkarni |
Elements of Electromagnetics | Matthew N.O. Sadiku | |
Engineering Electromagnetics | William Hayt |
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