GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus 2026

Topics

Sub Topics

Linear Algebra

Vector space, basis, linear dependence and independence, matrix algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, rank, solution of linear equations- existence and uniqueness.

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 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, 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.

Topics

Sub Topics

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.

Topics

Sub Topics

Energy Bands

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.

Diodes

P-N junction, Zener diode, BJT, MOS capacitor, MOSFET, LED, photo diode and solar cell

Topics

Sub Topics

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

Topics

Sub Topics

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 Organizations

Machine instructions and addressing modes, ALU, data-path and control unit, instruction pipelining.

Topics

Sub Topics

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.

Topics

Sub Topics

Maxwell’s Equation

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, linear antenna arrays.

Section

Weightage Percentage

Number of Questions

Engineering Mathematics

13

7 to 8

Networks, Signals and Systems

20 to 22

12 to 14

Electronic Devices

5 to 7

3 to 5

Analog Circuits

6 to 8

4 to 6

Digital Circuits

8 to 10

5 to 7

Control Systems

5 to 7

3 to 5

Communications

13 to 15

8 to 10

Electromagnetics

10 to 12

7 to 9

Particulars

Description

Sections

• General Aptitude
• Engineering Mathematics
• Electronics and Communication Engineering

Total Number of Questions

65

Maximum Marks

100

Exam Duration

3 hours

Mode of Exam

Online

Type of Questions

• Multiple choice Questions(MCQs)
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

GATE Negative Marking

• 1/3 for 1 mark Que in MCQ
• 2/3 for 2 marks ques in MCQ
• No Negative marking in MSQ and NAT

Gate Exam 2026

Gate Exam Syllabus

Gate Exam Important dates

Gate Exam Result

Gate Cut off

Gate Exam pattern