Electronics and Communications Engineering is an engineering field that deals with electronic devices, circuits, communication equipment like transmitter, receiver, integrated circuits (IC). The syllabus of GATE EC consists of 3 sections namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and specific subject of the paper.
To score good marks in the exam candidates must know the syllabus and exam pattern as per the academic year. In GATE EC paper, a total of 55 questions will be asked from the core subject and Mathematics. The remaining 10 questions will be asked from the General Aptitude. Check GATE Exam Pattern
With the help of GATE scores, candidates can apply for M.Tech courses offered at IITs, NITs, etc. Moreover, they can also apply for GATE PSU Recruitment process. The validity of scores is 3 years from the date of announcement of results. Candidates are advised to go through the article to know more about syllabus, exam patterns, books, and preparation tips.
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GATE EC Syllabus
Syllabus for GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering
Electronics and Communications Engineering syllabus is divided into 8 sections. The detailed syllabus is as follow:
- Section 1: Engineering Mathematics Linear
- Section 2: Networks, Signals, and Systems
- Section 3: Electronic Devices
- Section 4: Analog Circuits
- Section 5: Digital Circuits
- Section 6: Control Systems
- Section 7: Communications
- Section 8: Electromagnetics
Direct link to download GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) syllabus PDF
Important Topics in GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Sample Question 1:

- Sample Question 2:

Weightage of Sections/Topics
| Section | 1 Mark | 2 Mark | No.of Ques |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Engineering Mechanics | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Strength of Materials | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Design of Machine Elements | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Theory of Machines | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Vibrations | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fluid mechanics | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Thermal Science | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Heat Transfer | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Manufacturing Science | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Industrial Engineering | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Verbal Ability | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Numerical Ability | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Check Detailed GATE EC Paper Analysis
GATE EC Exam Pattern
GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Exam Pattern
- Exam Mode: Online
- Duration: 3 hours
- Types of questions: MCQs and NAT
- Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Subject-based
- Total questions: 65 questions
- Total marks: 100 marks
- Negative Marking: For MCQs only
| Section | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15% of the total marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 15% of the total marks |
| Subject-Based (ME) | 70% of the total marks |
Marking scheme
| Type of question | Negative marking for wrong answer |
|---|---|
| MCQs |
1/3 for 1 mark questions 2/3 for 2 marks questions |
| NATs | No negative marking |
Read More GATE Exam Pattern
Important Books for EC
Important Books for GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering

| Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Microelectronic Circuits: Theory and Applications | Adel S. Sedra, Kenneth C. Smith, Edition: 6 |
| Fundamentals of Electric Circuits | Charles K. Alexander, Matthew N. O. Sadiku, Edition: 5 |
| Automatic Control Systems | Benjamin C. Kuo, Edition: 9 |
| Digital Logic and Computer Design | M. Morris Mano, Edition: 1 |
| Principles of Communication Systems | Goutam Saha, Herbert Taub, Donald Schilling, Edition: 3 |
How to Prepare for EC Paper?
Preparation Tips for GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Paper
1. Division of Syllabus
- Candidates should divide their syllabus based on priority. There are various factors to set the priority like on the basis of difficulty level, on the basis of weightage of marks, etc.
- With a proper division of syllabus, it will become easy to cover the syllabus in a particular period of time.
- The main motive to divide the topics or sections is that you can easily complete the syllabus when divided into small portions.
2. Set Right Targets
- Candidates must set some targets. For example, you can set a target that I will complete 6 topics in a particular week. This is also called a target based study plan and when you fulfill one target then it gives you a feeling of achievement which in return boost your level of confidence.
- Do not overburden yourself and set up easy targets.
Read Preparation Tips of GATE Topper
3. Time Divison
| Time Allotment | Activities to Do |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM | Revision Time |
| 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM | Take a Break |
| 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Start new Topic |
| 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Take a Break |
| 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Complete the remaining topic |
| 10:00 PM | Again go through your Notes |
4. Practice Papers
- Practice papers will help you in getting an idea about the exam pattern, type of questions asked the paper, difficulty level of questions, weightage given to topics or sections, etc.
- You can also improve your speed and accuracy.
- Candidates should practice 1-2 papers in every 3-4 days.
- Do not get demotivated if you are not able to solve the questions. Observe your weaker areas and try to work on them.
5. Confidence and Motivation
- Keep yourself motivated and believe in yourself.
- Do not compare yourself with your friends. Focus on your preparations.
- Try to avoid distractions like T.V, social media, etc.
- Take frequent breaks for relaxation and keep up the good health.
Syllabus Of Other Papers
Candidates who are planning to appear for GATE can go through the syllabus of their respective subjects from the links provided in the table above.







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