Instrumentation engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on the principle and operation of measuring instruments used in fields of design, configuration of automated systems, etc. Based on these principles the syllabus of GATE IN paper is divided into 9 major sections.
Further based on the syllabus the paper is divided into 3 sections namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core subject. Candidates appearing GATE Instrumentation Engineering paper must be aware of GATE syllabus and pattern for the exam. Check GATE Exam Pattern
GATE conducting body releases the syllabus of all the papers for candidates. This will help candidates to prepare in a better way for the exam. After qualifying the exam, candidates can take admission in M.Tech courses offered at IITs, NITs, etc. Other than M.Tech admissions, candidates can apply for GATE PSUs Recruitment.
Must Read: IIT Delhi Admission Process
GATE Syllabus of IN
GATE Syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering
GATE syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering divided into 9 sections with topics that need to be covered. Candidate can check the Syllabus for GATE Instrumentation Engineering in detailed as given below:
- Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
- Section 2: Electrical Circuits
- Section 3: Signals and Systems
- Section 4: Control Systems
- Section 5: Analog Electronics
- Section 6: Digital Electronics
- Section 7: Measurements
- Section 8: Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation
- Section 9: Communication and Optical Instrumentation
Direct link to download GATE Instrumentation Engineering (IN) syllabus PDF
Important Topics for GATE Instrumentation Engineering
- Sample Question 1: Consider a circuit comprising only resistors with constant resistance and ideal independent DC voltage sources. If all the resistances are scaled down by a factor 10, and all source voltages are scaled up by a factor 10, the power dissipated in the circuit scales up by a factor of ___________ .
- Sample Question 2: An 8-bit weighted resistor digital-to-analog converter (DAC) has the smallest resistance of 500 Ω. The largest resistance has a value ___________ kΩ.
- Sample Question 3:

Weightage of Topics/Sections
| Topic | Number of Question | Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Networks | 7 | 10 | Easy |
| Control Systems | 4 | 7 | Easy |
| Signal And Systems | 5 | 8 | Easy |
| Digital and Micro Processor | 7 | 11 | Moderate |
| Analog Circuits | 6 | 10 | Tough |
| Communication Systems | 4 | 6 | Tough |
| Transducer | 5 | 7 | Moderate |
| Measurements | 5 | 8 | Moderate |
| Optical Instrumentation | 4 | 6 | Moderate |
| Engineering Mathematics | 8 | 12 | Moderate |
| General Awareness | 10 | 15 | Easy |
| Total | 65 | 100 | Moderate |
Check Detailed GATE IN Paper Analysis
GATE Exam Pattern of IN
GATE Exam Pattern of Instrumentation Engineering
- Mode of Examination: Online
- Duration of Exam: 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
| Section | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15% of the total marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 15% of the total marks |
| Subject-Based (IN) | 70% of the total marks |
Marking scheme
- Correct Answer: 1 or 2 Marks
- Negative Marking: For MCQs only
| 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 |
Check Detailed GATE Exam Pattern
Important Books for IN
Best Books for GATE Instrumentation Engineering

| Title of the book | Name of the Author/ Publication |
|---|---|
| GATE 2020: Instrumentation Engineering Previous Solved Papers | GKP |
| Instrumentation Engineering GATE 2020 | Arihant Experts |
| GATE 2020 – Guide – Instrumentation Engineering | GKP |
How to Prepare for IN Paper?
Preparation Tips for GATE Instrumentation Engineering Paper
1. Start Using Virtual Calculator
- Candidates must practice on virtual calculators so that you can develop a habit of using the same.
- If you will start using it from the time of your preparation then you can save a lot of time during the exam.
2. Start from Basic Concepts
- Start with the basic concepts or topics.
- Once your basics are clear, you can easily solve the other topics.
- Refer to the book that is easy to understand and learn.
- Preparation time is the best time to brush up your skills and memorizing all the important topics.
Read Preparation Tips from GATE Topper
3. Make a Proper Time Table
| Time Allotment | Activities to Do |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM | Revision of Important Topics |
| 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM | Take a Break |
| 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Pick up a Major Topic |
| 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Take a Break |
| 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Continue with your Topic/Start new Topic |
| 10:00 PM | Again Revise important topics/Sleep early |
4. Solve Practice Papers
- Solving the practice papers is one of the best methods to get familiar with exam pattern, type of questions, difficulty level, etc.
- By solving more questions papers you can get an idea that which questions should be solved first.
- Candidates are advised not to panic if they are not able to solve the questions.
- You can observe your weak areas and work on them.
5. Maintain Accuracy with Speed
- Maintaining good speed while solving the questions is very important.
- Accuracy is also very important to crack the exam.
- You can practice mock tests to achieve the same.
- If you are not able to maintain a good speed then you should focus on maintaining the accuracy level of your answers.
Syllabus Of Other Papers
Candidates can go through the syllabus of their respective subjects by clicking on the provided above in the table. The knowledge of GATE syllabus is important before starting the preparations. Candidates are advised to focus on the syllabus prescribed by the authorities.







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