GATE EE Syllabus 2026: Topic Wise Electrical Engineering Syllabus
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Mastering the GATE EE Syllabus 2026 is the first step for any aspirant aiming for top-tier IITs or prestigious PSU jobs. As the competition intensifies, understanding the specific weightage and detailed topic-wise breakdown becomes crucial for a high All India Rank (AIR).
The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026 for Electrical Engineering is expected to be organized by IIT Guwahati. The exam remains a 100-mark assessment that tests both your fundamental understanding and your ability to apply complex electrical concepts to numerical problems.
GATE 2026 EE Exam Pattern & Overview
Before diving into the topics, let’s look at the structure of the paper. The exam consists of 65 questions to be completed in 3 hours.
Feature | Details |
Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Sectional Distribution | General Aptitude (15), Engg. Maths (13), Core EE (72) |
Question Types | MCQs, Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
Negative Marking | 1/3 for 1-mark MCQ; 2/3 for 2-mark MCQ (No negative for NAT/MSQ) |
Detailed Topic-Wise GATE EE Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is broadly divided into ten primary sections. Below is the detailed breakdown of each.
1. General Aptitude (15 Marks)
This section is common to all GATE papers and is often the "rank booster."
Verbal Aptitude: English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and narrative sequencing.
Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, and permutations.
Analytical Aptitude: Logic, deduction, and analogies.
Spatial Aptitude: Paper folding, cutting, and 2D/3D patterns.
2. Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks)
Maths forms the backbone of Electrical Engineering.
Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
Calculus: Mean value theorems, multiple integrals, Fourier series, and vector identities.
Differential Equations: First order and higher-order linear differential equations, Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations.
Probability & Statistics: Mean, median, mode, random variables, and normal distributions.
3. Electric Circuits
This is a high-scoring area focusing on network analysis.
Network Elements: Ideal and dependent sources, R, L, C, M elements.
Theorems: Thevenin’s, Norton’s, Superposition, and Maximum Power Transfer.
Analysis: KCL, KVL, Node/Mesh analysis, and transient response of DC/AC networks.
4. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Electrostatics: Coulomb's Law, Gauss's Law, and Electric Field Intensity.
Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart’s law, Ampere’s law, and Magnetic circuits.
Maxwell’s Equations: Time-varying fields and Faraday's law.
5. Signals and Systems
Representation: Continuous and discrete-time signals, shifting and scaling.
LTI Systems: Linear Time-Invariant and causal systems.
Transforms: Laplace, Fourier, and Z-transforms.
6. Electrical Machines
One of the most important core subjects.
Transformers: Single-phase and three-phase equivalent circuits, regulation, and efficiency.
DC Machines: Separately excited, series, and shunt motors; speed control.
Induction Motors: Three-phase torque-speed characteristics and starting methods.
Synchronous Machines: Cylindrical and salient pole machines, phasor diagrams.
7. Power Systems
Generation & Transmission: Models of transmission lines and cables, series and shunt compensation.
Analysis: Load flow (Gauss-Seidel, Newton-Raphson) and Symmetrical/Unsymmetrical fault analysis.
Protection: Circuit breakers, system stability, and economic load dispatch.
8. Control Systems
Modeling: Transfer functions, Block diagrams, and Signal flow graphs.
Stability: Routh-Hurwitz and Nyquist criteria, Bode plots, and Root loci.
Design: Compensators (Lead, Lag, Lead-Lag) and PID controllers.
9. Electrical and Electronic Measurements
Instruments: Bridges and Potentiometers, PMMC, and moving iron instruments.
Digital Tools: Digital voltmeters, multi-meters, and Oscilloscopes.
10. Analog and Digital Electronics
Analog: Diode circuits (clippers, clampers), Op-Amps, and active filters.
Digital: Combinational and sequential circuits, ADC, and DAC converters.
11. Power Electronics
Devices: Static V-I characteristics of Thyristors, MOSFETs, and IGBTs.
Converters: Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost converters; Single and three-phase inverters.
Subject-Wise Weightage Analysis
While weightage varies slightly each year, the following distribution is typical for GATE EE:
Subject | Expected Weightage |
General Aptitude | 15% |
Engineering Mathematics | 13% |
Electrical Machines | 10-12% |
Power Systems | 8-10% |
Power Electronics | 8-11% |
Control Systems | 8-9% |
Best Books for GATE EE 2026
To cover the syllabus effectively, refer to these standard textbooks:
Electrical Machinery: P.S. Bimbhra
Power Systems Engineering: Nagrath and Kothari
Control Systems Engineering: Norman S. Nise
Network Analysis: M.E. Van Valkenburg
Engineering Mathematics: B.S. Grewal
FAQs
1. Is there any change in the GATE EE 2026 syllabus?
While the core topics remain stable, minor tweaks in sub-topics can occur. Always check the official IIT Guwahati notification released in August for any updates.
2. Which subject has the highest weightage in GATE EE?
General Aptitude (15 marks) and Engineering Mathematics (13 marks) are fixed. Among core subjects, Electrical Machines and Power Systems usually carry the most weight.
3. Can I prepare for GATE EE 2026 in 6 months?
Yes, with a disciplined schedule focusing on concepts and solving previous year questions (PYQs), 6 months is sufficient for a good score.
Other:
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Conclusion
The GATE EE Syllabus 2026 is vast but structured. Success depends on balancing the high-weightage math and aptitude sections with a deep conceptual grasp of core subjects like Machines and Power Systems. Start early, practice numerical problems daily, and use mock tests to refine your time management.
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