GATE EE Syllabus 2026: Topic Wise Electrical Engineering Syllabus
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India, serving as a gateway for Master’s programs (M.Tech/Ph.D.) in premier institutes like IITs and IISc, as well as recruitment in top-tier Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). For Electrical Engineering (EE) aspirants, the journey to success begins with a crystal-clear understanding of the syllabus.
As we look toward GATE 2026, the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever. Navigating the vast landscape of Electrical Engineering requires a strategic approach, starting with a deep dive into the official syllabus. This blog provides an exhaustive breakdown of the GATE EE Syllabus 2026, marking the weightage of sections and offering a roadmap for your preparation.
Understanding the GATE EE Exam Pattern
Before jumping into the topics, it is crucial to understand how the paper is structured. The GATE EE paper consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks, to be completed in 3 hours.
General Aptitude: 15 Marks (Common to all papers)
Engineering Mathematics: 13 Marks
Core Electrical Engineering Subjects: 72 Marks
The questions are a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
Detailed Topic-Wise GATE EE Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is broadly categorized into ten primary sections. Here is the detailed breakdown:
1. General Aptitude (GA)
This section tests your verbal and numerical ability. It is the highest-scoring section if practiced regularly.
Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, instructions, Word groups, Narrative sequencing.
Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, 2D and 3D plots, Power, exponents and logarithms, Permutations and combinations.
Analytical Aptitude: Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations.
Spatial Aptitude: Transformation of shapes, Paper folding, cutting, and patterns.
2. Engineering Mathematics
Mathematics is the backbone of Electrical Engineering. Mastery here ensures success in core subjects like Control Systems and Signals.
Linear Algebra: Matrix Algebra, Systems of linear equations, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors.
Calculus: Mean value theorems, Theorems of integral calculus, Partial derivatives, Maxima and minima, Fourier series, Vector identities.
Differential Equations: First-order equations, Higher-order linear differential equations with constant coefficients, Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations.
Complex Variables: Cauchy-Riemann equations, Cauchy’s integral theorem, Taylor and Laurent series.
Probability and Statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, Random variables, Discrete and continuous distributions.
3. Electric Circuits
This is the foundational subject for any EE aspirant.
Network Elements: Ideal voltage and current sources, Dependent sources, R, L, C, M elements.
Network Theorems: Thevenin’s, Norton’s, Superposition, and Maximum Power Transfer theorems.
Transient Response: DC and AC networks, Resonance.
Two-port Networks: Three-phase circuits, Star-Delta transformations.
4. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Statics: Coulomb's Law, Electric Field Intensity, Electric Flux Density, Gauss's Law, Divergence.
Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart’s law, Ampere’s law, Curl, Faraday’s law, Lorentz force.
Time-varying Fields: Maxwell’s equations, Poynting vector.
5. Signals and Systems
Representation: Continuous-time and discrete-time signals, LTI systems.
Transforms: Laplace Transform, Z-Transform, Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT).
Sampling: Sampling theorem, Correlation, and Convolution.
6. Electrical Machines
This is often considered the "heart" of Electrical Engineering and carries significant weightage.
Single Phase Transformer: Equivalent circuit, phasor diagram, losses, efficiency, and regulation.
Three-phase Transformers: Connections, parallel operation.
DC Machines: Shunt, series, and compound machines, Speed control, Braking.
Induction Motors: Single-phase and three-phase, Torque-speed characteristics, Starting and speed control.
Synchronous Machines: Cylindrical and salient pole machines, Regulation and parallel operation.
7. Power Systems
Generation and Transmission: Models and performance of transmission lines and cables.
Distribution Systems: Per-unit quantities, Bus admittance matrix, Gauss-Seidel and Newton-Raphson load flow methods.
Protection: Principles of over-current, differential, and distance protection.
Fault Analysis: Symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults.
8. Control Systems
Modeling: Mathematical modeling and representation of systems, Feedback principle.
Stability: Routh-Hurwitz criterion, Nyquist criterion, Root loci.
Design: Lag, Lead and Lead-Lag compensators, P, PI, and PID controllers.
State Space Model: State transition matrix.
9. Electrical and Electronic Measurements
Instruments: PMMC, moving iron, dynamometer and induction type instruments.
Bridges: Measurement of voltage, current, power, energy, and power factor.
Error Analysis: Bridge measurements, Oscilloscopes.
10. Analog and Digital Electronics
Analog: Characteristics of diodes, BJT, MOSFET; Simple diode circuits; Amplifiers (Single and multi-stage); Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps) and applications.
Digital: Number systems, Combinational circuits (Multiplexer, Demultiplexer, Adders), Sequential circuits (Flip-flops, Counters, Registers).
11. Power Electronics
Devices: Characteristics of semiconductor power devices: Diode, Thyristor, Triac, GTO, MOSFET, IGBT.
Converters: DC to DC conversion (Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost), Single and three-phase configuration of uncontrolled rectifiers.
Inverters: Voltage and Current source inverters.
Preparation Strategy for GATE EE 2026
To conquer the GATE EE syllabus, one must follow a structured timeline:
Concept Building (Months 1-5): Focus on understanding the "Why" behind formulas. Prioritize Mathematics and Networks.
Subject Completion (Months 6-8): Finish core subjects like Machines and Power Systems. Create short notes for every chapter.
Practice and Revision (Months 9-10): Solve previous year questions (PYQs) from the last 20 years.
Mock Tests (Final Months): Take full-length mock tests to build stamina and improve time management.
FAQs
Q1: Is the GATE EE syllabus changed for 2026?
The core syllabus remains largely consistent; however, minor tweaks in sub-topics can occur. Always refer to the official brochure released by the organizing IIT.
Q2: Which subject has the highest weightage in GATE Electrical?
Engineering Mathematics, Electric Circuits, and Electrical Machines usually carry the most marks. General Aptitude is also a high-weightage section.
Q3: Can I crack GATE EE 2026 in 6 months?
Yes, with a dedicated 6-8 hour daily study routine and a focus on high-weightage topics and PYQs, it is entirely possible.
Q4: Is a calculator allowed in the GATE exam?
Physical calculators are not allowed. A "Virtual Scientific Calculator" will be provided on the computer screen during the exam.
Q5: What are the best books for GATE EE?
Network Analysis by Van Valkenburg
Electrical Machines by P.S. Bimbhra
Power Systems by C.L. Wadhwa
Control Systems by I.J. Nagrath and M. Gopal
Others:
Don't leave your success to chance. Utilize the best resources available online to stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
The GATE EE 2026 syllabus is vast, but it is not insurmountable. The key to success lies in consistency and the ability to correlate different subjects. For instance, understanding Signals and Systems makes Control Systems much easier, and mastering Electric Circuits is essential for Power Electronics.
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