The key topics of electrical engineering to focus on for GATE 2026 first attempt are electronic devices and circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, network theory control systems etc.
The GATE exam is conducted every year. This year, the exam will be conducted on February 07- 15, 2025. As of now, no changes or revisions in the exam pattern have been announced by the exam authorities for GATE EE 2026 aspirants. It is very important for the candidates to know the exam pattern and syllabus in advance so that they can select the Electrical Engineering majors on the first attempt at GATE 2026. By having a clear idea of the exam pattern, you can plan accordingly and score good marks in the actual exam. Candidates are advised to check the official notifications of the GATE 2026 exam regularly.
Topic-Wise Important Areas to Focus on in Electrical Engineering
Students appearing the GATE EE exam in 2026 must prepare these important topics mentioned below very well:
|
Core Subjects/Areas |
Details/Sub-topics |
|
Electronic Devices and Circuits |
|
|
Analog Circuits |
|
|
Digital Circuits |
Different logic gates, such as AND, NOR, XOR |
|
Network Theory |
|
|
Control Systems |
|
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Electromagnetism |
|
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Engineering Mathematics |
|
|
General Aptitude |
|
GATE 2026 Overview
The detailed overview of the GATE exam format 2026 is given below in tabular format:
|
Parameters |
Details |
|
Total Questions |
65 Questions |
|
Total Marks |
100 Marks |
|
Exam Duration |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Total number of Sections |
3 (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Core Electrical Subjects) |
GATE EE Marks Distribution
The GATE 2026 exam will be held February 07- 15, 2025, for all branches, including Electrical Engineering. The topic-wise weightage is helpful for students to get a clear idea of the exam format. Also, once you get familiar with the important and high-scoring Electrical Engineering topics, you can crack the GATE EE exam on your first attempt. We have mentioned the topic-wise marks distribution for the GATE EE 2026 examination below:
|
Section |
Weightage (%) |
Marks |
|
General Aptitude |
15% |
15 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
15% |
15 |
|
Core EE Subjects |
70% |
70 |
|
Total |
100% |
100 |
Past Five-Year Subject Weightage
The best resource for the students appearing for GATE EE for the first time is the previous year's exam analysis. Candidates are advised to analyze the exam pattern and important topics of GATE EE 2026 to score well and successfully crack the exam. Below, we have mentioned the subject-wise weightage and their importance based on the past five-year exam trends.
|
Subject |
Average Weightage Marks |
Importance |
|
Power systems |
12-14 |
Very High |
|
Electrical Mathematics |
10-12 |
Very High |
|
Power Electronics & Drives |
8-10 |
High |
|
Analogs & Digital Electronics |
7-9 |
High |
|
Electrical Circuits/ Networks |
6-8 |
High |
|
Signals & Systems |
6-8 |
Medium |
|
Control Systems |
6-8 |
Medium |
|
Electromagnetic Theory |
4-6 |
Medium |
|
Measurements &Instrumentation |
3-5 |
Low |
The topics mentioned above can be very beneficial for students appearing for the GATE EE exam in 2026. These 4-5 subjects (Power Systems, Electrical Mathematics, Power Electronics & Drives, Allonges, and Digital Electronics) combined with Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude can help you score 60-70% marks in the GATE EE 2026 exam. So, smart study in this case is very beneficial for students who mainly focus on the high-weighted topics instead of covering the entire GATE 2026 syllabus.
Six Months Preparation Strategy for GATE EE 2026 Exam
Candidates appearing for the GATE EE exam in 2026 must start their preparation from now, as you are only left with six months lefts. In these six months, instead of focusing on completing the entire GATE syllabus, try to select the important GATE EE topics that can give you a good score within a limited time.
|
Month |
Focus Area |
Tasks |
|
1-2 |
Core High Weightage |
Power Systems, Machines, Circuits—PYQs + Notes |
|
3-4 |
Medium Weightage |
Power Electronics, Control, Signals, Analog l |
|
5 |
Remaining + Revision |
Digital, EMT, Measurements |
|
6 |
Final Revision |
Daily formula revision + 3 mocks/week |
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for GATE EE
The following are common mistakes to avoid while preparing Key Electrical Engineering topics to focus on for GATE 2026 first attempt, below in tabular format:
|
Common Mistake |
Problem |
Solution |
|
Basic concepts are mostly overlooked by students |
With the conceptual clarity, solving advanced numerical or application-based questions becomes very difficult. |
NCERT textbooks are a highly recommended source for building conceptual clarity of any topic. |
|
Students often miss practicing PYQs |
Without PYQ practice, you can not become aware of the high and low weightage topics asked in the GATE exam. |
Try attempting PYQs of the last 5-10 years as per the latest exam trends. |
|
A big mistake made by most students is learning formulas and theorems without understanding the logic or concept behind them. |
Difficulty in applying formulas. |
Try to understand the derivation of theorems and formulas in a step-by-step manner. |
|
Time management is poor. |
The chances of not attempting all questions within the stipulated time frame are. |
Try attempting daily mock tests from a verified educational platform. |
|
Dependence on various coaching materials for resources without giving time for self-study is another mistake. |
Multiple sources create confusion. |
Give at least 5-6 hours for self-study apart from coaching because coaching materials can only be used as a reference. |
|
Neglecting the past year's exam trends. |
Without analyzing past year exam trends, you can not get aware of the high and low weightage topics asked in the GATE exam. |
Do not forget weekly and monthly revisions. |
|
Skipping high-scoring EE topics, such as Engineering Mathematics |
A good command of high-weightage topics can reward you with good marks
|
Do not miss the scoring topic like General Aptitude, as this section contributes a significant share (15%) in all GATE papers. |
|
Not practicing General Aptitude questions. |
General Aptitude alone carries 15% weightage in the GATE exam. If you miss this, you may get a low rank. |
Try attempting different mock test papers on a routine basis. |
|
Chances of inaccuracies due to not using a virtual Calculator |
A calculation error occurs. |
Keep practicing GATE questions from a virtual calculator. |
|
Last-minute hustle and adding new topics a day before the exam. |
Your sleep cycle the day before the exam will be disturbed. |
Do not panic and always try to complete your syllabus before the exam day. |
Although the GATE EE syllabus is very vast, smart and consistent study is the two key sources for clearing the GATE exam in the first attempt. If you want to score higher, you need to first analyze the Key Electrical Engineering topics to focus on for the GATE 2026 first attempt. Once you are done with the selection of important topics, now is the time to practice both topic-wise as well as full-length test series as much as you can. Overall, a balanced approach is needed along with the selection of Key Electrical Engineering topics to focus on for the GATE 2026 first attempt.
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