The GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) 2026 syllabus is designed to test candidates’ conceptual understanding of core electrical subjects along with problem-solving and analytical ability. If you are aiming for M.Tech admissions, PSU recruitment, or research programs, the understanding of the GATE Electrical Engineering syllabus is very important.
The GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) 2026 syllabus is designed to test candidates’ conceptual understanding of core electrical subjects along with problem-solving and analytical ability. If you are aiming for M.Tech admissions, PSU recruitment, or research programs, the understanding of the GATE Exam syllabus is very important.
Understanding the syllabus topic-wise helps aspirants plan their preparation systematically and focus on high-weightage areas. In this article, we will be discussing the GATE Electrical Engineering syllabus details, its pattern and weightage.
GATE Electrical Engineering Overview
The GATE electrical engineering subject is an important subject for taking the GATE exam. For your reference, the overview of the GATE Electrical Engineering exam has been added here.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
|
Paper Code |
EE |
|
Organizing Institute |
IIT Guwahati |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
|
Total Marks |
100 |
|
Total Questions |
65 |
|
Sections |
General Aptitude (15 Marks) + Core Electrical Engineering (85 Marks) |
|
Question Types |
MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
|
Negative Marking |
Only for MCQs (–⅓ for 1-mark, –⅔ for 2-mark questions) |
GATE Electrical Engineering Exam Pattern
The GATE EE Exam Pattern consists of the General Aptitude part, Engineering Mathematics, and the core electrical engineering subjects. Each part has its own weightage and question count. The detailed GATE electrical engineering exam pattern has been mentioned below:
|
Section |
Marks |
Question Count |
Type |
|
General Aptitude |
15 |
10 (5×1M + 5×2M) |
MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
13 |
~10 |
Conceptual & numerical |
|
Core Electrical Engineering |
72 |
~45 |
Mixed (MCQ, MSQ, NAT) |
|
Total |
100 |
65 |
— |
Detailed GATE Electrical Engineering Syllabus 2026
Below is the official topic-wise breakdown of the GATE EE syllabus based on IIT Guwahati and gate.iitk.ac.in guidelines. The GATE 2026 Electrical Engineering syllabus includes 9 major subject areas, covering fundamental and advanced concepts of electrical circuits, power systems, machines, control, and electronics. The table below presents a complete topic-wise syllabus in one place for easy reference.
|
Main Subject |
Key Topics Covered |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
Linear Algebra (matrices, eigenvalues, determinants); Calculus (limits, continuity, differentiation, maxima-minima, partial derivatives); Differential Equations (first & higher order, Euler & Runge-Kutta methods); Complex Variables (analytic functions, Cauchy’s theorem, residues); Probability & Statistics (random variables, distributions, mean, variance); Numerical Methods (interpolation, numerical integration). |
|
Electric Circuits and Fields |
Network laws (KCL, KVL), Node & Mesh analysis, Thevenin & Norton equivalents, Superposition; Transient response of RL/RC/RLC circuits; AC steady-state analysis; Resonance, three-phase circuits; Network theorems (reciprocity, maximum power transfer); Electromagnetic fields – Coulomb’s, Gauss’s, Ampere’s, Faraday’s laws, Maxwell’s equations, inductance & displacement current. |
|
Signals and Systems |
Signal classification (continuous, discrete, even, odd); System properties (linearity, causality, stability, time invariance); Fourier and Laplace transforms, Z-transform; Convolution, transfer function, impulse and step response; Sampling theorem, aliasing, signal reconstruction. |
|
Electrical Machines |
Transformers – equivalent circuit, efficiency, voltage regulation, parallel operation; DC Machines – characteristics, armature reaction, speed control; Induction Motors – torque-speed relation, starting, braking; Synchronous Machines – EMF equation, regulation, power angle; Special Machines – stepper, servo, universal motor basics. |
|
Power Systems |
Power generation (thermal, hydro, nuclear, renewable); Transmission lines – parameters, efficiency, Ferranti effect; Per-unit system, single-line diagram; Fault analysis (symmetrical & unsymmetrical); Load flow studies, voltage regulation, stability analysis; Switchgear & Protection – circuit breakers, relays, fuses, protection schemes. |
|
Control Systems |
Feedback principles, open-loop & closed-loop systems; Time-domain analysis (transient & steady-state response); Frequency response (Bode, Nyquist plots, gain & phase margins); State-space representation, controllability, observability; Stability analysis using Routh–Hurwitz, root-locus, and Nyquist criterion. |
|
Electrical and Electronic Measurements |
PMMC, MI, dynamometer instruments; Energy meters; Bridge circuits (Wheatstone, Kelvin, Maxwell, Schering, Wien); Transducers (LVDT, strain gauge, thermocouple); Digital measurement systems (DVM, ADC/DAC); Oscilloscopes and error analysis. |
|
Analog and Digital Electronics |
Semiconductor devices (diode, BJT, MOSFET) – characteristics & biasing; Amplifiers & Oscillators (CE, CC, feedback amplifiers, RC/LC oscillators); Operational amplifiers (inverting, non-inverting, filters, integrators, differentiators); Logic gates (TTL, CMOS), Boolean simplification, combinational & sequential logic (flip-flops, counters, registers). |
|
Power Electronics |
Power semiconductor devices (thyristor, MOSFET, IGBT); AC-DC Converters (rectifiers, controlled/uncontrolled); Inverters & Choppers – PWM, voltage/frequency control; Cycloconverters, AC voltage controllers; Applications in motor drives, HVDC systems, and power supplies. |
GATE Electrical Engineering Topic-Wise Weightage & Preparation Strategy
The GATE Electrical Engineering exam consists of critical topics that carry a high weightage. You need to concentrate on the GATE Electrical Engineering detailed syllabus.
|
Topic |
Approx. Weightage (%) |
Strategy |
|
Electrical Machines |
15–17% |
Focus on equivalent circuits, torque equations, and efficiency problems |
|
Power Systems |
14–16% |
Practice fault analysis and load flow numericals |
|
Control Systems |
8–10% |
Learn Bode, Nyquist, and state-space thoroughly |
|
Power Electronics |
10–12% |
Understand converter and inverter waveforms |
|
Analog & Digital Electronics |
6–8% |
Revise op-amps, logic circuits, and amplifiers |
|
Signals & Systems |
5–7% |
Focus on Laplace/Fourier transforms |
|
Measurements |
4–6% |
Revise bridges and instrument errors |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
12–14% |
Strong command over calculus, matrices, and probability |
|
General Aptitude |
15% |
Practice verbal & numerical reasoning regularly |
Best Books for GATE Electrical Engineering Preparation
Choosing the right study materials is crucial for effective GATE EE preparation. Here’s a subject-wise list of the most recommended books used by toppers and coaching experts:
- Electrical Machines
→ Electrical Machinery – P.S. Bhimbra
Ideal for understanding DC, induction, and synchronous machines with detailed numerical examples. - Power Systems
→ Power System Engineering – Nagrath & Kothari
Covers generation, transmission, distribution, load flow, and fault analysis comprehensively. - Control Systems
→ Automatic Control Systems – B.C. Kuo
Excellent for concepts on feedback, stability, and frequency response. - Power Electronics
→ Power Electronics – P.S. Bhimbra
Focuses on converters, inverters, choppers, and switching characteristics of semiconductor devices. - Signals and Systems
→ Signals and Systems – Alan V. Oppenheim & A.S. Willsky
Best for Fourier and Laplace transforms, system analysis, and sampling theorems. - Electrical Measurements
→ A Course in Electrical and Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation – A.K. Sawhney
Concise theory and solved problems on bridges, instruments, and transducers. - Analog Electronics
→ Electronic Devices and Circuits – Boylestad & Nashelsky
Ideal for understanding BJT, FET, amplifiers, and oscillators. - Engineering Mathematics
→ Higher Engineering Mathematics – B.S. Grewal
Covers all essential mathematical concepts like linear algebra, calculus, and probability for GATE.
The GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) syllabus covers a vast range of topics, combining core electrical concepts with analytical and mathematical skills. A detailed approach, strong conceptual clarity, and consistent problem-solving practice will help you prepare well for this subject. Using standard reference books like P.S. Bhimbra for Machines, Nagrath & Kothari for Power Systems, and B.S. Grewal for Mathematics can help you build a strong foundation. Along with this, solving previous year GATE papers, taking mock tests, and analyzing weak areas will boost both speed and accuracy.
