High-Scoring Electronics and Communication Topics for GATE 2026

Electronics and Communication has gained prominence after Computer Science and Engineering in the last few years. If you want to pursue M.Tech from IIT/NIT/IISc can appear for the GATE 2026 exam. GATE is a national-level exam conducted annually in February by one of the IITs or IISc on a rotational basis. It is a gateway not only for postgraduate admissions but also for PSU recruitment, Ph.D. programs, and even higher education abroad in some countries.

Some of the most important and high-scoring topics of Electronics and Communications are Network Theory,  Electronic Devices and Circuits, Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits, Control Systems, Signals and Systems, and Communication Systems.In this article, we have covered high-scoring Electronics and Communication topics for the GATE 2026 exam, which can be done easily in less time.

High-Scoring Electronics and Communication Topics

Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Communication Systems are some of the high-scoring Electronics and Communication topics for GATE 2026. Over the past five years, these topics collectively account for around 43-45% of the GATE Electronics and Communication 2026 exam. Here is the list of high-scoring  Electronics and Communication topics mentioned below in detail:

Network Theory 

The branch of study that deals with applications of Norton and Thevenin’s theory in electrical circuits is called Network Theory. A solid understanding of this topic will give clarity on a few important terms in Physics, such as:

• Electric Current 
• Voltage
• Impedance
• Linear Electrical Networks

Electronic Devices and Circuits

A detailed study of electronic devices such as semiconductors, diodes, BJTs, etc., is covered under this topic. In other words, where there is a flow of electrons, there is the application of electronic devices and circuits. The major components of electric circuits whose applications are discussed in this subject are as follows:

• Capacitors
• Inductors
• Diodes
• Amplifiers 
• Semiconductors 
• Resistors
• Transistors 

Analog Circuits

Variable signals are processed by analog signals. The application of analog circuits can be seen in:

• Radio frequency circuits 
• Audio amplifiers 
• Sensors
• Filters
• Modifiers

Digital Circuits

Different logic gates, such as AND, NOR, XOR, etc., are used in electrical circuits or digital circuits. The way of processing information in the circuits distinguishes digital circuits from analog circuits. 

• It relies on the binary signals for processing information. 
• Two types of voltage (high and low) are utilised in digital circuits. 

Control Systems

The intercontinental electrical systems that focus on the study of feedback and control mechanisms are called control systems. Some of the important subtopics covered in this section are as follows:

• Transfer Functions
• PID Controllers
• Stability Analysis 
• Bode Plots

Eletromagnetics

The field of Electromagnetics includes the application of both electric as well as magnetic fields in the circuit. Some important sub-topics which are covered under Electromagnetics are as follows: 

• Maxwell’s Equation & Theorem
• Wave Propagation
• Equations associated with Transmission Lines

Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics is a field of applied mathematics that deals with mathematical models and techniques. 

These topics are helpful in modeling and problem-solving applications in biotechnology. Engineering Mathematics can be considered a high-scoring Electronics and Communication topic for the GATE 2026 exam. 

General Aptitude

This is one of the most scoring sections in all the GATE papers as the weightage of General Aptitude is fixed (15%). A few important sub-topics that need to be mastered while preparing for the ATE exam are as follows:

• Logical Reasoning 
• Numerical Ability 
• Verbal Reasoning 
• English Comprehension 
• Data Interpretation 

GATE 2026 Topic-Wise Estimated Weightage for Electronics and Communication

The following are the GATE 2026 topics-wise Estimated Weightage for Electronics and Communication. The topics listed below are discussed in detail.

Best Books and Resources for High-Scoring GATE Electronics and Communication Topics

The important topics of the Best Books and Resources for High-Scoring GATE Electronics and Communication topics are discussed below in detail:

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing High-Scoring Topics

The following are common mistakes to avoid while preparing high-scoring topics mentioned below in tabular format:

• Mistake: Overlooking basic concepts makes it difficult to solve advanced numerical or application-based questions.
  Solution: Use NCERT textbooks to build a strong conceptual foundation.

• Mistake: Icing PYQs leads to poor awareness of high and low-weightage topics.
  Solution: Practice previous year questions from the last 5–10 years, aligned with the latest exam trends.

• Mistake: Learning formulas/theorems without understanding their logic causes difficulty in application.
  Solution: Understand the derivation of formulas and theorems step-by-step.

• Mistake: Poor time management results in not being able to attempt all questions in the given time.
  Solution: Attempt daily mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy.

• Mistake: Relying heavily on coaching materials without enough self-study creates confusion.
  Solution: Allocate 5–6 hours daily for self-study to consolidate your understanding.

• Mistake: Ignoring past year exam trends leads to missing out on frequently asked or high-weightage topics.
  Solution: Analyze trends and revise high-weightage topics weekly and monthly.

• Mistake: Skipping high-scoring subjects like Engineering Mathematics reduces your chances of scoring well.
  Solution: Prioritize and practice high-weightage topics for better results.

• Mistake: Not preparing for General Aptitude can cost you up to 15% of the total marks.
  Solution: Regularly solve General Aptitude questions through mock tests.

• Mistake: Not practicing with the virtual calculator can lead to calculation errors during the exam.
  Solution: Practice solving questions using the official GATE virtual calculator.

• Mistake: Studying new topics at the last minute increases stress and affects sleep.
  Solution: Finish your syllabus well before the exam and avoid adding new topics near the exam date.

Although the syllabus of Electronics and Communication is very vast, smart study always pays off. If you want to score higher, you need to first analyze high-scoring Electronics and Communication for the GATE 2026 exam. Once you are done with the selection of topics, you have to practice both topic-wise as well as full-length test series as much as you can. Most of the students often neglect reviewing the test papers, which impacts their performance in the actual exam. It is advisable for the candidates to always give enough time to analyse the test papers. This will help you understand your weaknesses as well strengths. This way, you can make strategies properly before taking the exam. Overall, a balanced approach is needed along with the selection of high-scoring Electronics and Communication topics to perform well in the GATE 2026 exam.