The GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026 was released by IIT Guwahati on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. As per the GATE exam pattern for previous years, the examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
- The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted for 30 test papers, and each paper will include 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours.
- In the GATE ECE Exam Pattern, the question paper consists of three sections: Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13%, General Aptitude with 15%, and the ECE syllabus with 72%.
- GATE 2026 ECE question paper will have three types of questions, i.e, Multiple-choice (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT).
- The GATE marking scheme includes +1 or +2 marks for each question. With negative marking of ⅓ for 1 mark questions and ⅔ for 2 mark questions.
- If you are appearing for the GATE 2026 ECE paper as their primary paper, then you can also appear for IN, PH, EE, CS, or GE paper.
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Key Summary
- this article, we talk about the GATE ECE Exam Pattern for 2026, including the marking scheme, types of questions, negative marking, weightage, and preparation tips.
- The GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026 was released by IIT Guwahati on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
- As per the GATE exam pattern for previous years, the examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
- The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted for 30 test papers, and each paper will include 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours.
- In the GATE ECE Exam Pattern, the question paper consists of three sections: Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13%, General Aptitude with 15%, and the ECE syllabus with 72%.
- GATE 2026 ECE question paper will have three types of questions, i.e,. Multiple-choice (MCQs), multiple select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT).
- The GATE marking scheme includes +1 or +2 marks for each question. With negative marking of ⅓ for 1 mark questions and ⅔ for 2 mark questions.
- What is the GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026?
1.1 GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
2.1 GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Negative Marking
2.2 GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Types of Questions
2.3 GATE Syllabus 2026: Download Paper-Wise PDFs
- GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Topic-Wise Weightage
3.1 GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Core ECE Syllabus Weightage
3.2 GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: GA & EM Weightage
- GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Important Topics
- GATE ECE Exam Important Books
- GATE Question Papers- Download Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
- GATE ECE Exam Preparation Tips
- FAQs for GATE ECE Exam Pattern
What is the GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026?
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted for 30 test papers, and each paper will include 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours.
- ECE Sections Weightage: Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13%, General Aptitude with 15%, and the ECE syllabus with 72%.
- Question Types: The GATE 2023 ECE paper has 3 types of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT.
- Total Marks: 100 marks, including Engineering Mathematics has 13 marks, General Aptitude has 15 marks, and Core ECE has 72 marks.
- Marking Scheme: -1/3 and -2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer to an objective-type question, according to the marks assigned.
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Sections |
|
| Question Types |
|
| Marking Scheme |
|
| Negative Marking |
|
| Total Sections | 3 (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Core ECE) |
| Allowed Second Paper | IN / EE / CS / PH / GE |
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Check GATE Subject-Wise Exam Pattern
Ques. How is the GATE ECE 2026 exam structured?
Ans. The exam consists of 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
- Questions are divided across Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and ECE core subjects, with core ECE topics carrying the highest weight.
Ques. What types of questions appear in the exam, and how does negative marking affect the total score?
Ans. Incorrect MCQs directly reduce total marks, so accuracy is crucial, whereas MSQs and NAT do not reduce marks, so attempting them carefully is safer.
| Question Type | Description | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | Select one correct answer from four options | Yes, -1/3 for 1-mark, -2/3 for 2-mark questions |
| MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) | Select one or more correct options | No negative marking |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | Enter the numerical answer using the virtual keypad | No negative marking |
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
The IIT Guwahati has also released the GATE 2026 Marking scheme along with the GATE Exam Pattern and other important information.
- The paper consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks, divided into three main sections.
- General Aptitude carries 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics carries 13 marks, and the Core ECE subjects make up the largest portion with 72 marks.
| Discipline | Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) | General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 10 | 13 | |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering Subjects | 45 | 72 | |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Negative Marking
- MCQs are objective questions presented in all sections, bearing 1 or 2 marks each. Each question will have 4 options, with 1 being the correct answer.
- NAT questions carry 1 or 2 marks in all sections. The answers to these questions are numerical values that are to be entered using a virtual keypad. No choices are given for these questions.
- In MSQs, questions will have a choice of four answers. Out of which, one or more than one choice(s) are correct.
The table below shows the GATE 2026 Marking Scheme:
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (1 Mark) | +1 | -1/3 | Yes |
| MCQ (2 Marks) | +2 | -2/3 | Yes |
| MSQ | Varies | 0 | No |
| NAT | Varies | 0 | No |
Source: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Types of Questions
Questions in GATE 2026 are broadly divided into three categories:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
| Question Type | Description | Options | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | You can select one correct answer from 4 choices | 4 choices, 1 correct | Yes, 1-mark MCQ: –0.33, 2-mark MCQ: –0.67 |
| MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) | One or more correct answers out of 4 choices | 4 choices, 1 or more correct | No |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | You must enter a signed real number as the answer | No choices | No |
Ques. What is the best strategy to attempt MCQs?
Ans. Attempt easier MCQs first, and avoid guessing to minimize negative marking. Focus on accuracy rather than attempting all. The best strategies are given below:
| Strategy Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Order of Attempt | Attempt easier MCQs first to secure marks quickly. |
| Guessing | Avoid random guesses to minimize negative marking. |
| Focus | Prioritize accuracy over quantityIt’s better to attempt fewer questions correctly than all questions incorrectly. |
Ques. How to manage time during the exam?
Ans. Attempt high-confidence questions first, then move to moderate ones. Leave difficult MCQs for later to avoid losing marks due to negative marking.
| Time Management Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Order of Attempt | Start with high-confidence questions to secure easy marks. |
| Moderate Questions | Attempt moderate-difficulty questions next once easy ones are done. |
| Difficult Questions | Leave tough MCQs for later to avoid negative marking and stress. |
| Overall Strategy | Balance speed and accuracy; don’t spend too much time on a single question. |
GATE Syllabus 2026: Download Paper-Wise PDFs
The GATE Syllabus 2026 will be released by IIT Guwahati along with the official notification and brochure. You can check the latest paper-wise GATE syllabus for 2026:
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Topic-Wise Weightage
The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted for 30 test papers, and each paper will include 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours.
- ECE Sections Weightage: Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13%, General Aptitude with 15%, and the ECE syllabus with 72%.
- Total Marks: 100 marks, including Engineering Mathematics has 13 marks, General Aptitude has 15 marks, and Core ECE has 72 marks.
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Core ECE Syllabus Weightage
The table below provides a clear overview of the major core topics in the GATE ECE 2026 syllabus, along with their approximate weightage in the exam and the average marks expected from each section.
| Core Topic | Weightage (%) | Average Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Networks, Signals & Systems | 10–12% | 10–12 |
| Electronic Devices | 7–9% | 7–9 |
| Analog Circuits | 10–12% | 10–12 |
| Digital Circuits | 8–10% | 8–10 |
| Control Systems | 6–8% | 6–8 |
| Communications | 15–18% | 15–18 |
| Electromagnetics | 8–10% | 8–10 |
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: GA & EM Weightage
The table below provides a clear overview of the major core topics in the GATE ECE 2026 syllabus, along with their approximate weightage in the exam and the average marks expected from each section.
| Core Topic | Weightage (%) | Average Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15% | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13-15% | 13-15 |
Check:
Ques. Which core subjects carry the highest weightage?
Ans. The high-weightage topics that frequently appear in GATE exams are given below. Prioritize these areas for maximum scoring potential.
| Core ECE Topic | Approx. Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Communications | 15–18% |
| Networks, Signals & Systems | 10–12% |
| Analog Circuits | 10–12% |
| Digital Circuits | 8–10% |
Ques. Does weightage affect preparation strategy?
Ans. Yes, weightage should guide your preparation. The details are as follows:
| Section | Weightage (%) | Preparation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Core ECE Subjects | 72% |
|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15% |
|
| Engineering Mathematics | 13% |
|
GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2026: Important Topics
This table highlights the important topics across all sections of the GATE ECE 2026 syllabus, focusing on areas with higher weightage and frequent appearances in previous exams.
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude |
|
| Engineering Mathematics |
|
| Networks & Signals |
|
| Electronic Devices & Circuits |
|
| Digital Circuits |
|
| Control Systems |
|
| Communications |
|
| Electromagnetics |
|
GATE ECE Exam Important Books
Some of the GATE 2026 important books for those who are preparing for the GATE ECE exam 2026 are given below for your reference:
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Erwin Kreyszig |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Objective English | Hari Mohan Prasad |
| Network Theory | Alexander Sadiku |
| Engineering Circuit Analysis | Hayt & Kemmerly |
| Semiconductor Devices | David Neamen |
| Integrated Electronics | Millman & Halkias |
| Microelectronic Circuits | Sedra & Smith |
| Digital Logic and Computer Design | M. Morris Mano |
| Modern Control Engineering | Katsuhiko Ogata |
| Principles of Communication Systems | Taub & Schilling |
| Elements of Electromagnetics | Matthew N.O. Sadiku |
GATE Question Papers- Download Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
You can check the previous year's GATE Question Paper to get a better understanding of the GATE Exam Pattern.
The links below can be used to download GATE Question Papers for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
| Year | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Download GATE 2024 Question Papers |
| 2023 | Download GATE 2023 Question Papers |
| 2022 | Download GATE 2022 Question Papers |
| 2021 | Download GATE 2021 Question Papers |
| 2020 | Download GATE 2020 Question Papers |
| 2019 | Download GATE 2019 Question Papers |
| 2018 | Download GATE 2018 Question Papers |
| 2017 | Download GATE 2017 Question Papers |
GATE ECE Exam Preparation Tips
The table below shows the GATE exam preparation tips for those who are appearing for the GATE ECE exam 2026:
| Preparation Area | Action Points | Suggested Time | Notes/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Exam Pattern & Syllabus |
| 2–3 days | Helps prioritize high-weightage topics like Communications, Networks, Signals & Systems |
| Study Plan & Scheduling |
| 1–2 days | Balance between ECE subjects, Mathematics, and GA |
| Core Concepts Mastery |
| 2–3 months | Focus on theory + problem-solving; use standard books |
| Problem Practice |
| 1–2 months | Focus on numerical questions and high-weightage topics |
| Mock Tests |
| Last 2 months | Analyze performance, improve speed and accuracy |
| Revision |
| Ongoing; intensify last month | Prioritize high-weightage topics and weak areas |
| Time Management (Exam Day) |
| Exam duration: 3 hours | Helps maximize score; avoid negative marking |
FAQs for GATE ECE Exam Pattern
Ques. What is the question pattern of GATE 2026?
Ans. The question pattern for the GATE 2026 exam is of computer-based test with a duration of 3 hours. The details are given below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Sections | 1. General Aptitude (GA) – 15 marks2. Core Subject (ECE) – 85 marks |
| Question Types | 1. MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)2. MSQs (Multiple Select Questions)3. NATs (Numerical Answer Type) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 or +2 marks per question |
| Negative Marking | For MCQs only:– -1-mark Q → –0.33– -2-mark Q → –0.67No negative marking for MSQ/NAT |
Ques. What is the weightage for ECE in GATE 2026?
Ans. The weightage for ECE in the GATE 2026 exam is given below with approx weightage, total marks, and level of difficulty in the exam:
| Section | Approx. Weightage | Marks | Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15% | 15 | Easy–Moderate |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13%–15% | 13–15 | Moderate |
| Core ECE Subjects | 70%–72% | 70–72 | Moderate–Difficult |
| Total | 100% | 100 | — |
Ques. What is the rank for 40 marks in GATE ECE?
Ans. The rank for 40 marks in the GATE ECE 2026 exam is around 1500-3500, which average. The table below shows the marks range and expected rank range with performance level for your reference:
| Marks Range | Expected Rank Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80 – 85+ | 1 – 50 | Outstanding (Top IITs) |
| 70 – 79 | 50 – 200 | Excellent |
| 60 – 69 | 200 – 600 | Very Good |
| 50 – 59 | 600 – 1500 | Good |
| 40 – 49 | 1500 – 3500 | Average |
| 30 – 39 | 3500 – 7000 | Below Average |
| Below 30 | 7000+ | Low |
Ques. How many 2-mark questions are in GATE ECE?
Ans. The 2-mark questions in the GATE ECE 2026 exam are 35 questions with a total mark of 70, and that is numerical-based. The details are as follows:
| Marks per Question | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-mark | 30 | 30 | Mostly theory/conceptual |
| 2-mark | 35 | 70 | Numerical + application-based |
| Total | 65 | 100 | — |
Ques. Is it easy to score 70 in GATE?
Ans. Yes, you can score 70 in the GATE 2026 exam with consistent preparation; the details are given below:
- GATE ECE is considered moderate to tough.
- Scoring 70+ (out of 100) places you in the top ~1–2% of candidates.
- Deep conceptual understanding, strong problem-solving, and extensive practice of past papers.
- Possible with consistent preparation (6–9 months of dedicated study).
Ques. How many test papers do you want to appear for in GATE 2026?
Ans. You can appear for a maximum of 2 test papers in GATE 2026, provided they are from the approved list of paper combinations (e.g., ECE + EE or ECE + IN).
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Papers Allowed | 2 papers (from approved combinations) |
| Primary Paper | Your core discipline (e.g., ECE – EC) |
| Optional Second Paper | From allowed combinations (e.g., EE, IN, PH, CS) |
| Example for ECE Students | EC + EE or EC + IN or EC + PH |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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