
Exams Prep Master
GATE 2021 Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus includes 3 sections namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core subject topics. The weightage of the core subject syllabus in the exam is 72% and 13% of Engineering Mathematics & 15% for General Aptitude. To score good marks in GATE 2021 candidates should prepare from the revised syllabus of Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Electronics and Communications Engineering is an engineering field that deals with electronic devices, circuits, communication equipment like transmitter, receiver, integrated circuits (IC). Candidates choosing EC as their first paper can either sit for IN or PH as their second paper based on the revised exam pattern. Check GATE 2021 Exam Pattern
GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering paper is scheduled to be conducted on Day 3 i.e., Feb 7, 2021 (Sunday) in the afternoon session from 15:00- 18:00 hrs.
After scoring good marks in GATE 2021, candidates can apply for M.Tech courses offered at IITs, NITs, etc. Moreover, they can also apply for GATE PSU Recruitment process. The validity of scores is 3 years from the date of announcement of results. Candidates are advised to go through the article to know more about revised syllabus, exam patterns, books, and preparation tips.
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GATE 2021 EC Syllabus
GATE 2021 Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus
Electronics and Communications Engineering syllabus is divided into 8 sections. The detailed syllabus is as follow:
Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
- Linear Algebra: Vector space, basis, linear dependence and independence, matrix algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, rank, solution of linear equations- existence and uniqueness.
- Calculus: Mean value theorems, theorems of integral calculus, evaluation of definite and improper integrals, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, line, surface and volume integrals, Taylor series.
- Differential Equations: First order equations (linear and nonlinear), higher order linear differential equations, Cauchy's and Euler's equations, methods of solution using variation of parameters, complementary function and particular integral, partial differential equations, variable separable method, initial and boundary value problems.
- Vector Analysis: Vectors in plane and space, vector operations, gradient, divergence and curl, Gauss's, Green's and Stokes’ theorems.
- Complex Analysis: Analytic functions, Cauchy’s integral theorem, Cauchy’s integral formula, sequences, series, convergence tests, Taylor and Laurent series, residue theorem.
- Probability and Statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, combinatorial probability, probability distributions, binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, exponential distribution, normal distribution, joint and conditional probability.
Section 2: Networks, Signals, and Systems
- Circuit analysis: Node and mesh analysis, superposition, Thevenin's theorem, Norton’s theorem, reciprocity. Sinusoidal steady state analysis: phasors, complex power, maximum power transfer. Time and frequency domain analysis of linear circuits: RL, RC and RLC circuits, solution of network equations using Laplace transform.
- Linear 2-port network parameters, wye-delta transformation.
- Continuous-time signals: Fourier series and Fourier transform, sampling theorem and applications.
- Discrete-time signals: DTFT, DFT, z-transform, discrete-time processing of continuous-time signals. LTI systems: definition and properties, causality, stability, impulse response, convolution, poles and zeroes, frequency response, group delay, phase delay.
Section 3: Electronic Devices
- Energy bands in intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, equilibrium carrier concentration, direct and indirect band-gap semiconductors.
- Carrier transport: diffusion current, drift current, mobility and resistivity, generation and recombination of carriers, Poisson and continuity equations.
- P-N junction, Zener diode, BJT, MOS capacitor, MOSFET, LED, photo diode and solar cell.
Section 4: Analog Circuits
- Diode circuits: clipping, clamping and rectifiers.
- BJT and MOSFET amplifiers: biasing, ac coupling, small signal analysis, frequency response.
- Current mirrors and differential amplifiers.
- Op-amp circuits: Amplifiers, summers, differentiators, integrators, active filters, Schmitt triggers and oscillators.
Section 5: Digital Circuits
- Number representations: binary, integer and floating-point- numbers.
- Combinatorial circuits: Boolean algebra, minimization of functions using Boolean identities and Karnaugh map, logic gates and their static CMOS implementations, arithmetic circuits, code converters, multiplexers, decoders.
- Sequential circuits: latches and flip-flops, counters, shift-registers, finite state machines, propagation delay, setup and hold time, critical path delay.
- Data converters: sample and hold circuits, ADCs and DACs.
- Semiconductor memories: ROM, SRAM, DRAM.
- Computer organization: Machine instructions and addressing modes, ALU, data-path and control unit, instruction pipelining.
Section 6: Control Systems
- Basic control system components; Feedback principle; Transfer function; Block diagram representation; Signal flow graph; Transient and steady-state analysis of LTI systems; Frequency response; Routh-Hurwitz and Nyquist stability criteria; Bode and root-locus plots; Lag, lead and lag-lead compensation; State variable model and solution of state equation of LTI systems.
Section 7: Communications
- Random processes: autocorrelation and power spectral density, properties of white noise, filtering of random signals through LTI systems.
- Analog communications: amplitude modulation and demodulation, angle modulation and demodulation, spectra of AM and FM, superheterodyne receivers.
- Information theory: entropy, mutual information and channel capacity theorem.
- Digital communications: PCM, DPCM, digital modulation schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK, QAM), bandwidth, inter-symbol interference, MAP, ML detection, matched filter receiver, SNR and BER.
- Fundamentals of error correction, Hamming codes, CRC.
Section 8: Electromagnetics
- Maxwell's equations: differential and integral forms and their interpretation, boundary conditions,wave equation, Poynting vector.
- Plane waves and properties: reflection and refraction, polarization, phase and group velocity, propagation through various media, skin depth.
- Transmission lines: equations, characteristic impedance, impedance matching, impedance transformation, S-parameters, Smith chart.
- Rectangular and circular waveguides, light propagation in optical fibers, dipole and monopole antennas, linear antenna arrays.
Direct link to download GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) syllabus PDF
Weightage of Important Topics
GATE 2021 Electronics and Communication Engineering – Important Topics & Weightage
- Sample Question 1:

- Sample Question 2:

Weightage of Sections/Topics
Section | 1 Mark | 2 Mark | No.of Ques |
---|---|---|---|
Engineering Mathematics | 5 | 4 | 9 |
Engineering Mechanics | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Strength of Materials | 5 | 4 | 9 |
Design of Machine Elements | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Theory of Machines | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Vibrations | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Fluid mechanics | 4 | 3 | 7 |
Thermal Science | 5 | 4 | 9 |
Heat Transfer | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Manufacturing Science | 4 | 6 | 10 |
Industrial Engineering | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Verbal Ability | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Numerical Ability | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Check Detailed GATE EC Paper Analysis
GATE 2021 EC Exam Pattern
GATE 2021 Exam Pattern of Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Exam Mode: Online
- Duration: 3 hours
- Types of questions: MCQs and NAT
- Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Mathematics and Subject-based
- Total questions: 65 questions
- Total marks: 100 marks
- Negative Marking: For MCQs only
Section | Total Marks |
---|---|
General Aptitude | 15% of the total marks |
Engineering Mathematics | 13% of the total marks |
Subject-Based (ME) | 72% of the total marks |
Marking scheme
Type of question | Negative marking for wrong answer |
---|---|
MCQs | 1/3 for 1 mark questions 2/3 for 2 marks questions |
NATs | No negative marking |
Read More GATE Exam Pattern
Important Books for GATE EC
GATE 2021 Electronics and Communication Engineering Syllabus – Best Books

Book Name | Author/Publisher |
---|---|
Microelectronic Circuits: Theory and Applications | Adel S. Sedra, Kenneth C. Smith, Edition: 6 |
Fundamentals of Electric Circuits | Charles K. Alexander, Matthew N. O. Sadiku, Edition: 5 |
Automatic Control Systems | Benjamin C. Kuo, Edition: 9 |
Digital Logic and Computer Design | M. Morris Mano, Edition: 1 |
Principles of Communication Systems | Goutam Saha, Herbert Taub, Donald Schilling, Edition: 3 |
How to Prepare for GATE EC Paper?
Preparation Tips for GATE 2021 Electronics and Communication Engineering Paper
1. Division of Syllabus
- Candidates should divide their syllabus based on priority. There are various factors to set the priority like on the basis of difficulty level, on the basis of weightage of marks, etc.
- With a proper division of syllabus, it will become easy to cover the syllabus in a particular period of time.
- The main motive to divide the topics or sections is that you can easily complete the syllabus when divided into small portions.
2. Set Right Targets
- Candidates must set some targets. For example, you can set a target that I will complete 6 topics in a particular week. This is also called a target based study plan and when you fulfill one target then it gives you a feeling of achievement which in return boost your level of confidence.
- Do not overburden yourself and set up easy targets.
Read Preparation Tips of GATE Topper
3. Time Divison
Time Allotment | Activities to Do |
---|---|
5:00 AM to 8:00 AM | Revision Time |
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM | Take a Break |
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Start new Topic |
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Take a Break |
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Complete the remaining topic |
10:00 PM | Again go through your Notes |
4. Practice Papers
- Practice papers will help you in getting an idea about the exam pattern, type of questions asked the paper, difficulty level of questions, weightage given to topics or sections, etc.
- You can also improve your speed and accuracy.
- Candidates should practice 1-2 papers in every 3-4 days.
- Do not get demotivated if you are not able to solve the questions. Observe your weaker areas and try to work on them.
5. Confidence and Motivation
- Keep yourself motivated and believe in yourself.
- Do not compare yourself with your friends. Focus on your preparations.
- Try to avoid distractions like T.V, social media, etc.
- Take frequent breaks for relaxation and keep up the good health.
Syllabus Of Other Papers
Candidates who are planning to appear for GATE can go through the syllabus of their respective subjects from the links provided in the table above.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.