GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
Understanding the subject-wise weightage for GATE ECE 2026 is essential for smart preparation and strategic study planning. By analyzing the GATE chapter-wise weightage from previous years, candidates can identify subjects that carry the most marks and prioritize them accordingly. This enables aspirants to allocate more study hours and resources to high-weightage topics, ensuring a well-balanced preparation that maximizes their scoring potential. The official notification has been released on the official website, detailing the syllabus, eligibility, and application process. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. While the official admit card release dates will be announced later, early preparation guided by weightage analysis can give candidates a significant edge. This strategic approach not only boosts preparation efficiency but also enhances confidence and performance on exam day, ultimately increasing the chances of securing a top rank.
Understanding the subject-wise weightage of GATE ECE from previous years is essential for effective preparation. For GATE ECE 2026, we have compiled a dedicated weightage table based on the analysis of past exam trends. This table will help you identify high-priority subjects and plan your study schedule strategically. Check the details below:
Chapter Name | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Total of 5 year | Weightage |
Aptitude | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 50 | 15.87% |
Signals and Systems | 6 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 38 | 12.06% |
Analog Circuits | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 36 | 11.43% |
Engineering Mathematics | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 36 | 11.43% |
Communications | 8 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 30 | 9.52% |
Control Systems | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 8.57% |
Electronic Devices | 4 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 26 | 8.25% |
Digital Circuits | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 25 | 7.94% |
Networks, Signals and Systems | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 7.62% |
Electromagnetics | 4 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 22 | 6.98% |
Here is the detailed distribution of weightage you can refer to:
Effective preparation for GATE ECE 2026 requires a clear understanding of the GATE ECE 2026 subject-wise weightage, which helps in ranking topics according to their importance in the exam. While the syllabus generally remains the same, the distribution of marks across subjects can vary slightly each year. By analyzing previous years’ trends, candidates can focus more on high-weightage subjects like Networks, Signals & Systems, Control Systems, Electronic Devices, and Communications.
Chapter Name | Number of Questions asked |
Aptitude | 10 |
Signals and Systems | 6 |
Analog Circuits | 9 |
Engineering Mathematics | 8 |
Communications | 8 |
Control Systems | 6 |
Electronic Devices | 4 |
Digital Circuits | 6 |
Networks, Signals and Systems | 4 |
Electromagnetics | 4 |
Grand Total | 65 |
Based on the last five years’ analysis, Signals and Systems with 12.06%, and both Analog Circuits and Engineering Mathematics, each carrying 11.43%. These subjects alone make up more than 50% of the paper, making them critical for achieving a high score. Other significant contributors include Communications (9.52%), Control Systems (8.57%), Electronic Devices (8.25%), and Digital Circuits (7.94%). Together, these high-weightage technical areas form the core of the GATE ECE syllabus, and mastering them can substantially improve both speed and accuracy in the exam.
These are few important topics of high weighatge chapters which are frequently asked in exam:
Subject | Important Topics |
Analog Circuit | Diode circuits-Clipper,Clamper,Voltage,Biasing and Stabilisation of BJT,Biasing and Stabilisation of MOSFET, Amplifiers: Mid and High frequency analysis,Operational Amplifier , Multivibratores and Oscillatores |
Electromagnetic Waves | Electric Flux and gauss law,Reflectrion and refraction of waves, polarizatio of waves, Transmissions lines -Impedance and Antenna |
Communication System | Random process, inter Symbol interference, probability of error, Information Teory,Hammming code, Power requirement in amplitude modulation |
Signal and System | Classification of System,Discreate Time convolution,CTFs and CTFT,z Transformation and DFT |
Control System | Transient Parameter,Steady State errors,and State Space analysis. |
1. Smarter Time Management
Understanding weightage allows you to divide your preparation time according to the marks potential of each subject. For instance, focusing more on high-weightage topics like Signals & Systems, Analog Circuits, and Engineering Mathematics ensures maximum output from the time you invest.
2. Targeted Revision Strategy
With weightage data in hand, you can create a revision plan that gives priority to subjects carrying the most marks. This means revising high-weightage areas multiple times while still covering low-weightage topics to secure every possible mark.
3. Maximizing Score Potential
Some subjects, such as General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics, are relatively easier to prepare yet carry a significant percentage of marks. Prioritizing such scoring-friendly areas helps in boosting your overall score with less effort compared to complex topics.
4. Predicting Exam Focus Areas
Analyzing past weightage trends helps you identify subjects that consistently appear with higher marks. This enables you to predict probable focus areas for GATE ECE 2026 and adjust your study plan accordingly.
5. Reducing Exam Stress
When you know exactly which subjects contribute the most marks, your preparation becomes more structured and purposeful. This clarity reduces last-minute confusion, enhances confidence, and improves accuracy during the exam.
Also Read How to Prepare for GATE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, weightage percentages can vary slightly each year, so it's important to stay updated with official announcements.
Focus on high-weightage subjects but don’t neglect lower-weightage topics; a balanced approach will help cover the syllabus effectively.
Refer to the official GATE website or exam notifications for the latest and most accurate weightage information.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
Hello, with an AIR of 25070 and a score of 499 in NEET PG 2025 under the General category, getting a government seat in West Bengal for highly demanded branches like General Surgery or Orthopedics may be difficult, as these usually close at much higher ranks. However, you still stand a chance for other clinical or para-clinical branches through the state quota counselling. I suggest using the NEET PG college predictor link I’m sharing here, which will give you a clearer idea of the colleges and branches you may get based on your rank and category.
NEET PG College Predictor-
https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-pg-college-predictor
Hello,
You can download GATE Previous Year Question Papers either from the official website of GATE 2026, or from Careers360. Here are the links for both :
Official Website : Download GATE Previous Papers (https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/download.html)
Careers360 : GATE Question Papers with Solutions
Hope it helps !
To take GATE mock tests, first choose a reliable source like GATE official portal, NPTEL, Made Easy, or ACE Engineering. Sign up or register online to access the full-length tests. Simulate the actual 3-hour exam with proper timing and no distractions. Attempt complete tests to practice time management and exam strategy. After each test, analyze your performance to identify weak areas and revise. Regularly taking 1–2 mocks per week helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
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