GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) Syllabus Topic Map & Practice
GATE EC spans engineering mathematics, networks, signals and systems, electronic devices, analog and digital circuits, control systems, communications, and electromagnetics, plus the common general aptitude section.
10 subjects · 51 topics · 364 subtopics
Official scope and learning resources
This is our practice taxonomy, not a verbatim official syllabus or a claim that every subtopic has published questions. Check the current official document before planning examination coverage.
Solved GATE EC previous year questions
1,365 questions with official answers and step-by-step solutions.
General Aptitude
Revise General Aptitude: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsVerbal Aptitude
- English Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions)
- Verb-Noun Agreement & Parts of Speech
- Vocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)
- Reading Comprehension
- Narrative Sequencing
Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation (Bar, Pie, Graphs, Tables)
- Ratios, Percentages, Powers, Exponents & Logarithms
- Permutations & Combinations
- Series
- Mensuration & Geometry
- Elementary Statistics & Probability
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Alligation & Mixture
- Partnership
- Time & Work
Analytical Aptitude
- Deduction & Induction
- Analogy
- Numerical Relations & Reasoning
Spatial Aptitude
- Transformation of Shapes (Translation, Rotation, Scaling, Mirroring)
- Paper Folding, Cutting & Patterns
- 2D & 3D Patterns
Engineering Mathematics
Revise Engineering Mathematics: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsLinear Algebra
- Vectors & Vector Operations
- Vector Spaces, Basis & Dimension
- Linear Independence
- Matrix Algebra
- Determinants
- Rank of a Matrix
- Systems of Linear Equations
- Existence & Uniqueness
- Gaussian Elimination
- Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors
- Diagonalization
- Cayley-Hamilton Theorem
Calculus
- Functions of Single Variable
- Limits, Continuity & Differentiability
- Mean Value Theorems
- Indeterminate Forms
- Definite & Improper Integrals
- Partial & Total Derivatives
- Taylor Series (One & Two Var)
- Maxima & Minima
- Double & Triple Integrals
- Sequences, Series & Convergence
- Fourier Series
Vector Calculus
- Gradient, Divergence & Curl
- Vector Identities
- Directional Derivatives
- Line, Surface & Volume Integrals
- Gauss, Stokes & Green's Theorems
Differential Equations
- First-Order Linear Equations
- First-Order Nonlinear Equations
- Higher-Order Linear ODEs
- Euler-Cauchy Equations
- Variation of Parameters
- Complementary Function & PI
- Initial & Boundary Value Problems
- Laplace Transforms & Applications
- Heat, Wave & Laplace Equations
- PDE by Separation of Variables
Complex Analysis
- Analytic Functions
- Cauchy-Riemann Equations
- Cauchy's Integral Theorem
- Cauchy's Integral Formula
- Taylor & Laurent Series
- Residue Theorem & Contour Integration
Probability
- Definitions of Probability
- Combinatorial Probability
- Conditional Probability
- Bayes' Theorem
- Random Variables
- Joint Probability
- Expectation & Variance
- Covariance & Correlation
- Functions of Random Variables
Statistics & Distributions
- Mean, Median, Mode & SD
- Sampling Theorems
- Binomial Distribution
- Poisson Distribution
- Normal Distribution
- Exponential Distribution
Network Theory
Revise Network Theory: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsCircuit Fundamentals & Theorems
- KCL & KVL
- Node & Mesh Analysis
- Superposition Theorem
- Thevenin & Norton Theorems
- Reciprocity Theorem
- Maximum Power Transfer
- Source Transformation
- Wye-Delta Transformation
Transient & AC Analysis
- RL, RC & RLC Transients
- Source-Free & Forced Response
- Natural & Forced Response
- Initial & Final Value Theorems
- Laplace Solution of Networks
- Sinusoidal Steady-State
- Phasors & Complex Power
- Power Factor
- Resonance in RLC Circuits
- Quality Factor & Bandwidth
Two-Port Networks
- Z, Y, h & ABCD Parameters
- Two-Port Interconnections
- Driving-Point Functions
- Transfer Functions
Signals & Systems
Revise Signals & Systems: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsContinuous-Time Signals
- Signal Representation & Classification
- Impulse, Step & Ramp
- Even & Odd Decomposition
- Periodic & Aperiodic Signals
- Energy & Power Signals
- Fourier Series
- Fourier Transform & Properties
- Shifting, Convolution & Modulation
- Parseval's Theorem
- Sampling Theorem
- Aliasing & Reconstruction
Discrete-Time Signals
- DT Signal Representation
- DTFT & Properties
- DFT & FFT
- Z-Transform
- Region of Convergence
- Inverse Z-Transform
- DT Processing of CT Signals
LTI Systems
- LTI System Properties
- Causality & Stability
- Impulse Response & Convolution
- Differential & Difference Equations
- Laplace Transform & ROC
- System Function H(s) & H(z)
- Poles & Zeros
- Pole-Zero Stability & Causality
- Frequency Response
- Magnitude & Phase Response
- Group & Phase Delay
- Filters & Bandwidth
Electronic Devices
Revise Electronic Devices: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsSemiconductor Physics
- Energy Bands
- Intrinsic & Extrinsic Semiconductors
- Equilibrium Carrier Concentration
- Fermi Level & Doping
- Direct & Indirect Band-Gap
- Temperature Dependence
Carrier Transport
- Diffusion & Drift Current
- Mobility, Resistivity & Conductivity
- Generation & Recombination
- Poisson & Continuity Equations
- Einstein Relation
P-N Junction & Diodes
- Junction Formation & Depletion
- Built-In Potential
- Diode Equation & Resistance
- Forward & Reverse Bias
- Depletion & Diffusion Capacitance
- Zener & Avalanche Breakdown
- Zener Diode Applications
BJT
- Structure & Operation
- CE, CB & CC Configurations
- Input & Output Characteristics
- Current Gain Parameters
- Biasing Regions
- Ebers-Moll Model
- Early Effect & Output Resistance
- Small-Signal Parameters
- Switching Operation
MOS Capacitor & MOSFET
- MOS Capacitor (Accum, Depl, Inv)
- C-V Characteristics
- Threshold Voltage
- MOSFET Structure & Operation
- Cutoff, Triode & Saturation
- I-V & Transconductance
- Small-Signal Model (gm, ro)
- Body Effect & Channel Modulation
- CMOS Devices
Optoelectronic Devices
- LED Principle & Operation
- Photodiode Modes
- Solar Cell Efficiency & Responsivity
- Optical Absorption
Analog Circuits
Revise Analog Circuits: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsDiode Circuits
- Clipping Circuits
- Clamping Circuits
- HW, FW & Bridge Rectifiers
- Filters & Ripple Factor
- Voltage Regulation
- Zener Regulators
BJT & MOSFET Amplifiers
- Biasing & DC Operating Point
- Small-Signal & Hybrid-Pi Model
- CE, CB & CC Configurations
- CS, CD & CG Configurations
- Midband Gain & Resistances
- Coupling & Bypass Capacitors
- Low & High Frequency Response
- Miller Effect
- Multistage Amplifiers
Current Mirrors & Diff Amps
- Current Mirror (BJT & MOS)
- Differential Pair Operation
- Common & Differential Mode Gain
- CMRR
- Active Load Diff Amp
Op-Amp Circuits
- Ideal & Non-Ideal Op-Amp
- Inverting & Non-Inverting
- Summing & Difference
- Instrumentation Amplifier
- Differentiator & Integrator
- Op-Amp Non-Idealities
- Active Filters (Sallen-Key)
- Schmitt Trigger & Comparators
- Precision Rectifier
- Voltage Follower
Feedback & Oscillators
- Feedback Amplifiers
- Negative Feedback Topologies
- Barkhausen Criterion
- RC Phase Shift Oscillator
- Wien Bridge Oscillator
- LC Oscillators
- Crystal Oscillators
Digital Circuits
Revise Digital Circuits: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsNumber Representations
- Binary, Octal & Hex
- Signed Number Representation
- 1's & 2's Complement
- Fixed & Floating Point
- Binary Arithmetic & Overflow
- BCD & Gray Code
Combinational Logic
- Boolean Algebra & Identities
- Canonical SOP & POS
- K-Map Minimization
- Don't-Care Conditions
- CMOS VTC & Noise Margin
- Static CMOS Logic Gates
- Combinational Hazards
- Transmission Gate
- Adders & Subtractors
- Comparators & Code Converters
- MUX, DEMUX, Decoders & Encoders
- Priority Encoders
Sequential Logic
- SR & D Latches
- SR, D, JK & T Flip-Flops
- Race-Around & Master-Slave
- Ripple & Synchronous Counters
- Ring & Johnson Counters
- Shift Registers
- FSM (Mealy & Moore)
- State Minimization
- Sequence Detectors
- Setup, Hold & Propagation Delay
- Critical Path Delay
- Metastability
Data Converters
- Sample & Hold
- DAC (Weighted, R-2R)
- ADC (Flash, SAR, Dual-Slope)
- Resolution & Quantization Error
- Conversion Time
Semiconductor Memories
- ROM, PROM, EPROM & EEPROM
- SRAM & DRAM
- Memory Cell Organization
- Read & Write Operations
Computer Organization
- Machine Instructions & Addressing
- ALU & Data Path
- Control Unit (Hardwired, Micro)
- Instruction Pipelining
- Pipeline Hazards & Forwarding
Control Systems
Revise Control Systems: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsSystem Modelling
- Control System Components
- Open & Closed-Loop Systems
- Feedback Principle
- Transfer Function
- Block Diagram Reduction
- Signal Flow & Mason's Gain
Time-Domain Analysis
- Standard Test Inputs
- First & Second-Order Response
- Transient Response Specs
- Steady-State Error & Constants
- System Type & Dominant Pole
Stability Analysis
- Routh-Hurwitz Criterion
- Nyquist Criterion
- Root Locus Interpretation
- Gain & Phase Margin
Frequency-Domain Analysis
- Bode Plots
- Polar Plots
- Nyquist Plots
- Bandwidth & Resonant Peak
- Closed-Loop Frequency Response
Compensators & Controllers
- Root Locus Design
- Lag, Lead & Lag-Lead
- PID Controllers
- Effect on Transient & Steady-State
State-Space Analysis
- State Variable Model
- Solution of State Equations
- State Transition Matrix
- Transfer Function from States
- Controllability & Observability
- Canonical Forms
Communications
Revise Communications: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsRandom Processes
- Random Process & Stationarity
- Autocorrelation & PSD
- White Noise Properties
- Noise Power & Bandwidth
- Filtering Through LTI Systems
- Gaussian Noise
Analog Communications
- AM Modulation & Demodulation
- DSB-SC & SSB
- Angle Modulation (FM & PM)
- AM & FM Spectra
- Narrowband & Wideband FM
- Superheterodyne Receiver
- FM/PM Demodulation & PLL
- Pre-Emphasis & De-Emphasis
- Noise in AM & FM
Information Theory
- Information Measure & Entropy
- Conditional Entropy & Mutual Info
- Channel Capacity Theorem
- AWGN Channel Capacity
- Discrete Memoryless Channels
- Binary Symmetric Channel
- Source & Channel Coding
Source Coding & Baseband Transmission
- Sampling, Quantization & Encoding
- PCM & DPCM
- Delta Modulation
- Line Coding
- Baseband Pulse Transmission
- Inter-Symbol Interference
- Nyquist Criterion (Zero ISI)
- Raised Cosine Pulse Shaping
- Eye Diagram
Digital Modulation & Detection
- Digital Modulation (ASK, PSK, FSK, QAM)
- Bandwidth of Digital Modulation
- MAP & ML Detection
- Coherent & Non-Coherent Detection
- Matched Filter & Correlator
- SNR & BER Analysis
- Error Probability
Error Control Coding
- Error Detection & Correction
- Hamming Distance & Codes
- Parity Checks & CRC
- Linear Block Codes & Syndrome
- Generator & Parity-Check Matrix
- Convolutional Codes
Electromagnetics
Revise Electromagnetics: concept notes, worked examples and PYQsMaxwell's Equations
- Differential & Integral Forms
- Physical Interpretation
- Constitutive Relations
- Boundary Conditions
- Wave Equation Derivation
- Poynting Vector & Power Flow
Plane Waves
- Uniform Plane Waves
- Propagation in Lossless & Lossy Media
- Reflection & Refraction
- Polarization (Linear, Circular, Elliptical)
- Intrinsic Impedance & Constants
- Phase & Group Velocity
- Skin Depth
- Brewster & Total Internal Reflection
Transmission Lines
- Transmission Line Equations
- Characteristic Impedance & Propagation
- Input Impedance & Reflection
- Standing Wave Ratio
- VSWR & Return Loss
- Impedance Matching (Stub, λ/4)
- S-Parameters
- Smith Chart
Waveguides & Optical Fibers
- Rectangular & Circular Waveguides
- TE & TM Modes
- Cutoff Frequency & Guide Wavelength
- Wave Impedance
- Light Propagation in Fibers
- Numerical Aperture & Modes
- V-Number & Fiber Types
- Dispersion in Fibers
Antennas
- Dipole & Monopole Antennas
- Radiation Pattern
- Gain, Directivity & Radiation Resistance
- Effective Aperture
- Linear Arrays & Array Factor
- Broadside & End-Fire Arrays
- Beamwidth & Side Lobes
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