GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Pattern 2027: Questions, Marks and Negative Marking
- Syllabus
- Chemistry Syllabus
- Maths Syllabus
- Physics Syllabus
- Exam Pattern
- Paper Analysis
- Chemical Engg Syllabus
- Civil Engg Syllabus
- ECE Syllabus
- Mechanical Engg Syllabus
- Engg Science Syllabus
- Mining Engg Syllabus
- IN Syllabus
- CSE Syllabus
- EE Syllabus
- AE Syllabus
- BM Syllabus
- GG Syllabus
- EY Syllabus
- ST Syllabus
- TF Syllaus
- AR Syllabus
- XL Syllabus
- MT Syllabus
- PI Syllabus
- PE Syllabus
- ME Pattern
- TF Pattern
- CE Pattern
- EE Pattern
- CS Pattern
- BT Pattern
- BM Pattern
- IN Pattern
- DA Syllabus
- NA & ME Syallabus
- ES & Engg Syllabus
- Geomatics Engg Syllabus
- Agri Engg Syllabus
- Humanities and Social Sci
- PI Syllabus
Content Writer | Updated On - Oct 26, 2026
GATE 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in three hours. General Aptitude carries 15 marks. The remaining structure depends on the paper and, for some papers, the selected optional sections.
EC covers mathematics, networks and signals, devices, analog and digital circuits, control, communications and electromagnetics. Its circuit content overlaps with EE, but the complete papers are not interchangeable.
GATE EC 2027 Paper Structure
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total questions | 65: 10 General Aptitude and 55 subject questions |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Mode and language | Computer-based test; English |
| Question types | MCQ, MSQ and numerical answer type |
| Mark value | 1 or 2 marks per question |
| Section | Marks | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 | Compulsory |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 | Part of the subject paper |
| Core subject | 72 | All listed technical units are in scope |
There is no optional subject block in this paper. All listed sections are part of the syllabus.
MCQ, MSQ and Numerical Questions
| Question | How to answer |
|---|---|
| MCQ | Select the one correct option |
| MSQ | Select every correct option; there may be more than one |
| NAT | Enter the numerical answer using the on-screen virtual keypad |
An MSQ is not an MCQ with extra chances. Selecting a subset of the correct options, or adding a wrong option, earns no marks. NAT questions have no listed answer options; enter the number at the precision requested in the question.
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
| Question type | Correct | Incorrect | Unanswered |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ, 1 mark | +1 | -1/3 | 0 |
| MCQ, 2 marks | +2 | -2/3 | 0 |
| MSQ, 1 or 2 marks | Full marks only for the exact correct set | 0; no partial credit | 0 |
| NAT, 1 or 2 marks | Full marks for an accepted numerical answer | 0 | 0 |
Unanswered questions carry zero. The MCQ penalty is a fraction of that question's marks, not a flat one-mark deduction. Wrong MSQ and NAT responses receive zero, with no additional penalty.
How Raw Marks Are Calculated
For a mixed paper, add the marks earned on correct answers and subtract only the applicable MCQ penalties. This example is illustrative, not a fixed question-type distribution.
| Answers | Calculation | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| One-mark MCQs: 12 correct, 3 wrong | 12 - 3/3 | 11 |
| Two-mark MCQs: 15 correct, 3 wrong | 30 - (3 x 2/3) | 28 |
| MSQs: four correct two-mark questions | 4 x 2 | 8 |
| NATs: six correct two-mark questions | 6 x 2 | 12 |
| Combined example | 11 + 28 + 8 + 12 | 59 / 100 |
The remaining questions in this example are incorrect non-MCQs or unanswered, contributing zero. These 59 marks are not a GATE score of 590. GATE score calculation uses paper-level qualifying and top-performance benchmarks, with normalised marks where applicable.
Subjects and Syllabus Coverage
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra: Vector space, basis, linear dependence and independence, matrix algebra, eigen values and eigen vectors, 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: Linear differential equations, Euler -Cauchy equation, Nonhomogeneous 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, correlation and regression analysis. |
| 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.; LTI systems: definition and properties, causality, stability, impulse response, convolution, poles and zeroes, frequency response, group delay, phase delay.; Continuous-time Signals: Fourier series and Fourier transform, Nyquist sampling theorem, sampling and reconstruction. Discrete-time Signals: DTFT, DFT, z-transform, FIR and IIR filter design. |
| Electronic Devices | Formation of energy bands in solids, 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, scaling in MOSFETs, LED, photo diode and solar cell. |
| 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 trigger and oscillators, dominant-pole (Miller) compensation, phase margin. |
| 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. |
| 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; compensators, PID controller; State variable model and solution of state equation of LTI systems. |
| 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, super heterodyne receivers.; Information Theory: Entropy, source coding, 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. |
| 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, Sparameters, Smith chart. Rectangular and circular waveguides, light propagation in optical fibers, dipole and monopole antennas, linear antenna arrays. |
The GATE EC syllabus gives the full topic list and preparation scope.
Using Previous Papers as Mocks
Work through signals and systems before communication systems. For transistor circuits, identify the operating region and small-signal model before calculating gain or input resistance.
Use a complete paper for the three-hour practice attempt. A short topic set measures that topic only; do not convert its percentage into an expected GATE rank. Compare the question types, marks and current topics before using previous-year GATE papers as full simulations.
Raw Marks, Normalised Marks, Score and Rank
| Measure | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Raw marks | Marks earned from the answers and MCQ penalties |
| Normalised marks | Adjusted marks for a paper conducted across multiple sessions |
| GATE score | Standardised score based on the official paper-level formula |
| Rank | Relative position in the applicable paper or optional-subject list |
Normalisation is not a fixed bonus for a difficult shift. It depends on session-level and all-session statistics, which are unavailable from an individual response sheet alone.
GATE EC Pattern FAQs
Is GATE 2027 a 100-mark or 100-question paper?+
It is a 100-mark paper with 65 questions: 10 General Aptitude and 55 subject questions. Questions carry either one or two marks.
Is the whole paper online?+
Yes. GATE is a computer-based examination in English. Numerical answers are entered through the on-screen virtual keypad.
Does selecting one correct MSQ option give partial credit?+
No. You must select exactly all the correct options. A partial set or a set containing an incorrect option earns zero.
Is there negative marking for numerical questions?+
No. An incorrect NAT receives zero. The negative-marking rules apply to MCQs only.
Can I multiply my marks by ten to calculate my GATE score?+
No. The score formula uses the General-category qualifying mark and a top-candidate benchmark for the paper. Multi-session papers use normalised marks first. A simple marks-times-ten calculation does not reproduce the official score.
Will the 2027 chapter distribution match last year?+
The official section allocation applies, but there is no promise of the same chapter-by-chapter distribution. Use dated paper analysis as a record of that examination, not as a guarantee for the next one.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
Ask your question
Answered Questions
For the UG Engineering courses, candidates need to have 10+2 with 45% for the general category. However, the aggregate percentage will be 40% for SC/ST/OBC. For the PG Engineering courses, candidates need to have graduation with 50% and 45% for the SC/ST/OBC.
The Fee for the B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering at VIT University is INR 1.73 Lakhs with an INR 3k caution deposit which is refundable and a One-time payment only.
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University (PRSU) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh offers a variety of interdisciplinary research opportunities, including:
-
Interdepartmental linkage
Research opportunities include herbal drug technology, university industry, and centers for cognitive, translational, nano-science, and geriatrics.
-
School of Regional Studies and Research
Research opportunities include rural development, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, literature, medical science, home science, social work, education, agriculture, and management.
-
School of Studies in Environmental Science
Research opportunities include renewable energy, water pollution, soil pollution, heavy metal pollution, air quality monitoring, and analysis.
-
School of Studies in Biotechnology
Research opportunities include bioprocess engineering, fungal biotechnology, bio-fuel technology, environmental biotechnology, and plant physiology.
-
Center for Basic Sciences (CBS)
Research opportunities include Inspire Internship Camps, which attract talented youth to take up research by working with scientists like Nobel Prize Winners.
Upcoming exams
top courses
Indian Institute of Science - [IISc]
Bangalore, KarnatakaIIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITM]
Chennai, Tamil NaduIIT Kharagpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITKGP]
Kharagpur, West BengalIIT Kanpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITK]
Kanpur, Uttar PradeshIndustrial and Management Engineering, IIT Kanpur- [IME IIT]
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
