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GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme and Weightage

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GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Exam Pattern- IIT Kanpur has released the latest GATE 2023 ECE exam pattern. GATE 2023 ECE paper consists of three sections- Engineering mathematics with a weightage of 13%, General Aptitude with 15% and of EC syllabus with 72%. No changes have been made to GATE 2023 ECE Syllabus

  • If a candidate is appearing for GATE 2023 EC paper as their primary paper then they can also appear for IN, PH, EE, CS or GE paper
  • GATE 2023 ECE question paper will have three types of questions i.e. multiple-choice (MCQs), multiple select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT). 
  • GATE 2023 ECE question paper will consist of 65 questions in total. Negative marking does not apply to NAT and MSQ questions. 

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Highlights of GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Exam Pattern

  • GATE 2023 ECE paper has 3 types of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT.
  • The MCQs will have 4 options out of which you will have to choose 1 correct answer.
  • NAT questions will require you to give a numerical value as the answer.
  • MSQ could have more than one correct option.
  • Objective type questions will be awarded 1 and 2 marks according to the marks assigned.
  • -1/3 and -2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer to an objective type question according to the marks assigned.
Electronics and Communication Engineering Paper Code EC
Exam Mode Online
Total Marks 100
Number of Questions 65
Types of Questions MCQs, MSQs, and NAT
Number of Sections 3 (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Electronics and Communication Engineering Subject Questions)
Weightage by Section General Aptitude – 15% of total marks Engineering Mathematics – 13% of total marks Electronics and Communication Engineering Subjects – 72% of total marks
Total Time Duration 3 hours (180 minutes)
Sectional Time-Limit None

Why is the knowledge of Exam Pattern important?

GATE holds a top position among the country's most competitive tests. In order to apply for admissions to the best post-graduate programs and career opportunities, thousands of students from across India seek this test. GATE EC is quite a challenging paper to answer.Understanding the paper pattern during the period of study planning can be very helpful.

The paper pattern highlights the duration of the test, the form and number of questions that will be presented in the examination, the weightage of each segment, and the marks allocated to each topic that will be evaluated. Awareness of the paper pattern will therefore be very useful, because you can organize your study time for every subject and section according to the allocated marks. 

Quite clearly, more preparation will have to be done for the most important sections with the highest allocation of marks. The paper pattern goes hand-in-hand with attempting mock papers and will help prepare you for the actual exam.

Details of EC Exam Pattern

Details of GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Exam Pattern

Mode of Paper: 

  • GATE EC is a computer-based paper that is administered for 3 hours. English is the language used for the examination.
  • In GATE EC, the maximum marks are 100 and the total number of questions is 65. 

Type of Questions: 

  • GATE EC will consist primarily of Multiple Questions of Choice (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. 
  • 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.

Sections in Paper

  • GATE EC consists of three sections
  • General Aptitude with 15 % of the total marks
  • Engineering Mathematics with 13% of the total marks
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering Subject Questions with 72% of the total marks. 

Know More GATE 2023 Exam Pattern

Marking Scheme of GATE EC

GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Paper Marking Scheme

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

Important Topics in GATE EC

Important Topics of GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Paper 

Section 1- General Aptitude

1. Numerical Ability – Numerical Computation, Numerical Estimation, Numerical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

2. Verbal Ability - English Grammar, Verbal Analogies, Vocabulary

Section 2 – Engineering Mathematics

1. Linear Algebra

2. Calculus

3. Differential Equations ( ODE and PDE)

4. Vector Analysis 

5. Complex Analysis

6. Numerical Methods

7. Probability and Statistics

8. Limits and Continuity 

Section 3 – Electronics and Communication Engineering Subjects

1. Networks

2. Signals and Systems

3. Electronic Devices and Circuits

4. Analog Circuits

5. Digital Circuits

6. Control Systems

7. Communications

8. Electromagnets


Previous Year Sample Questions

Sample Questions from Important GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication

Section 1 – General Aptitude 

Q. 1. “If you give him the last ______ of the cake, you will make sure that there is lasting _____ in our house today.”

Q.2. A 1.5 m tall person stands 3m away from a lamp post. The lamplight at the top of the post casts her shadow. Twice her height is the length of the shadow. 

How much is the lamp post height in meters?

(A) 1.5 (B) 3 (C) 4.5 (D) 6

Sections 2 and 3 – Engineering Mathematics and Electronics and Computer Engineering Subject Questions 

Q. 1. A good trans-impedance amplifier has

(A) low input impedance and high output impedance.

(B) high input impedance and high output impedance.

(C) high input impedance and low output impedance.

(D) low input impedance and low output impedance.

Q.2. An op-amp based circuit is implemented as shown below.

Assume that the op-amp is ideal. What is the voltage (in volts, correct to one decimal place) at node A, connected to the negative input of the op-amp as indicated in the figure?

Download GATE Electronics & Communication Engineering Practice Papers


Weightage Important Sections

Weightage of Different Sections in GATE 2023 Electronics & Communication Engineering 

Section 1 – General Aptitude

Section Topics Weightage (2019) Paper 2018 (Weightage)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
General Aptitude Data Interpretation 5+5 15 5+5 15
Numerical Computation
Numerical Reasoning
English Grammar
Verbal Reasoning
Vocabulary

Section 2 – Engineering Mathematics

Section Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra 6+3 12 6+4 14
Calculus
Differential Equations
Vector Analysis
Complex Analysis
Numerical Methods
Probability and Statistics
Limits and Continuity

Section 3 – Electronics and Communication Engineering Subjects

a. Networks

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Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Networks Filters, AC and DC Circuits 1+2 5 2+3 8
Network Equations and Solution Methods
Network Theorems and transformation
Steady-state equation and Analysis
Time-domain Analysis
Two-port networks

b. Signals and Systems 

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Signals and Systems Basics of Signals and Systems 2+3 8 3+2 7
Convolution
Responses and Stability
Fourier Series
Sampling Theorem
DFT and its application
Z-transform

c. Electronic Devices and Circuits

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Electronic Devices and Circuits Semiconductors 3+5 13 4+4 12
Carrier Transport
Basics of Transistor and MOSFETS
Diodes and its application
IC Fabrications

d. Analog Circuits

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Analog Circuits Amplifiers 1+5 11 2+3 8
Single-stage BJT and MOSFET Amplifiers
Circuit Analysis and applications
Simple diode and Wave Shaping Circuits
Operational Amplifiers
Op-amp and voltage Reference Circuits
Oscillators
Timers and Filters

e. Digital Circuits

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Digital Circuits Combinational Circuits 4+1 6 3+4 11
Data Converters
Microprocessor
Minimization
Number Systems
Semiconductor Memories
Sequential Circuits

f. Control Systems 

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Control Systems Basics of Control System 2+4 10 2+3 8
Compensators and Controllers
Feedback Principle and Frequency Response
Nyquist stability and Analysis
Routh Hurwitz and Various Plots
State Space Analysis
Time Domain Analysis
Transfer Function

g. Communications 

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Communications Types of Modulation and Demodulation 3+4 11 1+4 9
Spectrums and Receivers
Modulation Schemes and Decoding
Digital Communication
SNR, BER and Band
Information Theory
Multiplexing and Digital Coding Techniques
Random Processes and Variables

h. Electromagnetics 

Subject Topics Weightage (2019) Weightage (2018)
Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks Number of Questions (1 Mark + 2 Marks) Total Marks
Electromagnets Antenna and Wave Propagation 3+3 9 2+3 8
Electrostatics
Maxwell's equations
Radar and optical fibers
Transmission Lines
Waveguides
Waves and Properties

Check GATE Electronics & Communication Engineering Paper Analysis

What is Electronics and Communication and its Scope?

GATE Electronics and Communication Discipline develops passive electrical components. Under this discipline, there are various subfields including signal processing, telecommunications engineering, electromagnetics, control engineering, computer engineering, and VLSI design engineering, and instrumentation engineering.

Scope after GATE 2023 EC Paper

The number of students answering GATE in Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) is growing rapidly every year. This is because the Master's courses now require a GATE score and all of the PSUs also employ through GATE. 

Some students are interested in pursuing M.Tech from IITs / NITs in various streams such as Communication Systems, Analog Circuits, Electromagnets, Digital Circuits, Networks, and Control Systems; while others try to get a job at PSUs such as IOCL, HPCL, RITES, EIL, NHAI, and DMRC, to name a few. Thus, the significance of the GATE EC exam and the different opportunities through GATE are important to understand.

1. Job opportunities in top PSUs

  • Nearly 100 PSUs working in the country such as IOCL, ONGC, HPCL, NHAI, DMRC, BHEL, SAIL, NTPC, consider the GATE score as an important criterion for electronics and communication engineer recruitment. 
  • A career at a good PSU means you will keep in touch with recent advances in engineering and work on exciting country development projects, along with having benefits of the security provided by government jobs. Check PSU Recruitment through GATE

2. Study M.Tech after GATE 2023

  • One of the most common ways to proceed is to apply for M.Tech at the IITs, IISc, and NITs after the GATE test has been cleared. This can be an important step for students who have dreamt of studying at top institutes like IITs and NITs in the country. 
  • During the two years of your Master's program, you will also be eligible for the MHRD stipend, provided you have a strong GATE score. 
  • Also, if you apply to other state, regional or private colleges that do not have GATE scores as their primary selection criteria, having a good GATE score would still give you an advantage over the other candidates. 
  • Upon completing M.Tech, you can apply to private jobs with good packages in the electronics and communication domain.  Check GATE 2023 COAP Counselling

Important Instructions to Candidates

Important Instructions to Candidates

1. GATE Admit Card must be brought with at least one original and legitimate proof of photo identification (Aadhar Card, Passport, College ID, PAN Card, Driver's License, Voter ID, or Employer ID) to the examination center. 

2. GATE Admit Card will only be considered legitimate if there is a clearly visible signature and a photograph of the applicant. 

3. Candidates are expected to report to the exam venue 60 minutes before the scheduled examination time. 

4. Candidates will only be permitted to take the exam if their qualifications are verified by the exam center's officials. 

5. Candidates are allowed to take their allotted seats 35 minutes before the scheduled exam time.

6. Candidates will be permitted to start reading the test instructions 20 minutes before the scheduled exam time. 

7. After 09:30 AM for the morning session and after 02:30 PM for the afternoon session, no applicant will be permitted to enter the examination center. 

8. Candidates are not permitted to leave the exam hall until the test finishes. 

9. There will be a virtual scientific calculator for the exam on the computer screen. 

10. There will be scribble pads available for the rough work. Before starting any rough work, candidates will need to write their names and registration numbers on the pads. After the test, these pads must be returned to the invigilator.

11. GATE does not allow cell phones, personal calculators, or other electronic devices into the allotted exam hall. 

12. There is no need to carry documents, charts, or tables into the exam hall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Are there any changes in the marking scheme of GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication Engineering paper?

Ans: No. There are no changes introduced in the marking scheme. The marking scheme is as mentioned in the table below:

Type of question

Negative marking for wrong answer

Marking for correct answer

MCQs

1/3 for 1 mark questions

2/3 for 2 marks questions

1 or 2 marks

MSQs, NATs

No negative marking 

1 or 2 marks

Ques: How many sections are there in GATE 2023 Electronics and Communication paper and what is the weightage of each section?

Ans: There  three sections in the question paper are:

  • General aptitude
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • The subject selected by the candidates (Mechanical Engineering Subjects)

General Aptitude carrying 15% of the total marks, Engineering Mathematics carrying 13% of the total marks, and Mechanical Engineering Subject Questions carrying 72% of the total marks.

Ques: What is the difficulty level of questions in Electronics and Communication papers?

Ans: Based on the paper analysis of the previous year, the difficulty level of the paper was moderate and candidates can expect the same in the coming exam. The application forms for GATE 2023 will release in the month on August 30, 2022 and candidates are advised to start their preparation from today so that they can crack the exam.

Ques: What type of questions will be asked in GATE 2023?

Ans: From this year, 3 types of questions will be asked in GATE 2023. 

  • Multiple Select Questions – MSQs
  • Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs
  • Numerical Answer Type – NAT

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

GATE 2023 : 19 answered questions

View All

Ques. testing question

● Top Answer By Sunil Sharma on 03 Jan 24

testing...Read more

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Ques. How can I join an M.Tech through the GATE in Andhra University?

● Top Answer By Prachi Sinha on 09 May 22

Andhra University M.Tech admission is done in two ways, i.e. through GATE and through AP PGECET. To get admission, you need to have a valid GATE score or you need to score a valid rank in AP PGECET. Soon, Andhra University will release the notification for AP PGECET. Here are the tentative dates. Event Tentative dates Notification release date Second week of July 2022 Application form available  Second week of July 2022 Admit card release date  Second week of September 2022 Exam date Third week of September 2022 Result  Second week of October 2022 Andhra University will release the application form online. Visit the official website of the institute regularly to get the updated information. ...Read more

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Ques. Why many GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE instead of IITs?

● Top Answer By Aditi Gupta on 01 Apr 22

Many GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE, instead of IITs, because it offers better placements. Usually, students with good scores join  ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, and others. Despite the good salary, the PSU jobs can get monotonous after a few years. So, the top rankers start looking for better career options. If they wish to do an MBA, they need to prepare for CAT. Some do prepare for CAT, but many join NITIE as it is an easier option. NITIE takes admission through GATE and the GATE score is valid for 3 years. So, they can easily get admission based on their GATE score.  Also, the institute has a great placement record. During NITIE Mumbai placement 2022, the average CTC offered was INR 25.41 LPA.  ...Read more

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Ques. What should be the proper strategy to excel in both GATE and ESE simultaneously?

● Top Answer By Subham Patra on 15 Jul 22

Here are some strategies that can help you prepare for GATE and ESE simultaneously. Compare the syllabus of GATE and ESE. Go through the previous years' questions of both. The technical portion of both examinations overlaps a lot. The major difference is question patterns and styles. Different types of questions are asked on the same topics. GATE tests aptitude for solving technical questions. While ESE puts more emphasis on technical details.  Figure out which subjects contribute more to which examinations.  If you have less time, start with GATE preparation. The topics can be covered easily and in less time. Once you are through GATE preparation, you can solve ESE questions without much difficulty.  Focus on GATE and ESE preparations only.  First, go through the syllabus thoroughly. Once you are done with the syllabus, go through your notes and solve previous years' questions. Solve test series, and review hard questions. Analyze the tests you give and work on your mistakes. ...Read more

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Ques. What is the difficulty level of the BITS HD exam compared to the GATE?

● Top Answer By Dishi Mishra on 15 Jul 22

GATE consists mostly of numerical questions. It tests the aptitude for solving questions in less time. BITS HD papers have 10-15 numerical questions usually. The numerical questions aren’t on the same level as GATE and are just formula-based problems. Usually, around 80-90% of BITS HD questions are theory oriented. You need to have a good grasp of your engineering subjects to score well in BITS HD. The questions can come from anywhere in the syllabus. BITS HD usually consists -  15 Mathematics questions (difficulty usually higher than GATE) 15 general English questions 70 Engineering discipline questions Also, note that BITS take admission based on GATE scores as well. ...Read more

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