Students reported the February 15 , 2026 GATE exam , conducted by IIT Guwahati, as moderately difficult. The Electronics and Communication (EC) paper was completed by candidates in the first shift, running from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Exam Difficulty Analysis
The General Aptitude (GA) section was widely considered easy. This section included questions on dice, paper folding, Venn diagrams, and permutations. Most candidates found these questions straightforward.
The core engineering subjects within the EC paper posed a moderate challenge. Specifically, the mathematics component was noted as being tougher, with some questions ranging from moderate to difficult. This suggests a need for strong analytical skills in this area.
Paper Structure
The GATE 2026 EC question paper for this shift comprised 42 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 13 Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, and 10 Multiple Select Questions (MSQs). Each question type carried a weight of 1 or 2 marks.
Key Subject Topics
Based on initial feedback, key topics in the EC paper included:
- Electronic Devices (EDC): Semiconductors, PN junctions, and MOSFETs were prominent.
- Signal and Systems: Questions focused on properties of LTI systems, Fourier Transforms, and Z-Transforms.
- Digital Circuits: Logic gates, sequential circuits, and Boolean algebra were covered.
- Electromagnetism: Transmission lines and waveguides were tested.
Overall, the exam demanded a balanced understanding of both general aptitude and core EC concepts. Candidates are advised to review their performance based on these insights to prepare for future assessments or analyze their results.