GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) Previous Question Papers

Download Solved Papers from 1991-2025

GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) is one of the most popular and competitive branches in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, designed for aspirants pursuing careers in telecommunications, embedded systems, signal processing, VLSI design, and wireless communication. This branch tests your understanding of analog and digital circuits, communication systems, control systems, electromagnetic theory, signals and systems, and electronic devices. Practicing GATE EC previous question papers is crucial for understanding the exam format and improving your performance.

Electronics and Communication Engineering is a dynamic field that combines principles from electronics, communication, and signal processing. GATE EC aspirants typically include graduates from Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and related backgrounds who wish to pursue higher studies in IITs, NITs, and other premier institutes, or careers in top tech companies, PSUs like BSNL, BEL, DRDO, and various government organizations. The field encompasses areas such as wireless communication, digital signal processing, VLSI design, microwave engineering, and optical communication.

Key Subjects in GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering

Core Electronics and Communication Subjects

  • Communication Systems
  • Signals and Systems
  • Analog and Digital Circuits
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Control Systems

Foundation Subjects

  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Electronic Devices
  • Network Theory
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • VLSI Design

GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Previous Question Papers (1991-2025)

Download GATE EC previous year question papers with answer keys from 1991 to 2025. These GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering previous question papers help you understand the exam pattern, question types, difficulty level, and time management strategies. Solve these previous papers regularly to identify important topics and improve your problem-solving speed. These solved previous year papers are essential for effective GATE EC preparation and will help you score better in the actual exam.

GATE EC Paper Pattern & Trends

Exam Pattern: GATE EC consists of 65 questions (55 technical + 10 General Aptitude) worth 100 marks. The paper duration is 3 hours. Topics like Communication Systems, Signals and Systems, Analog Circuits, Digital Circuits, and Network Theory are frequently tested. Studying the previous question papers helps you understand how these topics are distributed in the actual exam.

Recent Trends (2020-2025)

Recent GATE EC previous question papers have shown consistent emphasis on Communication Systems with questions on modulation techniques, digital communication, and information theory, typically accounting for 10-13 marks. Signals and Systems topics focus on Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, and system analysis, maintaining 10-11 marks. Analog Circuits covers amplifiers, oscillators, and filters, typically 7-11 marks. Network Theory and Digital Circuits together account for 13-24 marks. Engineering Mathematics typically accounts for 13-15 marks. Reviewing these recent previous papers helps understand the current exam trends.

Historical Analysis (1991-2019)

Earlier GATE EC previous question papers (1991-2013) were conducted offline and had slightly different patterns. From 2014 onwards, GATE became completely online and introduced multiple sessions for high-demand branches like Electronics and Communication Engineering. The transition period (2014-2016) saw some variations in question distribution, but core subjects remained consistent. Previous papers from 2017-2019 show the modern pattern that continues today, with balanced coverage of communication systems, signals and systems, analog circuits, digital circuits, and network theory. Analyzing these previous year papers helps identify recurring topics and question patterns, which is valuable for understanding the evolution of the exam over more than three decades.

GATE EC Cutoff Marks

  • GATE 2025: General - 25.0, OBC/EWS - 22.5, SC/ST/PwD - 16.6
  • GATE 2024: General - 25.0, OBC/EWS - 22.5, SC/ST/PwD - 16.6
  • GATE 2023: General - 29.9, OBC/EWS - 26.9, SC/ST/PwD - 19.9

GATE EC cutoff marks for other years →

Related Resources

Note: All GATE EC previous question papers are provided for educational purposes. Regular practice with these previous year papers, combined with a strong understanding of core concepts, is essential for success in GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering. Make sure to download and save these previous papers for offline practice. Solving these previous question papers under timed conditions will help you prepare effectively for the actual GATE EC exam.