The GATE EE exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted in English. With a duration of 3 hours, the exam consists of 65 questions, totaling 100 marks. The questions are divided into three major sections: General Aptitude (GA), Engineering Mathematics, and Subject-Specific Questions.
GATE EE 2025 Exam Structure
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks
- Subject-Specific Questions: 72 marks
Question Types in GATE EE
The questions in the GATE EE exam are categorized into three types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have four options, with only one correct answer.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): These questions have multiple correct answers.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): These require a direct numerical answer, with no options provided.
Negative Marking in GATE EE
There is negative marking for MCQs:
- 1-mark MCQs: Deduct 1/3 mark for incorrect answers.
- 2-mark MCQs: Deduct 2/3 mark for incorrect answers.
No negative marking applies to MSQs and NAT questions.
Distribution of Marks for GATE EE 2025
Breakdown of 1-Mark and 2-Mark Questions
The distribution of questions for GATE EE 2025 is as follows:
| Subject | 1-Mark Questions | 2-Mark Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 0 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 3 | 4 | 13 |
| Power Electronics | 2 | 4 | 10 |
GATE EE 2025 Difficulty Level Analysis
The difficulty level of the GATE EE exam varies across subjects. Here's an analysis of the difficulty level for different subjects:
- General Aptitude: Easy to Moderate
- Engineering Mathematics: Moderate
- Subject-Specific Questions: Moderate to Difficult
Tips for GATE EE 2025 Preparation
- Focus on Fundamentals: Ensure you have a solid understanding of basic concepts before diving into advanced topics.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the time constraints of the exam to improve speed.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
GATE EE Subject-wise Marks Distribution (2017–2023)
The following table shows the subject-wise marks distribution for the GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) exam across different years (2017-2023):
| Subject | GATE 2017 | GATE 2018 | GATE 2019 | GATE 2020 | GATE 2021 | GATE 2022 | GATE 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | 12% | 11% | 14% | 12% | 12% | 13% | 11% |
| Network Theory | 9% | 8% | 11% | 6% | 11% | 8% | 8% |
| Electromagnetic Theory | 3.5% | 2% | 1% | 6% | 6% | 7% | 5% |
| Digital Circuits | 4% | 7% | 4% | 3% | 6% | 2% | 4% |
| Analog Circuits | 5% | 7% | 6% | 8% | 3% | 7% | 6% |
| Control Systems | 10.5% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 8% | 8% | 9% |
| Signals & Systems | 6.5% | 10% | 4% | 10% | 8% | 8% | 12% |
| Electrical Machines | 13% | 8% | 13% | 10% | 8% | 12% | 11% |
| Power Systems | 9.5% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 12% | 8% | 11% |
| Power Electronics | 8% | 10% | 10% | 8% | 9% | 11% | 6% |
| Measurements | 4% | 4% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| General Aptitude | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – GATE EE 2026
What is the exam mode of GATE EE 2026?
GATE EE 2025 is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The medium of the question paper is English only.
What is the duration and total marks of the GATE EE exam?
The GATE EE exam has a duration of 3 hours and consists of 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.
What are the sections in the GATE EE question paper?
The GATE EE question paper is divided into three sections:
- General Aptitude (GA) – 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics – 13 marks
- Electrical Engineering Subject – 72 marks
What types of questions are asked in GATE EE?
GATE EE includes the following types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Is there negative marking in the GATE EE exam?
Yes, negative marking applies only to MCQs:
- 1-mark MCQ: 1/3 mark deducted
- 2-mark MCQ: 2/3 mark deducted
There is no negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions.
How long is the GATE EE score valid?
The GATE EE score is valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration.
Where can the GATE EE score be used?
GATE EE score is used for:
- PSU recruitment (NTPC, Power Grid, ONGC, etc.)
- M.Tech / M.E. admissions in IITs, NITs, and other institutes
- PhD admissions
- Admissions in selected foreign universities
Is a calculator allowed in the GATE EE exam?
Physical calculators are not allowed. A virtual scientific calculator is provided on the exam screen.
What is the qualifying cutoff for GATE EE?
The qualifying cutoff for GATE EE (General category) is usually between 25 to 30 marks, depending on the exam difficulty level.