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The GATE 2026 exam for Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) has been officially announced, and it’s time to gear up with the right resources. Choosing the Best GATE 2026 EC Books is key to building strong concepts and securing a top rank. In this guide, we’ve listed the most recommended subject-wise reference books trusted by toppers to help you prepare effectively and stay ahead.
GATE 2026 Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GATE 2026 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) |
| Conducting Institute | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Level | National |
| Purpose | PG Admissions (M.E., M.Tech, Ph.D.), PSU Jobs |
| Total Papers | 30 (expected) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Start Date | August 2025 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply (No Late Fee) | September 2025 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | To Be Announced |
| Exam Dates | 1st & 2nd Weekends of February 2026 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Question Type | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Score Validity | 3 Years |
| Official Website | iitg.ac.in |
GATE 2026 EC Syllabus – Electronics and Communication Engineering Topics
Before choosing the best books for GATE 2026 Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), it’s important to first understand the complete syllabus. Knowing the topics and weightage helps in selecting the right study material and planning your preparation effectively. To help you get started, we’ve provided the official GATE 2026 EC syllabus PDF below for easy reference and download.
Best GATE 2026 EC Books – Subject-Wise List
Now that you’re familiar with the syllabus, the next step is choosing the right study material. Selecting the best GATE 2026 Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) books can make a huge difference in your preparation. Below, we’ve compiled a subject-wise list of the most recommended reference books by toppers and experts to help you master each topic and enhance your score.
| Topic | Books and Authors |
| System & Signal | Book: Signals & System; Author: Schaum Series-H.P. Hsu
Book: Signals & Systems; Author: Alan V. Oppenheim Book: Modern digital and analog Communications system; Author: BP Lathi Book: Signals & System; Author: Proakis Book: Digital Signal Processing; Author: S.K Mitra Book: Signals & System; Author: Oppenheim & Schafer |
| Network Theory | Book: Network Theory; Author: Alexander Sadiku
Book: Network Analysis; Author: Van Valkenburg Book: Linear Circuit Analysis; Author: De Carlo/Lin Book: Engineering Circuit Analysis; Author: Hayt & Kammerl Book: Circuit Theory; Author: A. Chakraborty |
| General Aptitude | Book: Logical Reasoning; Author: R. S. Agarwal
Book: Objective English; Author: Hari Mohan Prasad Book: Quantitative Aptitude Author: Arun Sharma Book: Quantitative Aptitude; Author: R. S. Agarwal |
| Engineering Mathematics | Book: Higher Engineering Mathematics; Author: Dr. BS Grewal
Book: Engineering Mathematics; Author: Erwin Kreyszig Book: Advanced Engineering Mathematics; Author: Dr. HK Dass Book: Advanced Engineering Mathematics; Author: S. R. K. Iyengar, R. K. Jain |
| Electronic Devices | Book: Semiconductor devices; Author: S. M. Sze
Book: DC Analysis of MOS Transistor; Author: Tsivid Book: Solid State Electronic Devices; Author: Ben Streetman and Sanjay Banerjee Book: Semiconductor devices; Author: David Neamen Book: Integrated Electronics; Author: Jacob Millman & Christos C. Halkias |
| Analog Circuits | Book: Micro-Electronics circuit; Author: Sedra & Smith
Book: Pulse and Digital Electronics; Author: Millman and Taub Book: Linear ICs; Author: Gaekwad Book: Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory; Author: Robert L Boylestad & Nashelsky Book: Analog Electronics, Electronics devices, and circuits; Author: Donald A Neaman |
| Digital Circuits | Book: Digital circuits and design; Author: Salivahanan
Book: Digital Electronics; Author: Morris Mano Book: Digital Electronic Principles and applications; Author: Ronald J. Toccii, Pearson Publications Book: Microprocessor Architecture, Programming, and Applications with the 8085; Author: Ramesh Gaonker Book: Fundamentals of digital systems; Author: Anandkumar Book: Digital Logic and Computer Design; Author: Morris Mano |
| Communications | Book: Electronic Communication Systems; Author: Davis and Kennedy
Book: Modern digital and analog Communications system; Author: BP Lathi Book: Analog and Digital Communication System; Author: Simon Haykin Book: Principle of Communication System; Author: Taub & Schillings |
| Control System | Book: Control Systems Engineering; Author: Norma Nise
Book: Modern Control System; Author: Katsuhiko Ogata Book: NPTEL Video lectures; Author: M. Gopal Book: Control Systems; Author: Nagarath and Gopal Book: Automatic Control Systems; Author: Benjamin C Kuo |
| Electro-Magnetics | Book: Elements of Electromagnetics; Author: Matthew N.O.
Book: NPTEL Lectures; Author: Prof. R. Shevgaonkar Book: Sadiku Network lines and fields; Author: J.D Ryder (Transmission lines part) Book: Antenna Theory; Author: Balanis Book: Antenna And Wave Propagation; Author: KD Prasad Book: Schaum’s Outline of Electromagnetics; Author: Joseph A Edminister Book: Electromagnetic waves and Radiating Systems; Author: Jordon Book: Engineering Electromagnetics; Author: William Hayt |
How to Choose the Right Books for GATE 2026 ECE
Selecting the right books is crucial for effective GATE 2026 preparation. Here are a few quick tips:
- Follow the Latest Syllabus: Make sure the book covers all topics in the updated GATE 2026 ECE syllabus.
- Prefer Standard Authors: Choose books by trusted authors like Sedra & Smith, Simon Haykin, or William H. Hayt for conceptual clarity.
- Look for Theory + Practice: The best books explain concepts clearly and include solved examples, MCQs, and previous year questions.
- Check What Toppers Recommend: Use books commonly referred to by toppers and GATE coaching institutes (e.g., Entri.app).
- Avoid Too Many Books: Stick to 1–2 quality books per subject to avoid confusion
Study Plan Tips Using These GATE 2026 ECE Books
Using the right books effectively is just as important as selecting them. Here’s how to make the most of your preparation:
- Start with Theory: Use standard textbooks to build strong fundamentals before jumping into problems.
- Stick to a Timetable: Allocate time for each subject based on difficulty level and syllabus weightage.
- Make Short Notes: While studying, create concise notes from each chapter for quick revision.
- Practice Regularly: Solve end-of-chapter questions and previous year papers after completing each topic.
- Revise Weekly: Revisit tough topics and formulas regularly to avoid last-minute pressure.
- Mock Tests Matter: Use practice books and test series to get familiar with the real exam conditions and assess progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best book for GATE 2026 ECE preparation overall?
There’s no single book for everything. Use standard books like Sedra & Smith for Analog, Simon Haykin for Communication, and other subject related books for practice and previous year questions.
Can I crack GATE 2026 ECE with self-study and books alone?
Absolutely! Many toppers have cracked GATE with self-study. The key is using the right books, a smart study plan, and consistent efforts.
Should I buy all the GATE 2026 ECE books listed for each subject?
No. Stick to 1–2 books per subject—one for theory and one for practice. Focused study beats collecting too many resources.
Where can I get the latest GATE 2026 ECE syllabus PDF?
You can download the official syllabus PDF from the GATE 2026 organizing institute’s website or find the link provided above.
