GATE 2026 EE Guide: Power Systems Weightage & Forenoon Strategy

A detailed exam day strategy for GATE Electrical Engineering 2026, including subject weightage, phasor calculation tips, and IIT Guwahati guidelines.

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Categories: Engineering Entrance, Post Graduate Exams, Electrical Engineering, Career Guide
Tags: GATE 2026 EE, GATE Electrical Engineering, IIT Guwahati GATE, GATE EE Weightage, Electrical Machines Tips
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GATE 2026 EE: The High-Voltage Strategy
Feb 7th Forenoon Session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
1. Primary Subject Weightage

Electrical Engineering is a core-heavy paper. Toppers ensure they secure 100% marks in Machines, Power Systems, and Power Electronics, which carry the maximum weightage.

13%Engg. Mathematics
12-14%Electrical Machines
10-12%Power Systems
10-12%Power Electronics
2. Phasor & Complex Number Accuracy
The "NAT" Precision Rule:

Many Power System questions involve complex numbers (Z-bus, Load Flow). The GATE virtual calculator does NOT support direct complex number operations.


Strategy: Manually perform Rectangular to Polar conversions on your scribble pad. Keep values up to 4 decimal places to ensure your final Numerical Answer Type (NAT) value falls within the IIT's accepted range.
3. Mandatory Forenoon Checklist

With a 9:30 AM start, your brain needs to be fully active early. Reach by 8:00 AM.

  • GATE Admit Card: A4 color printout. Check that the "EE" code is clearly visible.
  • Original Photo ID: Must match your registration document (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport).
  • Scribble Pad: Will be provided for your circuit diagrams and derivations.
  • Transparent Pen: Simple blue or black ballpoint pen.
4. IIT Guwahati Security & Dress Code

Electrical engineers often wear metallic accessories—remove them before entering the gate.

  • Apparel: Wear light half-sleeve T-shirts. Avoid hoodies or shirts with large pockets.
  • Footwear: Slippers or thin-soled sandals. Shoes are strictly banned.
  • Prohibited: Any watch, wallet, calculator, or belt with a large metallic buckle.
5. Strategic Time Allocation

EE papers are calculation-intensive. Use your 3 hours wisely:

  1. General Aptitude (20 Mins): Secured 15 marks early to relieve pressure.
  2. Networks & Digital (40 Mins): Solve these quickly as they have the least complex calculations.
  3. Machines & Power Electronics (60 Mins): Focus on waveform analysis and motor characteristics.
  4. Power Systems & Control (60 Mins): Dedicate the final hour to lengthy stability and load flow numericals.