Benefits of GATE Instrumentation for EC or EE Students

Benefits of GATE Instrumentation for EC or EE Students: For many engineering aspirants, the GATE exam is a life-changing opportunity that paves the way for higher education or a career in prestigious Public Sector Units (PSUs). While most Electronics & Communication (EC) and Electrical Engineering (EE) students opt for their core GATE paper, many are now considering a strategic second paper—Instrumentation Engineering (IN).

So, why should EC/EE students write the GATE IN paper? Let’s explore the key benefits.

1. Overlapping Syllabus = Less Effort

One of the biggest motivations for EC/EE students to write the IN paper is the large overlap in syllabus:

Effort Required: You only need to prepare 10-15% extra content, as your EC/EE preparation already covers the majority. Even if a student is going to leave, other subjects will not affect them much.

 

GATE IN syllabus overlap with EC/EE: 

S.No	Subjects	EC	EE	IN	Avg Marks
1	General Aptitude	✓	✓	✓	15
2	Engineering Mathematics	✓	✓	✓	13
3	Network Theory	✓	✓	✓	8
4	Signals & Systems	✓	✓	✓	8
5	Control Systems	✓	✓	✓	8
6	Digital Circuits	✓	✓	✓	6
7	Analog Electronics	✓	✓	✓	8
8	Electromagnetic Theory	✓	✓	✓	4–8
9	Communication	✓	✗	✓	9
10	Measurements	✗	✓	✓	8
11	Electrical Machines	✗	✓	✓	10
12	Electronic Devices Circuits	✓	✗	✓	8
13	Power Electronics	✗	✓	✓	10
14	Power Systems	✗	✓	✓	10
15	Sensors & Transducers	✗	✗	✓	8

Note:

• Total marks one can score in GATE IN with EC/EE background: 65–70
• This clearly shows substantial syllabus overlap, making GATE IN a smart secondary paper option.

This makes dual preparation manageable even for students with tight schedules.

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2. Lower Competition, Better Ranks

Unlike EC and EE papers that attract lakhs of candidates, the GATE IN paper sees fewer aspirants. This lower competition means:

• Higher chances of ranking well
• Better shot at PSU shortlists
• Increased chances of admission to top IITs and NITs

GATE-2024	No of Candidates	Toppers Marks	Marks for <500 Rank
EC	63092	84.67	44
EE	59599	77	48.5
IN	9900	82.67	37
GATE-2025	No of Candidates	Toppers Marks	Marks for <500 Rank
EC	81475	82.67	53
EE	67701	81.67	48
IN	11993	65	35

If you’re well-prepared and strategic, a top rank in IN is more achievable than in EC or EE.

3. High-scoring GATE papers for EC/EE: More M.Tech Options in Top Institutes

Many top institutions like IITs, NITs, and IISc Bengaluru offer M.Tech programs that accept IN scores along with EC/EE. Some notable specializations include:

• M.Tech in Control & Instrumentation
• M.Tech in Biomedical Instrumentation
• M.Tech in Industrial Automation
• M.Tech in VLSI (IISc accepts IN score as well)

This opens up additional opportunities through COAP and CCMT counselling processes.

4. PSUs accepting GATE IN: More PSU Opportunities

PSUs don’t just recruit through EC or EE. Several also consider Instrumentation (IN) paper scores for roles like:

• Electronics Maintenance
• Instrumentation & Control Systems
• Process Automation

By attempting GATE IN, you expand your eligibility for more PSU job roles, especially in industries like oil & gas, power, and manufacturing.

5. Dual Attempt = Smart Backup

The GATE exam is unpredictable. What if your EC or EE paper doesn’t go as planned?

High-scoring GATE papers for EC/EE: Writing GATE IN gives you a safety net:

• If one paper is tough, the second may go well.
• IN paper is often scheduled on a different day, giving you time to recover and refocus.
• Two papers = two opportunities = higher confidence

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6. Flexible Timings

 One of the most overlooked advantages of writing both GATE EC/EE and GATE IN is the built-in backup plan it offers.

• If your EC/EE paper turns out to be unexpectedly tough or tricky, you still have a shot at redemption with the IN paper.
• This is especially useful if the IN paper is scheduled for a different day. It gives you a chance to reset and perform better.

 

Discipline	GATE-2025	GATE-2024
IN	1st February 2025(AN)	4th February 2025(AN)
EE	2nd February 2025(AN)	11th February 2025(AN)
EC	15th February 2025(AN)	11th February 2025(FN)

 

This GATE dual paper option can be a game-changer for serious aspirants.

Benefits of GATE Instrumentation for Electronics students: Final Thoughts

If you are a GATE EC/EE aspirant aiming for top institutes or PSUs, GATE IN can be your golden backup. With overlapping subjects, fewer competitors, and increased opportunities, this is a smart and strategic move that could significantly improve your career prospects.

So why limit yourself to just one paper?
Prepare smart. Attempt bold. Aim high.

Benefits of GATE Instrumentation for EC or EE students: FAQs

Why should EC/EE students consider writing the GATE IN paper?

EC and EE students should consider GATE IN due to the high syllabus overlap, lower competition, and increased chances of admission to top M.Tech programs or PSU jobs. It’s a smart, strategic backup option with minimum extra effort.

 

Is there a syllabus overlap between GATE EC/EE and IN?

Yes, GATE IN has up to 70% syllabus overlap with EC/EE. Subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Networks, Control Systems, and Analog/Digital Electronics are common, making dual preparation easier.

 

How much extra preparation is needed for GATE IN if I’m from EC or EE?

Only about 10–15% extra effort is needed. Most of the core topics are already covered in EC/EE preparation, making GATE IN a low-effort, high-return second paper.

 

Is the GATE IN paper easier than EC or EE?

GATE IN is not necessarily easier, but it is less competitive. With fewer applicants, the cutoffs for top 500 ranks are lower, increasing your chances of scoring better and securing PSU/M.Tech opportunities.

 

What are the benefits of a dual paper attempt in GATE?

Attempting GATE EC/EE and GATE IN gives you:

1. Two chances to score
2. A safety net in case one paper is tough
3. Increased eligibility for M.Tech programs and PSUs
4. Better flexibility in the schedule

 

Which PSUs accept GATE IN scores?

Several PSUs, including those in the oil and gas, power, and automation industries, accept GATE IN for roles like Instrumentation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, and Maintenance Engineer.

 

Can I get admission in the top IITs through GATE IN?

Yes, institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Trichy, and even IISc Bengaluru offer M.Tech programs that accept GATE IN scores for specializations like Control and instrumentation, Biomedical engineering, and Automation.

 

What is the GATE IN cutoff for the top 500 ranks?

In GATE 2025, a score of 35 marks secured a rank under 500 in IN, compared to 53 for EC and 48 for EE, proving the competition is significantly lower in IN.

 

Is the GATE IN exam scheduled on a different day than EC/EE?

Yes, GATE IN is usually held on a different day/time slot than EC or EE. This allows students to mentally reset and prepare strategically for both papers.

 

Which M.Tech specializations can I pursue with a GATE IN score?

Top specializations include:

1. M.Tech in Instrumentation & Control
2. M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering
3. M.Tech in Industrial Automation
4. M.Tech in VLSI (at IISc)
   

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