GATE EE 2027 · SUBJECT 07 / 10

Control Systems: Syllabus, Topics & Reference Books

Modelling, transfer functions, time response, stability, frequency response, controllers and state space.

Control Systems syllabus topics

The following topic groups come from the syllabus content included in this study hub. Consult the official GATE 2027 website for examination updates.

  1. Mathematical modelling and representation of systems,
  2. Feedback principle, transfer function,
  3. Block diagrams and Signal flow graphs,
  4. Transient and Steady‐state analysis of linear time invariant systems,
  5. Stability analysis using Routh-Hurwitz and Nyquist criteria,
  6. Bode plots,
  7. Root loci,
  8. Lag, Lead and Lead‐Lag compensators;
  9. P, PI and PID controllers;
  10. State space model,
  11. Solution of state equations of LTI systems.

How to prepare this subject

  1. Check topic coverage. Work through the groups above and mark unfamiliar concepts.
  2. Learn and practise. Study one relevant reference book, then solve worked examples without looking at the solutions.
  3. Apply concepts. Use GATE EE previous-year questions to assess where you need additional practice.
  4. Revise and test. Create a short formula or concept sheet and reattempt questions you initially missed.

Recommended reference books

These are textbook suggestions for studying this subject, not a mandatory purchase list.

  • Control Systems Engineering — I. J. Nagrath & M. Gopal
  • Modern Control Engineering — Katsuhiko Ogata

Free resources for practice

Use the downloadable question-paper collection and year-wise weightage report as supporting study materials.

GATE EE Study Hub is an independent educational initiative by Manoranjan Kumar. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GATE organizers.

STEP-BY-STEP LEARNING

Second-order closed-loop response from a transfer function

Extract damping ratio, natural frequency, overshoot and settling time without plotting software.

Key learning goal: Connect a closed-loop characteristic equation to performance measures and steady-state tracking error.

Read the detailed worked example and self-check question →

Quick concept check: For T(s) = 16/(s² + 8s + 16), identify ζ and ωn and predict whether a step response overshoots.

Check the answer

ωn = 4 rad/s and 2ζωn = 8, so ζ = 1. It is critically damped and does not overshoot for a standard unit-step response.

Common pitfalls: Reading ζ = 4/25 instead of comparing the coefficients of s. Confusing percent overshoot with a decimal ratio.