Experts’ Speak: Tips to obtain high GATE percentile with unplanned preparation

By: Dr Rahul M Das

For the subject-specific scoring areas, one must use the same approach of filtering out topics that have a higher frequency in question papers and look out for the weightage. Shortlist those topics logically and start preparing.

As the saying goes, ‘For what it’s worth: it’s never too late’ for an aspirant to prepare for his Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE). Last-minute preparations for any competitive examination is more of a sprint, where one needs to run, and run really fast. Aspirants of competitive examinations such as GATE have the advantage of knowing their subject area in advance as they have undergone the learning already. What they really need is, one thorough structured revision to ensure success.

For whatever reason, if you are one of those GATE aspirants who has already missed the train to start the preparations in advance, you need not worry. You still have a chance to take the dive and succeed, provided you take a smart approach to your preparations. You must be thinking, how. Read this to know.

Focus is the Key

In case an individual thinks of starting the preparations while they already delayed, it is obvious for them to give up the plan even before they could start, thinking they have lost the battle and they cannot do anything in last one month. For those who decide to turnaround things and make a difference in their lives, they choose not to let go off the opportunity without giving an attempt. Having said that, what is really important now is to develop a laser-sharp focus on what should be your plan for cracking the GATE exam. The quick fix preparation requires the following approach:

• Do a quick check on the syllabus and map out the topics and concepts that have greater importance and likelihood of appearing in the question paper
• Refer to previous year question papers (at least 3-5 years) to do a sense check on the topic wise coverage and frequency of the topic appearing in the question paper each year
• List out the topics based on the weightage they would carry in the question paper
• Out of this narrowed content, look for the topics that shall carry the highest marks coverage in the question paper
• Prepare a study plan with these shortlisted topics first and then move to other topics if time permits
• Ensure you prepare quick short notes on the key points for revision during the last week
• Make sure to attempt the mock tests as you progress over this one month

Scoring Topics in GATE

Let us look at the finer details of the above given approach. In GATE examination, the most commonly known scoring topics are General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics. One can easily target scoring 15 marks in General Aptitude with lesser time investment. The section of Verbal Ability will take lesser time to answer and it can fetch you 10 marks with ease, whereas the Numerical Ability section can be comparatively easier for clinching 5 marks, but it can consume more time if shortcuts are not used. It is advisable to use a good recommended material to prepare for General Aptitude.

With Engineering Mathematics, the focus should be on topic-wise preparation looking at topics that appear every time such as Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and others.

For the subject-specific scoring areas, one must use the same approach of filtering out topics that have higher frequency in question papers and look out for the weightage. Shortlist those topics logically and start preparing. For example, going by the higher scoring topics under Computer Science Engineering:

Last-Mile Tips & Tricks

Last week before the exam can be the most stressful period if your pace of preparation slows down anytime during the month. Maintaining the speed of preparation is critical here. In case you have not  been able to complete the syllabus by this time, do not worry. Your focus must be on revising the topics that you’ve covered already. This will give you the required confidence to secure those topics that you’ve already prepared. The best way to do this is referring back to the short notes you would’ve made while preparing those topics, as this becomes your ready reckoner.

Avoid learning new or difficult topics that may take more time and energy during this period. Instead invest this time to revise the formulas and important points noted under each topic.

Ensure you keep solving the Mock papers as a measure of self-evaluation after every topic is completed during the month. Towards the end of the preparation period, the last week should be extensively used for solving mock papers with whatever topics that has been prepared. Do not panic on seeing questions that you don’t understand while taking these mock papers. Focus all your time and energy on solving the questions that are known, as this will give you the assurance of securing full marks for the questions that you would attend in the final examination. The most important thing to be kept at the back of your mind at all times – keep the balance intact for both, your mind and body.

Remember, ‘For what it’s worth: it’s never too late’.

About the Author:

Dr Rahul M Das is a Doctorate in Organizational Behavior from University of Madras with two Master’s degree. He is an academician-turned-consultant-professional with eight years of teaching experience. He has been working for the past two years as a Senior Consultant with Bengaluru-based Abanel Management Consulting Pvt Ltd. Dr Das has expertise in training and development, counselling & mentoring, developing leadership and managerial skills through experiential learning.