GATE 2015 Toppers: AIR 1 Electrical Engineering – Pradeep Seervi

Currently pursuing his B.Tech from IIT(Indian Institute of Technology) Mandi, Pradeep Seervi cracked GATE 2015 by securing an AIR (All India Rank) 1 in Electrical Engineering. A resident of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Pradeep loves travelling to different places, playing computer games, table tennis and solving mental ability questions.

Securing AIR 1 was something that he had never expected, however, he believes that it’s his hard-work and deep faith in God almighty that has landed him where he is.

In an interview with shiksha.com, Pradeep talks about his preparation strategies, study plan along with sharing some useful tips for aspirants taking the exam next year.

I feel great. I feel very happy for making my parents feel proud. I would like to thank God for turning my hard work into such a success.

I did expect that I would be somewhere in top 20, but AIR 1 was not expected.

I am currently studying in IIT Mandi, in the final year of B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering. I completed my schooling from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Yes it is my first attempt.

I obtained 75.96 normalised marks.

I joined the online test series of MADE EASY for improving my problem solving ability. I also joined an online program Krash 2015 by Kreatryx (Ankit Goyal Sir’s coaching institute). The K-notes and the Kuestions provided by Kreatryx were really very good and helped me during the final stages of my preparation.

Hard work, dedication and correct guidance are the three success mantras for cracking any exam. Coaching can only show you the path, it can guide you but it is self-study which helps you to walk on that path. The success depends on how much effort you put on your side. Depending only on coaching will not help you in any way. You can take the help of the notes provided by the coaching and test series but rest depends on your effort.

I started my preparations after the third year of my engineering.

I prepared a rough study plan giving sufficient time for each subject and tried to strictly follow it. I could not set any fixed time for preparation. As I was in college, so I had to find time amidst all the assignments, projects and quizzes. But I tried to strictly follow my study plan. I studied with full concentration whenever I got time to get the most out of it. But I completely devoted entire December and January months for GATE Preparation. I solved a lot of online test to improve my problem solving ability and speed.

The syllabus for both exams are almost similar but the difference lies in the type of questions asked. UG exam questions are more elaborative but GATE exam questions are short and tricky. GATE exam basically test your basic concepts and understanding, or in other words your aptitude.

I want to join some PSU. I have applied to a couple of PSUs but I am mostly interested to join PGCIL.

I decided to take GATE in my third year itself. I always wanted to work in some core electrical company and PSUs are the best options for that. So I decided to give GATE.

Never lose hope during your preparation. Have faith in God. Work hard and give your best. GATE exam is not that difficult as people say, you would find it very easy if your preparation is very good. So work hard and BEST OF LUCK !

Swapnil Pandey - GATE 2015 Topper with an AIR 1 IN Instrumentation Engineering - talks about the mantra for his success, plans for the future and his success story. Read the full interview here.