GATE 2018 Topper Interview: Sudheer Dhukia AIR 24 Electrical Engineering

Sudeer Dhukia - GATE 2018 AIR 2 - Electrical Engineering (EE)

A resident of Hanumagarh, Rajasthan, Sudheer Dhukia secured an AIR (All India Rank) 24 in GATE 2018 exam, the results for which were declared on March 16. An IIT Mandi alumnus, he pursued his BTech degree in  Electrical Engineering from the institute from 2012-2016.

Getting an AIR under 25 was not a cakewalk for Dhukia.  According to him, this was his third attempt at the exam. He first appeared for GATE in his final year in 2016 and got a rank of 1836 (52 marks). He took the exam again in 2017 along with his project intern and scored 42 marks (4200 Rank). His score in GATE 2018 is 921 and normalized marks is 81 out of 100. His perseverance stemmed from his dream of working at Indian PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings).

Read the full interview below:

I had joined Kreatryx Klassroom program. It helped me to enhance my knowledge in every subject and numerical approach. My mentor had a unique skill to approach numerical problems and represent them to students. Counselling one to one session were helpful to decide my strategy. Class test helped me to analysis my performance. Overall I didn’t follow anything other than coaching.

No. It is not necessary but it all depends on the student. If one’s basics are clear and he/she can cover all the syllabus with good amount of practice by self-study then there is no need to join coaching. But if one is week in the respective subject and is not able to manage by self-study then coaching is recommended. It will help to improve your concepts and you will also be able to cover the syllabus within sufficient time.

I started my preparation in May 2017 by self-study but I was not able to manage time and syllabus so I decided to join a coaching institute and thus joined Kreatryx Classroom from July onwards. The theory portion was covered in the classroom with numerical practices so after class, I used to solve numericals from Koncept booklet, Kreatryx GATE previous year booklet.

I mainly focused on numerical solving. The class tests were really helpful to decide my preparation level. For revision I solved Krash questions and revised class notes. I had joined Ktest. Ktests are similar as GATE pattern and also there are different types of tests as per toughness level so it helped me to improve my accuracy, speed and time management.

You can start your preparation in May - June. First try to cover 3-4 subjects with good amount of practice and give subject tests. Then start two prep for two subjects parallelly -  one new subject and one for revision. The revision part is very crucial, so in the month of January, you should do revision from short notes and try to solve some quality questions which can revise entire syllabus.

Rather than solving the same questions again and again,  solve quality questions. I used to solve the material given by my coaching for my revision. Krash material have selectively quality questions which will revise your whole subjects. Join test series and start attempting subject tests for which you have covered. Mock tests are very important to check performance and analysis of weak areas. Try to attempt around 15 mock tests. 

You should first attempt those questions which you can do in one go. You can tick questions mark for review for which you know the concepts but are lengthy or taking time to solve. In second round, attempt all Mark for review questions. Or you can allot time for each sections. For 1 marks section - allot 45-50 minutes and for 2 mark section - 90 minutes. Give 20 minutes to the aptitude section and last 20 minutes for to review questions.

One of my strengths was that I never lost hope. The motivation of my Parents and my mentor always boosted me whenever I felt demotivated. In mock tests, my performance was good which boosted my confidence. My weaknesses in previous year was being rectified by my hard work.

Although one should try to complete the entire syllabus, but there are some topics which are must for students appearing for GATE paper. These include Network, Control, Mathematics, Electrical Machines.

Mock tests are very important part of your preparation. They will help you to know your weak and strong areas. There are different  types of mock test based on difficulty level and according to weightage of subjects. So one can decide strategy according to difficulty of paper.

Students should note that solving only previous years questions does not mean, there is a good chance of cracking exam successfully. Though it helps one to get clear idea about the GATE pattern and topics which are currently asked in recent years.

I mainly focused on numerical practice. Covered all the syllabus with ample amount of practice along with classes. So in January, I attempted mock tests and revised once all subject from the study material I got from my coaching and gave one subject test for each.

I have not followed any standard books. I have followed only the study material I received from my coaching institute.

Even though the syllabus is almost the same, UG exams are more likely to have theoretical questions and are elaborative. On the other hand, GATE mainly focuses on problem solving. Even if your basics are strong you can attempt GATE. For this exam, you should be numerically sound, understanding of concepts will help you.

Well, I want to work in PSUs. It is my wish to work in PSUs. I have applied for many PSUs recruiting through GATE 2018. It was due to this wish of mine that I appeared for GATE thrice.

GATE exam is not that difficult, you would find it very easy if your strategy is right and your preparation is good. Sharpen your basics. Mainly focus on numerical solving and practice as much as you can. Join test series and try to improve accuracy and speed. Revision is extremely crucial.

I am from Hanumagarh, Rajasthan. I have completed my HSC and SSC from RBSE board. My hobby is playing sport.

IIT Guwahati declared GATE 2018 results on April 16, a day before the scheduled date. The score cards of GATE 2018 will be available for download from March 20 to May 31. The exam was held on February 03 - 04 & February 10 - 11, 2018. Check GATE 2018 important dates here.

GATE 2018 final answer keys were released recently.  Along with results, GATE 2018 cut-offs too have been announced.

Also read:

• GATE 2018: Ankit Goyal secures AIR 1 in EE for the second time
• PSU Recruitment Procedure Through GATE
• Opportunities after GATE
• GATE 2018 cut-off for top engineering streams