GATE 2026 Preparation: 80% of aspirants choose self-study over coaching, reveals Shiksha Poll
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Registration - 28 Aug '25 - 6 Oct '25
Are you preparing for the GATE 2026 and back of mind you are wondering how others are preparing? Like what strategy are they covering, revision tips and hacks, etc.? Well, a recent poll conducted by Shiksha with 267 votes on aspirants GATE 2026 preparation has created a buzz. So, if you are still deciding on how to start your GATE preparation 2026, this blog breaks down the GATE Shiksha poll insights and offers you interesting tips to help you choose the right path, read more.
With the official GATE 2026 notification now live with GATE 2026 poster OUT on the newly launched IIT Guwahati portal and website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in, the countdown is on! GATE 2026 registration opens on August 28, 2025, via the GOAPS platform and closes without a late fee on September 28 (extended till October 9 with a late fee). The computer‑based exam will be conducted across four days—February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026, in two shifts.
Explore colleges based on GATE
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
As aspirants prepare rigorously, around 80% of them choose self‑study according to a recent poll. Read more to understand the mindset of the aspirants.
Latest Updates
GATE 2026 Preparation Poll Results at a Glance
These numbers highlight a clear shift in the mindset of GATE aspirants for 2026. Let's dig deeper into what this trend suggests -
🤷♂️ Why 80% of GATE aspirants are choosing self-study?
In our GATE Shiksha poll, 80% of the candidates have selected self-study for GATE 2026. That's a big number. However, this drastic shift can be due to several reasons, such as -
- Availability of free resources and study materials on YouTube and student forums. Quality content is available for free. Also, many GATE toppers advise to follow standard books, previous GATE question papers and online mock tests for in-depth GATE preparation.
- With self-study, students can set their own pace and comfort. They can revisit the topics for revision and practice anytime they want.
- Another big issue can be the expenses, let's be real. GATE coaching can be expensive for some. Self study reduces that burden and allows to learn and understand the concepts on their own term.
- With many student communities and pages available on the internet, GATE preparation has become easier for aspirants. These paces have turned out to be a group study spaces where they ask their doubts, share strategies and help each other out.
Only 3% Rely on Coaching: What does these numbers say?
While it's a small number, some aspirants still choose coaching due to:
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
29 Nov '25
15 Feb '26 - 19 Feb '26
29 Sep '25 - 4 Oct '25
6 Oct '25
15 Feb '26
7 Jun '26 - 23 Jun '26
- Structured GATE syllabus coverage
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
- Peer environment for competitive spirit
This path is ideal for those who find it hard to maintain discipline or are targeting a very high rank with limited time.
4% Prefer a Hybrid Strategy: Coaching + Self-Study
This batch of aspirants makes the most of coaching for tough subjects while supplementing with self-study for GATE 2026 revision and mock tests. This approach combines the best of both worlds. The GATE exam will take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
12% Haven’t Started Yet – Should You Worry?
If you’re in this group, don’t panic. There's still time to build a smart strategy. Here's how -
- Begin with the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern
- Get started with fundamentals and solve relevant GATE old question papers
- Prepare a practical study plan
- Follow our page for the latest updates on GATE exam 2026.
Self-Study Tips from GATE Toppers
Here are some tips from the GATE toppers who preffered a self-study routine during their preparation -
- Go through the standard books, text books, lecture notes, and refer to one or two reference books for practice.
- Practice GATE previous years question paper as many times as possible.
- Attempt mock tests regularly to build concepts and accuracy.
- Make short notes of formula, terms and concepts. The GATE revision notes are gold during the revision period.
- Stay consistent with your routine.
The overwhelming preference for self-study in GATE 2026 preparation is a sign of changing times. With resources just a click away and community learning becoming stronger, aspirants are taking charge of their journey. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Whether you choose coaching, self-study, or both, consistency, clarity, and practice will define your success.
📚GATE 2026 Preparation: 90-Days Crash Plan
| Timeline | GATE 2026 Preparation Strategies |
|---|---|
| Month 1 (November to December) | Cover 2 subjects/week using short notes and videos, solve PYQs immediately after learning each topic, and give 2 to 3 sectional tests/week |
| Month 2 (January) | Take 2 to 3 full-length mock tests per week and continue revising formulas and concepts |
| Final month (February) | Daily formula revision, do not include any new topics, one mock test every alternate day with proper analysis, and Focus on mental health, diet, and sleep |
Also read:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Oct '25 | JEE Main 2026 Registration Ses... |
Oct '25 | JEE Main 2026 Notification |
23 Aug '25 | Reporting to College |
22 Aug '25 | Allotment for Internal Sliding |
6 Sep '25 - 8 Sep '25 | KCET Round 3 |
29 Aug '25 | Round 2 Mock Seat Allotment |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 registration... |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 practice tes... |
Oct '25 | DTU LEET 2025 Display of Merit... |
Oct '25 | DTU LEET 2025 Exam Date |
Jan '26 | OJEE 2026 registrations |
Mar '26 | OJEE 2026: Last date of fee pa... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Well,
As such, the GATE authorities have not mentioned anything regarding the black and white or colour printout of the GATE admit card to be carried or not. But it is better to carry a colour printout of the hall ticket to the exam centre Also, the admit card of GATE must be in A4 size format.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
If there are any details missing in the GATE admit card, then he/she must contact the GATE zone helpline centre. The candidate must raise their concern, mentioning the issue they are facing with the hall ticket. They will have to provide complete details regarding the information that are missing in
S
Contributor-Level 7