GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy: How to Plan for Revision in Two Months?
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Registration - 8 Oct '25 - 13 Oct '25
Now that GATE 2026 is around the corner, there must be a lot of hustle and bustle in preparation and revision. Many of you must be thinking about how I can complete revising a pile of syllabi in a short span. Here are a few tips and strategies (tried and tested by the GATE toppers) that can help you plan for the GATE 2026 revision.
About the GATE 2026 Exam
This year, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) is conducting the GATE 2026 exam. The exam dates have been announced. The branch-wise GATE 2026 exam dates will be announced soon. The GATE 2025 will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in two sessions: Morning (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and Afternoon (2:30 pm to 12:30 pm).
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To seek admission to the BTech programme offered at IIT Madras, candidates need to visit the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and fill out the application form in online mode for JEE Main. For other courses such as MSc, MTech, BS-MS (Dual Degree) etc., candidates must visit the official website of the respective national-level entrance exam conducting bodies and fill out the application form in online mode. IIT Madras admission to most of the courses is entrance-based.
The simple answer is, Yes
How? Now that completely depends on your goals and why you want to crack the GATE exam. First, be clear about that. Once, you have passed the test, then you can go ahead with your GATE preparation.
Here are some tips that can help you with cracking GATE exam without coaching -
- Begin with the basics - start understanding the pattern and syllabus of the paper you want to apply.
- Start with your standard textbooks. Clear your fundamentals and concepts.
- Solve the GATE previous year's question papers as many times you can to get an understanding of the exam structure.
- Attempt mock tests every day.
- Revise everyday to stay acquainted with the topics.
- Do a self-talk. Try explaining the topics to yourself, this will help you grasp the topics easily.
Why GATE 2026 Revision is essential?
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Revising your preparation is essential. It’s like fueling what you’ve learnt throughout your GATE preparation, making you more prepared for the exam. Revising the subjects and topics in GATE helps you remember the facts, figures, topics, and methodologies you studied long ago.
How to Plan for GATE 2026 Revision?
Here are some tips and strategies to plan for the GATE 2026 revision -
Schedule a Plan
Make a timetable or prepare a plan covering all the topics and subjects you want to cover and the amount of time you want to dedicate to each topic. Categorise them based on their difficulty level or weightage. Ensure you stick to your schedule and maintain a record for later performance analysis.
Make Short Notes
Develop a habit of taking notes. Jot down essential formulas, terms, and key concepts from every topic. This will help during quick revision.
Focus on Understanding the Concepts
The admission to IIT Roorkee is based on entrance exam score of candidates. The institute provides admission to the candidates under two categories:
Category | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|
Category 1 | (Graduates applying on the basis of CAT 2020 score) - CAT score: 60%, PI: 30%, Work experience: 10%
|
Category 2 | (IIT graduates admitted through JEE Advanced) - PI: 100% |
To qualify JEE Main exam, an advanced and well-planned study plan is required. A good preparation strategy can help students in securing a seat for the BTech course at NIT Srinagar. Below are the pointers that can help students in the preparations for JEE Main entrance exam:
- Revise as much as possible
- Choose the reference books wisely
- To secure admission into prestigious institutions such as the IITs, NITs and IIITs, it is essential for the aspirants to have a strong command on the material taught in their class 11 and class 12. Shiksha is offering free NCERT questions and solutions to aid JEE candidates in excelling in these classes. To access the NCERT solutions, click on the below links:
| NCERT Class 11 Physics Solutions | NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Solutions | NCERT Class 11 Maths Solutions |
- Cross-check section-wise weightage & syllabus for all subjects covered in JEE Main
- Solve as many Mock Tests as possible. Shiksha.com is providing a FREE Downloadable JEE Main Mock Test Paper (with Solutions). Visit the link to download it now!
- Solve previous year’s JEE question papers there are high chances of getting questions from there
The dates for JoSAA counselling 2026 choice filling will be announced once the result of JEE Main 2026 is declared. Candidates can fill choices only during the choice filling period. Also, candidates need to lock their choices before the last date.
Understanding the fundamentals and concepts will smooth your revision strategies. It also helps develop critical thinking skills and promotes long-term retention of knowledge, with which you can solve tricky questions faster.
Follow the Concept of Subject Coupling
Prepare two complementary subjects at a time. This will prevent you from getting bored with just preparing for one subject. Also, it helps you to prepare concepts to form multiple topics simultaneously.
Also read:
- GATE Mock Tests: Get EC, CS, ME, CE, and other paper mock test papers here
- GATE 2026 preparation: 80% aspirants choose self-study over coaching preparation
- 10 signs that scream you're a true GATE aspirant: how many did you tick off already
Using Mnemonics and Mind Mapping Techniques for GATE Revision
Mnemonics and mind mapping are powerful techniques that can significantly enhance your GATE revision strategy. Mnemonics are memory aids that help in recalling information. For example, using the first letters of a list to create a word or a phrase can make it easier to remember. It also actively engages your brain.
On the other hand, mind mapping or visual representation allows you to organise your notes and thoughts systematically. It also encourages you to think outside the box and make connections you might not consider while making notes.
Solve Mock Test Papers
Take as many topic-wise and GATE mock tests as possible to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, it is advised to take at least two to three test papers to recall the concepts while you revise. Solving GATE test papers will also boost your confidence and help you improve your time management skills.
Get Your Hands on the GATE Previous Year’s Question Papers
Try to practice the GATE’s previous year’s question papers to understand the questions asked in the examination. It will also give you a clear picture of what types of questions were previously asked and can be repeated.
Integrating these techniques into your GATE 2025 revision plan can improve your preparation and boost your confidence as the exam date approaches.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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
Admission to the BTech courses offered by IIT Madras are entrance-based and done on the basis of scores obtained in JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. Seats are allocated through JoSAA counselling after the results of the entrance exams are out. Students who clear the IIT Madras BTech cutoff are then required to go through document verification and pay the required fees to complete the process.