How to prepare for GATE 2023 in 4 months?: Tips from 2 time GATE Topper
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
This article will help you know how to utilise the last four months before GATE 2023 likely to be held in the first and second week of February next year.
- Category-1: Those who have started preparation and completed around 30 per cent of the GATE syllabus
- Category-2: Those who have started preparation and completed around 50 per cent of the syllabus
- Category-3: Those who have not started the preparation at all
- Preparation Strategy for Category-1 Students
- Preparation Strategy for Category-2 Students
- Preparation Strategy for Category-3 Students
Preparation Strategy for Category-1 Students
Let us consider the first category of students who have registered for the GATE 2023. For them, the first step needed is to make a schedule for the next four months in which they can cover the complete syllabus. But at the same time, they need to start revision parallelly for already covered subjects. So, the target in the next four months would be:
- Cover almost 90 per cent of the syllabus by the end of December or the first week of January
- Revise the already covered topics parallelly
- Start taking the subject tests
- Once you have covered the targeted course and have done revision as well, you can give almost 15-20 mock tests in the month of January with the aim to get maximum marks in the portion you have studied. Do not be bothered about the course that you have left.
- Set practical targets based on your capability and the time that you can dedicate to preparation and do not worry if you have to leave a certain portion of the course
- Give priority to subjects based on weightage in the GATE exam
Preparation Strategy for Category-2 Students
Now let us move on to those people who are able to cover at least 50 per cent before the registrations start. These are the students that are on the right track for the preparation. However, you need to now take care that this intensity is not dimmed in the coming months. Now let us see the steps that you could follow for the next four months:
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- Set aside separate time slots for revision and cover the leftover course
- Do not think about leaving any topics yet because you guys can still complete 100 per cent course
- Make sure that you attempt almost previous 15-year GATE question papers so that you are well aware of the kind of questions that are generally asked
- Study within the GATE syllabus. Do not go overboard because that can waste a lot of precious time
- Make sure that you see all the possible types of questions that can be asked from a particular topic
- Start attempting test series but do not bother too much about performance in Subject Tests because some questions are out of GATE scope do learn from your mistakes
- Start attempting mock tests once you are done with 90 per cent of the syllabus and check your performance in the subjects that you have covered
Preparation Strategy for Category-3 Students
Lastly, let us discuss those who have not started their GATE preparation even in September. Though you guys are late so I cannot promise that you will be able to get a top rank but still I will tell you what is the best that you can do in these months.
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- First of all, make a priority list of subjects based on the weightage in GATE papers in the last five years so while checking the weightage do not go till 1990’s GATE papers
- Then consider those subjects which can be easily covered within the minimum possible time and have significant weightage in the GATE exam
- Try and complete at least 60 per cent of the GATE syllabus but study only relevant portions in each subject
- Be problem-oriented so that you can solve each type of problem from a particular topic that can be asked in GATE
- Do not bother too much about the topics that have not been asked in GATE and the type of questions that are not generally asked in GATE
- Try and attain perfection in whatever you study so that you can aim to get 100 per cent marks in the section that you know.
- Try and complete at least five mock tests before you sit on the GATE exam
I hope you all can get started with the next phase of your preparation and go well in the GATE exam. All the best!
Also read:
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- How to balance college studies with GATE Preparation
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
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 a month 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 2 months ago
The GATE cutoff changes every year depending on seat intake, number of applicants appeared in exam, toughness of question paper, and previous cutoff trends. Candidates who meet cutoff score can participate for counselling.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months 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 months 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 months 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 months 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 months 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 months ago
Candidates who are appearing for the GATE exam must carry a valid ID proof along with a passport-size photograph, transperant water bottle, and pen (blue or black) along with GATE 2026 hall ticket. We advise to carry atleast two to three copies of admit card to the centre.
A
Contributor-Level 7