Students’ Speak: Important preparation tips for AP PGECET

By: T. Deepthi

Students often feel stressful during the last week of preparation. Always divide time in a manner that focus is given to preparation as well as revision of every subject. Practice as much as possible and learn from the mistakes committed while preparing for AP PGECET.

AP PGECET stands for Andhra Pradesh Post-graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test. AP PGECET is conducted by the Andhra University Visakhapatnam on behalf of Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). AP PGECET is conducted for students to get admissions into various Post-graduation (MTech & M.Pharmacy) colleges and universities in Andhra Pradesh. This examination is for students with Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Pharmacy.

Key tips and tricks for last week

As I am also preparing for AP PGECET, I am going to share my plan to prepare during the last week. During the last week preparation, Revise only old topics and do not start any unknown topic. Write down important formulae, key concepts in the form of short notes. Practice one mock test per day and analyse the question paper and try to solve all the wrong answers. In case there is time left during last week preparation, I would be revising only previous year question paper models. Also, discuss revised topics with friends; this would help in revising the topic completely. Ensure to get a good and sound sleep before the exam and try to stay fit by following a healthy diet. Meditation is another way to improve concentration.

Important and scoring topics of each subject

Since I am a student of Electronics and Communication stream, I would be discussing the preparation strategy of ECE topics. In case, a student gets a high score in GATE then there is no need to write AP PGECET as for further studies preference would be given to National Institutes like IITs &NITs. In AP PGECET, a common subject in all streams of engineering is Engineering Mathematics; this is a scoring subject too. Previous years’ papers and important topics are as follows:

• Engineering Mathematics: -Try to practice and revise every topic in Engineering Mathematics. The topics are Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability, Statistics, and Numerical Methods.

In Electronics and Communication, students have to prepare around eight subjects to clear AP PGECET. These subjects are

1. Networks
2. Electronics Devices
3. Analog Circuits
4. Digital Circuits
5. Signals and Systems
6. Control Systems
7. Communications
8. Electromagnetics

All the subjects are important, however, the expected scoring subjects are Networks, Control Systems, Communications, Signals and Systems.

• Networks:- Network Graphs, 2 Port Network Parameters, Nodal and Mesh Analysis, Network Theorems, Fundamental Cut Set and Cut Matrices, State Equations for Networks.
• Electronic Devices:- Energy Bands in Silicon, Extrinsic and Intrinsic Silicon, Diodes like P-N junction, PIN, Tunnel, etc., BJT, FET, MOSFET, Photo Diodes and Lasers, Device technologies like N-Tub, P-Tub, Twin Tub, Circuit Fabrication.
• Analog Circuits:- Small Signal Equivalent Circuits, Simple Diodes, Clipping, Clamping, Bias Stability of Transistor, FET Amplifiers, Sinusoidal Oscillators, 555 Timers.
• Digital Circuits: Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Sequential Circuits, Combinational Circuits, Microprocessor 8085 Architectures, ADC and DAC Converters.
• Signals and Systems: -Definition and Properties of Laplace Transforms, Continuous and Discrete Series, FFT, DFT, Z-transforms, LTI Systems, Signal Transmission through LTI.
• Control Systems: -Routh-Hurwitz Criterion, Bode and Nyquist Plots, Signal Flow Graphs, Basic Block Diagram of Control Systems, Open Loop and Closed Loop, LTI Control Systems and Feedback Responses, Elements of PID Control.
• Communications:- Types of Noises, Autocorrelation, Amplitude and Angle Modulation, Demodulation Systems, Super Heterodyne Receivers, Single to Noise Ratio, Fundamentals of Information Theory, Basis of TDMA, FDMA, CDMA and GSM, Digital Communications Systems.
• Electromagnetic:- Elements of Vector Calculus, Gauss and Stokes Theorem, Maxwell’s Theorem, Transmission Lines, Smith Charts, Waveguides, Boundary Conditions, S- Parameters, Basics of Propagation, Basics of Antennas.

Revise complete syllabus

The first and foremost step in revision is to concentrate on the fundamentals of engineering mathematics and fundamentals of electronics and communications. After completing the syllabus, start practising and revising GATE previous year questions book from ACE Academy of Engineering Mathematics. For electronics and communications, revise short notes of each subject to save time.

A proper study plan is an important part of preparation. In addition, gathering related information about AP PGECET exam like pattern, syllabus, and test series is also important to score well.

During my revision, I avoid wasting time and focus on my goal. Divide the whole syllabus and start revision. During revision, practise as many mock tests as you can to secure high scores.

Managing BTech and AP PGECET simultaneously

According to me, it is easy to manage both exams simultaneously. Most of the subjects would cover topics from first, second and third years of BTech. For AP PGECET, class running notes are enough for preparation. In BTech, standard author’s textbooks are referred. On a daily basis, refer textbook after completion of every topic, as in standard textbooks at the end of a lesson some objective questions are given; this would help in understanding the concepts.

About the Author:

T. Deepthi is a student at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayampursuing Bachelor in Technology (B.Tech) with a specialisation in Electronics and Communication Engineering.