Students’ Speak: Preparation strategy for GATE

By: Tanish Gupta

Revise more than once and keep a tracker to identify the topics that are tough. This will help distribute and balance concentration towards the whole syllabus as test dates are close.

After I completed my graduation in Electronics & Instrumentation, I decided to prepare for GATE 2019 ‘IN’ paper. I realised that cracking GATE with a good score will open multiple gateways for me, including a job in a public sector undertaking at a good position and a handsome package. Here are certain things I ensured I did while preparing for GATE and ace it:

• Analysis after each test is obligatory, generally composing a test is an exercise in futility. Dissect your methodology, time taken, issues, and opportunity mistakes in tests composed.
• Write down each mistake on a paper to correct and outline news thoughts and strategies which you may write down during test on paper.
• No one has the potential to score 100/100 in their first test or even 60. So, keep cool and improve slowly to aim for a score of nearly 75, making you eligible for AIR 1.
• Don't perform a practice test when you are set up for it. It is again a misuse of time.
• Trust me these tests could just bring you a rank. Without a test, with 100% information, you can accomplish just 50% of it.
• Peace of mind is of utmost importance. Do not stress over anything. Simply do what you can do, and leave others.
• Don't answer the objective (MCQ) type questions without being completely sure about the right answer. Negative marks cost you substantially more at that point leaving them.
• Apply the pre-arranged strategy to give the paper.
• Check the 'Time Left' after certain intervals.

Scoring Topics (Chapters/Preparation Strategy) – for ECE

The Key subjects of EC in GATE are:

• Math
• Aptitude
• Network Theory
• Analog Circuits
• Communication System
• Signal and System
• Verilog
• CMOS Circuit Design on EDA Tools
• FPGA for validation of code
• Digital Design
• MOSFET

Top Topics & Books for GATE (CSE)

1. Discrete Structures: Discrete Mathematics and its Applications by Kenneth H. Rosen
2. Data Structures: Information Structures (Schaum's Outline Series) by Seymour Lipschutz
3. Analysis and Design of Algorithms (ADA): Prologue to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, Clifford Stein
4. Database Management System (DBMS): Database System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan or Essentials of Database Systems by Ramez Elmasri, Shamkant B. Navathe
5. Operating Systems: Working System Concepts by Galvin, Silberschatz, Gagne
6. Computer Networks: PC Networks (Fourth Edition) by Andrew S. Tanenbaum
7. Theory of Computation (TOC): An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata by Diminish Linz
8. Compiler: Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools by Alfred V. Aho, Ravi Sethi, Jeffrey D. Ullman
9. Software Engineering: Programming Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach by Roger S. Pressman

GATE Revision Strategy

I used to have the first and second set of revision. When I was done with the two revision I kept a tracker and revised the third time tough topics. This helped me distribute and balance my concentration towards the whole syllabus as the test date drew closer.

• Use sticky notes to write difficult formulae on a consistent schedule. Stick them and go by them once in a while during the day. These notes will also help you keep track of your daily tasks and the next targets.
• Making short notes during your first revision. Make short notes on a scratch pad that can help you study during the end days.
• Also, give test series from time to time in order to get a subject-wise review of how you are faring. Full-length Tests (FLTs) are the key. I attempted practically all, yet it took three hours to complete and add one hour to rate the test. I wrote 11 full-length tests + (2 Mock test by Made Easy + 1 Mock test by ACE).
• Also, learn how to use virtual number cruncher. It takes time to get familiarised with a virtual calculator.

Tips to overcome anxiety & distraction

• During a long duration of attempting test papers, it is common to experience a stage where there is an absence of drive and inspiration. At whatever point I wanted to get exhausted or wanted to free, I used to converse with my family or some dear companions, watch football, tune in to inspirational music, do push-ups and so on to maintain my concentration and exertion levels.
• I deactivated Facebook, Instagram when the classes started in July. I just kept WhatsApp for discussing numerical issues to companions however I uninstalled that too in December till the test was over.

About the Author:

Tanish Gupta is a student at NIIT, University of Neemrana, Rajasthan. He is pursuing his B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering. He enjoys playing basketball and writes about his experiences.