Students’ Speak: Tips to balance your work with GATE preparation

By: G.Venkatesh

Working professionals should manage their time and try to complete their work in the office itself. If you complete your work in the office, you can find much time to spend with books.

Most of the aspirants preparing for Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) aim to fetch a job in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) while some aim to take admission in post-graduation courses at IITs and NITs. In either of the cases, a majority of students appearing for GATE are working professionals. These aspirants find it difficult to juggle between work and GATE preparation as these job holders fall short of time to prepare. Here’s what in my opinion such aspirants must do to prepare well for GATE exam:

• Most of the work professionals have two-day leaves in a week. Utilise this time to prepare yourself or join weekend coaching classes
• Have a proper study plan such as break topics into days, weeks and months
• Know your exam syllabus, pattern, mode of examination etc.,
• Selection of books and notes is important
• Self-preparation, self-evaluation is also important. If possible better to perform group discussion on topics which you have completed studying
• Practice sample papers on completed topics
• Give mock tests at least once or twice per week
• Revision of previous year question papers
• Using other resources like watching NPTEL courses, listening to toppers talk, using digital technology,
• Avoid distractions like night parties, midnight movies, chitchatting with friends & family, late-night sleep, etc., try to cut all these slowly
• Avoid lack of interest, quitting and skipping topics,
• Don’t waste your office time. If you find leisure in office try to recall topics which have already completed, revise important concepts & formulae etc.,

Time management

Managing time is really an art. Time is precious as all are aware of time. Working professionals should manage their time and try to complete their work in the office itself. If you complete your work in the office, you can find much time to spend with books. So use your time in a proper manner to achieve success.

Work and study balance

Working professionals are aware that both work and study are important. There are more number of students out who need to work and study and they support themselves, too. Also, tell your boss that you are preparing for GATE, he may reduce your work a little bit. Avoid leaving things to last minute, because it is too difficult to handle at the last minute. They should think that work is worship, as well as study, is fellowship. They should maintain both work and study. They should possess perfect planning regarding their work and study. Daily they should study at least four hours to complete their work. They should balance work as well as study. Also learn to avoid stress and try to be calm in any situation. Moreover, appreciate yourself if you completed your schedule topics and work in time, because this gives a boost to your mind. Make sure to set boundaries in your work and study. Avoid thinking that your job is your weakness.

About the Author:

G.Venkatesh has studied B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Aditya Engineering College affiliated to JNTU Kakinada.