By: Aman R Vyas
The only possible way to have a successful shot at clearing the GATE is by giving it a whole-hearted preparation attempt. In this article, we will discuss the success mantra for examination.
Before starting any exam as demanding as Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), the first step is to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Many young engineers decide to appear for GATE 2020 in the hopes of qualifying it, one of the hardest exams in the country. However, I know every candidate has a unique preparation style. What may be good for one may fail miserably for another?
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How to prepare for GATE 2020
- Understand exam pattern: The GATE website clearly states the aim of this test. It is to find individuals who need to have a specialised in-depth understanding of the topics. Familiarise yourself with the extent of the syllabus, so you can start structuring your study plan accordingly. The syllabus, for each subject, is detailed on the GATE website (refer only original syllabus copy). Four hours every day are sufficient to prepare for the exam consistently.
- Have a structured preparation plan: It is easier to structure the study plan concentrating on building on the basic concepts, usually from the recommended books by toppers. Candidates often even refer to online material for information. Understand the basic concepts without having rote learning schemes because memorising may land you in trouble by virtue of the vastness of the syllabus. Make a weekly or a monthly timetable according to your capacity. If you set target beyond your capacity it could take a toll on you.
- Practice mock test: There are many free mock tests available online to examine your preparation in a timed fashion. These can help in getting all your gears in action as required on the day of the exam. Solve one test daily.it will boost your confidence. Telegram channel is also useful for a free test of different institutes.
- Revision is a priority: GATE exam syllabus is wide and it requires regular revisits to the study material. Divide the day or week for revision. Stick the formulas on the study place revise daily. Use tab or mobile for the same.
- Stay healthy and engaged: Yoga, meditation, running is a part of study do not deal with it as a time waste instrument.it is my personal experience it will help you a lot.
About the Author:
Aman R Vyas has recently completed Bachelor in Engineering with a specialisation in Mechanical from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He aspires to become a civil servant with hobbies including reading books on current issues and laws, and trekking.
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Student Forum
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MANIT M.Tech fellowship is paid every month based on your attendance. You need to fill out a simple form and get it signed by your teacher. This shows you attended your classes and did your lab assistant work. Once the department confirms this, the money goes straight to your bank account.
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
MANIT M.Tech application starts by qualifying the GATE. Next, you register on the CCMT portal during the month of May. You will fill in your personal details and upload your scorecard. Then, you must list your preferred branches at MANIT in order. If you are allotted a seat, pay the fee and verify y
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
This year, 10,11,719 candidates registered for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, and 797434 candidates appeared for the GATE. The number of qualified students list will be available once statistical report is released.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, COAP is only for M.Tech and PhD admissions at IITs and IISc Bangalore. The portal also updates job offers for some PSUs. Overall, around 23+ IITs participate in GATE COAP counselling every year.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
With a GATE EC 2026 score of 609 and EWS category rank, you are well within the cutoff range for M.Tech in VLSI/Microelectronics at several IITs (like IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee) and top NITs (like NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut). Your score is strong enough to target premier in
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can join NIT Puducherry without GATE, but only through specific alternative admission channels such as the Self-Support M.Tech program, Sponsored/QIP (Quality Improvement Program), or DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad). Regular M.Tech seats are primarily filled via GATE and CCMT cou
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The GATE exam is conducted in the month of February. Registrations can be done on respective website. The application forms are generally out in last week of August. The application fee is INR 1,000 (female/SC/ST/PWD) and INR 2,000 (Male/General/OBC/EWS). Students have to register separately on univ
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Answered 2 weeks ago
No, Indian students don't need JEE, NEET, or GATE exam score to get a seat at Imperial College. However, programs like MBBS (UCAT), MBA (GMAT), and some STEM programs (ESAT, TMUA, GRE) do ask for additional test scores.
Make sure to check entry requirements for desired course before applying at Impe
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can get admission in M.Tech without GATE exam at MIT College of Management and Computer Application. In that case, you can appear for PERA CET or MIT-WPU CET exam and get a valid score for admission.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
| Target Performance | Desired Score | Approx. Questions to Attempt | Reasoning |
| Top IITs / PSUs | 70 - 85+ | 55 - 60 Questions | High attempts with near-perfect accuracy are required to compete for the top 500 ranks. |
| Old IITs / Top NITs | 55 - 70 | 45 - 52 Questions | A safe zone where you focus on high-weightage topics and core subjects. |
| Qualification / New NITs | 30 - 45 | 35 - 40 Questions | Focus on General Aptitude, Mathematics, and your the strongest 3–4 technical subjects. |
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