Top myths about GATE 2020 exam

By J K Sinha

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination for admissions to post-graduate programs (e.g.,ME, MTech, direct PhD) conducted by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore (IISc, Bangalore) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and other government agencies.

Even before applying for any exam, most of the people already have myths about it that can have an impact on their decision of whether or not to appear for that exam.

Same is true of GATE. Let’s discuss some of the very common myths about the GATE Examination.

1. Myth: The exam is tough as it is an all-India level test

Fact: The questions of GATE exam are fully conceptual. Once you have understood the concepts of each topic, you will definitely be able to solve these questions. Doesn’t sound tough right?

2. Myth: Maximum questions must be attempted to attain a high score

Fact: This is a wrong notion because GATE questions have negative marking for wrong answers. Attempt only those questions about which you are confident. The qualifying cut off for each stream is usually from 22-30 marks.

3. Myth: Study all the subjects and topics of graduation, and then only you can attend the paper as there is topic-wise marks distribution

Fact: No need to study all the subjects and topics of graduation. Refer to the syllabus given for each department, particularly for the examination. All the topics of the graduation syllabus are not included. So it is better to follow the GATE syllabus. To be more precise about the syllabus refer to the previous ten years question papers and note down the subjects and the topics from which no or limited questions are asked and those from which highest number of questions are asked. Study accordingly.

4. Myth: Solve as many papers as you can

Fact: This is one of the notions which are very true. Solve as many questions and practice papers as you can but within stipulated time. This will increase your speed and accuracy.

5. Myth: Lot of hard work is required

Fact: Hard work is one key ingredient in the recipe of success. But for some, it is more like just sitting in front of the books throughout the day. You just need to utilise your time intelligently. But one thing is that keep it regular and with full concentration, i.e., it is enough to spend one hour for GATE if you start at least one year before the exam but the most important thing is that it should be on daily basis with full regularity.

6. Myth: Don’t play or waste time

Fact: All work and no play make jack a dull boy! It is somewhat the same when it comes to studies. As mentioned in the above points do all the works which you generally do in addition to the studying for GATE.

7. Myth: Study the whole night before exam, then only you will remember everything

Fact: Another most important thing is that don’t study till late night, at-least the night before the exam. For that day go to bed as early as possible and stay cool. Just revise some topics. And for the other days before the exam, if you want you can get up early to study instead.

Read more: MTech Entrance Examinations in India

Check the important dates for GATE 2020 here.

About the author:

J K Sinha is the director of Gateforum. He has earned his MTech degree from IIT Kharagpur.

Also read:

• PSU Recruitment Procedure Through GATE
• How to prepare for GATE in 4 months?
• How to prepare for General Aptitude (GA) for GATE exam
• How to get an AIR 1 in ME without GATE coaching
• Important books to prepare for GATE EE 2018 Exam
• How to prepare for Engineering Maths for GATE 2018 exam?
• GATE 2018 EE and ECE Prep Tips for Network Theory
• How to balance college studies with GATE 2018 Preparation
• Avoid these 7 mistakes in GATE 2018 Prep to save your score
• Opportunities after GATE 2018
• Is coaching necessary to crack GATE 2018 exam
• Importance of mock tests in GATE 2018
• GATE 2018: Top Myths about the exam