GATE Preparation

Hello,
Here few tips for GATE preparation
1. Preparation time for GATE depends on many factors, such as individual's aptitude, attitude, fundamentals, concentration level, etc.
2. Generally, rigorous preparation for four to six months is considered good, but it may vary from student to student
3. Candidate should refer to the syllabus and analyse the exam pattern using previous years' papers and prepare accordingly
4. It is important to know what to study, but it is more important to know what not to study
5. A clear understanding of the underlying concepts is a must since the questions asked in GATE exam will test the level and depth of understanding of concepts
6. As all subjects don't have equal marks, few subjects are preferred over others
7. Make a list of topics which need to be studied based on the number of questions which have appeared from the topic in the previous years' GATE examinations
8. Identify topics which have fetched more marks and give more importance to them during your preparation
9. Create a timetable for study of topics and follow it strictly. While studying any topic, make sure to highlight important points like key definitions, equations, derivations, theorems, laws, etc.
10. Allocate preparation time to subjects based on the number and frequency of questions asked in previous examinations.
All the best.

Hello Vyom,
Ideally, one should start preparing for it from the third year of engineering. GATE syllabus comprises of the same syllabus as of engineering. By the commencement of the third year of engineering, you will already be familiar with a major part of the syllabus. Therefore, you can start your preparation from the third year of engineering. It is recommended to opt for a GATE coaching institute as they help to provide proper guidance. They conduct periodic tests to help you realise your strong and weak sections which will help you figure out where you need to put more focus on.
I hope this answers your question to your satisfaction. If so, kindly upvote this answer. If you have any further questions, kindly revert.

Hello Biswajeet,
Dropping more than a year is not considered beneficial considering the level of competition that has evolved in every sector of the corporate world. If you could not score good enough in GATE, you could try appearing for other entrance examinations. Different states conduct their own entrance examinations for admission into private colleges in the respective states like OJEE in Odisha, WBUT in West Bengal, PGECET in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. Besides certain private universities like SRM University, KIIT University, VIT University, GITAM University conduct their own entrance examination. You could try for these as well. On a personal note, I would not recommend dropping another year for GATE preparation.
I hope this answers your question. If you have any further questions, kindly revert.

GATE is a very competitive exam and it still becomes tougher if you plan to do M.Tech from IIT in your branch and subject. Devoting one full year for GATE examination preparation has its own merits and demerits. Dropping a year means that you will get sufficient amount of time to prepare for GATE exam. It will allow you take full-time coaching and help to score good ranking in GATE exam. This may help you get all from a top PSU for a job. But one-year GATE preparation means loss of likely salary which you could have earned in one year. However, one year is a long time so the possibility of you may change your goals and objectives. You may become lethargic because of availability of time and lesser pressure. You may waste time. If you are confident of keeping the momentum, dedication, determination, readiness to work on a plan, will to achieve your objective and support of the family; you may consider dropping a year for GATE examination. If you have done engineering or have a science degree from Tier I or Tier II colleges then dropping one year for GATE preparation is a worthy option.

Hello Shruti,
Ideally preparation for GATE entrance examination should begin from the third year of engineering. But, it need focus right from the second year of engineering. GATE focuses on the basics of all the subjects that you have learnt in engineering. So, if you understand the concepts taught in engineering from the second year on wards, then you have a upper hand. However, it is recommended to join a GATE coaching institute if possible for a proper mentor and guidance. These institutes help to revise the basic and advanced concepts of the subjects on a periodic basis. Further the periodic tests taken will help you to analyze how much prepared you are and the areas you need to focus on.
I hope this answers your question to your satisfaction. If so, kindly up vote this answer. If you have any further questions, kindly revert.