GATE

Hello Waqar,
The cut-off for GATE is 25 for 2017. Therefore, you are not eligible to appear for selection based on GATE scores. However, you can apply for various state level entrance examinations like OJEE for Odisha, WBUT for West Bengal, PGECET for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. Based on these scores, you can choose a college for yourself for M.Tech. Apart from this, some private universities like GITAM (Vishakhapatnam), SRM University, KIIT (Odisha), VIT University, AMITY etc. conduct their own entrance examination. You can apply for these as well.
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.