Getting Started with GATE Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide
Dear Student,
The very first step towards GATE preparation should be finding a purpose. Asking yourself why you are going to prepare for GATE is crucial. Do you want to pursue your postgraduate studies from world-class institutes such as IITs/IISc or are you inclined towards a lucrative career with India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) and companies?
After finding your purpose, you can plan your strategies accordingly. While preparing for the GATE exam, there are a few points to keep in mind:
1. Start with Self-Study and Later Join a Coaching Institute: You can start your preparation with self-study and later join a coaching institute based on your needs. This approach allows you to decide when and how to proceed with your studies.
2. Identify the GATE Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Understanding the GATE exam pattern and syllabus is crucial. The GATE Exam is a single paper online examination of three hours with 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of both multiple choice questions and numerical answer type questions.
3. Build a Daily Routine for Study: Building a daily routine for your study is essential. Your study should focus on three main aspects: study, practice, and revision. Starting with Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude can help you fast-track your preparation.
4. Trust in a Reliable Partner for Preparation: THE GATE ACADEMY can be a trusted partner throughout your preparation. Our homeGATE course offers many unique features that will make your preparation worthwhile, including 1500 hours of live and recorded video lectures, 30-40 hours of intense revision, doubt-solving sessions, and all India mock tests.
Remember, with discipline, dedication, and diligence, you will achieve your goal. Here is a list of steps followed by toppers that can help you in your GATE preparation:
Step 1: Know About the GATE Examination
Understand the structure and pattern of the GATE exam. It is a single paper online examination of three hours with 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of both multiple choice questions and numerical answer type questions.
Step 2: Know the Syllabus and Weightage of Each Subject
Since the GATE syllabus covers many subjects, it is important to observe the complete syllabus. Compare your knowledge with the GATE syllabus and plan your preparation with the subjects you are familiar with. Know the weightage of each subject based on previous year papers and target your preparation to score more marks in the GATE exam.
Step 3: Select Good Books and Materials for GATE Preparation
The selection of good study materials and books at the initial stage of GATE preparation is very important. Reading one or two books should be sufficient for each subject. Always give first priority to reading from books rather than other resources. Online video lecture courses, coaching notes, and books you have followed during your undergraduate course can be useful.
Step 4: Tips to Remember and Follow During Preparation
Understand the previous year's questions pattern. Practice previous year's questions during preparation. Try to improve your concepts and practice tests regularly. Most of the questions in GATE are conceptual and numerical, so focus on improving your solving ability and time management. A preparation plan for 4 to 8 months is a good idea to crack the GATE exam. By creating a preparation plan daily or weekly, you can manage your time effectively.
Step 5: Follow the Plan to Complete the Syllabus
To begin with, start with easy subjects and important ones. Toppers suggest beginning with mathematics and one basic technical subject. Read topics by topic to complete each subject. Make revision notes for each topic that cover all important definitions, formulas, and differences. Practice topic-wise previous GATE questions after understanding each topic. Attempt quizzes/tests for each topic and subject to know your performance.
Step 6: Revise the GATE Preparation
It is not just enough to prepare revision notes; you should also revise them regularly. Read revisions notes on a weekly basis to recall the concepts of prepared subjects. Each time you revise a topic/subject, your revision time will reduce to recall the concepts.
Step 7: Practice the Mock Tests
You can practice mock tests in two ways: self-practice on a daily basis and attempting online mock tests. Practice mock tests to improve your performance. Performance depends on how much time you devote to answering each question and how many questions you answer correctly.
Step 8: Revise and Practice in the Last Stage
Finally, give time for both revision and practicing. Practice more tests and identify weaker topics in each test and revise them. You can practice 2 to 5 tests on every day, and recall all concepts during your practice. Your confidence will be increased day by day in this stage.
Step 9: Last Minute Strategy for GATE Exam
During the last two days, avoid studying any new topics. Focus on revising home concepts, and be ready with your examination admit card and know your center before the exam day. Follow this flow chart:
DON’T TAKE STRESS FOLLOW THIS FLOW CHART
DO PROPER REVISION AFTER A DAY, AFTER A WEEK, AND THEN AFTER A MONTH!!
You may encounter many disappointments. Be strong. Tell yourself, “I am good enough; I will try again.”
With the best regards, Sharad Srivastava
Conclusion
By following these steps and strategies, you can make a solid foundation for your GATE preparation. Remember, consistent effort and dedication will lead you to success. Good luck!
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THE GATE ACADEMY - Your Trusted Partner in GATE Preparation
THE GATE ACADEMY can be your trusted partner throughout your preparation. Explore our homeGATE course and discover a range of unique features that will make your preparation worthwhile. Join hands with us today and embark on your journey towards success!