GATE, or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is a pan India graduate level examination for fresh engineers. The GATE score is valid for 3 years. It can be used for entry into premier institutes of the country like the IITs, NITs, IISc, and other engineering colleges offering postgraduate courses like Mtech, ME, and MSc. The GATE score is not only valid for academic and teaching purposes but can also be used for entry-level jobs at various Public sector undertakings.

Being the most prestigious engineering exam in the country, students' lakhs appear for this exam every year. The GATE exam is conducted for various engineering and science subjects. Cracking GATE might sound quite difficult, but with the right preparation strategy and approach, one can clear GATE with flying colors.

Analyze the exam pattern thoroughly

Before getting into the exam preparation, you must understand the exam pattern well. Competitive exams like GATE often require smart work along with hard work.

GATE exam consists of 65 questions of both Multiple choice types as well as numerical types. The whole paper is divided into two sections. The first section consists of 10 questions from reasoning, aptitude, and English, while the other section contains 55 questions from various engineering subjects. The total marks come out to be 100. Make yourself familiar with the syllabus, check sample papers, and previous year questions from various online resources. GATE has a vast syllabus, so checking the weightage of each subject and proper analysis of trends in questions will solve half your preparation ordeals.

Selecting proper guidance and resources

Whether to take coaching or just dive into self-preparation is a personal choice. There are a whole lot of study materials out there. Always try and minimize your resources but make sure that you pick the right one. For most of the subjects in GATE, one or two study materials would suffice. You can also rely on some good online resources.

Proper planning and target-oriented study

A focused period of four to eight months is sufficient for the preparation of GATE. Make daily, weekly and monthly routines. Set reasonable targets and stick to them. Focus and discipline are the two most important pillars for GATE preparation.

Practice!

The key to success is indefinitely practice! Passive learning is not going to help you crack GATE. Learn to apply your knowledge. Solve as many questions as possible. There are several websites online where periodic mock tests are available, take those tests, and practice as much as you can. Try to learn from the mistakes you commit in these tests and avoid those mistakes in the future. Slowly and steadily, these tests will give you the kind of self-confidence, which you require to ace your competitors in GATE.

Conclusion

The perfect GATE preparation strategy begins with a thorough analysis of the pattern, selection of right resources, consistent study routine, and a hell lot of practice!