How to Prepare for GATE Examination

Author: Koncepts Solution

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam is conducted by different IITs for the undergraduate students studying at various engineering institution across India. Qualifying in GATE exam is necessary for admission to M. Tech. at various IITs and other reputed engineering institution in India. GATE score is also used by different Public Sector Undertakings for recruitment purpose also.

Types of question asked in GATE exam are as follows:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

It is very necessary to know how to prepare for GATE exam. Preparation for GATE exam needs strategic planning. Everything should be planned very carefully. Below points should be kept in mind while preparing for GATE exam.

  • Preparation of exam should start from March or April month to have one complete year for preparation. First of all, try to understand the GATE syllabus, pattern and level of difficulty. For this, GATE syllabus and previous year's question paper can be referred. Make a list of books required for different subjects.
  • Prepare a proper study plan to maintain discipline and time management. This study plan involves daily schedule and subject wise studies for systematic preparation. Keep yourself away from any such activity which destructs concentration e.g. social media, mobile phone, Whatsapp.
  • Divide the entire syllabus in such a manner as to complete the same in the available time keeping the time for revision and practice paper also. Try to cover full syllabus, not selective study. If you do selective study then there may be a chance that more questions may be asked from left topics.
  • Important formulae and key points should be noted for revision. This will reduce the time on revision. Also, highlight the points of high importance and mark the questions where problem occurs so that students can focus specially on these points and questions during revision.
  • Before going to sleep every night, make a plan of activities and topic of studies for next day to reduce unproductive time. Revision should be done at regular interval of time using short notes or flash cards to avoid any lacking of memory.
  • After studying a topic, try to evaluate the same using online test series, previous year's papers or any other means to know areas of weak concepts. Then go through other books or study material for clarification of the same.
  • There are 30 marks for aptitude and mathematics (15 marks each). Since these two subjects are very basic and needs a little preparation, students should try to score marks as maximum as possible from this section.
  • After completion of full syllabus, go through the mock tests using any online test series which gives similar questions and environment as GATE examination.
  • Everything including mock tests etc should be completed one week before GATE exam. Sleep for at least 8 hrs a day for this last week, be relaxed and maintain health. Revise notes and formulae only.
  • During GATE exam, keep patience and be cool. Read the questions and units carefully before solving and answer the question. Check all the questions before leaving the exam hall.

GATE in mechanical engineering is very reputed exam amongst engineering students because student gets scholarship also during post graduations after clearing GATE. For previous year's papers, students can refer any good website which are providing online test series and study material in mechanical engineering for GATE. These online test series have mock test, practice questions as well as previous year's papers.

Preparation of GATE needs thorough study of syllabus of four years B. Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering. Students should prefer Previous year paper for GATE Mechanical Engineering for better understanding of questions asked in GATE.

After attempting one previous year paper, student should analyze the result critically to find the areas of weakness and then strengthens these areas by removing the mistakes done. Choose a website which provides good amount of questions from previous year's papers of GATE mechanical. A good practice needs practice of large number of questions from different books as well as from GATE papers.