How to prepare for GATE at home?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is one of the most recognized tests for engineering students in India. Candidates who clear the examination or secure desired percentile will be able to get admission in IITS or different other top college in India for masters programme in
Engineering (M.Tech). Apart from getting admission candidates who secure desired score or percentile in GATE examination are also eligible to apply for different openings for engineers in
Public Sector Unit (PSU).
Taking a look at the difficulty level of the examination and number of candidates appearing for the test. It is not an easy task to secure a good percentile in the examination. Majority of the candidates appearing in the examination join coaching institutes where they have tutor and mentor to guide and help the students along with different privileges like study material and mock test to help the student for their preparation. However these leverages cannot be afforded by all the students while some opt for self-study to prepare for the examination.
This article is useful for the candidates who are preparing for GATE without coaching along with other necessary details related to the examination.
GATE Exam Highlights
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Conducting body | IITs |
| Mode of examination | Online objective type paper |
| GATE notification releases | August 1, 2021 |
GATE Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The first step in the preparation at home is to prepare the time table along with the list of topics to be completed around the course of preparation. For this task candidates need to be familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern of the examination.
GATE Exam Pattern
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) will be a 3 hours duration online test consisting of 65 multiple choice questions. Out of 65 questions 55 will be from candidates core subject while remaining 10 will be from General Aptitude. The total weightage of 65 questions is 100 marks while different questions have different weightage.
GATE Syllabus
The syllabus for GATE is different for different streams. Here we will be discussing the syllabus for the stream for which the maximum number of candidates applied. For detailed syllabus, candidates can click here
| Stream | Important topics |
| Computer Science | Algorithm, Operating Systems, Compiler, Databases, Computation, Computer Networks, Programming, Digital Logic, Engineering Mathematics |
| Mechanical | Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of materials, Applied Mechanics, Material manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Heat Transfer, Engineering Mathematics |
| Civil Engineering | Structures, Environmental Engineering, Irrigation and Surveying, Mechanics, Construction material and management, Solid mechanics, transportation Engineering, Engineering Mathematics |
| Electronics and Communication | Network, Signals and System, Electronics devices, Analog circuit, Digital Circuits, Control System, Communication and Electromagnetics, Engineering Mathematics |
| Electrical engineering | Electric circuit, Electromagnetic field, Signal and System, Electrical machines, power systems, Control systems, Electrical and electronics measurement, Analog and digital electronics, |
Important preparation tips and strategies to prepare for GATE at home:
Make a time table/ Schedule: Candidates should make a timetable first in which they make a fixed number of hours for the GATE preparation. Through that they will be able to complete the syllabus as early as possible. Make a list of topics and fit them in your time table. After which try to complete a topic in the minimum time possible.
Quality over quantity: Although we mentioned to devote a fixed number of hours to preparation. It is the number of topics you complete in the given time, not the number of hours you give to the preparation. Thus try to complete the syllabus in the minimum time possible.
Previous years papers: Previous year papers play an important role in the preparation of every examination. They provide us with an idea about the difficulty level, exam pattern, Important topics on which to focus and various other things. By solving questions in previous year papers you will be able to analyze your performance and get to know what is required from your side while preparing.
Easy come first: Always cover up those topics first to which you are familiar with as they take less time. Starting a new topic will always be time consuming, so deal with them later. Also during the last month I never started a new topic. Reserve it for revision.
Right study material: Candidates need to have the right study material while preparing. Looking for the best books might not be helpful as there are a variety of options which can confuse. Thus we refer to your class notes you make through the course of your Engineering along with a question bank containing questions topic wise. If possible candidates can opt for study materials/ notes of different coaching which are easily available through a variety of sources. You just have to look for it.
Always be positive: There might be a time during your preparation that Italy seems to be difficult to cover up the syllabus or you might not be able to clear the exam. Just be positive, it won’t be the end if you don’t clear, be focused and continue your preparation.
