The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, famously knows as GATE is an examination that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects across engineering stream and science for admission into the Masters Program of institutes as well as numerous jobs in Public Sector Companies. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technologies and Indian Institute of Science, GATE Exam hosts a number of disciplines like Aerospace Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mathematics, Architecture and Planning, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Production and Industrial Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Textile Engineering and Fiber Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, and many more. Although there is no specific limitation on the number of attempts that can be undertaken by engineering students, the exam is quite competitive owing to the lakhs of candidates participating in the exams.
To crack the GATE exam in the first attempt, the students need to have proper guidance, good preparation, focus and a positive attitude. It is quite possible to crack this exam in the first attempt if the students follow a targeted approach and a dedicated preparation. Some of the important tips which can help the students to crack the GATE exam in the first attempt are as follows:
- Understand the Syllabus and Mark the Important Topics:
Owing to the vast syllabus possessed by the engineering curriculum, the GATE exam becomes one of the toughest exams to crack. According to the syllabus, the students can also choose the topics that need specific attention. The students need to be thoroughly cleared about the topics that need to be covered as per the syllabus and be prepared according to that.
- Know the Exam Pattern and Plan your Approach:
The GATE exam holds a unique yet distinctive exam pattern with specific marks allotted for various topics. Recognizing the GATE exam pattern helps the students to crack the GATE exam in the first attempt. The exam consists of 65 questions comprising of a total 100 marks. There are both multiple-choice questions and numerical answer type questionsranging from the general aptitude, engineering mathematics, and subject-specific sections. Out of the total mark, 15 percent consists of engineering mathematics, another 15 percent consists of general aptitude and the technical section of the paper carries the remaining 70 percent of the total marks.
- Follow a Time Table:
To crack the GATE exam effectively in the very first try, students need to make a proper timetable for routine preparation. Possessing quite a vast syllabus the GATE exam necessitates the candidates to have a detailed understanding of the concepts of the 4-year syllabus. Covering the GATE syllabus is quite a tedious task which demands to be prepared at the earliest. The students are required to make a proper timetable so that they will be able to cover the syllabus in time.
- Read Standard Text Books along with Online Sources
Keeping thorough references with the textbooks is more than necessary as it provides a wide opportunity to cover all the topics related to the GATE exam efficiently. Apart from that, there is a lot of important information and questions available in the online platforms that students can avail. There are various videos lectures and coaching notes that can help the students to acquire the necessary knowledge with the help of various topics that are not covered in the textbooks.
- Refer to Mock Tests and Previous Years Question Papers
The students need to identify the topics they are particularly weak at. Therefore, they are advised to take mock tests on a regular basis in the exam like conditions. It also enhances the speed and accuracy of the students. Similarly, the previous year question papers can help the students to know how much they have progressed in their preparation. To understand the concepts and identify the weak areas to make sure that they are able to rectify the same, the students are often advised to solve the previous year’s question papers to gain proficiency in the exams.
One of the highly competitive exams for engineering and science graduate students, the GATE exam is tough to crack in the first attempt. However with the right tips and tricks one can ace it. GATE provides the successful candidates an opportunity to take admission in the prestigious engineering colleges and universities like IITs, NITs, and other colleges in various postgraduate programs. A small stipend is also provided to the students by MHRD. Apart from that, there are lots of jobs and placement opportunities after the GATE exam which varies from prestigious organizations like NTPC, BHEL, HPCL, GAIL, ONGC, and many more. The Indian Institute of Technology- Bombay (IIT-B) has announced The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam for postgraduate admissions to be conducted between February 5 and 14, 2021.
