Tips and Tricks to Solve GATE MCQ Questions

Lipi

Updated On: January 15, 2025 07:00 PM

Giving incorrect answers in the GATE MCQ questions can lead to negative markings. Find the best tips and tricks to solve GATE MCQ questions here. Know how to select the correct option, using the elimination method, formulae and cheat codes. 
Tips and Tricks to Solve GATE MCQ Questions

Tips and Tricks to Solve GATE MCQ Questions: MCQs are one of the most important sections that can fetch you good marks in the GATE examination. The multiple choice questions can be puzzling and since there's a negative marking applicable to incorrect attempts, you must know how to guess MCQ questions correctly in GATE. No matter if you are preparing for the GATE exam for the first time or improving your score, mastering the art of solving the MCQs can make a huge difference. The use of the elimination method, BD method, cheat codes, and NOTA/ AOTA technique are some of the best tricks to solve GATE MCQs. In this article, we will talk about various tips and tricks that you can follow to solve the GATE 2025 exam easily to increase your chances of qualifying the exam. These tips to solve the GATE MCQ questions will help you get an idea if you are well versed in the approach of solving the questions effectively.

Also Check - Mistakes to Avoid During GATE 2025 Last Minute Revisions

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Solving GATE MCQ Questions

The GATE exam 2025 will comprise 3 types of questions: MCQs, MSQs, and NAT. Solving the multiple choice questions of GATE will require you to have a strong conceptual understanding, good problem-solving skills, effective time management etc. In order to solve the GATE MCQs easily, you can follow certain tips such as guessing based on ‘All of the Above’ or ‘None of the Above’, avoiding extreme numeric values etc. As our experts suggest, reject the obvious incorrect options and then use conceptual understanding to narrow down to the correct answer. You must also make sure to keep the time duration in mind and not allow much time for each question so as not to miss the possibility of solving the other questions.

Also Check - How to Prepare for GATE 2025 without Coaching?

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Best Tips and Tricks to Solve GATE MCQ Questions

There are various tips and tricks that you can follow to solve the GATE MCQs correctly, such as involving elimination methods, deciding when to fluke etc. The detailed tips and tricks to solve the GATE MCQ questions are mentioned below:-

Decide When to Fluke based on Negative Marking

There might be chances in the GATE exam where you can not guess the correct answer and you wish to use your stroke of luck. However, you need to decide whether to fluke or not based on negative marking. As we know the MCQs in the GATE examination have negative marking. So, you can guess the answers based on the negative marking weightage. If the answer has a negative marking of 1/3 , then you can try your luck. But if the answer has higher negative marking, then guessing can be risky.

Using Elimination Method

For the type of questions that has equations and where you cannot guess the right answer, you can use the elimination method. In this method, you need to eliminate one of the variables by adding the two equations and by doing this, you reject one variable due to which you can solve the other variable.

Guessing Based on NOTA/ AOTA

In the GATE exam you might come across various MCQs where the options say ‘None of the Above’ or ‘All of the Above’. As per the survey conducted by various bodies, in such questions, mostly the answer is either of the options.

Avoiding the Extreme Numeric Values

In the MCQs where the options say 5, 8, 9, and 15, it is most likely that the answer is one of the options from 5,8, and 9, and not 15. According to the previous trends, it has mostly been seen that one of the close values is the answer and not the extreme values.

Identify Homophones & Homonyms

There might be questions where you might find the options that are either similar looking, like 1151 or 1115 or 1511, or similar sounding words. In those cases, there are high chances that one of the options is the correct answer as, sometimes, the examiner would want to trick you into choosing the wrong answer due to its similar look/ sound. Therefore, in such cases, you need to be extra alert and not make silly mistakes as such mistakes can cost your rank to be highly affected.

Also Check - 5 Easy Hacks to Crack GATE 2025 in First Attempt

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GATE 2023 Question Paper PDF GATE 2022 Question Paper PDF GATE 2021 Question Paper PDF
GATE Civil Engineering Question Paper GATE CSE Question Paper GATE ME Question Paper

The BD Method

As we know, the MCQs in the GATE exam have four options: a, b, c, and d. If you're struggling to identify the correct answer among these options, you can apply the BD Method. According to this method, when there are four options, it is more likely that either option B or D is the correct answer.

Use Shortcuts and formulae wisely

The gate questions involve calculations where you can use various shortcuts and formulas. Using those, you will be able to solve much time in the examination. Also, ensure that you practice all these shortcuts during the preparation so that you can easily recall them quickly on the exam day.

Handling Difficult and Lengthy MCQs

Some GATE MCQs can be very complex requiring you to follow multiple steps to solve the questions. To solve such questions, you need to read the question carefully, break it down into parts, and focus on the most critical information. If you find the question to be time-consuming, then you are recommended to skip it initially and return it after solving all the easier questions.

Additional Tips to Boost Your GATE MCQ Preparation

All the points discussed in this article should provide you with a solid foundation to tackle GATE MCQs effectively. To further enhance your preparation, you should consider practicing the previous year’s question papers, participating in various GATE mock tests, and managing exam stress while solving MCQs. While attempting these GATE practice papers, use the above tricks to solve MCQ questions. Practicing regularly will give you clarity on how to attempt MCQs in the GATE exam. These additional steps will help you approach the exam with greater confidence and readiness.

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We hope this article proves helpful to students looking for Tips and Tricks Solve to GATE MCQ Questions. For more updates, stay tuned to CollegeDekho!

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Due to high competition for Microelectronics at BITS, a GATE score of 534 might be challenging. LPU's M.Tech in VLSI/Microelectronics presents a great alternative. The program features state-of-the-art labs, expert faculty, and an industry-aligned curriculum. With a focus on practical skills and real-world projects, it prepares students for promising careers.

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