GATE 2024 Preparation Strategy - Study Plan, Tips, Topper's Tips, Last Minute Tips

GATE 2024 Preparation Strategy

With the exam dates approaching soon, students must be wondering 'how to prepare for the GATE 2024 exam'. Every year, a large number of engineering students go above and beyond to excel in GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). It's a well-known entrance exam that provides students with a great opportunity to join post-graduate engineering degrees at some of the top universities. At the same time, the GATE 2024 entrance exam is the gateway to some of the enticing PSU jobs for students. Given that the GATE 2024 exam is just about 2 months away, it is essential for students to begin their preparation as soon as possible in order to stay ahead of the competition. Students must receive the right instruction in order to prepare for the highly competitive GATE admission exam. To successfully prepare for GATE on your first try, take some of our top GATE 2024 preparation tips.

Quick Link: How to Qualify for GATE 2024 without Coaching?

How to Score 60+ in GATE 2024?

Scoring 60+ marks in the GATE 2024 exam can be challenging, as it is a highly competitive exam with a large number of applicants. However, with proper preparation, hard work, and dedication, it is definitely possible to achieve a high score. It is important to have a clear understanding of the syllabus, to practice regularly with GATE sample papers and GATE 2024 mock tests, and to stay motivated throughout the preparation process. Additionally, it is important to take care of your health and well-being during this time, to ensure that you are in the best possible condition to perform on exam day.

We have curated subject-wise GATE 2024 preparation tips to help candidates score 60+ marks in each paper out of 100. Check below to learn how to score 60+ in GATE 2024 -

GATE 2024 Paper-Wise Preparation Strategy

The paper-wise preparation strategy for GATE 2024 can be checked by clicking on the links below - 

5 Easy Steps to Crack GATE in Your First Attempt

Yes, it is indeed possible to crack GATE 2024 entrance exam in 5 easy steps which have been provided below for the GATE 2024 aspirants in a simplified form:

Step 1: Make a Study Schedule to Track Your GATE Preparation

After going through the GATE 2024 syllabus, making a proper study plan is a good idea to begin your GATE preparation. A good study schedule:

• Enables you to keep a consistent track of daily, weekly and monthly activities.

• Helps you monitor your progress.

• Keeps you focused and well organized.

• Gives you a sense of direction to achieve your set goals and targets.

Step 2: Find Your Strengths and Weakness to Boost GATE Preparation

Understanding your strengths and shortcomings is a critical part of the second step in GATE preparation after creating a study plan. Being good in one subject does not always imply that you will be good in others. You should concentrate on finding ways to maximise your chances of improving your GATE score in such a situation. The finest GATE 2024 preparation strategy you can employ is to build on your strengths and successfully navigate around your flaws.

Step 3: Use Top-notch Preparation Books & Study Materials for GATE Preparation

Before you even start your GATE preparation, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and choose the appropriate study materials. The undergraduate course books, online video lectures, course materials, or coaching notes are all options for preparation. GATE 2024 preparation books and study material are widely available in the market but you must know what to pick to prepare well for the exam.

Step 4: Clarify Your Doubts and Don't Forget to Revise

While preparing for GATE, it is obvious to have doubts. So, make it a point to get all your doubts cleared well before the exam. Ask GATE experts, toppers, and also discuss with your friends so that you don’t have to wait until the day of the exam.

Also, make it a habit to regularly revise whatever you are studying, be it a small topic or an entire chapter. Regular revision:

• Makes you more confident about your preparation.

• Ensures that you do not forget anything under exam pressure.

Step 5: Keep Exam Stress At Bay

The degree of your nervousness is one factor that can really make or break how well you perform on the day of the exam. One of the biggest challenges in your GATE preparation may turn out to be becoming anxious in the run-up to the exam. You may undoubtedly reduce exam stress by organising your studies well, assessing your strengths and limitations, choosing reliable textbooks, and getting your queries answered.

Common Doubts/ Questions on GATE Preparation

Before starting exam preparation for GATE, the aspirants must clear their doubts pertaining to the exam. Many students think that GATE is tough to crack. However, the success of a student in the GATE exam depends upon his/her preparation strategy, and the quality time he/she has spent on the exam preparation. In order to help the GATE aspirants with the exam preparation, we have come up with a flexible, sensible, and planned preparation strategy for GATE 2024.

Let's first discuss the common doubts that GATE aspirants have:

Can We Crack GATE in First Attempt?

Yes. With the appropriate strategy and technique, it is feasible to pass GATE on your first try. Numerous applicants have succeeded in passing GATE on their first attempt over the years. In fact, a lot of candidates scored highly on their first GATE attempt. On the other hand, several engineering students in their last year have also succeeded in the GATE on their first attempt. As a result, keep calm regarding the exam and continue with your preparation. Success in GATE depends on putting all of your effort and focus into it.

Is it Possible for an Average Student to Crack GATE?

Yes. It is not advisable to gauge your abilities based on prior experiences because every exam is unique. Many students have achieved AIR 50–100 rankings in the GATE over the years, despite the fact that they were only average graduate students. Do not undervalue your ability, therefore continue with your exam preparation. It is advised to practise yoga or meditation to increase your level of concentration.

Is it Easy for Toppers to Crack GATE?

It is not a good idea to compare yourself to other people because each individual has their own unique combination of skills and intelligence. Depending on your level of ability, you have your own capabilities. In terms of GATE preparation, it doesn't matter how much you've learned or studied. Your preparation for the exam will rely on how much time you invested in it. The amount of time a person devotes to studying and revising for the exam determines how well they perform on the GATE.

Self-Preparation vs Coaching – Which is Better?

You can crack the GATE exam without coaching. There is no compulsion to join a coaching institute. However, there is a lot of difference between self-preparation and preparation through coaching.

You must be completely committed if self-study is your only option. Another crucial factor in this situation is time management. You have to examine the study materials, comprehend the ideas, learn new content, go over the material you already know, and take mock exams. It can be said that through a methodical preparation plan, you can manage all of these tasks.

At the coaching institutes, the preparation for GATE is completely different. The subject experts will explain the concepts/topics, they will conduct mock tests, analyse your strong and weak areas, etc. If you feel you need coaching for GATE, in case you're not able to do self-preparation, go for a GATE coaching institute.

How to Prepare for GATE 2024 in 4 Months?

Though GATE is considered to be one of the toughest entrances in the country, rigorous practice and hard work can enable the aspirants to prepare for it in 4 months. The candidates wanting to ace GATE 2024 can be classified into three major categories:

• Candidates who have almost covered half of the GATE syllabus.

• Candidates who have just started to prepare for the entrance.

• Candidates who have not started with the preparation at all.

We have provided the tips and tricks which can be adopted by the candidates belonging to different categories in order to effectively prepare for GATE in 4 months.

For Candidates who have almost covered half of the GATE Syllabus

• Candidates should prepare a timetable which will give them a scope to revise the pre learnt topics as well as cover the leftover syllabus.

• It is advisable for the candidates to cover all the topics present in the syllabus of the entrance.

• As there is a lot of time left, also solve at least 15 previous years' question papers. This will help them to know about the structure of questions asked at the entrance. Experts consider it to be one of the most unique ways to revise.

• Candidates should try to be aware of the type of questions that can be asked from the various topics in the syllabus of GATE.

• They can also start to appear for test series. Once the candidates are done completing most of the syllabus, they are advised to appear for mock tests.

For Candidates who have just started to prepare for the GATE Entrance

• Candidates should gauge the important topics in the syllabus based on the weightage of marks. 

• They should cover maximum important portions within a less span of time.

• Candidates should at least aim to cover 60% of the GATE 2024 syllabus.

• Candidates should appear for at least 5 mock tests before the final examination.

For Candidates who have not started with the preparation at all

• Candidates should first be aware of the exam pattern and syllabus for GATE.

• As the time left for preparation is very less, candidates are advised to chalk out a preparation flow and stick by it.

• It is to be noted that the timetable should justify the syllabus of the entrance. Candidates should focus on the important areas of the syllabus on the basis of weightage.

• They are advised to go through the previous year's question papers of GATE in order to know about the types of questions asked. 

Monthly Plan for GATE 2024 Preparation

Whether you're relying on self-preparation or a GATE coaching institute, a planned preparation strategy is essential to achieve success in GATE 2024. A systematic preparation strategy for GATE 2024 has been mentioned below in an elaborate format.

Refer to GATE Syllabus & Exam Pattern First: Before starting GATE exam preparation, it is advisable to go through the GATE syllabus and GATE exam pattern. GATE is conducted in 24 engineering disciplines. Refer to the relevant discipline syllabus, i.e., the subject you've opted for in the GATE exam. When you refer to the syllabus, you will find topics and sub-topics.

The big problem arises when you start dividing the syllabus into topics and sub-topics. The official GATE syllabus available on the official website of GATE only mentions broad topics that include numerous sub-topics. For example, “Stress and Strain” is one of the topics in Engineering Mechanics subject of GATE. The topic includes many concepts, and the same cannot be found in the official syllabus of GATE. Therefore, you need to refer to all the concepts associated with a particular topic.

First-time aspirants of GATE may find it hard to analyze the syllabus of GATE. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the previous year's question papers of GATE so that you get an idea of topics and concepts that should be covered in your exam preparation.

GATE Study Material and Reference Books: Study materials and reference books for the GATE exam play a dominant role in your exam preparation. It is advisable to read standard GATE preparation or reference books. It will take almost one or two months to understand one standard book for one subject. In order to master the core subjects, you must read at least two books. In all, covering the GATE syllabus for a particular engineering branch takes at least 3 to 4 months. Therefore, it is advisable to start your exam preparation in advance.

Caution: Standard reference books of GATE contain numerous concepts and topics, and some of them are irrelevant as per the prescribed GATE syllabus. Therefore, be careful while analysing the syllabus of GATE so that your time is not wasted.

Apart from the above, you can refer to the study materials available on the internet that will help you with GATE exam preparation. You can also download and refer GATE model or previous year's papers to have some awareness of the GATE syllabus.

Prepare a Timetable for GATE Preparation: In order to achieve a better score in GATE, you need to have a perfect timetable for exam preparation. You can prepare the timetable for the GATE exam preparation by considering the following factors:

• After checking the GATE syllabus, you will get clarity on the subjects or topics you are strong and weak.

• Secondly, a list of the topics that you need to learn.

• Thirdly, estimate how much is required to prepare each topic/ subject. It depends on the vastness of the concept or subject.

• Finally, you need to choose the number of hours you can dedicate to GATE exam preparation/the number of days in a month for GATE exam preparation. Depending on that, you can prepare a monthly plan for GATE preparation.

In order to help the students, we have come up with a monthly plan for GATE exam preparation. For most GATE papers, there will be different topics/ concepts, and the candidates must allocate equal time to each topic.

You must stick with the timetable to achieve a better score in GATE. Morning hours are always best to learn new concepts. You can allocate time for GATE preparation as per your other commitments. Experts suggest that a student must spend at least six hours per day on GATE preparation. If you are pursuing a final-year B.Tech course, it may not be possible to allocate six hours a day. Therefore, try to allocate at least 3 hours for GATE exam preparation.

The above timetable is just for reference purposes, and it is not mandatory to follow the same timetable for exam preparation. You can frame or tune the timetable as per your feasibility. Make sure that the last month of GATE exam preparation should be completely allocated to the revision of the syllabus.

Notes Making: Notes making is one of the important tasks in GATE exam preparation. When you learn a topic, it is advisable to note down the important points for future reference. While noting down important points, make sure that you do not copy the exact sentence from the reference material. Understand the point and note it down in your own words for effective preparation. During the last month of GATE exam preparation, it will help you with the revision of the syllabus.

Focus on Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude: Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude are common across most engineering branches of the GATE exam. Apart from the core subject, the students must give importance to Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude. These two sections constitute 30 marks of the GATE question paper. Covering the syllabus of these two subjects is easy, as these involve only basic concepts. If you are good at basics, you can achieve 25+ marks in these two sections. Some of the best GATE preparation books are available in the market for engineering mathematics and general aptitude.

Consolidate Your Concepts and Calculations: While learning a concept, it is advisable to understand and strengthen your conceptual knowledge. At the same, improve your calculation skills. A virtual calculator is a mandatory feature in the GATE examination, and you need to master the usage of this calculator to improve accuracy in solving calculations.

Doubt Clearance: You may get several doubts related to a subject during the GATE exam preparation. You can consult your professors or lectures and clarify your doubts, and it is the best way to clear all your doubts pertaining to a subject. You can also discuss with your friends, search on the internet, refer to books etc. Note down all your doubts related to a subject, and try to clarify them one by one.

Self-Evaluation: It is always advisable to evaluate yourself. Practice enough mock tests and evaluate your performance. After practising a GATE mock test, you can figure out your strong and weak areas. Focus on weak areas and improve. Take another mock test and analyse your performance. The task must continue until the last month of exam preparation. Self-evaluation is one of the key ways to achieve success.

Do Not Lose Confidence and Hope: Never lose self-confidence and hope if you secure fewer marks in the GATE practice test. Analyse your weak areas, learn the concepts, and try again. Do not give up/ feel that you could not crack GATE. You should always try to motivate yourself. Be positive.

We hope that the above GATE preparation tips were helpful to you. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for the latest updates on GATE 2024. If you have any doubts regarding GATE, shoot them in the Q&A section of CollegeDekho.

GATE 2024 Exam Guidelines

Along with the test preparation, it is also important for the candidates to be completely aware of all GATE 2024 exam guidelines beforehand. Some of the rules and regulations of GATE 2024 are mentioned below:

• Candidates who fail to reach the venue as per the schedule, will not be allowed to enter the exam hall after the commencement of the exam. Those who are inside the exam hall will only be allowed to leave once the examination is over.

• Every candidate is expected to maintain decorum in and outside the examination hall. In case of violation of any of the rules & regulations, the Institute reserves the right to disqualify the candidate without any refund of fee.

• To avoid any misconduct during GATE 2024 Exam, random checking via Biometric information like photographs and fingerprints may be taken from the candidates.

• No request for any change in the GATE examination centre shall be entertained by the conducting authority.

• In the examination hall, invigilators will provide scribble pads to the candidates for the rough work. Before using it, candidates must not forget to mention their names and registration numbers on the pad. And at the end of the examination, candidates are required to return the scribble pad to the invigilator.

• Any misbehaviour with the invigilator or a staff member of the Institute will not be tolerated and may lead to cancellation of admission.

• Candidates appearing for GATE 2024 need to download and take a printout of admit card available online from the official website and must carry it to the examination centre. Any candidate who does not possess the valid Admit card along with the original photo-identity proof shall not be allowed to enter the exam hall in any case.
• Phones, Calculators, IT gadgets and any other communication device such as Bluetooth, etc. are strictly prohibited inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Candidates, if found in possession of these items in the exam hall (even if not using them), will not be allowed to take the exam.
• During the conduct of the exam, candidates should not fiddle with the computer and other hardware devices provided in the examination hall. The candidate found guilty may lead to the cancellation of his/her candidature.

• Candidates must not get involved in any kind of malpractice as it could lead to serious action by the test-taking authority. During the conduct of the exam, candidates should not have any notes or other kinds of written/printed matter with them.

• Using any form of communication inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited for candidates.

• No responsibility will be accepted by the Institute or GATE officials for any loss or damage to the personal articles of the candidates.

• Smoking and drinking in the exam hall are strictly prohibited.

• If a student is found to have lost or misplaced his/her ID card or fee receipt, he/she will not be issued a duplicate ID card or fee receipt.

• Any candidate found violating the code of conduct may have his/her candidature cancelled. Answer scripts for such candidates may not be considered for evaluation, even if he/she is permitted to finish the exam.