Introduction:
Dreaming of scaling the educational mountain and achieving your dream postgraduate program in engineering or science? Then attempt for the GATE Exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)! This exam opens doors to top institutes, coveted PSUs, and a profitable profession in your chosen field. But, earlier than you embark in this journey, understanding the GATE exam is crucial. Securing good marks in GATE exam will unlocks exciting opportunities:
- Master’s Admissions: Top institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and numerous public universities consider GATE scores for M.E., M.Tech., M.Arch., and Ph.D. admissions in various technical and scientific disciplines.
- PSU Recruitment: Renowned public sector undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, and many others utilize GATE scores to recruit eligible candidates for entry-level engineering positions.
- Junior Research Fellowship: The GATE score serves as a qualifying factor for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in CSIR Labs and CSIR-sponsored projects.
GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria:–
- Have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, architecture, or related fields from a recognized university or institute.
- Be in the final year of such a program during the application year.
- Be in the second year of a Master’s program in the aforementioned fields (for physics and chemistry subjects only).
Exam Pattern for GATE:
Exam is done in two sections:
- General Aptitude (GA):
- Engineering/Science/Architecture (ES/XS/AR)
Exam format is entirely computer-based.
Important dates for GATE:
- Registration starts in November or December (tentative).
- Last date for registration: January/February (tentative)
- Exam date: February/March (tentative)
- Result declaration: May/June (tentative)
How to prepare for GATE?
Understand the syllabus and examination pattern-
First of all, before start preparation for any competitive exams as like of GATE, is to understand the complete syllabus along with examination pattern. This will help you to be focussed and practice question solving in the same pattern that are usually asked in the exam.
Create a study plan-
Once you have found the ideal materials, you want to create a study plan. This will help you continue to remain on track and make certain that you cover all of the vital topics. Your study plan has to be practical and achievable, and it needs to encompass proper time for each reading of a new topic and revising what you have already learned.
Practice regularly-
One of the best approaches to put together for the GATE examination is to practice answering questions regularly. You can do this by solving exercise papers and taking mock tests. There are many special exercise papers and mock tests available on the Internet and also in books.
Collect the essential study materials-
Once you comprehend what you want to study, you want to collect the essential materials. This may mean collecting books, online resources, and the previous year’s question papers. There are many extra materials accessible for the GATE exam, so you can pick out the ones that go well with your thoughts and budget.
Focus on your weak areas-
As you start answering questions, you will perceive your weak areas. Once you are aware of your weak areas, you can focus your research on these topics. You will additionally need to get additional exercise material for these topics.
Stay motivated-
Preparing for the GATE examination can be challenging, but it is crucial to be stable and motivated.
Syllabus of the GATE exam
- General Aptitude (GA): It carries 15% of the total marks i.e. 15 marks and is common to all GATE papers.
- verbal ability
- reasoning skills
- numerical aptitude.
- Engineering/Science/Architecture (ES/XS/AR): Focuses on your core technical knowledge in your chosen subject. It carries 85% of the total marks (85 marks) and varies depending on the specific GATE paper. To Understand the ES/XS/AR Section visit Official GATE Website: http://gate.iitd.ac.in/
Which books should I prefer for the GATE exam?
General Aptitude (GA):
- Verbal Ability: Wren & Martin English Grammar & Usage, Norman Lewis Word Power Made Easy
- Reasoning Ability: R.S. Agarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Arihant’s Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning
- Numerical Ability: Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, MK Pandey’s Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
Subject-Specific Books:
- Computer Science and Information Technology:
- Operating Systems: Operating System Concepts by Silberschatz and Galvin
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen et al., Schaum’s Outline of Data Structures by Seymour Lipman
- Computer Organization and Architecture: Computer Organization and Design, by Patterson and Hennessy
- Electrical Engineering:
- Electrical Technology: B.L. Theraja’s A Textbook of Electrical Technology
- Power Systems: Elements of Power System Analysis by Stevenson, Electrical Power Systems by C.L. Wadhwa
- Control Systems: Automatic Control Systems by Kuo, Control Systems Engineering by Nise
- Mechanical Engineering:
- Engineering Mechanics: Engineering Mechanics, by Shaum’s
- Strength of Materials: Mechanics of Materials by Timoshenko and Gere
- Thermodynamics: Engineering Thermodynamics by Sonntag, Borgnakke, and Van Wylen
- Civil Engineering:
- Surveying: Surveying Vols. 1, 2, and 3 by B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, and Arun Kumar Jain
- Structural Analysis: Structural Analysis (9th Edition) by R.C. Hibbler, Theory of Structures by S. Ramamrutham
- Fluid Mechanics: Fluid Mechanics by R.K. Bansal
Common mistakes to avoid in GATE
- Not understanding the syllabus and examination pattern:- The first step to getting ready for any examination is to understand the syllabus and examination pattern.
- Not managing time effectively:- Time management is very essential in any competitive exam. You must prefer to manage your time effectively, so that you can attempt all of the questions in the limited time.
- Not practicing regularly:- One of the excellent methods to put together for the GATE examination is to practice answering questions regularly. You can do this with the help of solving exercise papers and taking mock tests.
- Making common mistakes:- In any competitive exam, it is crucial to be concentrated and keep away from making careless mistakes.
- Not focusing on weak areas:- As you practice answering questions, you will become aware of your weak areas.
FAQs About GATE Exam
What is the duration of Gate exam?
The exam duration is 3 hours.
If I’m from a non-engineering background. Can I apply for the GATE examination in an engineering subject?
No you can’t, because the GATE examination is designed only for students with an engineering/ science background.
Is there any negative marking for wrong answers ?
No, there is no any negative marking in this exam.
What are some other career preferences available, if I do not get a good score in the GATE exam?
Even if you didn’t score good marks in the GATE exam, there are many other career perspects available for you. You can apply for:
- jobs in your chosen subject with your B.Tech. degree,
- pursue research opportunities
- Pursue for postgraduate programmes like an M.Sc. or MBA.
I’m feeling overwhelmed with the GATE preparation process. What to do now?
Here are some tips that will assist you to manage the pressure:
- Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Take breaks and avoid burnout.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Stay positive and believe in yourself.
Conclusion
Qualifying the GATE examination is your gateway to achieving your dream postgraduate program in engineering or science. This complete blog has equipped you with the information, resources, and techniques to navigate your preparation effectively. Remember, a thorough understanding of the syllabus, strategic study materials, regular practice, and unwavering self belief are your key factors in attaining your goals. Avoid common mistakes, embrace valuable tips, and believe in your abilities to ace the exam. As you embark on this path, devote yourself, prepare diligently, and step up to achieve your dream college for further studies. Let’s starts your journey today!
