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How to Prepare for GATE 2024 - Tips & Tricks to Crack Exam

How to Prepare for GATE 2024 - Tips & Tricks to Crack Exam

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Mar 06, 2024 04:49 PM IST | #GATE

How to Prepare for GATE 2024 - The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, commonly known as GATE is a national level engineering entrance examination and a number of students participate in M.Tech admissions or PSU recruitment. The competition level is high and candidates should know how to prepare for the GATE exam 2024. Therefore, Careers360 has compiled a list of strategies that the candidates can adapt to prepare for GATE. The first step to successfully qualify for the exam is to become familiar with the Exam Pattern and Syllabus and determine the strengths and weaknesses. The candidates should prepare an effective Study Timetable to maximise their study hours.

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By following a few tips and strategies on how to prepare for GATE in 2 months, the candidates can definitely boost their confidence and perform well in the entrance examination. If the candidates are sincere about their studies, then the candidates will be able to bring good results in the GATE without coaching. Read the full article to know more about the preparation strategies for the GATE exam 2024.

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How to Prepare for GATE 2024

Candidates are often confused about how to study for the gate exam. Therefore, aspirants who are going to appear for the entrance test can refer to the following points to know how to prepare for GATE 2024-

Early Start is the Best

It is important to take the first step at the earliest for candidates wondering how to prepare for GATE without coaching. By starting your preparation for GATE 2024 early, you will have enough time to prepare the schedule, check the GATE syllabus, and take things at a pace at which you are comfortable. Another advantage of starting the preparation early is that you will be able to allow much time for your studies and just focus on revision during the final few months so that you are at the top of your condition during the examination. Therefore, try to start early and don’t put off things for tomorrow.

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Know your Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Being fully prepared for what you are about to face is very important. Thinking of how can I prepare for the GATE exam 2024 as a war you will soon be battling. To win, you will need to know everything about your opponent. The basic syllabus and exam pattern of GATE 2024 are the important elements that you need to be familiar with while starting off your preparation. While the GATE 2024 exam pattern will give you an idea about how the exam will be conducted, GATE 2024 syllabus will allow you to know what are the topics and units which have to be studied. This will help in coordinating the schedule for the entire preparation period.

GATE 2024 Exam Pattern

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Number of Papers in GATE 2024

30 Papers

Section

  • General Aptitude (GA)

  • Candidate Selected Subject

Type of Questions

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Design of Questions

The questions are designed to test the listed abilities

  • Application

  • Analysis

  • Comprehension

  • Recall

  • Synthesis

Number of Questions

65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude)

Distribution of Questions in all Papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, and XL

Engineering Mathematics - 13 Marks

Subject Questions - 72 Marks

General Aptitude - 15 Marks

Distribution of Questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL

Questions from Subject Concerned - 85 Marks

General Aptitude - 15 Marks

Total Marks

100 Marks

Marking Scheme

All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

Negative Marking

Two types of MCQs:

  • MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response. There are no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

  • NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

Which Topic has more Weightage?

After knowing the syllabus, the next step in GATE preparation is to understand the topic weightage of GATE 2024. Some of the topics in the GATE syllabus often have more weightage in the question paper and this might help you to score more if allot more focus on the same. To know the weightage, you can check the previous GATE question papers to see how the topics and syllabus are divided. By shortlisting the topics with more weightage, you can give more time to them in order to have the upper hand during the examination. However, other topics should not be ignored.

Fix a Study Schedule

Next, you should strategize a study schedule for how to prepare for GATE. A personalized study schedule according to your aptitude should be created in which the various topics and units have to be divided as per your preference. By having a proper study schedule ready, you will be able to track your progress and know what is to be studied and when. This will lessen the chances of you diverting from the preparation. Make a daily schedule for GATE preparation and revisions.

While preparing the daily schedule for GATE preparation, try to keep daily and weekly targets to track your progress. The division of subjects and units should be done in such a manner that it is not monotonous and more time is allotted to those topics which you find difficult. Revision and mock tests should also be given some slots in the schedule. Make sure that your study schedule is not overwhelming and fits your standards.

Pick the Relevant Reference Materials

During preparation for GATE 2024, you can refer to your undergraduate textbooks since the syllabus for the exam might be similar. However, along with the textbooks, extra books for reference are also highly recommended. By referring to extra books, you will be able to gain a wider spectrum of knowledge which will be helpful during the examination. Along with the best books for the GATE exam 2024, you can also watch online lectures and refer to previous GATE toppers’ interviews to know their source of studies. Students can also create short notes which they can refer to from time to time.

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GATE 2024 Preparation Books

Check the list of GATE 2024 preparation books below

GATE Paper & Code

Link to check

Mechanical Engineering (ME)

Best books for GATE ME

Computer Science Engineering & Information Technology (CS)

Best book for GATE CS

Electronics & Communication (EC)

Best book for EC

Electrical Engineering (EE)

Best book for GATE EE

Civil Engineering (CE)

Best book for GATE CE

Know your Strengths

It is best to understand what will be your strong points during the preparation and focus on them. Make sure that the topics in which you have confidence are studied properly so that you can get more chances of scoring well in them. You can also focus on scoring more marks in the two compulsory sections of GATE 2024 - Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude Test which will consist of basic topics. Newspapers and past papers of competitive exams can be checked to prepare for these two sections. For Engineering Mathematics, books by Kenneth Rosen, BS Garewal, and Erwin Kreyszig can also be referred to.

Consult to Clear Confusion

During the GATE exam preparation process, if you get stuck at any point in your studies, then the best way to resolve it is to communicate. Talk with your fellow students and teachers and have healthy discussions with them. This will let you know the progress of your friends and also motivate you to study and complete GATE preparation on time. Clearing out concepts and topics with friends or teachers will always be beneficial. Try to also join various online groups dedicated to GATE exam preparation since there will be many chances of learning new things. GATE 2024 preparation online can help to interact with expert faculty and make learning fun.

Also Check: How to prepare for GATE ECE

Revision is Important

One of the most important factors in how to prepare for the GATE exam is revision. You must give yourself enough time to revise various topics and chapters so that everything stays fresh in the mind. Allot a few hours in your daily study schedule for revision since it will help you understand the topics more and help you with your progress. This will also allow you to know how much of the topics and chapters that you have studied have been retained. Revision should be done frequently and should be included in the GATE preparation strategy.

Learn to Manage Time

Since the examination is three hours long, the GATE preparation should include an understanding of how to manage their time. If the time is not managed properly, then there is a higher chance of all the questions not being answered by the time the exam ends. The best way to learn time management is to solve the GATE 2024 mock test while following the time constraint. This will allow you to practice completing the exam within the time duration of the exam. By practicing time management, you will ensure that this does not come in between your chances of scoring well in the exam.

Keep your Mind and Body Healthy

While it is important to focus on your studies, it is also equally important to keep yourself healthy both mentally and physically. If you are sick and not well then no matter how hard you have studied you will not be able to do well during the exam. Therefore, make sure you eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and also take breaks in between study sessions. You can always indulge in extracurricular activities to refresh yourself during the breaks.

Must Read:- GATE Previous Year Aptitude Questions with Solutions PDF

GATE Topper Interviews - Previous Year's

Candidates can also check some GATE previous year topper interviews to gain some motivation and inspiration

GATE Topper Interviews

Name

Paper

Interview Link

Rajat Gupta

Mechanical Engineering

GATE topper Rajat Gupta interview

Navneet Gangwar

Computer Science Engineering

GATE topper Navneet Gangwar interview

Yatish Naman Asthana

Architecture and Planning

GATE topper Yatish Naman Asthana

Ajay Singhal

Civil Engineering

GATE topper Ajay Singhal interview

Abhash Rai

Electrical Engineering

GATE topper Abhash Rai interview

Gaurav Kumar

Petroleum Engineering

GATE topper Gaurav interview

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. When is GATE 2024 exam?

GATE 2024 exam was conducted on February 3, 4, 10 and 11.

2. Where should I start to prepare for GATE exam?

To begin with, candidates are advised to understand the GATE 2024 syllabus and exam pattern to plan an effective preparation strategy. 

3. When can I apply for GATE 2024?

The online GATE 2024 registration portal was opened on August 24. 

4. What is the mode of GATE 2024 exam?

GATE 2024 will be conducted as a computer based test. 

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Student,

You will have tough chances through JOSAA counselling, yet there are chances through  West Bengal State Counselling

Hello Rajendra,

As you have scored 353 in Gate 2024, this signifies that you had done a great hard work for this entrance, and thus qualified GATE 24' successfully. But, getting into top NITs for pursuing your M.Tech in Computer Science with this score finds difficult for general candidates. Though, I would suggest you to wait till Round 4 of the counselling for NIT(Patna) for M.Tech in Data Science

Though, you can find your chances of getting a good college across India like IIITs, NSUT, etc for your master's degree in CS and other related branches like Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, by clicking on the link down below:

https://engineering.careers360.com/gate-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=ini-gate_cp

Hope this helps!

Hi,

With your BTech degree percentage of 84 and a GATE score of 301, along with your SC category, you have a chance to secure admission in MTech programs at some IITs, but it may not be assured in the top-ranking ones due to intense competition.

However, admissions also depend on various factors such as the number of seats available, the specific department and program you're applying to, and the preferences of the particular IIT you're interested in. Some IITs may consider your application favorably based on your category and GATE score.

Considering your GATE score of 301 and SC category, here are a few IITs and MTech courses where you might have a chance of admission:

  1. IIT Delhi:

    • MTech in Electrical Engineering
    • MTech in Mechanical Engineering
    • MTech in Civil Engineering

  2. IIT Bombay:

    • MTech in Computer Science and Engineering
    • MTech in Electrical Engineering

  3. IIT Madras:

    • MTech in Aerospace Engineering
    • MTech in Chemical Engineering
    • MTech in Biotechnology

  4. IIT Kanpur:

    • MTech in Aerospace Engineering
    • MTech in Materials Science and Engineering

It's advisable to check the respective IITs' official websites for detailed information on MTech admissions, including eligibility criteria, seat matrix, and admission procedure.

Consider using the GATE College Predictor tool provided below to get more specific information.

GATE College Predictor

https://engineering.careers360.com/gate-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=ini-gate_cp


Regarding SSC JE (Staff Selection Commission Junior Engineer) and SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) examinations:

SSC JE is conducted for recruitment to the posts of Junior Engineers in various government departments, whereas SSC CGL is conducted for recruitment to Group B and C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.

For both examinations, eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific posts and departments. Generally, a bachelor's degree in engineering is required for SSC JE, while for SSC CGL, a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required.

As an SC candidate, you may have certain relaxations in terms of age limits and qualifying marks in these examinations.

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and application procedures, you should refer to the official websites of SSC (Staff Selection Commission).


Thank You

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can definitely cope up both the arenas if you keep in mind that time management and consistency are the key. Afterall, this is the very way to success.

Being a final year B.Tech student, balancing your MERN stack coaching along with GATE 2025 Preparations can be challenging in real, but I want to share some tips to help you manage both:

  1. Create a realistic schedule where you must prioritize your Gate Preparations since it's a crucial exam. Set aside specific 1 hour for MERN stack coaching as you have decided yourself.
  2. TIME  BLOCKING : Divide your day into blocks for different activities (coaching, Gate, self study, breaks). Don't do Multitasking in between coaching and Gate Topics within the same hour.
  3. Utilize your weekends , here you can revise your MERN stack concepts and some part of the time for intensive Gate preparation.
  4. Solve GATE-related problems regularly .
  5. GATE MOCK TESTS : This is important for your self assessment. Analyze your results in it.
  6. Stay Healthy

For more informations on Gate 2025, click the link down below:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-online-coaching

Best of luck with your Mern stack coaching and Gate 2025 preparations.



Hello Aspirant,

There are many colleges to pursue your master's in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. Some of the top colleges are:

  1. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
  2. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
  3. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

For more information on the brochure and admission process of every college offering this course in India, click on the link below:

https://engineering.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-naval-architecture-and-ocean-engineering-colleges-in-india

Thank You.

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