Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 4, 2024
How to prepare for GATE 2024? Check 6 months Study Plan and Free Preparation Resources
GATE Preparation 2024 highly depends on the stream/branch aspirants opt for. With 6 months in hand, you must ensure to stay focused and well strategize your GATE 2024 preparation plan. The 6 months left can be broadly divided into three phases,
- Phase 1 (Months 1 and 2): You must focus on completing your entire syllabus by the end of September.
- Phase 2 (Months 3, 4, and 5): From October to December, you must focus on revision and solving GATE previous year question papers.
- Phase 3 (Month 6): January must be spent on solving and appearing for as many mocks and test series as possible.
The tips mentioned above are general so you may need to adjust them to fit your own needs and schedule.
GATE Preparation involves devising a strategy that covers all the topics from GATE Syllabus using the best resources available. With the help of the right study material, online video lectures and the best books for GATE, you can perform well in the exam.
Also Check:
- Practice Collegedunia’s GATE Mock Test Series
- GATE Syllabus PDF available for CS, EE, ECE and Mechanical, Check Here
How to Prepare for GATE in 6 months?
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on the GATE exam.
GATE Preparation for August
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Find the right study materials.
- Start studying the core subjects.
- Begin practicing with previous year question papers.
GATE Preparation for September
- Continue studying the core subjects.
- Start studying the optional subjects.
- Increase your practice with previous year question papers.
GATE Preparation for October
- Continue studying the core and optional subjects.
- Start taking mock tests.
- Create a study schedule for the last 3 months.
GATE Preparation for November
- Continue taking mock tests.
- Focus on your weak areas.
- Start preparing for the GATE exam day.
GATE Preparation for December
- Continue taking mock tests.
- Review all of the material that you have studied.
- Stay positive and confident.
GATE Preparation for January
- Appear for as many mocks and test series as possible and review your weak points.
General Study Plan
- Complete the entire syllabus by September.
- Start with revision and practice GATE PYPs from October to December.
- Spend the entire January on solving as many mocks and test series as possible.
Tips
- Stick to one book for each subject instead of going for multiple references.
- Make sure that you are comfortable with all of the concepts in the core and optional subjects.
- Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress and identify your weak areas.
- Stay positive and confident in your ability to succeed.
GATE Preparation 2025: General Tips and Tricks
The strategy for GATE preparation is subjective and based on one’s own abilities and limitations. We have mentioned some of the strategies suggested by previous years’ GATE toppers for the best exam output.
- Start Early
- While drafting your routine, analyze the time and number of days required to complete each topic;
- Create a list of all the important topics in order to the levels of difficulty and number of sub-topics. This is to ensure that you are able to allocate the right preparation time to all the topics;
- Stick to the preparation strategy throughout your preparation.
- Understand Concepts
- Strengthen your concepts for each topic
- Prepare short notes of important points, formulas and concepts;
- Make it a habit to go through these short notes for a quick revision before starting with your GATE preparation each day.
- Gather the Best Study Resources
- Select proper material to study. This can include books, modules, online references, articles, videos, etc. which explain the entire topic in great detail in a simple yet effective manner so it can be easily understood;
- The candidate can allude to online videos for help like the NPTEL and offline resources like the notes from the previous years’ toppers.
- Use Flashcards
- The concept of flashcards is really simple; it requires jotting down all the difficult concepts on cards or sticky notes etc. which can be easily referred to and carried anywhere for revision;
- This helps you to retain the difficult topics and formulas.
- Revision
- It is recommended that you dedicate atleast an hour for revision everyday. This will help you retain everything you have studied a day before in a better way;
- Many toppers have also revealed that their preparation strategy included keeping 2 or more days in a week aside entirely for revision.
- Solving Mock Tests/Sample Papers/Previous Years’ Question Papers
- Appear for various mock tests from the beginning of your GATE Preparation. Each year GATE conducting body releases the official GATE Mock Test.
- The official GATE Mock Test is a replication of the actual GATE question paper. It helps the candidates in getting an overview of the actual question paper, helping them with their problem solving capabilities within the assigned time limit;
- Doing well in the mock test motivates as well boost the confidence of the candidate
- The more number of GATE mock tests attempted, the better will be the speed and accuracy of the candidate.
- Apart from the official mock tests, students must also solve previous years’ GATE Question papers and various sample questions.
- There are a number of test series provided by various coaching institutes such as Gradeup, GATE Academy, Madeeasy, Unacademy, etc.
GATE Preparation 2025: Daily Schedule or Time Table
Since each candidate has their own study span and retention power, the amount of time they can dedicate to their GATE Preparation 2025 will also differ. However, it is advised that candidates atleast dedicate the number of hours mentioned below for each of the activity/ topic preparation.
| Day | 1-2 hours | 2 hours | 1 hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Numerical Ability |
| Tuesday | Subject Specific Topic | Subject Specific Topic | Verbal Ability |
| Wednesday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Subject Specific Topic (Pick a Relatively Easy Topic) |
| Thursday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Numerical Ability |
| Friday | Subject Specific Topic (Pick a Relatively Easy Topic) | Verbal Ability | Numerical Ability |
| Saturday | Take a Full-length Mock (3 Hours) | ||
| Sunday | Mock Analysis( 2-3 Hours) and retaking the same mock (3 Hours) | ||
Check Official GATE Mock Tests
GATE 2025 Preparation for General Aptitude
GATE Preparation has to be formulated based on specific strategies as per the subject that the candidate is preparing for. GATE General Aptitude is common to all the papers in GATE 2025. The General Aptitude section is divided into Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability. Here are some preparation tips for GATE General Aptitude: :
GATE Verbal Ability Preparation
- The easiest way to ace GATE Verbal Ability is by improving your vocabulary.
- Install apps that build vocabulary, that suggest words daily.
- English podcasts are a great way to improve vocabulary and build speaking skills.
- Make a habit to have conversations in english.
- Use shortcuts to solve questions. Several shortcuts can be found online on various different platforms such as Youtube.
- Start reading newspapers daily.
- Learn the fundamentals of grammar such as tenses, adjectives, prepositions, etc. and be thorough with the rules for them. .
- Prepare cue cards. Put down all the new words you come across, along with its meaning. Revise these cards regularly.
- Read questions before reading the passage. This will give you an idea of the question beforehand and save time.
- Read each question carefully and make sure you understand it, such that you don't have to read it repeatedly. .
GATE Numerical Ability Preparation
- Cover all the basics first. Make sure that you have your fundamentals thoroughly covered.
- This is a scoring section as questions are usually moderate in terms of difficulty.
- Lay the foundation and brush up on the concepts. Unless you are absolutely clear with the fundamentals of a topic, you cannot solve complex questions.
- Learn time-saving techniques like tables till 40, squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and percentage equivalent of fractions till 25.
- Maintain a formula book or chart and go through them regularly.
- Take full advantage of the resources that are available online.
- Learn how to use shortcuts and how to apply them.
- Maintain consistency while practicing the questions.
GATE 2025 Preparation for Engineering Mathematics
- Matrix Algebra and Eigenvalue problems are some of the most frequently asked questions, so it is important to cover these linear algebra topics properly.
- For differential equations, it is important to remember special equations such as Bernoulli’s Equation and Euler Differential Equation.
- Probability and Statistics is another important topic, it is important to remember concepts such as Bayes Theorem, Poisson, and so on.
- It is important to memorize the formulas for Numerical Methods, such as Trapezoidal Rule and Simpson’s rule.
GATE 2025: With or without Coaching?
There are many coaching centers that offer GATE 2025 classes, coaching as well as training. But amidst the COVID-19 pandemic it is not possible for everyone to attend the same in an offline manner in addition to this many students cannot afford the hefty fee charged by these coaching centres. Undoubtedly, these coaching centres offer the candidates an assured way and the required guidance to crack the Gate exam.
But the same cannot be regarded as the only way to qualify the examination, given below are a set of essential tips which can be referred to if the candidates wish to qualify GATE 2025 without coaching. However, the same can also be followed alongside coaching for better results. For more details, check GATE Online Coaching
Best Resources for GATE 2025 Preparation
To find the best resources for GATE Preparation 2025 is very important for candidates who do not opt for GATE Online Coaching. These resources can include mobile apps, books, question papers, mock tests, test series, etc. The section below includes some of these resources that can help candiadtes in self-preparation.
Best Android Apps for GATE Preparation 2025
Most of these android apps mentioned below are free and provide relevant material which shall be helpful for GATE Preparation 2025-
- GATE/ESE – Online Test Series- The designers of this app, Made Easy, aim to provide real time based exam experience to the students. They have made the app easily accessible to all the students. The tests are designed in such a way that the candidates can attempt them subject wise as well as opt for the full syllabus one. All the tests are prepared keeping in mind the current revised syllabus for GATE 2025. The test papers are curated along the lines of the previous years’ exam papers so the tests match the standard of the previous years’ question papers.
- GATE Exam Preparation Solved Questions Papers- This app has been designed by GATE EduRev. This app has been exclusively designed for GATE ME, CSE, EE, ECE, CE, CSE etc. This app provides MCQs with solutions, free GATE online test series with mock tests along with previous 30 years question bank. In addition to this, it also provides online tests with virtual calculators, preparation books and other material which is easily accessible.
- TIME4GATE – T.I.M.E. has launched the TIME4GATE app to assist candidates in their preparation of GATE 2025. The features of this app provide free mock tests, practise tests, sample study content, previous years’ papers with solutions, sample study material, video lectures, doubt clearing sessions, regular updates on GATE. The material provided by them is especially helpful for cracking PSU Recruitment through GATE 2025.
- D.I.G. (Deewane: IES & GATE) – This app grants access to their video lectures, question discussion sessions, test series etc. Along with this they also have daily group discussions and doubt clearing sessions with their team of GATE toppers who help prepare for the exam.
Best Books for GATE Preparation 2025
The books have been allotted topic wise and the list is given below:
| Subject | Name of Book |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering- | Mechanics of Material- BC Purnima Mechanics of Material- Beer & Johnson Mechanical Vibrations- GC Grover Machine Design- VB Bhandari Heat Transfer- Cengal & Holman |
| Computer Science and Information Technology- | Computer Networks- Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie |
| Electrical Engineering- | Fundamentals of Electric Circuits- Matthew N.O. Sadiku Digital Design- M. Morris Mano |
| Civil Engineering- | Basic Structural Analysis- C.S. Reddy GATE-2022: Civil Engg. Previous Years Solved Papers (ISBN: 9789390564651) |
| Industrial Engineering- | Industrial Engineering- O.P. Khanna Production Engineering- A.K. Mallik, Amitabh Ghosh |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering- | Principles of Communication Systems by Goutam Saha, Herbert Taub, Donald Schilling |
| Manufacturing Engineering- | Production Technology: Manufacturing Processes, Technology and Automation by R.K. Jain Manufacturing Technology- P.N. Rao |
| General Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for all competitive examinations- Abhijit Guha A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning- R S Aggarwal General English for GATE and PSUs- ME Team |
| Mathematics | Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth Rosen Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal |
| Statistics | Miller & Freund's Probability and Statistics for Engineers Statistics for Machine Learning by Pratap Dangeti |
Also Check: GATE Preparation Books
Previous Year GATE Question Papers
Candidates can refer to the links below for last 15 years GATE papers for CSE, EE, ECE and other branches. Practicins previous year GATE question papers will help to understand the exam difficulty, important topics and the pattern.
Quick Links:
Tips to Remember During GATE Preparation 2025
Here are some last revision tips for productive last days before the exam:
- Stick to what you’ve read: If you are done with a considerable portion of your course, then try to avoid any new topics for now. If the topics are important, then exceptions can be made but retaining a lot of last minute information can hamper your revision.
- Mock Tests are a must: Take a full mock test everyday and analyze it. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them.Time management is one of the most crucial factors for success in such competitive exams, regular mock tests will result in better speed and accuracy.
- Formulas and Notes: Don’t rely on too many resources, reading from multiple sources may result in confusion and stress. Stick to your notes and highlights. Skim over the important formulas once everyday, so that you have them on your tips during application.
- Keep your exam day strategies ready: Candidates should have a clear understanding of how many questions they need to attempt for a desired score. The paper has a negative marking so randomly attempting questions isn’t a feasible option. Strategies like what type of questions to attempt first, question wise time limit etc prove to be really helpful during the paper.Candidates should be able to mould their strategies as per the question paper, as the exam can be full of surprises. There is no sectional time limit so candidates should have an idea of what sequence to take and how much time to devote to a particular section.
- Numerical Value Based Questions: During the paper, candidates should try and attempt the numerical answer value based questions as there is no negative marking for the same.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Most candidates neglect keeping a healthy diet and timely sleeping but it is crucial for a higher concentration level during the paper and it can’t be achieved in a single day.Candidates should keep their lifestyle as per a healthy schedule so that they can effectively implement all their strategies.
GATE Preparation 2025: FAQs
Ques. How many hours should I dedicate to GATE Preparation 2025?
Ans. It depends on the level of preparation an individual has had. A candidate having sufficient knowledge may dedicate 3-4 hours in a day compared to a beginner who may need to give more time a day.
Ques. Is it possible to crack GATE 2025 with six months of preparation?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to crack GATE 2025 with 6 months of preparation but the same also requires hard work, continuity, regularity and patience. With the right kind of resources and guidance, candidates will be able to ace their exam with six months of preparation.
Ques. How can a student crack GATE 2025?
Ans. Although GATE Preparation strategy will differ for every candidate, there are a few points that are common when it comes to the preparation. Complete the syllabus including the important topics, revise the same, take mock tests at least once a week and refer to all previous years GATE questions.
Ques. Is the material available online reliable and good for GATE Preparation 2025?
Ans. Various channels, apps, educational platforms provide study material, lectures, reference books, doubt clearing sessions etc. in order to assess and help candidates for GATE Preparation. The reliability depends from channel to channel and app to app. But several of them have been verified by experts and previous years’ toppers.
Ques. Is it enough to prepare from a single book for GATE Preparation?
Ans. It depends from subject to subject. Some subjects can be prepared from a single book however some may need more reference materials. But the syllabus of GATE 2025 is so vast that it’s better to refer to a variety of books for solid GATE Preparation.
Ques. How much time is needed to complete my GATE syllabus?
Ans. It depends on the candidate’s ability, retention power, time given to preparation etc. However, if the candidate has previously taken the exam it may take 3 -4 months but for a beginner, it may take 3-4 months.
Ques. From which subject should I start my GATE preparation?
Ans. Depends on the subject which you are not very confident about. It will give you more time to strengthen your concepts and understanding regarding the same.
Ques. Being an average student, is it possible for me to crack GATE 2025?
Ans. Over the years many of the GATE toppers have emerged to be from average learning backgrounds. It is wrong to judge one’s capabilities beforehand and rather go forward with preparation.
Ques. Is it easy to crack GATE 2025?
Ans. It depends on the candidate's abilities, preparation, intelligence, luck and various other factors. It also depends on the time spent on preparation and the level of the question paper.
Ques. Can I prepare from the same material for my GATE Preparation which I used for preparation during last year?
Ans. Yes, you can. However do make sure to check GATE 2025 notification and any expected changes in the syllabus or exam pattern.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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