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

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a highly competitive national level entrance examination for engineering students. Many students take the exam to secure admissions in M.Tech programs or to get recruited by PSUs. To succeed in the GATE exam 2024, candidates need to be well-prepared. Here are some strategies to help you prepare for GATE:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the GATE syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you identify the important topics and allocate your time and resources accordingly.

2. Learn from GATE Toppers: Previous year’s GATE toppers can provide valuable insights and tips on how to crack the exam. Their experiences and strategies can guide you in your preparation journey.

3. Follow a Timetable: Create a study timetable that covers all the subjects and topics included in the GATE syllabus. Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to the schedule to ensure comprehensive preparation.

4. Practice with Sample Papers: Solving GATE sample papers will give you an idea of the exam format, difficulty level, and time management. Regular practice will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement.

5. Take Mock Tests: Mock tests simulate the actual GATE exam environment and help you assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance in these tests and work on areas where you need improvement.

6. Seek Guidance from Experts: If you find certain topics challenging, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from subject matter experts or experienced faculty members. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and clarify your doubts.

7. Revise Regularly: Regular revision is essential to retain the concepts and formulas you have learned. Set aside dedicated time for revision and make use of revision techniques like flashcards or summarizing key points.

8. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: GATE exams often include questions related to current affairs in the field of engineering. Stay updated with the latest developments, technological advancements, and industry trends to perform well in this section.

By following these tips and strategies, you can boost your confidence and enhance your chances of performing well in the GATE 2024 exam. Remember to stay focused, disciplined, and consistent in your preparation. Good luck!

Design of Questions:

The questions are formulated to assess various abilities such as application, analysis, comprehension, recall, and synthesis.

Number of Questions:

There are a total of 65 questions, including 10 questions from the General Aptitude section.

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

100 Marks Marking Scheme The marking scheme for the exam consists of 100 marks. All the questions in the exam will be assigned either 1 or 2 marks. There is negative marking for certain types of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). For MCQs with 1 mark, 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. For MCQs with 2 marks, 2/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response. However, there is no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, as well as for MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions.

Which Topic has more Weightage?

To prepare effectively for the GATE exam, it is important to understand the topic weightage. Some topics in the GATE syllabus carry more weightage in the question paper. By analyzing previous GATE question papers, you can identify the distribution of topics and syllabus. This will help you prioritize topics with higher weightage and allocate more time to them during your preparation. However, it is essential to not neglect other topics entirely.

Fix a Study Schedule

Creating a personalized study schedule is crucial for GATE preparation. Divide the various topics and units according to your preference and aptitude. A well-structured study schedule allows you to track your progress and ensures that you stay focused on what needs to be studied and when. It is recommended to set daily and weekly targets to monitor your progress effectively. Allocate more time to difficult topics and include regular revisions and mock tests in your schedule. Make sure your study schedule is manageable and tailored to your needs.

Pick the Correct Reference Materials

Choosing the right reference materials is essential for GATE preparation. Select reliable and comprehensive study materials that cover the entire syllabus. Look for books, study guides, and online resources that are recommended by experts in the field. These materials should provide in-depth explanations, examples, and practice questions to enhance your understanding and problem-solving skills. When preparing for the GATE 2024 exam, it is advisable to refer to your undergraduate textbooks as the syllabus for the exam may be similar. However, it is also highly recommended to use additional reference books in order to gain a broader range of knowledge that will be helpful during the examination. In addition to the best books for the GATE exam 2024, you can also watch online lectures and read interviews of previous GATE toppers to learn about their study sources.

Know your Strengths

To maximize your preparation for GATE 2024, it is crucial to identify your strengths and focus on them. By thoroughly studying the topics in which you have confidence, you increase your chances of scoring well in those areas. Additionally, prioritize scoring higher marks in the two compulsory sections of GATE 2024 - Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude Test, which cover basic topics. To enhance your preparation, consider referring to newspapers and past papers of competitive exams. To prepare for the two sections of the GATE exam, it is recommended to refer to books by Kenneth Rosen, BS Garewal, and Erwin Kreyszig for Engineering Mathematics. If you encounter any difficulties during your preparation, it is best to communicate with your fellow students and teachers. Having discussions with them will not only help you understand your progress but also motivate you to complete your GATE preparation on time. Joining online groups dedicated to GATE exam preparation can also provide opportunities to learn new things and interact with expert faculty. Revision is a crucial aspect of GATE preparation. Allocating sufficient time for revising various topics and chapters will help you retain the information and improve your understanding. Time management is essential during the exam, as it is three hours long. Practicing with mock tests while adhering to time constraints will help you develop effective time management skills. Additionally, taking care of your mental and physical health is important. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and maintaining overall well-being will contribute to your performance during the exam. It is important to take breaks in between study sessions to refresh yourself.