Are you preparing for GATE 2026? It’s one of the difficult exams for engineering graduates in India. It helps you get admission into top M.Tech courses, government jobs in PSUs, and research chances. To prepare for the GATE, you need a clear plan, a smart strategy, and regular practice. In this article, we will explain step-by-step how you can prepare well for the GATE exam.
Know the Exam Pattern
Before starting your preparation, it is important to know what the exam structure looks like
|
Section |
Marks |
What It Includes |
|
General Aptitude |
15 marks |
Basic English and Math skills (like reasoning, grammar, vocabulary, and arithmetic). This part is the same for all branches. |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
13 marks |
Topics include Calculus, Probability, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. For many engineering streams, these are common. |
|
Subject-Specific Section |
72 marks |
Questions based on your selected engineering subject (like Mechanical, Civil, CS, etc.). This is the core part of the paper. |
|
Total |
100 marks |
The total no. of questions is 65, and the duration is 3 hours. It includes both multiple-choice and numerical questions. |
Choose the Right Books
To start your preparation, pick the right study materials. A good GATE Books will help you build your basics in Engineering Mathematics and other subjects. Choose books that have Topic-Wise explanations, solved examples, and practice exercises.
Read More: GATE 2025 Time Management Tips To Maximize Your Score
Make a Study Plan
A proper plan helps you cover the entire syllabus in time. Here's how you can divide your preparation:
|
Preparation Stage |
Time Frame |
Activities |
|
Foundation Building |
First 2-3 months |
Read theory, make notes, and clear concepts |
|
Practice Phase |
Next 2 months |
Solve problems daily, revise concepts regularly |
|
Revision and Mock Tests |
Final 1-2 months |
Attempt mock tests, analyse mistakes, revise |
Solve Previous Year’s Papers
Solving GATE exam question paper and GATE previous year’s paper will give you an idea of the actual exam pattern and difficulty level. Try to solve papers from the last 5-10 years. This helps in:
-
Understanding the type of questions
-
Learning time management
-
Improving speed and accuracy
Regular Revision and Mock Tests
Keep some time every week for revision. Without revising, you may forget what you learned. Also, practice full-length mock tests regularly. Practice every mock like you’re giving your actual exam. After each test, check your weak areas and work on them.
Motivation Check
To stay focused while studying, try to break your study time into small sessions of 45-60 minutes and take a small break to relax and give your mind some rest. It also helps to set daily or weekly targets so you know what you need to finish. If at any time you feel stressed or lose motivation, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a friend, teacher, and mentor. Sharing your thoughts can really help you to feel better and stay motivated.
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FAQs
Q1. How many hours should I study daily for GATE?
Answer: 4–6 focused hours a day are enough if you study with full concentration. It’s more about quality than quantity.
Q2. Is coaching necessary for GATE preparation?
Answer: No, many students crack GATE through self-study. The key is using the right books and practicing regularly.
Q3. Can I prepare for GATE in 6 months?
Answer: Yes, with a proper study plan and dedication, 6 months is enough to prepare effectively.
Q4. What is the benefit of solving previous years' GATE papers?
Answer: It helps you understand the exam pattern, improves time management, and gives confidence before the real exam.
