GATE 2022 Topper Interview: Vaibhav Awasthi, AIR 1 (Agricultural Engineering) - “Continuity is the key”

GATE 2022 Topper Interview- The Indian Institute of Technology has announced the GATE 2022 topper list for all papers. Vaibhav Awasthi from Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the GATE topper in the AG paper by securing AIR 1. Vaibhav believes that continuation is the key to success. With a zeal to get the best, Vaibhav started his preparation and determination from the very beginning. By solving the GATE mock test regularly, Vaibhav increased his confidence level and got his command over speed and accuracy. Vaibhav has also shared his mantra to keep himself calm during the examination days. In an exclusive interview with Careers360, Vaibhav Awasthi has shared his journey from AIR 17 in GATE 2021 to AIR 1 in GATE 2022. Read the challenges, GATE preparation strategy and tips for future aspirants by Vaibhav here.

Careers360: Congratulations on becoming the GATE 2022 topper. How do you feel when you come to know that you are among the toppers of GATE 2022?

Vaibhav: Thank You, I was very excited on the result day, when I downloaded my scorecard I was shocked after seeing my rank. I felt very relaxed after seeing the GATE result and thanked God and my parents for their support throughout my preparation.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself; Where have you done your engineering from and in which branch?

Vaibhav: I am Vaibhav Awasthi, secured AIR 1 in GATE 2022 (AG). Currently pursuing B.tech in Agricultural Engineering from Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

Careers360: What was the GATE Paper you appeared in? What rank did you get in GATE 2022? What is your GATE score and how many marks did you secure out of 100 in GATE paper 2022?

Vaibhav: I appeared in Agricultural Engineering. I secured AIR 1. My GATE score is 997 with 81 marks out of 100.

Careers360: Is this your first attempt or did you attempt GATE earlier?

Vaibhav: I attempted GATE 2021 when I was in my 3rd year and secured AIR 17 and again I appeared for GATE 2022 in my 4th year of graduation and this time I secured AIR 1.

Question: What was the reason you appeared for GATE 2022? Please elaborate.

Vaibhav: I started my preparation for GATE in the 2nd year of my graduation before making this decision I also analyzed all the options available to me and I found that I can do good in GATE that is why I decided to appear in GATE.

Careers360: Have you applied to any PSUs recruiting through GATE? If yes- Which ones?

Vaibhav: There is no PSU to which AG students can apply. I decided to go for higher studies in institutions like IISC and NITIE Mumbai.

Careers360: Have you taken any coaching? If yes- From where? How did it help?

Vaibhav: Yes, I took coaching from TRANS EASY PVT. LTD. for two years and prepared for GATE under the guidance of R K YADAV SIR. It helped me a lot, their live classes, live tests and full mocks were the best.

Careers360: Can you share any preparation strategies with our readers? When should one start their preparation for GATE? How to schedule study time and make timetables?

Vaibhav: There are several points that aspirants should follow-

1. Do revise every concept frequently.

2. Try to understand concepts, not formulas.

3. Solve previous year's question papers every day with your breakfast. It may be hectic to solve one paper every day but it will become a game-changer.

4. Don't use a scientific calculator, try to use the GATE calculator on a daily basis.

5. Test series play a critical role, so try to attempt live tests, do their analysis and try to identify and eliminate the mistakes you are doing before.

6. Prepare for mathematics and aptitude from very early because it is very vast to prepare and also have a good weightage of 25 marks in GATE.

One should start preparation from their 3rd year. If you studied well in the first 4 to 5 semesters of your undergraduate programme then one year will be sufficient to prepare for GATE.

One should prepare his timetable according to their own preferences but to follow that timetable is the most important thing.

Careers360: How important do you feel mock tests are and why? Is it true that if one solves the previous year’s question papers, there is a good chance of cracking the exam successfully?

Vaibhav: Mock test plays an important role in preparation because GATE mock tests are replicas of real GATE exam and it helps to understand the scope of improvement and the mistakes you do frequently in questions.

One should solve previous papers about 6 to 7 times during the entire preparation because every year 80 to 85 percent of questions are based on previously asked concepts.

Careers360: Which books did you follow for GATE preparation? Please name some very important must-read books for GATE 2022?

Vaibhav:

1. Previous years question bank.

2. Engineering mathematics by MADE EASY.

3. Food processing and UNIT operations by Irfan Ansari ( only questions because it has so many wrong concepts as well as wrong solutions).

4. TRANS EASY coaching, because it is the only authentic coaching with high-quality content and test series, one should certainly prefer it.

Careers360: What did you do for leisure? Any specific activities that helped you unwind?

Vaibhav: In my free time I like to talk with my friends and family. Also, I do Surya Namaskar every morning which helped me a lot during my preparation.

Question: Any advice for future aspirants?

Vaibhav: The GATE exam requires a good command over a lot of subjects at the same time, try to learn concepts and never try to mug up just formulas. Keep believing in yourself, and try to keep yourself continuous.

Continuity is the key.

Hard work always pays.

All the Best!