GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2025 Topper Interview Arnab Paul (AIR-1 BT) - This year, Arnab Paul has emerged as the GATE 2025 topper with an All India Rank (AIR) 1 in Biotechnology. Arnab Paul who hails from Kolkata has secured 66.67 marks in the GATE 2025 exam. A student of Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, Arnab’s journey is inspiring; a three-time national grappling champion, he channelled his sports resilience to academics after an accident and that’s how he cracked the GATE exam.
In a conversation with Careers360, Arnab shares his strategy and experience in the national-level GATE examination. He aspires to pursue M.Tech at one of the older IITs and is working on his international debut in Grappling for 2026. Read more to find an interesting topper journey who is not just all brains but brawns too.
Q1. Congratulations on your amazing result! How does it feel to be among the top rankers in GATE?
Ans. Of course, I am very happy. Initially, when I saw my result I was surprised. I am not very studious or someone who studies for long hours a day. I am professionally an athlete so emerging as a GATE 2025 topper was something I did not expect.
Q2. As you said you are an athlete so what sport do you play?
Ans. I am into Grappling and wrestling.
Q3. Can you share a bit about your background—your college, stream, and when you decided to prepare for GATE?
Ans. I did my schooling from Navnanda High School right from nursery to +2. So I was a topper throughout my schooling. But my focus shifted to sports and then academics took a toll but I passed in all my subjects anyway. I even attempted the WBJEE and JEE Mains exams and prepared for these within a span of 1-1.5 months. During that time I was not at the peak of my sports career so I made sure to keep all options open for my future. Right now I am in my final year of B.Tech in Biotechnology at Heritage College
Q4. Tell us something about your family.
Ans. We are a family of 4, mom, dad elder brother and me. We are twins and he is 2 minutes older than me. He is currently studying at NRS College, Kolkata. So he has a major support in my preparation. NEET is much more competitive and tougher than JEE Mains, so having him around made it easier for me to prepare for the entrances in a short while.
Q5. What was your overall preparation strategy? Did you follow a daily or weekly schedule?
Ans. So coming to the preparations, In February 2024, I met with a bike accident which changed the course for both my training and academics. I couldn’t compete in my sports so I got plenty of time to focus on my studies. Like every other aspirant, I too had a goal of at least 10 hours of daily study. However, realistically speaking I did study study for 5 hours a day.
Q6. How did you balance college studies and GATE preparation?
Ans. So I think I am good at prioritising I would say. As the championships would come i would start focusing more on the sport and for college the same case with exams and assignments. I would say balancing between studies and sports wasn’t that difficult.
Q7. Which subjects or topics did you focus on the most, and why?
Ans. My strongest suit remained core engineering. It was that part that did not bother me. For core biotechnology or theory I would have to put in more efforts.
Q8. Did you rely more on self-study or coaching? What resources (books, online platforms, test series) did you use?
Ans. I did not take any coaching it was just self-study and peer discussions. Yes, i referred to multiple online resources available. For any conceptual clarity I would just go on YouTube and for practice take up mock tests online and download GATE sample papers and previous year questions.
Q9. How did you approach solving mock tests and previous year papers? Any tips on time management during practice?
Ans. I would suggest being prepared for any situation. While solving mocks and previous year papers I was able to find a pattern. However, this year the GATE Biotechnology question paper was unpredictable. Many other examinees were unable to cope with such a huge difference in the GATE exam pattern. Given my training and the nurture of the sports, I was used to pressure-handling which worked in my favour. So I would suggest it is very important to have the mental strength to deal with whatever comes in your set.
Q10. What role did peer discussion or online study groups play in your preparation?
Ans. I always preferred group study. It was three of us, each helping the other one out based on our strongest pursuits. Like I was good at the core engineering part of it like bio-processing and bio-engineering but for the theoretical or core biotech portion, my friends became my guide. The issue is like any other student trying to study alone i too would get distracted and find myself watching reels again but then with a study group, you develop this disciplineby looking at others.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).
You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.
Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
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