GATE 2026 Topper Interview- Tejavath Manoj Kumar AIR 1

GATE 2026 Topper Interview- Tejavath Manoj Kumar

A huge congratulations to you! This is a very big achievement in life.

You had already predicted the outcome using the rank predictor. But how did you feel when you saw the actual result?

I knew that my score was going to be good. But there were always chances that someone could have gotten better marks than I did. So, I definitely felt good.

How did you find the GATE paper?

I felt that the paper was easy to moderate.

What were your marks in the GATE EE 2026 paper?

I got 92 out of 100 in the electrical paper.

How did your family truly feel when they got to know your result?

I had been checking the portal for a while. Everyone had been very anxious. Finally, when the result had actually been announced, my family was so overwhelmed that we all started tearing up. That's how happy we all were.

Did you take any coaching or follow any specific material while studying for GATE?

I followed Exam Dost. Ankit Sir’s lectures have immensely helped me. They kept me motivated.

Where did you live during your preparation period?

I live in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi. The place is a hub for UPSC preparation. They have been a huge source of encouragement as they never give up, even when the chances seem less. I had joined a library for UPSC aspirants. Shifting to Delhi is one of the best decisions I have ever made because I would not find the study environment I got here anywhere else.

How difficult was it to prepare for the GATE exam?

It was very tough for me in the beginning. I was in extracurricular activities and had even tried for college placements. When that did not work out, I started preparing for the GATE exam from the end of the year. But still, I was not at all confident at first.

Why did you choose GATE EE?

I was confused at first because most people from my college were going into the software field, and I was not much into it. So, I decided to get into the core electrical branch.

What was your main motivation behind pursuing GATE?

My main motivation was to get a good job and support my family. I want to take care of my father. I was not at all interested in pursuing software-related jobs. I knew I had to get into core electrical engineering.

How were you able to focus on your studies despite family struggles?

My mother has been the one to take care of everything. I knew there were a lot of problems, but she never let me feel discouraged. She always told me to just focus on your aim.

What is your goal now that you have secured such an amazing rank?

I dream is to get a good job in PSU and take care of my family.

What was routine during the exam preparation?

Started with 2-hour lectures in the beginning. I followed Ankit Sir’s lectures regularly. My routine included following the lecture, practising with PYQs, and revision. I had focused on PYQs in the end.

Were you ever demotivated or scared thinking about the results? How did you fight this negative feeling?

My brother had advised me, “Keep doing what you have to do. You do not have control over anything else except your own studies. You just work hard and keep studying. Don’t think about anything else”. So, I had built my confidence by giving test series and regular practice, such that I knew I could get at least 60 marks in the exam. Then I found that the actual exam was easy to moderate. So I knew my result would be fine, and I just had to believe in myself.

GATE 2026 Toppers List

Check the list of other GATE toppers 2026 below. They all have secured excellent ranks in the GATE 2026 exam.

GATE 2026 Toppers (Unofficial)

About GATE 2026

The GATE 2026 exam was held on February 7, 8, 14 and 15. The exam was held online for 30 papers and their combinations. As per media reports, over 1 lakh students had registered for the test. The authority declared the GATE 2026 results on March 19. The scorecard release date is March 27, 2026. Candidates who have cleared the exam will be eligible for counselling. IIT admission will be through COAP and individual institutes. Whereas, NITs, IIITs and CFTIs offer admission through a centralised counselling process called CCMT.