GATE CH 2026 Topper Interview: Ekta Priyadarshnee

GATE CH 2026 AIR 1 Ekta Priyadarshnee - Interview

Here is the round of Q&A from the interview sessions focusing mainly on her GATE preparation strategy, daily routine and time management.

Question 1: Congratulations on your amazing result! How does it feel to be among the top rankers in GATE?

Thank you, it feels great to secure top marks in the GATE 2026 exam.

Question 2: Can you share a bit about your background—your college, stream?

I was born and brought up in Bhubaneswar. I have completed my Class 10 from DAV Public School with 95%, and Class 12 from ODM Public School with 85%. Right now I am a BTech in Chemical Engineering student from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Sambalpur. I am a fourth-year student with a CGPA of 7.2. Also, I have done my internships at IOCL Paradip and Hindalco Hirakud Ekta, and hands-on training from CIPET Bhubaneswar.

Question 3: Tell us something about your family.

My father is a retired Accounts Officer who formerly worked at RMRC Bhubaneswar under the Indian Council of Medical Research. My mother is a housewife, and I have an older brother who is a B.Tech Mechanical Engineering graduate.

Question 4: What was your overall preparation strategy?

I have prepared a study time slot for every day. Each study slot was two to three hours long. The main focus was to learning concepts, practice numerical, and revise. My preparation strategy mainly focused on solving PYQs regularly and doing numerical practice to improve my speed and accuracy.

Question 5: How did you balance college studies and GATE preparation?

I mostly balanced my college, internship and exam preparation by strictly following the daily study routine. I studied mostly at night.

Question 6: Which subjects or topics did you focus on the most, and why?

I mainly focused on solving numerical questions as many as possible and kept analysing mistakes. I mostly solved PYQs and practised from there regularly.

Question 7: Did you rely more on self-study or coaching?

For GATE preparation, I did self-studying. I found free source materials from social media and Google. And also participated in mock tests frequently from various online sources. I also had a hands-on technical experience through my internships at IFFCO Paradeep and Hindalco Hirakud.

Question 8: What did you do for leisure? Any specific activities that helped you unwind?

I balanced my studies with my hobbies. I did to de-stress from the hectic study routine.

Question 9: How did you solve mock tests and previous year papers?

I mainly manage my time by dividing my study hours into three slots every day. Each slot was dedicated to a different study material. I practice PYQs daily and do a mock test frequently.

Question 10: Are you looking for any PSU recruitment for your career?

Right now, I have decided to focus on my college and complete my BTech degree in Chemical Engineering.

Question 11: Any advice for future GATE aspirants?

Students should maintain a strict study routine daily and manage their time efficiently.

GATE 2026 Toppers List

IIT Guwahati is yet to announce the final GATE toppers list. The GATE result 2026 has been released on March 19, 2026. However, multiple media sources have released the candidate's name who has secured the top score in the GATE 2026 branch-wise. Find the names of the GATE 2026 toppers.

GATE 2026 AIR 1 (Unofficial)

GATE 2026 Marks vs Rank

With the release of the GATE 2026 results, candidates can now analyse their ranks based on their marks. The GATE marks vs rank will help candidates to estimate their All India Rank (AIR). marks vs ranks is important for candidates to find out their admission chances in IITs/NITs (top 1000–2000 ranks) or PSU jobs. Find below the expected GATE marks vs rank 2026 in the table below.