GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2026 Preparation Timetable - Preparing for GATE 2026 can feel overwhelming at first, especially with such a vast syllabus and tough competition. But with the right timetable in place, the journey becomes a lot more manageable. A clear, realistic plan helps you stay consistent, track your progress, and make sure you’re covering all the important topics without last-minute stress. Whether you’re just starting out or already midway through your prep, this article will help you build a smart timetable that fits your routine and keeps you on track for success. Let's dive into the resources you can use and how you can strategize to score better in your GATE 2026 exam.
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To help the candidates prepare for GATE , here we have provided a monthly plan preparation plan for the exam. Before starting anything, candidates are advised to check the GATE exam pattern and syllabus first. After this, candidates can refer to the following table to know the GATE preparation plan in detail.
Phase | Days | Focus | Detailed Plan | Action Points |
Subject 1 – Core Learning (Phase 1) | 1 – 5 | Chapters 1–5 | Learn all core concepts and solve end-of-chapter problems | Maintain formula notes; mark difficult problems for revision |
Quick Revision + Mock Analysis | 6 | Revise Chapters 1–5 | Attempt chapter-wise mock tests to analyse weak areas | Note error patterns and revise accordingly |
Subject 1 – Core Learning (Phase 2) | 7 – 11 | Chapters 6–10 | Learn all core concepts and solve problems for each chapter | Build a question bank of solved problems |
Quick Revision + Mock Analysis | 12 – 13 | Revise Chapters 6–10 | Attempt chapter-wise mock tests for these chapters | Time your attempts to simulate exam pressure |
Past Paper Practice – Subject 1 | 14 | Subject 1 questions from GATE PYQs/Test Series | Focus only on Subject 1 | Identify recurring question types & weightage trends |
Rest + General Aptitude (GA) / Engg. Maths | 15 | Refresh GA & Engg. Maths | Solve practice questions or revise formulas | Light study day to avoid burnout |
Subject 2 – Core Learning (Phase 1) | 16 – 20 | Chapters 1–5 | Learn all concepts and practice problems | Use short notes for formula memorization |
Quick Revision + Mock Analysis | 21 | Revise Chapters 1–5 | Attempt chapter-wise mock tests | Focus on accuracy improvement |
Subject 2 – Core Learning (Phase 2) | 22 – 26 | Chapters 6–10 | Learn concepts and solve related problems | Cross-link concepts with Subject 1 if applicable |
Quick Revision + Mock Analysis | 27 – 28 | Revise Chapters 6–10 | Attempt chapter-wise mock tests | Evaluate speed vs accuracy |
Past Paper Practice – Subject 2 | 29 | Subject 2 questions from GATE PYQs/Test Series | Focus on Subject 2 only | Analyse frequently asked numerical vs theoretical questions |
Rest + GA/Engg. Maths | 30 | Light Day | Solve GA & Engg. Maths or relax with summary notes | Prepare mentally for next month’s plan |
Keep following this preparation time table of GATE until you complete your entire syllabus for each section of the exam. Experts suggest that candidates should at least give 6-8 hours daily for their studies, so candidates must keep this in mind. Candidates can also edit this plan according to their convenience but they should be regular in whatever timetable they set up for the preparation. A disciplined GATE preparation time table can only help the candidates to ace the exam.
Time table for any exam can differ from one person to another, so many candidates may follow a different time table from that suggested above. In that case, candidates should keep all the following points in mind while preparing their preparation timetable for GATE.
Understand syllabus - Before making any time table, candidates must understand the GATE syllabus properly; know about the subjects, and courses to be covered. Once the syllabus is known a proper timetable can be devised.
Check your weaknesses and strengths - Candidates know what are their weaknesses and strengths; so while making a time table they should divide more time for the weaker sections. Stronger areas can be given less time. Taking up weaker sections first or stronger first completely depends on the candidates.
Proper time for revision - Whatever GATE preparation time table a candidate makes, it should have proper time for revision. As the syllabus is very vast, candidates must keep revising simultaneously.
Be disciplined - The candidates must be disciplined in their preparation and follow their time table religiously. A delay of a single day will disturb the entire time table so candidates must be very disciplined during their GATE preparation.
Here, we have provided some of the important topics with their weightage for some of the GATE papers. Candidates can refer to the following tables to check the topics for different papers.
Civil Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering | |||
Topic | Expected Marks | Topic | Expected Marks | Topic | Expected Marks |
SOM | 7.75 | Theory of Computation | 7.50 | Network Theory | 11.75 |
Structural Analysis | 3.5 | Digital Logic | 5.25 | Signal & System | 8.50 |
Geo Technical | 15.25 | Computer Organization & Architecture | 9 | Electrical machines | 8.25 |
FM & Hydraulic machine | 6.75 | Programming & Data Structures | 10.50 | Power Systems | 9.75 |
Irrigation & hydrology | 7.75 | Algorithms | 8 | Control Systems | 9 |
RCC & Prestressed concrete | 6.5 | Compiler Design | 2.75 | Electrical & Electronics Measurements | 4.50 |
Design of Steel Structures | 4.25 | Operating System | 9 | Analog & Digital Electronics | 11.25 |
Highway & Surveying | 12 | Database | 7.50 | EMT | 2.75 |
Environment Engg | 9 | Computer Networks | 7.50 | Power Electronics | 7.50 |
Engineering Mathematics | 12.25 | Soft. Engg/ Web Technology | 1.50 | Engineering Maths | 11.75 |
General Aptitude | 15 | Engineering Maths | 14.75 | General Aptitude | 15 |
- | - | General Aptitude | 15 | - | - |
Electronics & Communication | Mechanical Engineering | Instrumentation Engineering | |||
Topic | Expected marks | Topic | Expected marks | Topic | Expected marks |
Network Theory | 11.25 | Engg Mechanics | 2.50 | Analog circuits | 11.75 |
Electronics Devices & Circuits | 7.25 | SOM | 7.75 | Analytical Biomedical & Optical Instrumentation | 4.25 |
Analog Circuits | 11.75 | Theory of Mechanics | 9 | Communications | 1.50 |
Digital Circuits | 6 | Machine Design | 3.75 | Control System | 10.75 |
Signal & Systems | 9 | FM | 7.50 | Digital Circuits | 7 |
Control Systems | 9 | Heat Transfer | 6 | Measurements | 6.25 |
Communication Systems | 10.75 | Thermodynamics | 12.75 | Circuits & Networks | 10.25 |
EMT | 9.5 | RAC | 1.25 | Process Controls | 1.50 |
Micro Processors | 1.50 | Manufacturing Engg | 14.25 | Signals and Systems | 7.75 |
Engineering Maths | 10.5 | Industrial Engg | 8 | Transducers | 12.25 |
General Aptitude | 15 | Engg Maths | 12.25 | Engg Maths | 11.75 |
- | - | General Aptitude | 15 | General Aptitude | 15 |
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GATE Preparation Tips
We have already mentioned the points that should be kept while making the GATE preparation timetable; here we are providing some tips that should be followed to boost the preparation for the exam. Check the preparation tips that candidates must keep in mind while preparing for GATE. Moreover, GATE preparation can be done by self-study. All you need to follow strict preparation tips.
Time Table - Once the time table is prepared, follow it regularly. Make sure the GATE preparation time table is such that it is completed before the actual available time. Also, ensure proper time for revision.
Best Books - Candidates should consider the best books for GATE preparation. Taking up correct books can help the candidates to ace the exam. While selecting the GATE preparation books check if the topics are easy to understand or not.
Mock Tests - Practice more and more GATE mock tests to improve speed and time management. As these tests are based on the actual pattern of the exam, candidates will be able to understand the level and type of questions asked in the exam. Candidates can also analyse their performance after attempting each mock test and work on their mistakes.
Kanishk Roy GATE 2025 Topper, AIR 2 in Humanities and Social Science says
I built a strong foundation using university-level books and open-access research papers. My major focus was on writing practice and clarity of concepts. I didn’t underestimate the aptitude section and prepared for it consistently for over a month. For English, I used GRE-level vocabulary apps and solved comprehension-based questions twice a week during my last month of preparation.
Ananya Suresh GATE 2025 Topper, AIR 5 in Humanities and Social Science says
I followed a three-phase strategy — first, understanding and completing the syllabus, second, solving PYQs intensively, and third, focusing on test series and revision. I gave special attention to time management and answer structuring. My preparation for aptitude was limited to the last 10 days with daily 1-hour sessions, while English was revised using flashcards and practice sets in the last two weeks.
Ritika Bhattacharya GATE 2024 Topper, AIR 8 in Humanities and Social Science says
The most important thing I did was understand the syllabus deeply and map it with past year papers. I used mind maps to revise complex topics. I gave more attention to writing practice for subjective-type questions. For the aptitude and English sections, I relied mostly on mocks and quick revision one week before the exam.
Neeraj Shekhar GATE 2024 Topper, AIR 3 in Humanities and Social Science says
I maintained consistency throughout the year. My preparation strategy was simple — I focused on NCERTs, standard books, and supplemented them with online lectures. I solved at least 10 years of previous GATE papers and revised my short notes regularly. For aptitude, I spent 30 minutes daily over two months, and for English, I revised weekly using mock tests and vocabulary lists.
Sragdhara Malini Das GATE 2023 Topper, AIR 6 in Humanities and Social Science says I have the habit of continuously updating my knowledge about my field and this is what helped me the most. I studied both objective and subjective books and analysed the previous GATE papers. I studied for the aptitude section for 4 days before the exam, putting in 2 hours daily. For the English section, I began my revision one week before the exam studying 3-4 hours daily. However, studying for this short period worked for me only because I had my NET notes ready.
Mayukh Banerjee GATE 2023 Topper, AIR 7 in Sociology says In a literal sense, I never started the GATE preparation nor for NET. People think studying from an open University is worth it and to break that stigma I was working hard in my graduation and master’s days and focussed more on the concepts rather than on getting good marks just by reading the books. I didn’t give any extra effort to my preparation, it’s just the consistency I had during my graduation and post-graduation days.
Tushar Karmakar GATE 2023 Topper, AIR 20 in Instrumentation Engineering says that "I started preparing for GATE at the end of my fifth semester (2020). I did not follow any specified schedule, but on average I regularly devoted 8 hours every day. Sometimes it increases and sometimes it reduces as well it depends on your day and your occupancy. But a minimum of 7-8 hours must be devoted to the preparation and that is enough".
Rajat Gupta GATE 2022 Topper, AIR 8 in Mechanical Engineering says “For preparation people should kick-start in 3rd semester, and be serious by the 5th semester during a bachelor's degree. One advantage is that 2-3 subjects are already there every semester which are there in the GATE syllabus. So if students keep this in mind in the very beginning, they can save half of the time by clearing the concepts there only. Together with semesters, students should focus on theoretical aspects as this helps much in keeping the doubts clear and solving the numerical as well.”
Aniruddh Joshi, GATE 2022 Topper who secured AIR 14 in Petroleum Engineering says “One should start preparing for the exam early, say in their graduation to complete the whole syllabus and not to get over-hooked before the exam. Make a preparation time-table as per the availability of time out of college. Study regularly and revise what you study to keep everything in mind.”
Arunava Mondal GATE 2022 Topper, AIR 5 in Mining Engineering (XE) says "Start the preparation as early as possible, because starting early will provide you ample time to work on your weaknesses. Regarding preparation, I would suggest completing the syllabus on time and try to give more full-length tests. Prepare short notes of each subject, these will play a crucial role during the last days of your preparation. Never get demotivated. Always work on your weaknesses and try to be better than yesterday. Just enjoy the journey because success is a journey, not a destination."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Indian Institute of Technology will publish Gate 2026 exam patterns. Based on previous years, Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering typically follows a consistent pattern each year, which includes a total of 65 questions that have 100 brands.
The GATE 2026 exam is expected to be held in February 2026, with the application process beginning in August 2025 and the last date for submitting applications (without late fees) expected to be in October 2025. The admit cards will likely be available in January 2026.
In case of a technical issue during the exam, the GATE authorities will make necessary arrangements, and you will either be given a new slot or the issue will be resolved on the spot.
GATE preparation should ideally start with the subject which the candidate finds easier to set the momentum.
Yes, it all depends upon time management and candidate's dedication towards GATE preparation.
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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