GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2026 Preparation Tips from Toppers and Experts - It is obvious that currently there is only one question revolving around the minds of most M.Tech aspirants: How to prepare for GATE 2026? The examination of GATE 2026 is the gateway for admissions in the M.Tech courses offered by IITs, NITs, and other popular engineering institutes. Every year many toppers emerge in the GATE exam. How do these toppers study so that eventually they score such high marks? Here in this article GATE Preparation Tips from Toppers and Experts, we will answer this question. Check the full article for more information about GATE 2026 Preparation Tips from Toppers and Experts.
Candidates can check the GATE 2026 preparation tips provided by toppers and experts here. The GATE preparation tips 2026 will help the candidates to chalk out a better study plan for them.
“Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster” - Sun Tzu. GATE 2026 can be compared to war for those candidates who are currently preparing for the examination. As rightly pointed out by the quote, it is important for you to know everything about your enemy i.e., the examination to win this battle. Proper and detailed information about the examination pattern, marking scheme, types of questions asked and more should be checked on. Make sure to check GATE 2026 syllabus to know which topics may be asked as questions in the examination.
“I already had a very clear understanding of topics in the GATE 2017 syllabus since I prepared for many core courses during my placement preparation. The first thing was to revise the topics present in the GATE syllabus.”- Ravi Shankar Mishra AIR 3 (Computer Science Engineering)
While preparing for the syllabus of GATE 2026, try to strengthen the basic fundamental concepts of each topic. Knowing the basic concept of the topics involved in the examination will give you a foundation and the topics will become easier to understand and remember. This understanding will result in remembering the concepts well during the examination.
“This time, the questions in the GATE paper were completely from basic concepts: so much basic that they tested the roots of basics! In this case, it so happens that the students get confused (like I also did initially but then recovered) because they tend to study the advanced level during preparation and tend to miss/skip the easier part thinking it will easily come to them. Mind you - IT DOES NOT. When you are sitting in an exam, it gets difficult and you start forgetting everything. That is why I always say that sticking to your basics is very crucial.” - Rohit Sachdeva AIR 93 (Civil Engineering)
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“They should have a good understanding of the subjects. Strong basics and sound knowledge about the concepts is very important.” - M.B.Singh, CMD for the Made Easy Group
One of the most important task to fulfill before commencing the preparation process for GATE 2026 is to plan. Creating a schedule and dividing the syllabus accordingly will help you plan out your studies. According to your timetable, divide which chapters and topics you want to spend more time on and which require less of your time. Keep changing the topics after every few hours of study to keep the studies from being monotonous. Try to finish the syllabus well before the examination date to keep time for revision. Make sure to add short breaks in between.
“Planning played a very important role in the preparation; I was able to finish one main round of study and two rounds of revision, along with giving a full set of online mock papers/test series (consisting of 66 small, medium & full mock tests). I did not leave out any subject as I knew that there is very less scope of leaving questions if one wants to score high!” - Rohit Sachdeva AIR 93 (Civil Engineering)
One should start preparing for the exam early, say in their graduation so as 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. - Abhash Rai, GATE 2020 Topper (AIR 1 in Electrical Engineering)
Time management is the most important factor in GATE 2026 exam. The duration of the examination is 3 hours during which you will have to solve 65 multiple choice and numerical answer type questions. Learning to manage time between the different sections will ensure that you finish the examination well before time which leaves room for rechecking of answers. While practicing sample papers, keep a timer nearby to check your time management skills.
“There are 30 one-mark questions, which should be completed in 45-55 minutes. Then there are 35 two-mark questions in which one should invest around 100-120 minutes. With this speed, the paper can be finished with enough time left for revisiting some questions if required.” - Rohit Sachdeva AIR 93 (Civil Engineering)
One of the best methods to prepare for the GATE 2026 exam is solving mock tests and sample papers. During the preparation time, it is important to constantly solve the previous year question papers, sample papers, and mock tests. What is the importance of solving these tests and papers? By solving these, you will be able to practically apply the theories and concepts that you have studied till now. Be sure to keep a timer nearby to check how much time is required to solve the paper.
Mock tests and sample papers are very important in any exam including GATE. I gave mock tests and sample papers before the exam and also throughout the preparation. It helps in evaluating the preparation level, mistakes we are making and time we take for solving the questions.- Ashutosh Rai, GATE 2020 Topper (AIR 3 in Mechanical Engineering)
“It is equally important to take up mock tests and solve the GATE question papers from previous years. Mock tests help you stay focused and help you to push your limits. The mock tests are normally tougher as compared to the actual papers. Solving GATE sample papers will help you to gauge the pattern of the actual GATE paper. The trick to crack the paper is no secret. One must take up the mock exams at regular intervals to know the level of one’s preparation.” - Ameya Dravid AIR 2 (Biotechnology)
“In a competitive exam like GATE, more than self-appraisal, what is important is where a student stands in a group of people who may be equally competent. Mock tests and sample paper solving help you understand your performance vis a vis the population attempting GATE. Solving previous year papers is very helpful for the simple reason that the moment you solve the last 10 years of GATE papers, you have covered almost 80% of the syllabus from which you may expect questions.” - Nitin Rakesh Prasad, Director, THE GATE ACADEMY
“Mock tests give you a real time demo of GATE exam and help you in understanding what things should be and should not be done in the exam. Solving previous year papers gives an idea of the difficulty level of the GATE questions. It also helps us analyze the level of our preparation for GATE.” - Siddhant Khopkar AIR 8 (Electrical Engineering)
After solving mock test and sample papers, you should regularly analyze your performance. This will let you know how much of the syllabus has been covered and how much more is left. Analyzing your performance will also let you know all the mistakes committed during the mock tests. The wrong answers can be revised and studied to correct the concepts studied.
“A Test series that is generally available easily from many of the coaching people is also a must as it helps students analyze their exam temperament and teaches time management.” - Divyanshu Jha AIR 8 (Mechanical Engineering)
“Solving previous year papers gives an idea of the difficulty level of the GATE questions. It also helps us analyze the level of our preparation for GATE.” - Siddhant Khopkar AIR 8 (Electrical Engineering)
Regular studying pattern is important during the preparation process of GATE exam. However, along with the long hours of study it is equally important to take short sweet breaks for relaxation and refreshment. Taking short breaks helps in relaxing and refreshing the mind for later studies. Take a walk, listen to music, read a book or just sleep, you can do whatever you want to do during this small break. But after the end of the break, get back to your studies with a fresh mind and full concentration.
“I used to read and learn new stuff from the Internet. This is used to break the monotony and rejuvenate my mind. On other occasions, I watched, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Breaking Bad.” - Ameya Dravid AIR 2 (Biotechnology)
“I used to play badminton regularly in the evening in addition to spending some time with my friends. However, I was particular about not to losing any sleep during the course of my GATE preparation. Proper sleep kept the negative thoughts at bay.” - Anuj Gupta AIR 1 (Textile Engineering & Fiber Science)
Revision of everything that has been studied is one of the most important preparation tips. After completing a section of concepts and theories, you should revise thoroughly as this will help freshen up your mind. A small notepad should also be kept to write down those formulas or concepts with which you are having a hard time. Using the small accessible notepad, you will be able to revise those particular concepts anytime and anywhere.
“While studying a particular topic, do not forget to revise the topics that you have already completed. This revision will help you to remember the concepts.” - Nihar Sahoo AIR 9 (Computer Science)
“I pasted a page on the wall right in front of my table with the caption “MY WEAKNESSES” where I noted down all sections where I was weak and the mistakes that I made to allow me to see it daily. I worked on all of those. My advice is never to run away from subjects that intimidate you. Read and then re-read; things will be starting to get clear and you will gain confidence.” - Himadri Bandyopadhyay AIR 15 (Computer Science)
“Last month is all about revision of the topics and practice and more practice.” - Jitendra Sinha, Director, GATE Forum
Hopefully, the candidates will be able to use this article on GATE 2026 Preparation Tips from Toppers and Experts to boost their preparation process for the upcoming examination. All the best to all the candidates!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They prepare formula sheets and concise notes early in preparation and revise them weekly. Before the exam, they revise each topic multiple times and focus on weak areas identified in mocks.
The GATE results are typically declared in March or April, but the exact date will be available on the official website after the exam.
Toppers usually study 5–7 focused hours daily, split between theory, problem-solving, and revision. They plan weekly goals to finish the syllabus and leave the last 1–2 months only for revision and mock tests.
If you’re having trouble accessing any exam-related details or documents, such as your admit card or exam schedule, you can contact the official GATE helpdesk for assistance.
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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