How to prepare for GATE from 1st year of college? - Did this question ever pop into your head, “How to prepare for GATE from 1st year”? If yes, this is the right stop for you! GATE is an all-India test being conducted for admission to postgraduate programs and attractive job offers in various Public Sector Undertakings. Although most students begin their preparation in the final year, starting in the first year of college will help you a great deal. In this guide, you will find out how to prepare for GATE from 1st year of college.The GATE 2025 exam, scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. Admit Card for the exam is now released.
How to Prepare for GATE from 1st Year of College? - Year Wise Study Plan
Why to Start GATE Preparation from the First Year?
Early Bird Advantage: The benefits that are associated with early planning include; one, you are able to develop the right foundations, and two, you minimize stress at the end. Aligned with College Curriculum: Most subjects of the GATE examination fit your college subjects and, hence can be studied in parallel with ease. Time for In-depth Understanding: You are in a position to take your time to understand the ideas in question before you move to the next step. Opportunity for Multiple Revisions: Preparation ahead of time allows for several review sessions hence improved memory.
How to prepare for GATE from 1st year of college? - Step-by-Step Guide
GATE Preparation Plan for First Year of College
Familiarize Yourself with GATE especially if you're thinking about how to prepare for GATE CSE from 1st year.
Research about the different GATE papers and choose your target discipline
Focus on Fundamental Subjects
Pay extra attention to core subjects like Engineering Mathematics, which carry significant weightage in GATE. Start solving basic problems from GATE previous year questions related to these subjects
Develop a Reading Habit
Start reading standard textbooks recommended for GATE preparation
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing
Build a Strong Foundation in General Aptitude
Begin preparing for the General Aptitude section, which is common across all GATE papers
Solve puzzles, logical reasoning problems, and improve your verbal ability
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Allocate the majority of your free time to GATE studies
Focus on revision and problem-solving
Solve Test Series
Enroll in a good test series to practice extensively
Aim to solve at least 30-40 full-length mock tests before the actual exam
Revise and Refine
Go through your notes and revise all important concepts
Focus on topics with higher weightage in GATE
Work on Your Weak Areas
Identify and strengthen your weak topics
Seek help from mentors or seniors if needed
Stay Updated with GATE Notifications
Keep track of GATE application dates, exam dates, and any changes in syllabus or exam pattern
Best Books for GATE Preparation
The following are the most recommended books for GATE preparation:
Subject
Books
Engineering Mathematics:
Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal
Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig
General Aptitude:
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
General Aptitude for GATE by R. S. Aggarwal
Computer Science and Engineering (CSE):
Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth H. Rosen
Operating System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz
Electrical Engineering:
Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications by Allan R. Hambley
Power System Analysis by John J. Grainger
Mechanical Engineering:
Mechanical Engineering Design by J.E. Shigley
Engineering Mechanics by J.L. Meriam
Civil Engineering:
Strength of Materials by R.K. Bansal
R.S. Khurmi for Fluid Mechanics
Chemical Engineering:
Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles by Christie John Geankoplis
Chemical Engineering Design by Gavin Towler
Tips for Consistent GATE Preparation Throughout College
Balance College Studies and GATE Preparation: Ensure that your GATE preparation doesn't hamper your college performance for how to prepare for GATE with college. Use Technology Wisely: Many GATE preparation apps and online resources are helpful if used correctly during the learning process.
Form Study Groups: Get together with other students for group study purposes.
Stay Motivated: Lack of motivation during preparation is usually dangerous, therefore you should set Small, Achievable Goals to keep you focused.
Take Care of Your Health: Keep a clean and healthy diet, exercise, and get enough rest.
Be Consistent: The following is true when it comes to long-term preparations; Consistency is vital. As little as an hour or two a day can count miles over a four-year duration of the course.
Seek Guidance: It is not wrong to seek help from your professors or seniors as you prepare for the GATE.
All these strategies explained in this guide and starting from the first year of college with GATE preparation will help you to successfully pass the exam. Please note that with the right kind of effort consistently applied, understanding particular strategies that work with you, and a strong conceptual base, anyone can crack GATE. Begin on time, work hard, and be determined and you will definitely make it big.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.3. How many hours do I need to study each day for GATE?
Often the period can greatly depend upon various factors including the amount of prior knowledge on the subject as well as the remaining duration before the exam. Even in the first years of college, it is possible to organize a Hamburguesa class, spending 1-2 hours a day. You may find it necessary to move up to 3-4 hours or more in your final year depending on the number of assignments you handle at any given time.
2.Is it necessary to join any coaching for preparing for the GATE?
As we have seen through the previous pages, it is not necessary to be a part of a coaching institute to crack GATE. Thus, a large number of students manage to prepare successfully independently. This decision should be made depending on the learning style as well as the needs one may have.
3.Even if life is so tough and competitive, is it essential to start preparing for GATE right from the first year of college or engineering?
Of course, it is not mandatory but starting early gives you a substantial head start. It invites time for better preparation, without the pressure that is usually associated with the last year of college. But if you’re studying this later than your first year you should not panic – you can make a plan of preparation starting from this point.
Yes, a student waiting for the final semester (S6 or S8) result but has passed all other semesters and holds a valid GATE score can apply for M.Tech admission.
However, final admission usually depends on:
Clearing all pending semester exams before the admission deadline.
Submission of the final semester marksheet or provisional certificate when required.
Colleges may allow provisional admission based on GATE and previous results, but you must clear the remaining semester to continue the course.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
The time needed to prepare for the GATE exam varies greatly depending on individual factors like study habits, whether the concepts are clear or not and etc...However, a timeframe of 1 to 2 years is generally recommended for serious preparation, especially if you're aiming for a good rank.
If your basics are clear and you are well known with the concepts then focus on pyq's and give mock tests and re-revise the syllabus. But if your preparation is not that much good then I would suggest that give a complete one year time and prepare well and then appear for the Exam.
Numerous coaching centers and online websites provide GATE study material, lectures, and test series in Hindi.
There are GATE books, YouTube channels, and apps that provide explanations in Hindi.
But the GATE exam question paper comes only in English (except for Humanities and Social Sciences, which has a possible Hindi option).
Therefore, though you can read and comprehend concepts in Hindi, you need to feel at ease reading and answering questions in English during the actual test.
In short:
You can certainly prepare for GATE in Hindi, but the final test would be in English (for the majority of papers), so practice reading technical words in English as well.
If you're aiming for
M.E./M.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
through GATE, you'll need to appear for the
GATE EE (Electrical Engineering)
paper. The syllabus covers a broad range of topics like:
Engineering Mathematics
– Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Complex Numbers, etc.
Electric Circuits
– Network theorems, Transient & Steady State Analysis, etc.
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