How to Prepare for GATE from 1st Year of College? - Year Wise Study Plan

How to Prepare for GATE from 1st Year of College? - Year Wise Study Plan

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jan 30, 2025 12:25 PM IST | #GATE

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
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.

  • Understand the GATE exam pattern and syllabus

  • 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

VIT Bhopal University | M.Tech Admissions 2025

M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now

MAHE Manipal M.Tech 2025

NAAC A++ Accredited | Accorded institution of Eminence by Govt. of India | NIRF Rank #4

GATE Preparation Plan for Second Year of College

  • Create a Structured Study Plan that allocates time for how to prepare for GATE with college alongside your regular studies.

  • Develop a weekly schedule allocating time for GATE preparation alongside your regular studies

  • Include topics from both 1st and 2nd-year subjects in your GATE preparation plan

  • Start Solving GATE Previous Year Questions

  • Begin with solving GATE questions from the past 5 years

  • Focus on understanding the question patterns and difficulty levels

  • Join Online GATE Communities to Participate in online forums and discussion groups to learn more about how to prepare for GATE CSE from 1st year.

  • Participate in online forums and discussion groups dedicated to GATE preparation

  • Share your doubts and learn from peers

  • Attend GATE Workshops and Seminars

  • Look for GATE-related workshops or seminars in your college or nearby institutions

GATE 2025 College Predictor
Know your Chances for M.Tech Admission in Engineering Colleges based on GATE Score & Marks, Caste group, GATE Paper & Qualifying Degree.
Try Now

These events can provide valuable insights into exam strategies and important topics

GATE Preparation Plan for 3rd Year of College

  • Intensify Your Preparation

  • Increase the time dedicated to how to prepare for GATE from 1st year.

  • Start solving complete previous year papers under timed conditions

  • Focus on Core Subjects

  • Pay special attention to the core subjects of your chosen GATE paper

  • Create short notes for quick revision

  • Take Online Mock Tests

  • Start attempting full-length online mock tests to gauge your preparation level

  • Analyze your performance and work on your weak areas

  • Consider Joining a GATE Coaching Institute

  • If you feel the need for structured guidance, consider enrolling in a reputed GATE coaching institute to balance how to prepare for GATE with college.

  • Many institutes offer weekend batches suitable for college students

GMAT™ Exam

Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts

NMIMS Online MBA

Apply for Online MBA from NMIMS

GATE Preparation Plan for Final Year of College

  • Dedicate Maximum Time to GATE Preparation

  • 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

  1. Engineering Mathematics:

  • Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal

  • Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig

  1. General Aptitude:

  • A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

  • General Aptitude for GATE by R. S. Aggarwal

  1. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE):

  • Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth H. Rosen

  • Operating System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz

  1. Electrical Engineering:

  • Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications by Allan R. Hambley

  • Power System Analysis by John J. Grainger

  1. Mechanical Engineering:

  • Mechanical Engineering Design by J.E. Shigley

  • Engineering Mechanics by J.L. Meriam

  1. Civil Engineering:

  • Strength of Materials by R.K. Bansal

  • R.S. Khurmi for Fluid Mechanics

  1. 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.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

B.Sc in Programming and Data Science
Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Basic Programming using Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Textiles and Quality Analysis
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
Understanding Ethnography
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Machine Learning Zero to Hero
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Online BCA
Via Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham AHEAD Online
Udemy
 1525 courses
Swayam
 817 courses
NPTEL
 773 courses
Coursera
 697 courses
Edx
 608 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

hello aspirant,


  • Know the Exam Pattern
    GATE has three parts: General Aptitude (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (10–13 marks), and your Core Subject (70+ marks). Knowing this helps you plan your focus.

  • Check the Syllabus
    Download the latest GATE syllabus for your specific branch. Start with high-weightage topics and make sure you cover everything that’s important.

  • Make a Study Plan
    Set a simple and realistic daily routine. Try to study 4–6 hours a day and set weekly targets. Always keep time for revision and solving mock tests.

  • Use the Right Books
    Stick to standard textbooks and good GATE preparation materials like Made Easy or ACE. Don’t overload yourself with too many books—choose wisely and revise them well.

  • Practice a Lot
    Solve previous years’ GATE papers to understand the question pattern. Practice topic-wise problems regularly and focus more on numerical-type questions.

  • Take Mock Tests
    Join a test series and give mock exams regularly. After every test, check what went wrong and work on those weak areas. This helps improve speed and accuracy.

  • Revise and Stay Calm
    Make a short notebook of formulas and key points. Revise it often. Also, take care of your health, sleep well, and don’t panic. Staying relaxed is just as important as studying.


    Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can — every small step counts.
    All the very best for your exam preparation journey.

You have practice and better technical skills due to both your advanced education and your 3 years of work in this field.


To further enhance your career prospects, consider:

[It would also help to] choose advanced topics, like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Industry 4.0, to learn more.

- Participate in industry occasions to meet other experts and prospective employers.

To enhance your skills and open up management roles, you can go for an MTech or an MBA.


Hello aspirant,

The list of applicants who registered, showed up, and passed the GATE 2025 exam has been made public by IIT Roorkee.  747319 of the 936019 applicants that registered for the exam this year actually took the GATE 2025 exam.

For more information, you can visit our site through following link:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-many-students-appeared-for-gate-2025-branch-wise

Thank you

Hello,

Yes, it is possible to join an ME without writing GATE. You can consider universities such as VIT, SRM, and Amity which conduct their own entrance test or take admission based on merit. Several states conduct their own entrance exams like TANCET in Tamil Nadu, PGCET in Karnataka, and MAH-CET in Maharashtra.

Hope this helps. All the best!

HEY THERE!!!

  • Anna University posts the official CEETA PG 2024 merit list (rank list) online for applicants without GATE. The official Anna University admissions portal has the CEETA PG (non-GATE) rank list in PDF format.
  • To obtain:
  • For CEETA PG, go to the Anna University admissions page at cfa.annauniv.edu/cfa/merit23.html.
  • Locate and download the PDF under the "M.E. / M.TECH. / M.ARCH. / M.PLAN. - CEETA-PG CATEGORY. Rank List" section.
  • The names and ranks of applicants who took the CEETA PG exam without a GATE are listed here, and they are qualified for subsequent admissions and counselling rounds.
View All
Flight Attendant

A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.

3 Jobs Available
Flight Engineer

A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.

2 Jobs Available
Aircrew officer

An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.

2 Jobs Available
Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.

2 Jobs Available
Air Hostess

An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.

2 Jobs Available
Aeronautical Engineer

An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.

2 Jobs Available
Safety Manager

A Safety Manager ensures workplace safety by developing policies, conducting training, assessing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They investigate incidents, manage workers’ compensation, and handle emergency responses. Working across industries like construction and healthcare, they combine leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to protect employees and maintain safe environments.

2 Jobs Available
Airline Pilot

An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.

1 Jobs Available
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

5 Jobs Available
Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

3 Jobs Available
Architect

An architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. Key skills include creativity, design software proficiency, and knowledge of building codes. In India, a 5-year B.Arch degree and registration with the Council of Architecture are required to practise professionally.

2 Jobs Available
Landscape Architect

Having a landscape architecture career, you are involved in site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, suitable design, and construction specification. Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York introduced the title “landscape architect”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) proclaims that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design and advise on the stewardship, conservation and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment". Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as a landscape architect are those who are educated and experienced in landscape architecture. Students need to pursue various landscape architecture degrees, such as M.Des, M.Plan to become landscape architects. If you have more questions regarding a career as a landscape architect or how to become a landscape architect then you can read the article to get your doubts cleared. 

2 Jobs Available
Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities. 

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

2 Jobs Available
Plumber

A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems in homes and buildings. Their duties include fixing leaks, installing fixtures, testing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and working with other professionals on projects. They also document repairs and may supervise apprentices. Plumbers play a key role in ensuring public health and the smooth functioning of essential utilities.

2 Jobs Available
Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

2 Jobs Available
Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

2 Jobs Available
Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

3 Jobs Available
Energy Performance Engineer

Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes. 

Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.

2 Jobs Available
Geologist

A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them. 

A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these. 

2 Jobs Available
Petroleum Engineer

A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.

2 Jobs Available
Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

3 Jobs Available
Civil Engineer

A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers. 

2 Jobs Available
Transportation Engineer

A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day. 

As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies. 

1 Jobs Available
Loco Pilot

A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top