How to Prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 Months

How to Prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 Months

Ongoing Event

GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 29 Jul 2025, 08:59 PM IST

How to Prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 months- With GATE 2026 all set for next year, aspirants are now preparing for the exam. The GATE 2026 syllabus PDF can be accessed on the official website of GATE for better knowledge of the exam demand. Likewise there will be other relevant information available as well such as the exam date and eligibility criteria. Once you have familiarized yourself with the syllabus, you can begin your preparation by using recommended books and study materials. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive exam that provides access to various postgraduate courses and opportunities in the fields of engineering and science.

GATE 2026 Exam Overview

How to Prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 Months
How to Prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 Months

Particulars

Details

Negative Marking Scheme

Two types of MCQs:

  • MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. There are no negative marks for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

  • NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

Conducting Institute

IISc Bangalore

Mode of application

Online

Eligibility

Graduate in engineering/post graduate in science

Mode of exam

Online

Duration of exam

3 hours

Total number of questions

65

Type of questions

MCQs,MSQ & NAT


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GATE Preparation

The GATE examination is taken by nearly 10 lakh candidates each year, with the goal of securing admission to PG engineering courses or PSU recruitment through GATE . The exam is highly competitive, as the number of applicants far exceeds the available seats for higher education and PSU recruitment through GATE. GATE assesses the comprehensive and analytical understanding of undergraduate engineering and science subjects. To qualify for the GATE exam, students must have a conceptual understanding and in-depth knowledge of the basic principles from each subject and topic. Additionally, dedication and determination are essential to succeed in the exam. Students are advised to use the best books for GATE preparation to maximize their chances of success. The GATE exam is conducted for a total of 30 subjects, and each subject has a different minimum qualifying mark. Students who pass the exam can use their score for three years from the date of the GATE result announcement.

Also read:


How to Prepare for GATE in 6 months?

Below students are provided with some tips and suggestions based on tips and suggestions as recommended by previous year toppers, coaching institutes and various subject experts for how to prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 months.

Refer Previous Year Papers

It is advised that students refer to the previous year question papers to understand the exam's difficulty level, pattern, and topics' weightage. Students should refer to question papers from the last 10 years to strategize their GATE preparation plan in 6 months.

Check Syllabus and Exam Pattern

It is essential for students to have a clear understanding of the GATE syllabus and exam pattern. The official syllabus of GATE is released by the organising institute. The syllabus comprises subjects and topics taught at the graduate level programs in engineering. Students must identify the important topics, allocate more time to topics that are challenging, and focus on topics that are covered in their undergraduate syllabus.

Students must also be aware of the GATE exam pattern. The exam paper will consist of 65 MCQ questions for a duration of 3 hours. GATE exam is conducted for total marks 100 Marks. GATE negative marking is deducted for MCQs .

Select Books and Study Materials

To achieve the best results in GATE, it is important for students to select best study material for GATE preparation. The best books for GATE preparation in 6 months should have easy-to-understand language, lots of examples to clarify topics, and cover the complete syllabus. Additionally, students can utilise online e-books as a source of information since they have limited time available for preparation.

Study Regularly

Regularity in studies with complete dedication and determination is essential to crack the exam. Students should make a timetable, allocate proper time to every topic covered in the exam, learn basic concepts of every topic, solve more numerical questions, and avoid rote learning. Students should also make separate short notes for important topics and formulas to study and revise whenever they get time.
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Revise Everyday along with Mock Tests

Revising topics is crucial because if students do not revise what they have studied, they may not be able to recall them at the time of the test. It is recommended that students revise every day before going to bed and first thing in the morning before beginning to study a new topic. Solving mock tests regularly is also important to have an understanding of their preparation level.

Check :- GATE Mock Test

Stay Motivated

Motivation is crucial to keep going on a journey. Students must stay motivated, keep preparing for the exam, and not give up. Watching interviews of previous year GATE toppers, motivational videos, and interviews on previous year GATE toppers who have done great in life can help students stay motivated.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the age limit for GATE 2026?
A:

There is no age limit for appearing in the GATE 2026 exam. Candidates from any age group can apply as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Q: Is 6 months enough to prepare for the GATE?
A:

Yes, six months are enough to crack the GATE exam for CSE students. Candidates with adequate knowledge of all disciplines included in GATE, can easily crack the exam in 6 months. They need to understand the GATE syllabus for CSE first.

Q: How can I effectively prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 months?
A:

 To prepare for GATE 2026 in 6 months:

  1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Begin by downloading the GATE 2026 syllabus PDF from the official website and reviewing the exam structure.
  2. Divide Your Preparation Time: Allocate time proportionately for learning concepts, practicing problems, and revising. Cover high-weightage topics first.
  3. Use Standard Resources: Study from recommended books and resources specific to your stream.
  4. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' GATE question papers and take mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Q: Will GATE 2026 have multiple sessions on the same day?
A:

Yes, GATE 2026 will likely have multiple sessions (morning and afternoon) on each exam day.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Candidate,

The last date for registration of GATE examination is 28 September 2025 without late fee. But there is 9th October 2025 is last date with late fee .

So Don't be late or fill the form.

Thank you

Hello Candidate,

You can get free study material from here and also you can download it :

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/best-gate-preparation-materials

Here is study material, question papers, preparation tips and much more.

Hey! If you want to make changes in your GATE application after submission, you can do it through the correction window on the official GOAPS website. Log in with your enrollment ID or email and password, click on Application Form Correction, and make the necessary edits like personal details, academic info, exam paper, category, or exam centre. Some changes may require a small fee. After editing, submit the form and download the updated copy for your records.

Remember, the correction window is open for a limited time, so make the changes before the deadline.

Yes, It’s okay if your GATE admit card has the surname last and your Aadhaar has it first. This small difference usually doesn’t cause any problem as long as the spelling of your name is correct and all documents are genuine.

Just make sure to check all your documents for spelling errors. If the mismatch is significant, like missing letters, you can get an affidavit notarized stating that all documents belong to you. Otherwise, you don’t need to worry.

Hey! If you want to do M.Tech without a GATE score, there are several colleges that offer admission through their own entrance exams or selection process. For example, VIT Vellore (VITMEE), BITS Pilani (BITS HD), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI Entrance Exam), Amity University (Amity JEE), Thapar University (TUET), and Pondicherry University all accept students without GATE. Many private universities like Sanskriti University and Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth also allow admission through their own exams. You should check each college for eligibility, application process, fee structure, and placement opportunities before applying.