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.

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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 ?

To take GATE mock tests, first choose a reliable source like GATE official portal, NPTEL, Made Easy, or ACE Engineering. Sign up or register online to access the full-length tests. Simulate the actual 3-hour exam with proper timing and no distractions. Attempt complete tests to practice time management and exam strategy. After each test, analyze your performance to identify weak areas and revise. Regularly taking 1–2 mocks per week helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.



For GATE Life Sciences question banks, you can go for GATE past year's papers to understand the exam style, and you can buy online test series from a coaching site for lots of new practice questions.

you can get question book one from publishers like IFAS or GKP. Also use free online resources like NPTEL and EasyBiologyClass for extra practice and study materials. Good luck!

Here are GATE exam aptitude topics from high to low weightage:

1. English Comprehension & Vocabulary

2.Numerical Ability and Arithmetic

3.Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

4.Data Interpretation

5.Geometry & Mensuration basic

6.Algebra basic

7.Probability and Statistics

8.General Knowledge and Miscellaneous Verbal like  odd one out, analogy, word usage.


If you are needed to prepare for gate exam from ece batch there 65 questions in exam pattern total marks is 100 here 15% is aptitude general questions then 15% mathematics engineering questions , 70% core subjects you need to concentrate on more core related subject like controls system , signals and system , digital circut these topics covers most of the basics but you need to prepare more topics in core subjects and create a structure plan for yourself dialy attend mock test with time duration these steps will help to prepare very easily.