How to Prepare for GATE 2025 With Job: 5 Key Tips And Strategies

How to Prepare for GATE 2025 With Job: 5 Key Tips And Strategies

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 08, 2025 10:14 PM IST | #GATE

How to prepare for GATE 2026 exam while working? - There are students who know while opting for the engineering course that they will be preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test of Engineering in the future. But sometimes, students happen to end completing their undergraduate degree while chasing some other targets and start working, that is when they realize that they should appear in the GATE exam for better opportunities or further studies. It should be kept in mind that preparation for GATE 2026 with a job is not at all a cake walk, but it is not impossible as well. When talking about how to prepare for GATE while working, it is all about time management and dedication for the result that a candidate aspires for. There are some dos and don’ts that one has to take note of and it will be the direction of preparation for GATE with a job.

How to Prepare for GATE 2025 With Job: 5 Key Tips And Strategies
How to Prepare for GATE 2025 With Job: 5 Key Tips And Strategies

Must Read:- GATE Virtual Calculator - How to Use it?

Dos on how to prepare for GATE while working

  • Understand the Exam - Candidates should check out the GATE 2026 syllabus for the particular subject and don’t forget to download the same. Candidates should also understand the GATE 2026 exam pattern so that they know how many questions they will have to face, what is the exact duration of the exam, whether there is negative marking, and all such factors.

  • GATE Books - Collect the best books for GATE 2026 preparation while checking out the student reviews. Candidates should opt for one single book or subject/ topic wise book depending upon the time left for the exam when they start with preparation.

  • Plan - After getting an idea of the structure of the GATE exam and also collecting the suitable study material, candidates should frame a study plan on what topics he/ she is good at and the rest that need more focus. Also the number of hours that can be dedicated in a week day and on the weekend.

  • Other Sources - While having a plan to prepare with the help of books, one should not look down upon other sources of knowledge. So if one finds some coaching institute whose timings suit the work schedule and can be afforded, it is a better idea to join. The reason being that GATE Preparation with Job is a crucial task because many things happen in life that can not be ignored unless the person is indulged in a strict routine and there is some money invested for it. Candidates can also refer to the online lectures by experts that are present all over the internet and can help understand the concepts with less effort.

  • Practice - Candidates should not at all ignore the most important task while preparing for GATE, i.e. practising with the help of sample papers and GATE question papers. This step will help them understand the depth of their preparation and analyze the portions that need more focus and time.

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Don’ts on how to prepare for GATE while working

There are some practices that should now be allowed in the routine of a candidate who is preparing for GATE along with a job as provided below:

  • Don’t Waste Time - While getting indulged into a job already, if a candidate still thinks of preparing for GATE and is determined to crack the exam, the idea of wasting time should just vanish as soon as the thought of applying and appearing for GATE shows up.

  • Long Continuous Hours of Study - Continuous studies for more than 2 hours can mess up the whole idea of preparing well because prolonged concentration into books won’t help for any good but lead to distraction. Thus, candidates should make sure to take breaks after at least an hour and the most of 2 hours. The break may range from 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Stress - It is understandable that there is much more mental stress in today’s era and handling a job in itself is a brain buster sometimes. For those who take up another task for the brain need to relieve it as well so that it doesn’t end up malfunctioning and causing health troubles. For that, candidates should start meditating or take up such activities that relax their mind like listening to music, yoga, etc. This will help the brain relieve from the two way burden.

  • Not having Short Notes - Candidates should for sure make short notes while preparing for GATE and also carry them along wherever they go, especially at their workplace. Because there is no work all the time and there is scope for much leisure time, however, it totally depends upon the work nature. This will help them take quick revision anytime and anywhere.

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With the above-mentioned pointers, it might seem that GATE Preparation with Job is an easy task but it should not be misunderstood at all. GATE is a tough exam and it needs complete dedication on part of the aspirant. Those who are working and can not afford to drop the job due to some reasons understand that they have to accomplish many tasks while compromising their leisure time, then why not do it for some good and add to your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Many Hours Should I Study Per Week for GATE 2026?

The amount of study time needed can vary depending on individual circumstances, but a general recommendation is to aim for around 10-15 hours of study per week. For those working full-time, this can be broken down into daily sessions of 1-2 hours during weekdays and longer study periods on weekends. Consistent, focused study sessions, even if shorter, are often more effective than sporadic, longer ones.

2. When Will the GATE 2026 Exam Take Place?

The GATE 2026 schedule is not out yet but it will most probably be conducted  on February, 2026.

3. What Is the Format of the GATE 2026 Exam?

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in an online computer-based test (CBT) format. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. The exam is designed to assess the understanding and application of concepts rather than rote memorization. Each paper will have a specific number of questions and a total duration of 3 hours.

4. What if I am unable to reach my exam center on the assigned GATE exam date?

If you're unable to reach the exam center due to unforeseen circumstances, you cannot request a reschedule. It’s essential to plan your travel in advance and account for potential delays.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Vinod,

Here is your complete time management strategy and roadmap:

Stage 1: Foundation Phase (June 2025 – Dec 2025)

  • Target: Comprehensive conceptual clarity of core EEE subjects.
  • Study Time: 2 - 3 hours daily (other than college work)
  • Subjects: Network Theory, Signals & Systems, Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Machines
  • Weekly Plan: 5 days theory + 2 days review / practice
  • Solve topic-wise PYQ from GATE after every chapter.

Stage 2: Strengthening Phase (Jan 2026 – Oct 2026)

  • Target: Full syllabus + practice + revise
  • Study Time: 3 - 4 hours everyday on weekdays, 6 - 8 hours on saturdays/sundays
  • Complete remaining subjects: Power Systems, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, EMT, Measurements
  • Join in a test series and make summary notes and error logs

Stage 3: Revision & Test Phase (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027)

  • Target: Maximize test performance and accuracy.
  • Study Duration: 6-8 hours every day (focus only on GATE)
  • Plan: Take full length tests 2-3 times a week.
  • Analyze and revise weak areas.
  • Practice numerical types & MSQ.

GATE CSE Syllabus: Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Networks, DBMS, OS, COA, TOC, Compiler Design, Digital Logic, Software Engineering, Discrete Math, Engineering Math, Aptitude.
Job Roles After GATE: Software Engineer, System Analyst, Scientist (ISRO, DRDO, BARC), PSU roles, M.Tech/MS admissions, Researcher, Assistant Professor.

As of now, CEAP counselling registration for GATE-qualified candidates has not yet opened. The official portal has not released the registration link, which indicates that the process is delayed this year. Usually, the registration begins in May or early June, but since it's already July, it's expected to go live anytime soon. You should keep checking the Anna University CEAP portal regularly for updates. Make sure your GATE scorecard and other documents are ready, so you can register immediately once the link is active.

Hello aspirant,
Yes, the registration for CEAP (Common Engineering Admission Procedure) for GATE-qualified candidates is now open on Anna University’s counselling portal. You can log in using your GATE credentials and complete the online registration, including payment and choice filling. After that, seat allotments will start once all registrations are processed. Keep an eye on the official portal for any updates regarding choice submission deadlines and seat allotment dates.

Yes, it is possible to get admitted to some government postgraduate (PG) programs, including M.Tech, without a GATE score. While GATE is a common and often preferred route for admission to many government institutions, especially IITs and NITs, several alternatives exist.

Here's how you can pursue PG programs without GATE:

Sponsored Seats:

Many IITs and NITs offer sponsored seats in their M.Tech programs. These seats are often available to candidates with relevant work experience (usually at least two years) in a related field.

Quality Improvement Programme (QIP):

This program allows individuals already working in academic institutions to pursue M.Tech degrees at IITs and other institutions without a GATE score.

Entrance Exams Conducted by Specific Institutions:

Some institutions, including IITs and NITs, may conduct their own entrance exams or interviews for specific M.Tech programs, especially for those not seeking GATE-based admission.

State-Level Entrance Exams:

Some state governments conduct their own entrance exams for postgraduate programs in state-funded universities and colleges.

Merit-Based Admission:

Some institutions may offer admission based on academic merit, considering your undergraduate performance and other relevant factors.

Private Institutions:

Private universities and colleges often offer M.Tech programs without mandatory GATE scores, relying on their own entrance exams, interviews, or merit-based admissions.

Study Abroad:

Consider pursuing an MS degree abroad, as many international universities have their own admission criteria, which may not include GATE.

Important Considerations:

Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria of the institution and program you are interested in, as these may vary.

Application Deadlines: Be aware of the application deadlines for each institution and program.

Alternative Exams: If you are considering an institution that conducts its own entrance exam, familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus.

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