GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
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.
Particulars
Details
Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration
3 hours (180 minutes)
Total Papers
30 disciplines (including General Aptitude common to all)
Total Questions
65 questions
Total Marks
100 marks
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Sections
General Aptitude (15 marks) + Subject-Specific (85 marks)
Marking Scheme
1-mark and 2-mark questions; negative marking for MCQs (⅓ mark for 1-mark questions, ⅔ mark for 2-mark questions)
Subjects Included
Varies by paper; General Aptitude is common
Language of Paper
English
Question Distribution
15 marks GA + 85 marks subject (Engineering Maths weightage depends on paper)
Must Read:- GATE Virtual Calculator - How to Use it?
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.
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.
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)
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.
The GATE 2026 schedule is not out yet but it will most probably be conducted on February, 2026.
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.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).
You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.
Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
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