How to Prepare for GATE Exam 2026 without Coaching - As one of the most popular national level postgraduate engineering entrance examinations, Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is very competitive in nature. Lakhs of students attempt the GATE exam and the competition level is high so they often turn to coaching for guidance. Not every student is privileged enough to choose coaching for the preparation, so they wish to know how to prepare for the GATE exam without coaching. While coaching is considered a must for exam preparation, recent times have seen a shift of view. Most of the GATE toppers are discovered to not attend coaching and rely on self-preparation. So how does the preparation work for GATE exam 2026? Read the full article on how to prepare for GATE exam without Coaching to know the tips to secure the desired result.
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) |
Candidates who wish to know how to prepare for GATE exam at home, can follow the tips and tricks mentioned below.
There is no ‘too early to start studying’ when it comes to preparation for examinations. By starting off your studies for GATE 2026, you will have a lot of time to go over your syllabus and study each topic in detail. This will also give you have enough time to revise and strengthen your preparation. You will give yourself a comfortable timeline if you start your preparation for GATE exam 2026 early on and will not be required to attend coaching for it.
It is very important to know the syllabus and GATE exam pattern 2026 before starting off any preparation activities. By being familiar with the syllabus of GATE 2026, you will be able to know which topics and chapters have to be studied for the entrance examination so that preparations can be done accordingly. If you have checked the syllabus and exam pattern beforehand, then it will be easier to prepare a schedule which will outline the timeline of preparation which will help achieve the scores that you desire.
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GATE Virtual Calculator - How to Use it?
Next, you will have to plan out your study schedule. By creating a timetable or schedule, you will be able to set the number of hours for every subject and topic as per your aptitude. More hours can be allotted to those chapters which you find more difficult in comparison. This will allow you to follow a certain schedule and stay on track. By dividing the topics, the studying process will also become less monotonous.
One of the best methods to prepare for an examination is mock tests. You can opt to attempt GATE 2026 mock tests to understand your preparation progress and practically apply whatever has been studied. The mock tests will act as a stimulation for the entrance examination since the pattern will be similar. By attempting GATE mock tests, you will be able to know your mistakes and accordingly work on them so that it is not repeated.
“Mock tests and sample papers are very important in any exam especially if you are preparing for GATE without coaching. I gave mock tests and sample papers before the exam and also throughout the preparation. It helps in evaluating the preparation level, mistakes we are making and time we take for solving the questions.” says Arunava Mondal GATE 2021 AIR 5 (Mining Engineering).
Having the corrected reference material is very important for preparation. You should pick the correct GATE books which will explain all of the topics in a simple and detailed way so that you can gain a wider understanding. Standard books for preparation can be referred and extra books can also be checked to know the topics in a more detailed way. This way, you will have a better understanding of the syllabus and have more chances of scoring higher in the examination.
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While studying, you may come across many concepts and formulas that will be hard to grasp at one attempt. You can jot these difficult concepts down in a small notebook or create flashcards so that you can check it anytime and anywhere for revision. This will help you recall all that you have had a hard time understanding and allow you to revise and remember it for the examination.
While studying alone is considered a good way to prepare for an examination, you should also maintain communication between you and your classmates and teachers. In case of any trouble in understanding the GATE 2026 syllabus, you can consult your classmates and ask them for help if you are preparing for GATE without coaching. You can also contact your teacher to discuss anything that you are having difficulty with. This will allow you to communicate with others who are also learning the same or who are already experienced. One of the best ways to clear out any confusion during preparation is to hold open discussions with your classmates and teachers. Communication with your close ones can also lead to a boost of confidence.
“I used to talk with my college seniors, friends, and my family and they provided me with that essential boost to keep me on track.” - Ankita Modi - GATE 2021 (Biomedical Engineering)
Revision is an integral part of exam preparation and has to be included in your study schedule. Revisiting whatever has been earlier studied can be done during revision and it will help keep it fresh in your mind. You can also check your notes while revising for a better result. The study schedule should consist of some hours of revision everyday. This will allow you to remember everything clearly till the examination if preparing for GATE 2026 without coaching.
Often we see that some have a great start but falter in between. Maintaining the same vigour for preparation through the months is important. The consistency should be present and you should give equal amounts of effort from the start to the end. A proper schedule should be created and followed so that all parts of the preparation is completed before the GATE 2026 exam. By being consistent in your studies, you will lessen the burden and have more chances of gaining better results. Always remember to study within your personal capacity and do not overwork yourself. This will only lead to restlessness and will negatively affect your studies. Have a good plan worked out and follow it religiously.
Finally, to do well in the exam you have to be healthy both physically and mentally. Make sure to have a good amount of breaks in between the study sessions so that you receive time to refresh your mind. Indulge in extracurricular activities like reading a book, listening to music or others during the breaks. Also, ensure that you get enough sleep and healthy food. If you end up being sick during the examination then all of the preparation and hard work will be for nothing.
Navneet Gangwar (GATE 2021 AIR 4 Computer Science and Information Technology) - “I play the guitar. It is something handy. So whenever I was not able to concentrate, I would just take my guitar and head for the terrace for some time”.
Its not the tag of coaching but self determination and preparation which lands a candidate to crack GATE CSE exam 2026. Thus, coaching is not at all a must.
Coaching institutes for GATE 2026 make candidates aware of the material to be referred to and then make them go through the various levels of learning, analyzing, etc.
Candidates should refer to the subject wise best books for GATE 2026 whether preparing with or without coaching.
Candidates should first start with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Thereafter, topic wise understanding of the concepts is a must. This should be followed by practising as any question papers as possible to ace GATE 2026 without coaching.
For effective self-preparation without coaching, focus on obtaining the core study materials such as standard textbooks and reference books that cover the GATE 2026 syllabus comprehensively. Additionally, make use of online resources including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and digital study guides. Previous years' question papers and mock tests are crucial for understanding the exam pattern and practicing problem-solving skills. Utilizing these resources will help you build a solid foundation and prepare efficiently for the exam.
Previous years' GATE question papers are invaluable for understanding the exam format and identifying recurring topics. Begin by solving these papers under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. Analyze your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses, and use this analysis to focus your study efforts on weaker areas. Reviewing the solutions and explanations provided for these papers will also enhance your understanding of complex concepts and problem-solving techniques.
Creating a structured study plan is crucial for self-preparation. Start by dividing the GATE 2026 syllabus into manageable sections and allocate specific time slots for each topic. Set weekly and monthly goals to track your progress and ensure you cover all areas of the syllabus. Incorporate regular revision sessions and practice tests into your schedule to reinforce learning and improve exam readiness. Adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and any new insights you gain from practice tests and self-assessment.
Counselling Date:17 July,2025 - 01 August,2025
Counselling Date:01 August,2025 - 01 August,2025
Others:11 August,2025 - 11 August,2025
GATE exam for Electrical and Electronics Engineering:
The GATE is conducted annually, usually in February. For Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EE), the exam covers core subjects like:
Electrical Circuits
Signals & Systems
Power Systems
Electrical Machines
Control Systems
Analog & Digital Electronics
Power Electronics
Electromagnetic Fields
Engineering Mathematics
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final year or completed) in Engineering/Technology.
Admission Process:
Score is used for PG admissions (M.Tech, ME, MS) and PSU recruitment.
Exam Mode: Online (CBT)
Exam Duration: 3 hours
Question Types: MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
Total Marks: 100
Next Steps:
GATE 2026 application is expected to start in September 2025 on the official GATE portal.
GATE Textile Fiber (TF) focuses on subjects like textile technology, fiber science, yarn & fabric manufacturing, and finishing. The exam includes 65 questions—10 from General Aptitude and 55 from core TF subjects.
Total marks are 100, and the duration is 3 hours. It opens opportunities in PSUs, research, and M.Tech/M.E. admissions in textile-related fields.
Preparing from NITRA books, IIT Delhi lecture notes, and past papers is highly recommended.
Hi ,
It’s great that you're exploring interdisciplinary options like Environmental Engineering at IIT Delhi. The eligibility for MTech programs at IITs usually depends on the specific department requirements. Since your background is in Computer Science and you're planning to apply with a GATE score in Environmental Science and Engineering , it's important to note that IIT Delhi’s Civil Engineering department generally prefers students with core branches such as Civil, Chemical, Environmental, or Biotechnology.Some interdisciplinary and research-oriented programs may consider applicants from varied backgrounds if the student shows strong foundational understanding and interest in environmental applications. However, just qualifying the GATE-ES paper doesn’t automatically guarantee eligibility the department’s brochure or admission portal will clarify this.
You should carefully check the admission brochure and contact the department directly for confirmation if needed. Also, keep checking on the shortlisting criteria they usually publish it each year for transparency.
All the best!
Yes, you can take admission in M.Tech Computer Science in IITs or NITs through GATE, even if you have completed your B.Tech in Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation from Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Eligibility depends on GATE paper: You need to appear for the GATE Computer Science paper. If your degree has sufficient CS or IT subjects, you’re eligible for this paper.
Each IIT or NIT has its own criteria: While most IITs or NITs accept related branches like IT, some specific institutes might have particular course requirements. So, check the official brochure of each institute.
Admission is based on GATE score and category: A high GATE score improves your chances, especially for top IITs. You’ll also need to apply through COAP for IITs and CCMT for NITs.
So yes, you're eligible, but always cross-check eligibility criteria of the specific institute during admission time
If you're from Bangladesh and currently studying B.Tech in CSE in India, you can appear for the GATE exam in India itself. You don’t need to go back to Bangladesh to write the exam.
Since you're already studying at an Indian institute, you are considered a foreign national studying in India, and you’re allowed to write GATE just like Indian students. You can apply online, choose your exam center in India, and write it here.
Just make sure to have the required documents ready like your valid ID proof, passport or student visa (if asked), and eligibility proof like your college ID or certificate, Everything else in the GATE process remains the same.
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