How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching?

How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching? - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or commonly known as GATE is a national level postgraduate examination. With over 9 lakh students applying every year, most of the students opt for coaching institutes to crack the examination. But is it really necessary? There are many students who might be currently asking about methods on how to prepare for GATE 2020 without coaching. While considered to be on the riskier side, most of the GATE toppers end up as those students who have not opted for coaching. With the rising trend of forgoing coaching, students are still left with doubts regarding how to prepare for GATE 2020 without coaching. Careers360 presents “How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching” to give exclusive tips about how to boost preparation so that coaching is not completely necessary. Read the full article below on How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching to know more details.
Latest: GATE 2020 application form correction facility has started from October 15, 2019.

Latest: [Download free Question Papers and Sample Paper of GATE, Click here]

GATE 2020 application form was available from August 31, 2019. The final date for registration (without late fee) was September 28, 2019. With late fee, the candidates could submit the application form till October 5, 2019. The authorities will conduct GATE 2020 on February 1, 2, 8 and 9.

How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching?

Start Early

One of the best methods which can boost your preparation for GATE 2020 without coaching is to start early. By being an early bird in terms of preparation, you will have a lot of time to study the syllabus in detail while indulging in extra books for more information. Another advantage of starting the preparation early is that enough time will be available for revision. It is to be noted that revision is important since it will allow you to keep whatever has been studied fresh.

“I would say start as early as you can. I used to focus on concepts first, then solve some solved examples and then further I moved on to solve numericals” - Aakash Verma (GATE 2019 AIR 7 in Mechanical Engineering)

Be Familiar with the Syllabus

It is important to be very familiar with the official syllabus of GATE 2020. Knowing the syllabus before starting off the preparation procedure will give an extra boost and will also make the topics and chapters to be studied familiar. Analysis of the syllabus can be done and then accordingly a schedule for studies and preparation can be created. By being familiar with the syllabus beforehand, you will have an advantage during the preparation.

“I personally feel that it is imperative that we cover the entire GATE syllabus as much as possible. It is necessary that one understand all the topics in the syllabus and not leave anyone during the exam preparation” - Saket Kumar Yadav (GATE 2019 AIR 27 in Electronics and Communication Engineering)

Create a Study Schedule

After checking with the syllabus of GATE 2020, analyze all of the topics and create your own study schedule and GATE preparation timetable. Divide each day and set hours for different subjects and topics. Remember to switch up the topics to avoid making the study process monotonous. While allotting the number of days and hours to each chapter and subjects, you should remember to give more time to those concepts which you might find difficult as compared to the rest. The first few months should be dedicated to studying and completing the syllabus after which mock test and sample papers can be attempted and revision can be done.

Choose the Correct Books

Choosing the right books is an important aspect for GATE 2020 preparation. The books which have to be picked up for studying and reference should have detailed explanation and analysis of topics. Concepts have to made clear by these books so the correct ones have to be selected. The standard books can be used for preparation of GATE 2020. It is also important to note that simple language should be used in the books.

Sayantan Bhattacharya (GATE 2019 AIR 5 in Electrical Engineering) says “The candidates should first go through the standard textbooks for each subject to clear their basic concepts and also purchase any coaching institute handwritten notes, which are readily available online, for reference.”

Attempt Online Mock Tests

Mock tests are very much recommended to help boost the preparation process. You can attempt online test series and mock tests by coaching institutes or other mediums. Since the GATE mock test will be similar to the real examination, you will be able to get familiar with how the exam will be conducted by the authorities. The type of questions that can be asked will also made known through the mock test. By practicing using the mock tests regularly, you will certainly have an edge over those who do not.

“Mock tests give an idea of the real test environment and software, but only if one takes them seriously”. - Aakash Verma (GATE 2019 AIR 7 in Mechanical Engineering)

“Mock tests are very much important for a gate aspirants. At this point, I would like to clear that tests should be an integral part of one’s preparation i.e., one shouldn’t think that I will cover the entire subject then give a test”. Gaurav Srivastava (GATE 2019 AIR 27 in Electrical Engineering)

Solve Sample Papers

Along with the mock tests, you can also solve sample papers and previous year question papers of GATE. Solving of such papers should be included in your daily routine to constantly revise whatever has been studied. Using the sample papers, you will also be able to understand the pattern and nature of the examination such as type of questions asked, division of syllabus and more. Time management can also be practiced by solving the sample paper within the official time limit. It is important to note that after solving the sample papers, the wrong answers should be revised and corrected to ensure that these mistakes are not repeated again.

Vikash Raj (GATE 2019 AIR 1 in Petroleum Engineering) - “Previous year question papers are of immense value, definitely. That’s the only clue you have to penetrate into the paper setter’s mind.”

Maintain Consistency

Early preparation start is important, however maintaining it is also equally important. Consistency in terms of study is important for preparation of GATE 2020 without coaching. While some students start off the preparation with great enthusiasm, it may get affected midway which will result in slacking and fizzling out of the preparation motivation. A consistent study regime should be followed. The start and the end should be consistent and filled with an even amount of preparation. To maintain this, you can select your own hours of study as per your capacity and stick to it for the preparation period. No compromise should be done on the study hours.

Prepare Short Notes

Preparing short notes while studying can be very helpful. Using the standard books, you can create small notes regarding those concepts or topics which you might have a hard time recalling or understanding. Since the notes will be short and handy, you will be able to use it for revision anytime anywhere.

Try Group Studies

Group studies or discussions are a great alternative to coaching institutes. During your preparation period, you may face many instances of getting stuck on certain chapters or not understanding certain problems. Through the group studies, you can have open discussions with other students preparing for GATE 2020 and who hold similar minds. Group studies are a great medium to resolve all confusion regarding the syllabus with the help of different individuals.

Revise Revise Revise

One of the most effective ways to make sure to do well in the examination is constant revision. Once the syllabus is completed, you will have to make sure that revision is included in your study schedule. During revision, you will be able to revisit whatever had been earlier studied and keep it fresh in your mind. This will allow you to do comparatively much better during the examination. Written notes can be consistently checked for revision. Through the process of revision, you will be able to be in touch with the various concepts and chapters of the syllabus often.

Keep Your Motivation and Determination High

There may be times during the long months of studying when your motivation and determination levels drop low. However, you have to maintain the zeal to perfect the upcoming examination until the end. Motivate yourself to do the best you can and keep pushing yourself to complete whatever you have scheduled or planned. To get that extra boost, you can also check previous year topper interviews and learn about their preparation practices.

“The only advice that I would like to give to the future aspirants that be focused. You can chill out with your friends but at the end of the day you should face the mirror and ask yourself whether you have met the daily target or not.” - Atindranath Ghosh (GATE 2019 AIR 5 in Civil Engineering)