GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
How to Prepare for GATE 2026- The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, commonly known as GATE, is a national-level engineering entrance examination for admission to MTech courses. Candidates with a valid GATE 2026 score will also be eligible to apply for PSU recruitments. As the exam is tough and has high competition, candidates should know how to prepare for the GATE exam 2026. Therefore, we have compiled a list of strategies that the candidates can adapt to prepare for the GATE exam. The first step to successfully qualify for the exam is to become familiar with the GATE Syllabus and determine their strengths and weaknesses. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 Exam on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026.
Along with the syllabus, candidates are also required to be aware of the GATE 2026 Exam Pattern. By following a few tips and strategies on how to prepare for the GATE exam, candidates can definitely boost their confidence and perform well in the entrance examination. If the candidates are sincere about their studies, then they will be able to bring good results in the GATE without coaching. Let's dive in!
Candidates often get overwhelmed and confused about how to study for the gate exam. Therefore, aspirants who are going to appear for the entrance test can refer to the following points to know how to prepare for GATE 2026.
Candidates interested in the GATE exam must ensure they start their preparation early. They will also be curious about how to prepare for GATE without coaching. By starting their preparation for the exam early, there will be enough time to prepare the schedule, check the GATE syllabus, and take things at a comfortable pace. Another advantage of starting the preparation early is that there will be ample time for studies, thus having sufficient time for revision during the final few months. Therefore, try to start early and don’t put off things for tomorrow.
The most important step in preparing for the GATE 2026 exam is being familiar with the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern. While the GATE 2026 exam pattern will indicate how the exam will be conducted, the GATE syllabus includes the topics and units that will be included in the exam. This will help in coordinating the schedule for the entire preparation period.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Particulars | Details |
Examination Mode | Computer Based Test (Online) |
Duration | 3 Hours |
Number of Papers in GATE 2026 | 30 Papers |
Section |
|
Type of Questions |
|
Design of Questions | The questions are designed to test the listed abilities
|
Number of Questions | 65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude) |
Distribution of Questions in all Papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, and XL | Engineering Mathematics - 13 Marks Subject Questions - 72 Marks General Aptitude - 15 Marks |
Distribution of Questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL | Questions from Subject Concerned - 85 Marks General Aptitude - 15 Marks |
Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Marking Scheme | All the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks |
Negative Marking | Two types of MCQs:
|
After knowing the syllabus, the next step in GATE preparation is to understand the topic-wise weightage of GATE 2026. Some of the topics in the GATE syllabus often have more weightage in the question paper. Being familiar with the high-weightage topics, candidates will be sure to score if questions are asked from the same. To know the weightage, candidates can check the previous GATE question papers to see how the topics and syllabus are divided. Shortlisting the topics with more weightage allows candidates to prioritise these topics and score more marks. However, other topics should not be ignored as the question paper will be based on the entire syllabus.
The next step would be to formulate a study schedule for how to prepare for GATE. A personalised study schedule according to the aptitude should be created, in which the various topics and units have to be divided as per the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. By having a proper study schedule ready, you will be able to track your progress and know what is to be studied and when. This will lessen the chances of diverting from the preparation. A daily schedule for GATE preparation and revisions can be prepared and must be followed without fail.
While preparing the daily schedule for GATE preparation, try to include daily and weekly targets to track the progress. The division of subjects and units should be done in such a manner that it is not monotonous, and more time is allotted to those topics that are difficult and require more attention. Revision and mock tests should also be given some slots in the schedule. Candidates should ensure that their schedule is not overwhelming and is achievable.
During preparation for GATE 2026, candidates can refer to their undergraduate textbooks, since the syllabus for the exam is usually similar. However, along with the textbooks, extra books for reference are also highly recommended. By referring to extra books, candidates will be able to gain a wider spectrum of knowledge, which will be helpful during the examination. Along with the best books for the GATE exam 2026, candidates can refer to online lectures and previous GATE toppers’ interviews to know their source of studies. Students can also create short notes that they can refer to from time to time.
Check the list of GATE 2026 preparation books below
GATE Paper & Code | Link to check |
Mechanical Engineering (ME) | |
Computer Science Engineering & Information Technology (CS) | |
Electronics & Communication (EC) | |
Electrical Engineering (EE) | |
Civil Engineering (CE) |
While preparing for the GATE 2026 Exam, candidates should be aware of their strong points and focus on these. Make sure that the topics that the candidate is familiar with are covered properly so that the scoring will be highfor these questions. Candidates should also on scoring more marks in the two compulsory sections of GATE 2026- Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude Test, which will consist of basic topics. Newspapers and past papers of competitive exams can be checked to prepare for these two sections. For Engineering Mathematics, books by Kenneth Rosen, BS Garewal, and Erwin Kreyszig can also be referred to while preparing.
During the GATE exam preparation process, in case of any confusion, the best way to resolve it is to communicate. Talk with other fellow students and teachers and have healthy discussions with them. Clearing out concepts and topics with friends or teachers will always be beneficial. Candidates should also join various online groups dedicated to GATE exam preparation, since there will be many chances of learning new things. GATE 2026 preparation online can help to interact with expert faculty and make learning fun.
One of the most important factors in preparing for the GATE exam is revision. Candidates must allot enough time to revise various topics and chapters so that everything stays fresh in their minds. Allot a few hours in the daily study schedule for revision, since it will help understand the topics more. This will also help determine how many of the topics and chapters have been retained. Revision should be done frequently and should be included in the GATE preparation strategy.
Since the examination is three hours long, the GATE preparation should include an understanding of how to manage their time. If the time is not managed properly, then there is a higher chance of all the questions not being answered by the time the exam ends. The best way to learn time management is to solve the GATE 2026 mock test while following the time constraint. This practice will ensure that the candidates will practice completing the exam within the time duration of the exam. By practising time management, you will ensure that this does not come between your chances of scoring well in the exam.
While it is important to focus on studies, it is also equally important to keep yourself healthy, both mentally and physically. Even if the preparation is perfect, if the health of the candidate is not good, the exam will not go well. Therefore, it is important to eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and also take breaks in between study sessions. Candidates must also indulge in extracurricular activities during the exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GATE 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test. More details about the date and procedures will be updated in a few days.
If you start your preparation early you will definitely get the benefits. 2nd year is the best time for you to start preparing to the GATE exam. In Second year you will just start to Get a proper idea about the Stream which you are studying. you will start to go in depth with the technical details in the 2 year.
The top 3 are toughest Paper of GATE 2025
| GATE Toughest Papers | Highest Marks out of 100 | Number of Students Who Passed |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineering | 45.33 | 104 |
| Statistics | 49 | 88 |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 58.33 | 134 |
To begin with, candidates are advised to understand the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern to plan an effective preparation strategy.
The best publication for gate practice book is Physics wallah Books. Although there are many other publications on the market, like Arihant and Oswaal, I chose PW Books for a variety of reasons. The problem with publications such as Arihant and Oswaal is that they are very costly.
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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