GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
How to get good marks in GATE 2026 - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE is one of the most sought after exams for high pay jobs as well as for higher studies and research opportunities in engineering. Students who would be appearing for the examination are advised to know the smart tips to score high in GATE exam. As GATE 2026 is a very big exam, it brings along a lot of pressure and anxiety among students. Scoring high in the exam can be made easy with some smart tips for GATE 2026 to score high.
GATE 2026 will be conducted across various test cities in India. The test will be held completely in online mode as computer based test. The result of GATE 2026 will be announced online on the official website. Students are advised to follow a certain regime and preparation tips along with smart tips for scoring high in GATE. Below are some important tips and guidance which can help the candidates to score good marks in GATE 2026.
Students should always study as per the prescribed syllabus of GATE. The authority will release the GATE syllabus 2026 online. Candidates can get all topics from GATE syllabus and a complete overview of the entire syllabus which will be covered in the exam.
The questions in GATE paper is prepared strictly in accordance to the standard pattern prescribed by the exam conducting authority. Students must understand the exact GATE exam pattern 2026 and get to know how questions are being asked, what is the difficulty level of questions from the particular topics and is there any topics that are more or less asked. Students can also take the help of previous year papers to understand how questions have been designed and formulated over the past years. Understanding the exam pattern will help students in streamlining their preparation and plan the preparation accordingly.
Previous year papers are very important guides to understand how questions have been asked in past years of GATE exam and what is the difficulty level of questions. GATE Previous year papers also help in understanding the pattern of question paper, like which topic is frequently covered and which is given extra importance, if any. Previous year papers will help students in making a plan according for their preparation according to the recent trends and difficulty level of exam.
Students must point out easy and difficult topics as per their study level and preparation so far. Since the syllabus of GATE covers almost the entire topics of the respective UG engineering courses, it is highly advised that students must figure out which topic they should give more attention and which ultimately requires more attention. There are some topics that are easy to score, there might be some topics that require extra attention. Questions in GATE exam papers are however more or less designed invariably, giving importance to all the topics that may fall sort of hectic. Students are thus suggested to plan their GATE 2026 preparation in a smart manner as per the difficulty level of topics.
Preparing for the exam without a study plan is like boarding a train without any fixed destination. If students prepare for their GATE 2026 exam with a proper plan, they are more likely to score good marks. Students must divide time for each and every topics they have decided to study for the exam. Revision is one of the most important parts which should be given a high priority while preparing a study plan. Students must allot proper time to topics as per their preparation level and revise all the topics regularly.
The books which we select to prepare for the examination plays a very important part in GATE preparation. The question papers of GATE is formulated and designed by expert faculties of IISc, IITs, NITs, and other institutes of international repute. Books written by expert and experienced faculties have detailed and analytical descriptions of all the topics in an easy and adaptive manner. If we choose to study books by expert writers, we will be more likely to understand all the topics in an easy manner which will eventually help us in scoring high marks in GATE 2026. Students are thus advised to select the best books for GATE 2026.
Students must practice mock tests in order to score good marks. It is one of the most important tools which can assure good marks in GATE 2026. Practising the GATE mock test papers will allow students to know their strong and weak points. It will help students in understanding the areas where they face difficulties or which takes much of their time for solutions. Solving mock tests also help in time management and as is said, practice makes a man perfect, it will certainly lead you to score good marks in GATE 2026.
Time management is very important to practice in order to score good marks in GATE 2026. The total duration for the GATE exam is 3 hours and students are required to solve all the questions within a specified time interval. Some of the questions in the GATE exam are of high to moderate difficulty level while others may require lengthy calculations and smart assumptions, it is thus of utmost importance that students must learn how to manage time during the exam. If any particular type of question is requiring more time, try to find out where is it taking that extra time. It is also a smart choice during the exam to leave questions which is taking more time as it would leave you with no time for other questions.
Students are strongly advised not to study any new topic during the last time of exam preparation. Studying any new topic before the exam could bring unnecessary anxiety which could eventually lead to degrading the performance in GATE 2026. Instead of studying new topics the last time, students must revise the topics which they have studied earlier.
Also Read:- Mistakes to avoid in GATE
Revise all the topics regularly
Students are advised to revise all the topics on a regular basis that they have studied for the GATE 2026 exam. Since the syllabus and topics in GATE is vast and lengthy, revision plays a key role in bagging success. Revision should be planned and monitored as per the difficulty level of topics. If certain topics require more attention or are difficult to remember, they should be more frequently revised so as to strengthen the grip on that particular topics. All the other topics should also be revised on a regular basis in order to keep things in mind. Important formulas and key points should be written on a separate sheet and students must revise and remember them on regular basis.
The day before the exam is the dawn before the sunrise. Attempting the GATE 2026 exam with a positive attitude and the right approach will certainly bring success to the candidate while if students do not relax and calm their mind in the last phase of their preparation, the entire hard work might go in vain. Students should compile and wrap up their preparation before one or two days of the GATE 2026 and must meditate in order to relax their mind. Students should avoid any unnecessary tension regarding exam preparation and go for the exam with positive mind.
As the students who would be appearing for GATE 2026 have tp prepare well for the exam, there are some important implications that might get missed amidst the preparation
Students must practice solving calculations without the use of a scientific calculator. Students are not allowed to carry scientific calculators inside the exam hall and a virtual keyboard is provided during the online CBT exam.
As the GATE 2026 exam is a computer-based exam, students must try to practice solving the questions in the online platform.
Students are advised not to indulge in studying new topics during the last time of preparation.
Questions with lengthy calculations and requiring much time should be attempted in the last as attempting them, in the beginning, can shorten the time for other questions.
Also read:- How to Face PSU Interviews?
Students can find below other helpful articles regarding preparation tips for GATE 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many toppers combine standard reference books, self-prepared notes, and PYQs; coaching is helpful for structure but self-study and discipline are key.
Most toppers maintain 5–7 hours daily focused study and increase it to 8–9 hours closer to the exam, balancing concept clarity, problem-solving, and revision.
If the exam is delayed or canceled, the GATE authorities will notify you of the new schedule or arrangements on-site or through official channels like the website.
Unfortunately, GATE does not provide alternate exam centers once the date and center are assigned. However, in extreme cases (e.g., natural disasters), authorities may inform candidates about any changes.
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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