GATE 2026 Preparation Tips - Most Effective Tricks to Crack IIT GATE

GATE 2026 Preparation Tips & Tricks

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.

Early Start is the Best

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.

Know your Syllabus and Exam Pattern

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

Which Topic Has More Weightage?

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.

Fix a Study Schedule

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.

Pick the Relevant Reference Materials

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.

GATE 2026 Preparation Books

Check the list of GATE 2026 preparation books below

Know your Strengths

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.

Consult to Clear Confusion

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.

Revision is Important

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.

Learn to Manage Time

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.

Keep your Mind and Body Healthy

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.