GATE 2019: 10 preparation tips you shouldn't ignore

Handy tips and mantras to drive exam blues away. 

GATE 2019 is going to be held on February 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Candidates who will be appearing for the entrance exam must have started their preparation.

However, these anxious minds might have several questions regarding their preparations for GATE 2019.

How to begin with?

What strategy to follow?

How to make the time-table?

Which books to refer?

These and more such thoughts must be popping up in the minds of the aspirants.

Preparing for GATE 2019 is not a cakewalk.

Candidates need to determined and focused.

However, if one follows the right strategy, cracking GATE won't be a tricky task.

Given are the 10 tips and mantras to drive exam blues away and help you gear up for a successful performance in the exams.

10 tips to prepare for GATE 2019

1. Get rid of exam fear

More than failure, it is the fear of failure that impedes students from giving their best.

So, the first step would be to get rid of exam fear.

Your world will not come to an end if you are not able to crack the entrance exam.

It is 'just an exam'. Don't get anxious. Just keep your calm.

Have confidence and start your preparations. Everything will automatically fall in place once you start.

2. Know the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly

Make sure you are well-versed with the syllabus and exam pattern of the entrance exam.

Know the topics and units that need to be studied for GATE 2019.

Also, understand the exam pattern to know the marking scheme, type of questions asked, mode of examination, medium of paper, etc.

This will help you plan your exam day well so that you can make the best out of those three hours.

3. Organise your schedule with a good time-table

Don't just randomly start your preparations -- especially those of you who are preparing through self-study.

Prepare a time-table that incorporates your preparation into small doable segments.

Divide your day into 2–3 slots, giving equal time to each subject.

Prepare a convenient schedule and stick to your deadlines.

4. Refer to standard books

Identify and refer to the books recommended for the GATE preparation by various toppers and experts.

These books are very comprehensive with regard to the subject matter and hence will give you good insights.

5. Clear your concepts

Mugging up topics is a bad idea.

You need to know the concept, as answer can always be deduced if you know the principles behind it.

GATE is one such examination in which you need to be 100 per cent conceptually clear.

So, before jumping to another topic, make sure your concept for the current one is clear.

Don't be in hurry to complete the syllabus.

To score a good rank, it is important to clear all your concepts.

6. Make short notes

This is the most advisable thing to do.

Keep noting the important facts, formulas in a separate notebook.

These rough notes will help you to revise quickly just before the exam.

Also, make sure that your short notes are handy.

Because a day before the examination, they will come to your rescue for quick reference.

7. Solve previous year question/sample papers

Practice makes one perfect.

Every aspirant, who is willing to crack the entrance exam, must therefore put the learning to practice.

Solve as many sample papers as you can.

Solving question/sample papers will not only help you to get familiar with the exam pattern, it will also enable you to know your weak and strong areas.

There may be a chance that questions from the previous years may come in the exam, and you can use your knowledge to score better.

8. Revise but analyse

Go for regular revision of the topics studied to avoid forgetting them.

More important analyse the revision by testing yourself.

If not daily, go for weekly revision at least. Make sure that the topics are still fresh in your mind.

9. Attempt online mock tests 

Another effective way to prepare for the entrance exam is by attempting mock tests provided by the authorities or the coaching centres.

Mock tests are based on the CBT system of GATE.

So candidates attempting mock tests will have an edge over others, who have not taken it.

Also, attempting mock tests will make you familiar with the exam pattern, marking scheme and most importantly, CBT method.

10. Get proper sleep 

Your only motive right now is to crack GATE with a good rank.

But while doing this, don't compromise on your sleep.

You must have at least six hours of sound sleep at night.

Also, take breaks in between your preparation.

While preparing for GATE, don't ignore your health and sleep.

They are equally important, and ignoring them can be detrimental.

I hope these tips have answered many of your questions on how to prepare for GATE.

With just four months left for the exam, it's time to pull up your socks, read these tips and start your preparations, if you haven't started as yet. Good luck!