Study Schedule for GATE Exam: Your Guide to Success

Preparation of GATE is quite a difficult and tiring task. The competition is very high and the syllabus is so vast that it's sure to overwhelm the aspirants who study on their own.  This blog is going to help you understand how to create an effective study plan for the GATE exam, starting from tips on time management to prioritisation of subjects. We have all the key elements in this write-up so that you turn out just right for GATE success. Success in GATE generally requires that one should be able to chalk out an effective study schedule that would allow maximum utilisation of strengths and ample time for revisions and practice.

Why Should You Have a Study Schedule for GATE?

GATE is considered to be the entrance ticket for candidates who want to pursue post-graduation from top engineering institutes in the country-like IITs, NITs, etc., or lucrative job positions in public sector undertakings. As the seats and positions are limited, it is highly competitive.

However, what sets successful candidates apart is not just their intelligence but their discipline and study plan. An inadequate study time table can get one lost in this big syllabus or worse, have them miss out on some important topics.

GATE Exam Structure

Before starting with an ideal study plan, it is crucial to understand the pattern of the GATE exam. The GATE Exam consists of 65 questions to be solved in 3 hours, which makes it a test of knowledge and time management.

Here is a quick breakdown:

Total Duration: 3 hours

Total Questions: 65 questions [multiple choice and numerical answer type]

Marks Distribution: 100 marks

General Aptitude: 15% -  This section is common to all streams.

Engineering Mathematics: 13-15% - Also common, but depends on your stream.

Core Subject: 70% These include specialised subjects based on the stream you choose.

Since core subjects form the bulk of the marks, they need to be prioritised; however, the general aptitude and mathematics should not be taken lightly either.

GATE Study Schedule

Study Schedule Table for GATE Preparation (6-Month Plan)

Here’s a detailed 6-month study schedule designed to help you cover the syllabus, practice effectively, and revise thoroughly.

Daily Routine Breakdown (Example)

How to Build a GATE Study Plan

1. Evaluate Your Starting Point

Before making any preparation, try to assess your knowledge level. A few questions to ensure consideration is being given are:

Does the student already cover some portions of the syllabus in his undergraduate course?

Are there subjects with which you are confident while others might require more focus?

How many hours a day can you realistically devote to GATE preparation?

This self-assessment is important because it will help you tailor your study schedule. If you are starting from scratch, you will need a more detailed schedule. If you've studied part of the syllabus as part of your coursework, you can devote more time to the areas where you struggle.

2. Understand the Syllabus in Detail

The GATE syllabus can be quite huge for core subjects. Download the official syllabus for your stream and categorise it based on your level of understanding:

Easy: Topics you are familiar with.

Moderate: Topics you have touched but need more practice.

Difficult: Totally new or highly tough topics.

Thus, after categorization, you can prioritise your study plan accordingly.

Syllabus Prioritization:

General Aptitude: High marks but relatively less time-consuming. Make this a regular part of your daily schedule.

Engineering Mathematics: It is a scoring section if practised well. Try to allocate around 1-2 hours every alternate day.

Core Subject: This is where most of your time should go. Focus on building a strong foundation here.

3. Create a Study Timeline

Divide your effective preparation into three broad phases so that the entire syllabus is covered: Learning, Practising, and Revising.

Phase 1: Learning (First 4-5 Months)

This is that phase where you focus on learning new concepts and understanding theories in-depth. The Syllabus has to be covered in this phase.

Allocate Time: Spend 60-70% of your daily study hours in this phase. Attempt to understand each topic conceptually before moving on.

Key Activities: Read standard textbooks, video lectures, and make notes.

Suggested Timeline:

Month 1: Cover General Aptitude and start Engineering Mathematics. Alongside, start studying one core subject.

Month 2-3: Put in time with the core subject. Aim to cover at least 70% of one subject by the third month.

Month 4-5: Finish the remaining syllabus. The aim should be to finish all core subjects and Engineering Mathematics.

Phase 2: Practice (2-3 Months)

Once the syllabus is covered, it is time for detailed practice. The solving of previous years' papers and taking mock tests comes under this phase.

Distribution of Time: You should utilise about 50% of your time for solving the problems. Practice allows you to apply what you have learned and makes you identify weak points.

Important Things to Do: Practise numerical problems, take mock tests, and solve previous year question papers.

Pro Tip: Practise numerical and theoretical questions on every topic. GATE is well-known for its tricky conceptual questions. So, never limit yourself to solving only numerical problems.

Phase 3: Revision (Last 1-2 Months)

In the last stretch of your preparation, revise the whole syllabus together with taking frequent mock tests.

Time Consumption: Consume 60-70% of the time in revising your notes, while the remaining percentage in mock tests.

Key Activities: Revision of key concepts, revision of weak areas, and increase your speed with timed tests. 

 4. Daily and Weekly Study Plans In a Week:

Group a weekly plan in such a way that each day you plan for different subjects. 

Example: 

Monday-Wednesday: Core subject (Subject 1) 

Thursday-Friday: Core subject (Subject 2) 

Saturday: General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics 

Sunday: Take a mock test and analyse your performance for the entire day.

Daily Structure:

Your daily schedule should include three important components:

1. Study New Topics: You should spend 3-4 hours each day studying new topics. You must spend most of the time here in theoretical understanding of the concept.

2. Practice: Take 2-3 hours to solve questions on the topic you studied.

3. Revision: The last 1-2 hours of your day, go over what you studied in the last couple of days. It helps retain the information.

Remember, quality beats quantity. One session of concentrated study for 6 hours is better than a distracted session of 10 hours. So take short breaks, keep yourself hydrated, and don't get burned out.

5. Mock Tests and Time Management

Mock tests are meant for testing your knowledge as well as perfecting your time management skills. Many candidates know the answers but, because of poor time management, are not able to mark the answers. Besides, many candidates complain that they knew the answer but could not mark it. 

So, here is how you should go about it: Strategy for Mock Tests: 

Start mock tests after you have finished 50 - 60% of the syllabus. Begin with sectional tests to strengthen each topic individually. Gradually increase the frequency of Full-Length tests as you approach the Exam date.

Mock tests will simulate the exam conditions, so it enhances stamina for better time management. With every test, take some time out to analyse your mistakes and understand where you went wrong. Keep in mind, this analysis phase is as crucial as taking the test itself.

6. Revision Strategy

The last couple of months should be entirely devoted to revision. Here's how you should structure your revision time effectively:

Quick Revision Notes: If you have made short notes while studying for the first time, now is the time to utilise them. A quick look at formulae, concepts, and shortcuts will keep the concepts alive in your memory.

Weak Areas: Study those concepts that took a lot of your time during mock tests. You are required to give more time to revision in these areas.

Daily Revision: Try to revise a few topics each day instead of piling all revision to the last week before the exam.

Best Study Resources for GATE

To get effective output from your study schedule, you need to stick to the right resources. Below is a list of recommended study materials:

Reference Books: Each stream of engineering has a set of standard books that would cover the GATE syllabus. Stick to 1-2 reference books per subject.

NPTEL Lectures: NPTEL provides free video lectures for most of the engineering subjects. These might help sort out difficulties regarding the concept.

Previous Years Question Papers: Try to solve previous GATE papers. These papers are available on the GATE official website or through various prep books.

Mock Test Series: Join a mock test series for GATE conducted through various coaching institutes. This attempt will be helpful in judging your preparation level along with improved time management.

Conclusion

A properly regulated study schedule can work wonders for GATE preparation. The essence of preparation lies in consistency, smart study, and in-depth revision. Work on conceptual clarity rather than memorization and practice as much as possible. Keep revising the schedule you have chalked out as per your progress, while giving your brain its due share of rest so that it stays fresh.

Remember, GATE is not just a test of intelligence; it is about endurance, discipline, and the right way of approaching. Read more about the exam on Skoodos Bridge

FAQs

1. How many hours should I study for the GATE exam daily?

You have to study 6-8 hrs per day, considering the initial level and personal time. Remember that your time is divided to learn concepts, questions practising, and revision.

2. Is 6 months enough to prepare for the GATE exam?

Yes, 6 months is enough for GATE preparation if you have a structured study plan, adhered to your schedule, and gave priority to revision and mock tests during the last months.

3. When should I start taking mock tests for the GATE exam?

Mock tests: Once 50-60% of the syllabus is covered, start attempting mock tests. Begin with sectional tests and then gradually move to full-length tests as the exam date draws near.
 

4. How to prioritise subjects for GATE preparation?

Concentration on core subjects first, as the highest weightage is given to them in the examination - about 70%. In the Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude sections, allot time as 1-2 hours daily or every alternate day. These portions are scoring and relatively easy.

5. How to keep motivation during the preparation cycle of GATE?

Set small, achievable goals and measure your progress regularly. Interacting with other aspirants through online forums or study groups, taking breaks to avoid burnout, and remembering the long-term rewards of GATE exam clearance-whether for higher studies or a prestigious job in the public sector-will go a long way in sustaining motivation.