GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national level exam conducted jointly by Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, MHRD. Apart from admissions and scholarships, GATE scores are also used for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) recruitment in India.
While at the start, preparing for GATE can seem like a daunting task, with the right blend of hard work and consistent preparation, a good rank is surely achievable. The following article will list out the various steps that you can refer to make sure you’re on the right track to achieve your GATE 2020 Goals.
List of Important Dates for GATE 2020
The first step involves being aware of all the important dates and exam related circulars. The following table provides a list of the dates that you should make in your calendar as important.
| Release of Notification | 9th July 2019 |
| GATE 2020 registrations begin | 3rd September 2019 |
| Last date to apply for GATE 2020 | 1st October 2019 |
| GATE 2020 Admi Card Release | 3rd January 2020 |
| GATE 2020 Exam Date | 1st,2nd,8th,9th February 2020 |
Registration for GATE 2020
In order to appear for the exam, it is necessary to register for it and complete all the necessary formalities. Getting done with the formalities in advance will allow you to fully focus on your GATE 2020 preparation schedule. GATE 2020 registrations will be a three-step online process where candidates will have to register on GOAPS, fill the application form and make the payment of application fee.
GATE 2020 Exam Pattern
In order to prepare effectively for GATE ’20, it is essential to be through with the exam pattern, so that you can plan your study schedule accordingly. One should make sure that they are aware of any changes in the paper pattern in order to prepare effectively for it.
GATE 2020 will be conducted in online mode for 25 papers. GATE question paper will carry a total of 65 questions of 100 marks. Out of the total questions, 10 questions are of general aptitude and carry 15 marks.
GATE 2020 Syllabus
GATE syllabus includes three sections – General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Engineering branch. General aptitude is the common section for all the GATE papers and holds 15% weightage in GATE question paper. Syllabus for rest of the sections varies for all the 25 papers basis the chosen branch of engineering. Questions in general aptitude section aim to test the verbal and numerical ability of the aspirant. .
Source study material
Once you’ve gone through all relevant information and completed all formalities, it is time for the main task that is to actually prepare for the exam. The following steps will provide you with an insight to as to how to go about preparing for GATE 2020. As far as study material is concerned, it is very important to study from the correct sources as they form the foundation of your preparation schedule. In addition to standard books, you can also study from the classroom notes provided by various coaching centres or can also use online apps and websites for study material.
Preparation of Study Schedule
It is important to finish your preparation at least 2 months in advance as it will provide you with ample time to take mock tests and work upon your weak areas. You should look at the subjects and study those first in which you’re weak, gradually moving onto your stronger areas. A well thought out and planned schedule will allow you to create an effective timeline for your GATE ’20 preparation.
Following the Study Schedule
All the hard work done by you is redundant if you fail to adhere to it. While preparation for GATE ’20 can be rigorous, there are several tips to keep in mind to make sure you prepare effectively:-
- Solve Questions on a regular basis to clear your concepts and improve answering speed.
- Clearing doubts to strengthen your weak areas.
- Using test series as a tool to measure and evaluate your preparation levels.
While no specific strategy is guaranteed to succeed, the following steps will provide you with a rough plan to follow to ensure you’re in the best possible situation for your GATE 2020 preparation.
