What does it take to become a GATE Topper?

GATE is a national level examination which gives the opportunities to secure a respectable job in government PSU (Public Sector Undertakings). The examination is conducted jointly by IITs and IISc for admission to MTech and PhD courses as well. The exam is computer based and conducted in phases twice a year. Many students attempt the GATE exam and aim to achieve high scores. A top score can lead to high studies, scholarships, research opportunities and jobs. 

Therefore, if you are aiming to secure a top rank in this competitive exam, you need to understand the difference between “simply preparing” and “preparing to crack the exam with a top rank”. 

In this blog post, let’s learn how to excel in such challenging competitive exams.

5 things you must avoid to become a GATE Topper

1. Do not collect resources: 

If you are preparing for the GATE exam 2027, you must avoid switching between 10 YouTube channels and 6 books. Stick to the GATE exam syllabus 2027 and gather key concepts from textbooks and notes. For revision, make short notes and test yourself with mocks and PYQs.

2. Studying randomly without schedule: 

To prepare for any competitive exam, including GATE 2027, you must make a habit of studying on time. If you plan randomly, the result may not be fruitful. So, make a routine and get yourself used to it to secure top GATE rank.

3. Ignoring revision:

You must not ignore revising the concepts consistently if you want to land a PSU job through GATE exam 2027. Make a proper revision schedule and follow it religiously. While revising, do not pick your favourite subject first, instead pick the ones where you struggle the most. 

4. Do not watch lectures passively: 

You must pay attention during lectures, take notes and clear doubts in the process. Lectures provide an interactive space where you can learn so use it to its best advantage. GATE toppers take huge interest in live lectures and discuss doubts with teachers.

5. Avoiding mock out of fear: 

While preparing for GATE exam 2027, do not avoid taking mock tests. Through mock test, you get a clear understanding of pattern, duration and type of questions. After taking mocks, analyze the questions to improve your concept and clarity. 

Let’s see what GATE toppers do differently;

1. Toppers know what they are doing: 

GATE toppers master the syllabus completely. Most toppers usually use 1 textbook per subject. They stick to one source material and set of notes. Moreover, they practice and revise PYQs (previous year questions) on repeat.

2. PYQs become their main teacher: 

In GATE exams, the patterns do repeat. So, toppers solve the last 15 to 20 years PYQs. They practice it subject wise and generally avoid mixing subjects. Therefore, you should not just check answers but analyse them deeply. Ask yourself why the concept was asked and take notes of which formulas repeat. 

3. Deep clarity of concepts:

Instead of simply memorizing formulas, they understand derivations and relationships. A topper must always question why the formula works and how questions can be twisted in exams. This way, it helps in solving tricky numerical problems.

4. Revise again and again: 

Most aspirants just study and hardly revise. If you want to be a GATE topper, don’t make this mistake. Because toppers revise aggressively, they prepare formula sheets weekly. Further, they make short notes every day near the exam and revise weak topics on repeat. 

That is why you must do the first revision within 24 hours. After 6-7 days, follow with the second revision and the third revision within 30 days.

5. Take regular mock tests: 

GATE Toppers treat their mock tests like an important training exercise. They analyse their mock test more than their scores. During every test, toppers check their silly mistakes. They analyse the particular questions where they are wasting time and improve their weak subject.

Hence, so can you. For the upcoming GATE exam 2027, keep a notebook to count the wrong formula mistakes or conceptual mistakes you make. Make sure you avoid repeating these minor mistakes moving forward. 

6. Make a roadmap: 

GATE toppers keep a plan in mind before starting with the exam preparation. Divide your preparation timeline into phases: 

• Phase 1 (3-4 months):  Try to finish all concepts once. Target 2-3 subjects in rotation. Give yourself 6-8 hours with complete focus. Practice making short notes. Prioritize engineering mathematics , high weightage subjects and aptitude. 
• Phase 2 (2-3 months): Practice the PYQs topic-wise. Time your practice and avoid solving multiple subjects at once. This will improve your accuracy over most concepts. 
• Phase 3 (2-3 months): Attempt 2-3 full mocks per week along with analysis of each. During the final month revise, give mocks and practice PYQs. Do not read additional resources.  

7. Make a daily time-table:

Most GATE toppers follow a specific time table to get the dream PSU job. They keep their mornings to revise difficult concepts, practice problems in the afternoon. In the evening, they practice PYQs and mock analysis and revise formulas at night. 

However, it is important to take breaks in between. So, after every 2 hours of studying, you should take at least a 10-15 mins break. 

8. Make strategy for weightage subjects: 

Subjects which have high weightage for GATE 2027 examination need extra effort. For many engineering branches, toppers usually focus on Mathematics, core subjects and heavy numerical units. 

9. Build a mindset:

GATE Toppers usually study consistently even when they are less motivated. They focus on accuracy more than speed. They track progress and avoid comparison. Building a disciplined mindset sets you apart from others. So, you need to discipline yourself for months to crack the GATE 2027 examination with the top rank. 

Check out the most commonly asked questions regarding the GATE competitive exam.

FAQs:

1. How to become a topper?

Ans. Most competitive exam aspirants dream to become a topper, but only a handful achieve it successfully. Firstly, you need to build the right mindset and dedicate a significant number of months/years to each subject present in the syllabus. Start preparing notes. Continue this exercise throughout the course of preparation. Avoid discouraging and underestimating yourself. If possible, search for a mentor who has experienced similar stages of life. Implement these steps and you will see yourself turning into a GATE topper soon.

 2. How many hours do toppers study?

Ans. Some GATE toppers study for 6-7 hours every day, whereas several toppers have specified that they study for 10-12 hours most days during the preparation. However, several other factors make an average student into a GATE topper. Therefore, if you want to secure good opportunities with PSU jobs or pursue higher studies at the top institutes such as IITs, put efforts towards the right direction.

 3. How do I crack a PSU job?

Ans. You can easily crack PSU jobs with excellent performance in the GATE examination and interview round in the later recruitment stages.

 4. What is the salary of the GATE toppers?

Ans. The salary of the GATE toppers ranges between Rs. 9 Lakhs to Rs. 32 Lakhs per year (subject to change). The candidates selected at the PSUs via GATE scores receive several facilities such as DA, HRA, and other beneficial facilities.

 5. What is the duration for which the GATE rank is valid?

Ans. The GATE rank is valid for the duration of 3 years from the time of issuance.

6. Where can I directly learn from the GATE 2025 toppers?

Ans. We at MADE EASY have come up with the GATE 2026 toppers talk for different eligible engineering streams. You can refer to the GATE 2026 toppers talk sessions to learn the unique points directly from the toppers.

Thus, most exam aspirants aim to become GATE toppers. However, they fail to understand how toppers study, revise, and perform differently. Several toppers have specified the above-mentioned points and tips in their toppers’ talk sessions with our experts. While these points might look easy and simple to read, you may face some discomfort at the early stage. As you get used to the study routine, you will easily follow it. Eventually, you will come out as one of the winners aka toppers in the GATE 2027 examination.

We hope this blog post offers you certain beneficial guidance that will act as a stepping-stone towards excellence.

We wish you excel in the GATE examination with your desired ranks and scores.

Feel free to write to us in case of any queries.

Keep reading, learning, and growing!