GATE 2025: Things to Do a Week Before the Exam

The GATE 2025 exam is now just a few days away, and the time for preparation is running out. As per the official conducting authority of GATE 2025, IIT Roorkee, the exam is scheduled to be held on 1st, 2nd, 15th, and 16th February 2025. We are sure GATE aspirants must have given their best in strategizing the preparation and maintaining their consistency. But the last few days habits must be slightly different from the previous preparation journey. In the last week, your focus should be on revision and attempting mock tests as compared to completing the syllabus. Well, if you are preparing for GATE 2025, you need to plan your strategy wisely, especially for the last week. Understanding what steps to take in the last week can greatly increase your chances of success. There is a lot of tension in the atmosphere, and everyone is nervous about the exam day. Every year we see students facing this last-moment crisis before the exam. Hence, this article is written with a single motive of making all the aspirants of the GATE 2025 Exam at ease and instilling confidence back in them.

GATE 2025: The Big Day is Here

This is the day you all were working hard for. All the sweat and sacrifice has finally come down to this one day where those three hours are finally going to decide who outplays the other. We all are humans, and sentiments like these do get the better of us sometimes.

Anxiety is sometimes even good as it makes you focus on the target and prevents you from deviating from your path. However, some students unknowingly get trapped in the quicksand of overthinking. It is very difficult to come out of that vicious loop of lament and regret, and one should always avoid doing that.

Things to do a week before the GATE 2025 Exam

The best way to avoid making such a mistake is to keep believing in yourself and do the right things before the exam so that you don’t get deviated or demoralized. Following are some of the things that every candidate must do a week before the exam. These are some habits that we have observed in the toppers who have cleared this exam over the years. So let’s discuss them systematically:

1. Overachieving is Dangerous: A lot of students make the serious mistake of overachieving during the final days of preparation. They tend to make impractical plans of covering and revising the entire syllabus in the few days left before the exam. GATE is an exam that tests the depth of one’s knowledge and can’t be cleared with just a superficial approach. Hence, one should stick to the syllabus completed till now and keep revising it.
2. Practice and Revision: The final week before the exam should be dedicated to the revision of the important concepts and formulae. Refrain from studying any new concept and stay focused on the concepts you have already covered. Do practice the questions that you were not able to solve while giving the test series. These questions and the underlying concepts will stay fresh in your mind during the exam hour.
3. Take Strategic Breaks: This is vital for you to remain fresh and focused in this last week before the exam. Make your schedule wisely and make sure you are taking well-planned breaks in between. These breaks will keep you fresh and avoid getting your brain overloaded. Just make sure you are using these breaks wisely. Try talking to good friends or going for a walk. Don’t do any activity that will cause any fatigue to your body or mind.
4. Organize your documents: Ensure that you have your GATE 2025 admit card, valid photo ID, and other documents as instructed. Double-check your exam centre and timings, and plan your travel accordingly to avoid any hustle and bustle.
5. Clarify your doubts: In case any doubt is lingering in your mind, consult your mentor or refer to the reliable study material to resolve it. However, it is advisable not to indulge more in complex concepts that may not have benefits.
6. Familiarize yourself with GATE exam interface: Use of the GATE virtual calculator and attempting mock tests will familiarize you with the exam interface. This will help you to avoid any confusion and stress and will save you time.
7. Take Care of Yourself: We have always got this advice that “a sound mind resides in a sound body” but seldom do we pay importance to it. In this last week before the exam, make sure you are getting good sleep and giving your body an ample amount of rest. It is very easy for us to panic in this type of scenario and get sick in the process. Avoid eating street food and try to have three good meals in the day. Your brain will be able to function to its fullest only when you take care of your body.
8. Live Your Dream: This whole year you have been thinking only about this exam and only thought of implementing the plans for one day. Don’t lose your focus and try to practice in the exact exam environment. You must be aware of the slot and timing allotted to you for the exam. Just make sure you are not sleeping at that time for this one week. Try to remain your most active self for this time frame, as this will wire your brain accordingly. This will also help you in coping with the pressure of three hours in the exam room.

Finally, we would just like to say that you should stay motivated and focused on your goal. Follow these simple but powerful habits and keep the belief in yourself intact. Most people think that GATE is a test of your technical knowledge. It indeed is, but at the same time, it also tests your perseverance and the ability of the candidate to stay calm and focused till the final day. We hope you all will get through the GATE 2025 Exam with flying colors.

What to do just before the GATE Exam?

Dear GATE aspirant, watch this video to know important aspects about final exam preparation.

10 Ultimate Tips for Last 7 Days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should one try to cover new topics in the last week of the GATE 2025 exam?

Ans. No, aspirants shouldn’t indulge in trying new topics or concepts as it will lead to confusion and stress. It’s best to focus on revising topics you’ve already studied.

2. Are mock tests important during the last week?

Ans. Yes, mock tests are very helpful during the last week of preparation, as they will help you familiarize yourself with exam patterns and boost your confidence.

3. How many hours should one study in the last week of GATE preparation?

Ans. One should involve oneself in 6-8 hours of studying, which includes revision, mock tests, and PYQs. Focus on the quality of study over quantity.

4. How to avoid overthinking in the last week of the GATE 2025 exam?

Ans. Taking smaller breaks, avoiding learning new topics, focusing on revision, and sleeping well will help one to avoid overthinking.

5. Is it important to practice during the same time slot as your GATE exam?

Ans. Yes, practicing during the same time slot as your GATE exam will help your mind and body to stay active and perform better.

6. What documents should one carry on the exam date?

Ans. GATE 2025 admit card, valid photo ID, and other required documents should be carried on the exam date.

7. What is the most important thing to do in the last week of the GATE 2025 exam?

Ans. Staying calm, focusing on revision, attempting mock tests, and taking care of your health and sleep are the most important things to be done in the last week of the GATE 2025.