How to prepare GATE 2025 Exam?

For all engineering graduates, GATE 2025 is an examination that opens many doors for a bright future. As a national-level exam, it is challenging but achievable. Many students successfully pass the exam every year, but simply passing isn’t enough—what truly matters is securing a good rank. A high rank can either get you admission into a prestigious post-graduation program at one of India’s top institutes or land you a great position in one of the best PSUs. While both options are highly desirable, understanding the key to success in the GATE examination is crucial.

GATE is a national-level exam that is conducted in India and makes students eligible for higher education in prestigious institutes. Students from various science and engineering streams appear for the examination to open new avenues and future opportunities for themselves. Apart from higher studies, GATE also helps you get professional opportunities at PSUs and research scholarships. Some international colleges also take the GATE score into consideration for admission.

GATE 2025 will be conducted by IIT Roorkee and down below is the overview of the important information:

Particulars	Details
Mode of Examination	The test papers will be in English. Computer Based Test (CBT) [will be conducted at select centers in select cities].
Duration	3 Hours*
Number of Subjects (Papers)	30
Sections	General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subjects
Type of Questions	Candidate’s Selected Subject(s) (a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Questions for testing these abilities	(a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & Synthesis
Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL	General Aptitude: 15 marks Engineering Mathematics**: 13 marks Subject Questions: 72 marks Total: 100 marks (**XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks)
Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL	General Aptitude: 15 marks Subject Questions: 85 marks Total: 100 marks
Marking Scheme	Questions carry 1 mark or 2 marks
Negative Marking	For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ.

 

Having a comprehensive overview of the GATE 2025 exam is very important prior to starting the preparation of the examination. We shall now discuss how one can achieve success in the GATE exam.

Get success in GATE exam:

There is not one special ingredient that will act as magic for you to prepare the GATE 2025 exam; instead, there are a lot of things that you must keep in mind, right from the planning to the preparation and finally the examination phase. The success tips will thus be divided into three phases, which will clearly show what is needed, and depending on which phase you are in, you can decide what to take back home.

Initial Phase:

Concept clarity check: Before you begin, take a concept clarity check to determine how much you know right now and how much you are required to study. This check will give you a brief overview of where you are presently and how far you have to travel. So based on your present knowledge, pick up a previous year paper or any mock tests by some from a reliable coaching institute. This will help you get a good idea of your knowledge and, accordingly, make a plan for the future and set your goals.

Know the Syllabus: The concept check will give you a brief about the syllabus, and after that, you must download the syllabus for the GATE 2025 exam. The syllabus is extremely important to know what is to be studied and which topics need more attention. Along with the technical part, there is also the non-technical part of the GATE syllabus, which requires attention. So make sure you go through the entire syllabus and try to align your studies with the syllabus. You can place the syllabus in front of your desk, and whenever you are reading any subject, you can just check on the topics you have to read.

Finalize the books: There are hundreds of books available for each subject; different students prefer different books based on their understanding and comfort. Make a list of all the books that are available, and choose the ones that you want to read during the preparation. You must finalize the books, or you may end up just switching books from time to time. You can also use the coaching study material as an addition, as it will give you a summary of all the books.

Set Your Goal: Nothing is impossible; everything can be achieved with just a goal in mind and a plan in mind. Similarly, for the upcoming GATE 2025, you are required to set a goal and make a plan on how to achieve those goals. You can either make goals related to individual topics or the entire subject, whichever suits you. Your plan must clearly cover all the pointers and topics that you need to do, along with the practice of previous year papers and the mock papers that you have to do with respect to that particular topic or subject.

Early start: If you are planning to appear for GATE 2025, an early start is always great. So whether you are in college or have completed your graduation, you must start as soon as possible. The more time you have in mind, the more you can learn, practice, and revise; thus, an early start is always a great option.

Building a strong foundation: A strong grasp of the core subjects is very important as it helps in the further development of the subject. Renowned experts always recommend having a clear understanding of principles, concepts, and skills before delving into complex concepts. This requires attentively attending the lectures, making and revising class notes, and seeking doubt-clearing sessions if required. Clear principles are beneficial for success in the GATE exam.

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Preparation Phase:

While the initial phase is important, the preparation phase is the most crucial, as it determines what you do and how you cover the syllabus. All the planning for the initial phase actually comes to light in the preparation phase. So some things that one must follow in the preparation phase in order to ensure success in the GATE 2025 examination are:

Have a plan: At this stage, you are aware of the start and end points; all you have to do is make a path for them. This path will be determined by your plan of action as you prepare for the examination. Your plan should be very intricate and practical, yet not very rigid.

Intricate: This would mean that you must plan everything down to the tiniest bit, like solving questions or revising any topic. When your plan is so intricate, you will be able to clearly see what needs to be done and thus find it easier to go about the preparation.

Realistic plan: A realistic plan here means that it should consist of sleep, short breaks, and other daily chores, along with a study plan. A plan with just time to study is impractical, and though you may be able to follow it for a week or two, in the long run, it will be of no benefit to you. So have a plan that gives you enough time for both studies and leisure, thus a flexible plan.

Not Rigid: Do not be very rigid with your plan; a plan is important, but you can always amend those plans based on your comfort and requirements. So make a plan that is open to change and try different plans so that you can find the best one that suits you. You may listen to toppers and other seniors and make a plan based on their references, but remember that what worked for them may not work for you, so do not have a rigid plan and keep space for change.

Notes: While studying, make sure you make proper notes of everything. Using 10 types of pens is not the trick to making good notes; instead, proper knowledge of the concept, explained in your own words, is the appropriate way of making notes. During your first reading, just read the concept; in the second and third readings, you can actually start making notes once you understand the concept.

The notes only make sense if you write them in your own language, as then you will be able to relate to them when you re-read them. If you only copy the book language in your notes, then it is of no use at all. So learn the art of note-making and then ensure you make notes of everything that you are reading, including the mock papers and previous year papers you attempt.

Clear Concepts: The GATE exam has always been about concepts and their application. The maximum question evaluates how much one understands the concepts, so it is extremely necessary that all the topics are crisp and clear in your head, along with all the concepts in your tips. This will give you an edge over all the candidates who will only mug up the concepts and formulae and thus will not be able to perform very well in the examination.

Practice: Practice makes a man perfect, and without it, all your learning will be in vain. This technique is helpful in identifying how clear your concepts are, where you need to have more focus, and what modifications are needed in your study pattern. Through practice, one ensures that what they are reading and understanding is correct.

Analyze: No matter how much you read and practice, never forget to analyze if you are heading in the right direction or not. Through analysis, you will be able to better understand your preparation and make necessary amendments to your plan as and when required.

Time Management: In an examination like GATE, where you have to attempt 100 questions in 3 hours, time is a great factor. For the preparation phase too, it is necessary that you manage your time well so that your syllabus is completed on time and you have enough time for learning, practice, and revision.

No procrastination: With a lot of time in hand for preparation, students tend to procrastinate everything and leave it for later. Well, avoid doing that completely, as tomorrow or later will never come. If you have made plans, then you will have things planned for every day, so keeping something for later will cost you marks if you leave it now.

Take Guidance: Good guidance will always act as a blessing during your preparation phase. You can either take guidance from previous year toppers or you can join some coaching for guidance. Good guidance will help you know which books to read, which material to refer to, what subjects are important, and which topics require special attention.

Stay away from negativity: Negativity is a cruel thing that can play with your mind and disturb you completely. So make sure to stay away from all the negative energy and concentrate on the upcoming GATE 2025 exam.

After preparation

This is the phase where the preparation is done and the aspirants are very close to giving the GATE examination. In this phase, picking up anything new is a waste of time, so one should concentrate on revision and practice.

1. Revision: All the note-making and paper-solving that was done in the second phase will bear fruit in the third phase, where one has to revise everything. If you do not make notes, then this phase will be difficult, for you will have to read the books all over again. Revise all that you have read through the notes, and if possible, re-try the question papers that you solved previously.
2. Stay calm: This is the most critical phase, so it is important to maintain your calm and not panic at all. Meet friends with whom you can discuss, watch the inspiring video in your free time, and make sure you keep yourself positive.

Success in the GATE 2025 examination seems like a tough task, but not an impossible one. If you are still in college, be the early bird and start preparing now. However, if you are completed with graduation, you have less time for preparation, so get going today and give your full dedication and concentration to the exam. Dedication and concentration are small words, but if taken seriously, they can get you anything in the world you aim for. So instead of dreaming of success, be a success storyteller and wear your preparation shoes.

A Complete Roadmap for GATE 2025:

FAQs:

1. Is it possible to clear GATE on the first attempt?

Ans. If one follows a strategic approach, it is quite possible to clear GATE on the first attempt.

2. How many hours should I study for GATE?

Ans. It is advisable to dedicate 8–10 hours every day to your GATE preparation.

3. Is GATE valid for a lifetime?

Ans. GATE score card is valid for three years from the date of the announcement of the result.

4. Do questions repeat in GATE?

Ans. No, the questions in the GATE don’t repeat, but the exam pattern almost remains the same.

5. What is a good score in GATE?

Ans. 90 and above is considered a good score in GATE.