#CareerBytes: How to start preparing for GATE 2020 exam?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most competitive exams for engineering graduates. It is conducted for admission to postgraduate courses but GATE scores are also used for PSU recruitment. IIT-Delhi, which will conduct GATE 2020 in February next year, recently released the information brochure. From exam dates, registration, exam pattern to preparation tips, here's all you need to know.
The GATE 2020 brochure has all the information required, including exam dates, application/registration, syllabus, pattern, marking scheme, etc. The examination is scheduled for February 1, 2, 8, and 9 and will be conducted in CBT (computer-based test) mode in two sessions: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2:30-5:30pm. Also, GATE 2020 will be held in 25 engineering disciplines; Biomedical Engineering has been added to the list this time.
The online application process for GATE 2020 will begin on September 3 on the official website. The last date to fill the GATE application form online is September 24. However, the extended closing date for submitting online application is October 1. The admit cards will be released on January 3, 2020. After the examination in February, IIT-Delhi will announce the results on March 16.
To apply for GATE, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in engineering/technology/architecture/science (4yrs), or master's degree in any branch of science/math/statistics/computer applications, or four-year integrated master's degree in engineering technology, or five-year integrated master's or dual degree in engineering/technology. There is no minimum/maximum age limit.
All GATE 2020 papers will consist of 65 questions for a total of 100 marks; the examination duration is three hours. The exam would contain two types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions. Also, negative marking for wrong answers applies only to MCQs (1/3 mark for one-mark questions and 2/3 for two-mark MCQs) and not NAT questions.
GATE 2020 is scheduled to be conducted in February and aspirants have only 6-7 months for preparation. Firstly, they should create a study plan to cover the entire syllabus within five months and allot two months for revision. They should adhere to their schedule without fail and learn to manage time properly. One must set weekly and monthly goals/targets to cover the syllabus effectively.
As GATE is a concept-focused exam, it's important for aspirants to be thorough with all the concepts to secure a good score. Apart from studying, regular revision and written practice are essential for improving accuracy and speed to score high. They should prepare short point-wise notes in their own language for every subject. Self-prepared notes help in understanding a topic better and quick revision.
To crack GATE, aspirants must regularly test how effective their preparation is, by solving previous GATE papers, mock tests, and test series. This can also help them familiarize with the exam pattern, know the latest questioning trends, build confidence, and improve their speed and accuracy. Aspirants can also analyze their performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make changes to their preparation strategy accordingly.
