How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching? – Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or commonly known as GATE is a national level postgraduate examination. With over 9 lakh students applying every year, most of the students opt for coaching institutes to crack the examination. But is it really necessary? There are many students who might be currently asking about methods on how to prepare for GATE 2020 without coaching. While considered to be on the riskier side, most of the GATE toppers end up as those students who have not opted for coaching. With the rising trend of forgoing coaching, students are still left with doubts regarding how to prepare for GATE 2020 without coaching. LOGICWORK presents “How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching” to give exclusive tips about how to boost preparation so that coaching is not completely necessary.
Read the full article below on How to Prepare for GATE 2020 without Coaching to know more details.
GATE 2020 application form is now available from August 31, 2019. The final date for registration is September 24, 2019. The authorities will conduct GATE 2020 on February 1, 2, 8 and 9.
One of the best methods which can boost your preparation for GATE 2020 without coaching is to start early. By being an early bird in terms of preparation, you will have a lot of time to study the syllabus in detail while indulging in extra books for more information. Another advantage of starting the preparation early is that enough time will be available for revision. It is to be noted that revision is important since it will allow you to keep whatever has been studied fresh.
“I would say start as early as you can. I used to focus on concepts first, then solve some solved examples and then further I moved on to solve numericals” – Aakash Verma (GATE 2019 AIR 7 in Mechanical Engineering)
It is important to be very familiar with the official syllabus of GATE 2020. Knowing the syllabus before starting off the preparation procedure will give an extra boost and will also make the topics and chapters to be studied familiar. Analysis of the syllabus can be done and then accordingly a schedule for studies and preparation can be created. By being familiar with the syllabus beforehand, you will have an advantage during the preparation.
“I personally feel that it is imperative that we cover the entire GATE syllabus as much as possible. It is necessary that one understand all the topics in the syllabus and not leave anyone during the exam preparation” – Saket Kumar Yadav (GATE 2019 AIR 27 in Electronics and Communication Engineering)
Create a Study Schedule
After checking with the syllabus of GATE 2020, analyze all of the topics and create your own study schedule and GATE preparation timetable. Divide each day and set hours for different subjects and topics. Remember to switch up the topics to avoid making the study process monotonous. While allotting the number of days and hours to each chapter and subjects, you should remember to give more time to those concepts which you might find difficult as compared to the rest. The first few months should be dedicated to studying and completing the syllabus after which mock test and sample papers can be attempted and revision can be done.
Choose the Correct Books
Choosing the right books is an important aspect for GATE 2020 preparation. The books which have to be picked up for studying and reference should have detailed explanation and analysis of topics. Concepts have to made clear by these books so the correct ones have to be selected. The standard books can be used for preparation of GATE 2020. It is also important to note that simple language should be used in the books.
Sayantan Bhattacharya (GATE 2019 AIR 5 in Electrical Engineering) says “The candidates should first go through the standard textbooks for each subject to clear their basic concepts and also purchase any coaching institute handwritten notes, which are readily available online, for reference.”
Attempt Online Mock Tests
Mock tests are very much recommended to help boost the preparation process. You can attempt online test series and mock tests by coaching institutes or other mediums. Since the GATE mock testwill be similar to the real examination, you will be able to get familiar with how the exam will be conducted by the authorities. The type of questions that can be asked will also made known through the mock test. By practicing using the mock tests regularly, you will certainly have an edge over those who do not.
“Mock tests give an idea of the real test environment and software, but only if one takes them seriously”. – Aakash Verma (GATE 2019 AIR 7 in Mechanical Engineering)
“Mock tests are very much important for a gate aspirants. At this point, I would like to clear that tests should be an integral part of one’s preparation i.e., one shouldn’t think that I will cover the entire subject then give a test”. Gaurav Srivastava (GATE 2019 AIR 27 in Electrical Engineering)
Solve Sample Papers
Along with the mock tests, you can also solve sample papers and previous year question papers of GATE. Solving of such papers should be included in your daily routine to constantly revise whatever has been studied. Using the sample papers, you will also be able to understand the pattern and nature of the examination such as type of questions asked, division of syllabus and more. Time management can also be practiced by solving the sample paper within the official time limit. It is important to note that after solving the sample papers, the wrong answers should be revised and corrected to ensure that these mistakes are not repeated again.
Vikash Raj (GATE 2019 AIR 1 in Petroleum Engineering) – “Previous year question papers are of immense value, definitely. That’s the only clue you have to penetrate into the paper setter’s mind.”
Maintain Consistency
Early preparation start is important, however maintaining it is also equally important. Consistency in terms of study is important for preparation of GATE 2020 without coaching. While some students start off the preparation with great enthusiasm, it may get affected midway which will result in slacking and fizzling out of the preparation motivation. A consistent study regime should be followed. The start and the end should be consistent and filled with an even amount of preparation. To maintain this, you can select your own hours of study as per your capacity and stick to it for the preparation period. No compromise should be done on the study hours.
Prepare Short Notes
Preparing short notes while studying can be very helpful. Using the standard books, you can create small notes regarding those concepts or topics which you might have a hard time recalling or understanding. Since the notes will be short and handy, you will be able to use it for revision anytime anywhere.
Try Group Studies
Group studies or discussions are a great alternative to coaching institutes. During your preparation period, you may face many instances of getting stuck on certain chapters or not understanding certain problems. Through the group studies, you can have open discussions with other students preparing for GATE 2020 and who hold similar minds. Group studies are a great medium to resolve all confusion regarding the syllabus with the help of different individuals.
Revise Revise Revise
One of the most effective ways to make sure to do well in the examination is constant revision. Once the syllabus is completed, you will have to make sure that revision is included in your study schedule. During revision, you will be able to revisit whatever had been earlier studied and keep it fresh in your mind. This will allow you to do comparatively much better during the examination. Written notes can be consistently checked for revision. Through the process of revision, you will be able to be in touch with the various concepts and chapters of the syllabus often.
Keep Your Motivation and Determination
High There may be times during the long months of studying when your motivation and determination levels drop low. However, you have to maintain the zeal to perfect the upcoming examination until the end. Motivate yourself to do the best you can and keep pushing yourself to complete whatever you have scheduled or planned. To get that extra boost, you can also check previous year topper interviews and learn about their preparation practices.
Gate 2020 Preparation Strategy
Big Journeys begin with Small Steps
“Success doesn’t necessarily come from breakthrough Innovation, but from flawless Execution.”
Often I hear a concern among the students regarding “What should be our strategy to crack ESE/GATE exams? To answer this question in the most simplified way, this article is my sincere effort to strategise things for aspirants, which will be fruitful for young friends.
There are two categories of ESE/GATE Aspirants :(1) Freshers , preparing first time for the competitive exams (Neophytes) (2) Repeaters , who have already given one or more attempts (Rank Improvers)
(I) Strategy for Neophytes:
If you are fresher and preparing first time then I would suggest you the following approach to be adopted-
• Define your aim and target the desired exam right from the beginning. You should examine closely the examination pattern, syllabus and the level of difficulty.
• The first step for amateurs should be, to go through previous years’ question papers of the aimed exam and identify what type of questions are asked, like whether it is theoretical (then what subjects/which topics are mostly asked) or derivations or numerical type.
• Keep one best reference book for each subject. You are not advised to read too many books for each subject; practically it is not possible in limited time frame.
The STUDY REGIME:
Make an overall plan of your career; define immediate and ultimate goals of your career, then make a roadmap to execute in most effective manner. Being an engineer you should understand the importance of planning and execution of the plan.
Overall plan may be further divided in three stages:
1. Six month /One year plan:
Divide months for different subjects and plan it so as to complete the entire syllabus in the left over time. In the current scenario of high cut-offs, do not go for selective study; instead cover the entire syllabus, because you never know “the topic left could be the topic of conquest.”
2. Subject-wise Plan/ Bi-weekly plan:
For each subject, study should be exam oriented, i.e. you should get acclimatize with the subject , so that you know which area is to be focussed like whether theory has to be focussed or numerical or solving previous years’s questions will suffice. Every subject requires different approach .For example in mathematics you may be required to focus on practicing problems where as in English altogether different approach, similarly in technical subjects the approach may differ from subject to subject.
If you are enrolled in any coaching institute; then concentrate and study well in coaching classroom, your class notes should be full and final and should be ready in classroom itself, with simultaneous marking of IMPORTANT concept /formulae and develop a habit of writing of NOTE points ,wherever required. If only self study is your style of preparing without coaching, then also notes making is advisable.
One point to be kept in mind is “Work for Yourself”; i.e. make notes for yourself, it should be self hand written notes, as this will increase your writing efficiency in terms of speed, accuracy and hand writing and also helps in memory retention.
3. Daily To-Do list /Daily plan:
This is basically for effective time management. Plan and freeze the study hours and abstain from using mobile phones, social media, what’s app etc during these hours. 10 to 15 minutes are sufficient to plan next day schedule, it will help in removing redundant activities of your schedule and you can make best use of your time for study. I would also suggest to pre plan your area /subject /topic of your study for next day, it would help in activating senses of your mind to stimulate for study which helps in better memory retention.
Solving previous years’ questions of GATE & ESE (at least of last 10-15 years) should be made contemporaneous with class notes. Do not postpone it for later, topic that is covered in class or studied on your own, finish the previous years’ questions on priority basis.
While solving questions, mark the questions which you were not able to solve. Refer the reference book for the clarity of concepts, and solve again. In front of the question write the Page Number and Name of the book referred and in the book referred underline or highlight the concept. This above methodology is to be followed for all workbook and other materials also. After a few months while doing revision you should re-attempt these marked questions only and no need to solve other questions.
Make a REVISION plan:
Make a habit of reading and revising simultaneously.
While studying a particular subject; devote 70-80% of self study time in developing concepts of new subject and rest 20-30% time should be religiously devoted for revision of already completed topics/subjects. And, towards months closer to exam, increase the revision time for proper retention of concepts till exam day.
While revising, make sure you do the following:
Review of class notes. Revise underlined/ highlighted portion of text book. Then attempt only the marked questions once more. If time permits, then start with new set of questions.
Make Micro notes:
After finishing every subject make micro notes, which have only principal formulae/ diagrams/ concepts of at most importance, especially note down the area which you find difficult to remember. Then, once this is done, take a snapshot and store in your mobile gallery. These will be your Digital Micro Notes, which can be revised anywhere and everywhere, while travelling, gap between two classes, free time.
Flow like a river:
Be loquacious and discussion oriented with friends and seniors and keep on clearing your doubts, don’t allow to accumulate the doubts which may result in mental stress. Also interact with successful seniors and fellow mates to know about their path of success/strategy, it is synonymous with river water which when flows gets self purified.
Evaluate yourself:
Take tests in examination environment and make note of areas of difficulty and make a roadmap to improve these before the next test.
Stay away from incompetent and non-achievers. Don’t let their failure demoralise you in any sense.
Make holistic and balancing approach:
Cover the entire syllabus but more time should be given to important areas. Identify important subjects and mark important topics within a subject. Scoring and low scoring areas should be segregated. Make a balance study plan for technical and non-technical subjects. Mathematics and Reasoning Aptitude section is quite scoring in the GATE exam.
(II) Strategy for Repeaters:
• Review your past performance and find the reasons for failure. Consider failure as the next stepping step. In fact, you are not failed your success is little postponed.
• Identify weak areas of each subject and start your preparation by first improving these areas.
• Focus more on solving different types of problems and that too from a new source of material in each iteration.
• Plan your study to maintain regularity and self-motivation; daily scheduling and subject wise scheduling is very important for a systematic preparation.
• Join some good test Series & Appear for tests with full preparation and take the test in examination environment and solve previous years’ questions of various exams. Solving previous years’ papers of GATE, ESE& CSE may be very useful.
• To maintain continuity and keeping up the self motivation, form groups of 3-4 friends and make schedule of group study once in a week to discuss complex questions and doubts.
