Tips to Prepare for GATE CS

The GATE exam is created to test the knowledge and understanding of undergraduate students in various subjects of engineering and science. It is conducted by IISc and seven IITs jointly and is a gateway for post-graduate admissions in India and entry-level positions in Indian PSUs. In this article, we will see the tips and tricks to succeed in the GATE Examination. Following these tips can lead you to a better result.

Tips to Prepare for GATE CS

The GATE exam is held once every year, usually in February and the results are declared approximately a month later. Keeping this in mind, some of the tips to prepare for the next GATE exam are given as follows:

1. Understand the GATE Syllabus and Pattern

The first step in GATE preparation is understanding the GATE syllabus and pattern. This is necessary as the syllabus may differ a little each year and there might be minute changes in the pattern as well. Moreover, a thorough study plan cannot be created until the exam syllabus and pattern are known.

2. Refer Standard Textbooks According to the Syllabus

There are many recommended books available for all subjects of the GATE exam. Generally, two or three books are enough for a particular subject where one book can be used in the start and other books can be referred if any doubts arise. Here below are some famous books for GATE CSE:

Subject	Book Name	Author Name
Programming	The C Programming language	Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
Data Structures	Classic Data Structures	Debasis Samanta
Algorithm	Introduction to Algorithms	Thomas H. Cormen
Operating System	Operating System Concepts	Galvin
Computer Organization and Architecture	Computer Organization and Architecture	William Stallings
Computer Networks	Computer Networks	Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall
	Networks by Fourozon	Fourozon
Theory of Computation	An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata	Peter Linz
Database Management Systems	Database System Concepts	Henry Korth
Discrete Mathematics	Discrete Mathematics and its Applications	Kenneth H Rosen
Digital Logic	Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals	Morris Mano
Compiler Design	Compiler Design	Aho & Ullman
Engineering Mathematics	Higher Engineering Mathematics	B.S. Grewal

3. Create a Study Plan for GATE Preparation

It is necessary to have a study plan for GATE preparation as it inculcates discipline and time management skills. It is best to create a unique study plan tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of the individual with the appropriate revision and evaluation slots. During GATE preparation , aim to set weekly and daily goals to track your progress. Each Subject should be divided so that they do not get repetitive, and extra time should be spent on those subjects where you find difficulty in learning. It is essential to revise this helps you learn topics for long-term retention.

4. Dont Leave Aptitude and Mathematics

It is very important to focus on Aptitude and Mathematics as they are quite scoring subjects and constitute around 30 marks in the GATE exam. These subjects can be studied from the standard recommended books and practiced with the help of the previous year GATE papers. Some students leave aptitude and mathematics , This is a very common mistake made by the students, they leave aptitude and engineering mathematics which are very easy and high-scoring subjects. So make sure not to leave these subjects.

5. Prepare Notes on the Relevant Topics

Preparing notes with the important information and formulae is vital as these notes can be referred later during revision. This cuts down on the revision time as the notes contain important information from all subjects in a single place. Notes for GATE CS are available at GeeksforGeeks.

6. Strengthen Your Conceptual Knowledge

It is important to have conceptual clarity as GATE is an exam that tests the candidates’ concepts and has very little questions that have direct application of formulae. Also, understanding of the subject concepts can lead to the correct response in GATE if there are any doubts as to the answer. Clear all the fundamentals of GATE related CSE subjects.

7. Familiarize Yourself with the Virtual Calculator

The virtual calculator can be a little complicated and so it is important to familiarize yourself with it before the GATE exam. This can result in an increase in calculation speed which is very advantageous in a competitive exam like GATE. You have to use a virtual calculator to answer all the questions with a numerical component since you can’t carry an actual calculator in your GATE exam.

8. Evaluate your Understanding of a Topic after Studying

It is very important to evaluate your understanding of a topic after studying it. This will reveal the weak points in your preparation that can then be eliminated. Moreover, self-evaluation also helps in retaining the knowledge that you have learnt. Self evaluation can be done with taking mock test that will help you to analyze your mistake so that you will prepare your mistakes for the future.

9. Revise the Topics at Suitable Intervals

After understanding a topic thoroughly, it is important to revise it at suitable intervals otherwise there is a chance of forgetting it. Revision can be done using the short notes or flash cards made during studying. Revision is very necessary ,revise each concept more number of times.

10. Analyze Previous GATE Papers and Attempt Multiple Mock Tests

Analyzing and attempting previous GATE papers and GATE mock tests is an excellent way of understanding the GATE structure in a controlled environment. This also helps in improving time management skills and reduces silly mistakes in the actual GATE exam. Finally gives mock tests that help you to track your daily progress.

Frequently Asked Questions on Tips for GATE Preparation – FAQs

How should I start preparing GATE CS?

Start your GATE preparation through understanding the gate syllabus and pattern of exam. According to this create a systematic study schedule

Is it necessary to join coaching?

No it is not necessary to join coaching you can crack GATE by just self study.

Importance of PYQs in GATE preparation?

PYQs plays an important role in GATE preparation , solve all the pyqs after learning subjects that will definitely help you.

Should I more focus on concepts or theory?

you should more focus on concepts rather then theory, after understanding concepts your theory will become automatically clear.

What are the important subjects during GATE Preparation?

Subjects like Programming & Data Structures , Computer Networks , OS , COA , Aptitude , Mathematics , Algorithm , DBMS are more important .