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For GATE Preparation 2026, the candidates should follow a strategic & effective way of preparation. They should create a monthly study plan, practice the previous year's question paper, mock test and analyse subject-wise weightage.
- The GATE 2026 Exam will include 65 questions for a total of 100 marks, 15% of the weightage is for general aptitude, 13% for the engineering mathematics and 72% for the core subject.
- For GATE Exam Preparation, the right resource is important, which includes using books by the renowned authors and online study material from different online coaching portals.
- If a candidate wants to score high, they should be prepared with all question types like MCQs, MSQs and NATs, and should try to complete their syllabus 3 months before the actual exam to give time to revision as well.
The candidates should focus on time-management skills and constant revision to prepare for GATE 2026. The Register candidates should visit the GOAPS official website for paper-wise syllabus and current updates.
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GATE Preparation Strategy by Topper
To crack GATE 2026, Candidates can prepare by following the topper’s preparation strategy. Candidates can understand the amount of time they have allotted for preparing and the topics they have focused on for effective preparation.
GATE Preparation 2026: Month-Wise Strategy
As, GATE 2026 Exam will be held on 7th & 8th February and 14th & 15th February 2026, candidates have around 6 months for effective preparation.
They should follow a month-wise preparation strategy, including the complete syllabus, mock tests, and proper revision to enhance their GATE Exam Preparation 2026.
GATE Preparation for August
- In August, candidates should focus on the foundation of the preparation and complete at least 25% of the syllabus.
- Candidates should focus on Engineering mathematics to improve their score in GA and Maths by 20%.
- The mock tests should be started from an early stage to increase confidence and reduce future stress.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Start by building initial concepts of 2-3 subjects and Engineering Mathematics. |
| Syllabus Target | 25%–30% (start with high-weightage chapters like Digital Logic, SOM, etc.) |
| Practice | Solve 50–70 PYQs from GATE 2015–2023 on covered topics |
| Mock Tests | 1 mock test in a week + error analysis |
| Notes | Start making short notes & formula sheets |
| Time Allotment | 3–5 hrs/day (2 hrs core, 1 hr math, 30 min GA) |
GATE Preparation for September
- Candidates can improve their accuracy by 15-20% if they solve more than 6 mock tests and 100 PYQs.
- By completing the main subjects till September, candidates can have more time for revision.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Continue with 2–3 remaining core subjects |
| Syllabus Target | Up to 60% of the total syllabus covered (cumulative) |
| Practice | Solve 100 new PYQs + 1 subject-wise mock test in a week |
| Mock Tests | 2 full-length mocks/week with detailed analysis |
| Notes | Update formula sheets + mark weak areas |
| Time Allotment | 4–6 hrs/day (alternate days for GA + Engg. Math) |
GATE Preparation for October
- As per the topper's strategy, the GATE Syllabus should be fully completed by the end of October.
- By properly focusing on General Aptitude, this month, candidates can improve their overall score by 10-12 marks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Complete leftover topics + General Aptitude |
| Syllabus Target | 100% syllabus completion |
| Practice | Revise 200+ PYQs + begin full-topic tests |
| Mock Tests | 3 mocks/week + build an error log sheet |
| Notes | Finalise subject-wise short notes & formula sheets |
| Time Allotment | 6 hrs/day (3 hrs core, 1 hr Math, 1 hr GA, 1 hr tests/revision) |
GATE Preparation for November
- Students should complete 15 full-length mock tests by November to score 10-15 marks more.
- By starting revision from November, candidates can improve their performance by 80% and 20% of the weak zone will be highlighted.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Start full-scale revision + identify weak areas |
| Revision Target | 100% syllabus revision once + reattempt difficult PYQs |
| Practice | Daily topic-wise test + 4 full-length mocks |
| Mock Tests | Simulate real-time tests, 4–5 mocks/week |
| Notes | Start using flashcards for formulas + tough concepts |
| Time Allotment | 7–8 hrs/day (3 hrs revision, 1.5 hrs test, 1 hr analysis, 2 hrs notes) |
GATE Preparation for December
- If candidates score more than 65 marks in mock tests this month can score more than 70 marks in the actual exam.
- By analysing mistakes, candidates can reduce 45% of their mistake repetition.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Strengthen weak areas, boost speed and accuracy |
| Revision Target | Difficult subjects/topics + GA and Math recap |
| Practice | 6–8 full-length mock tests + quick revision tests |
| Mock Tests | Focus on performance trends and error reduction |
| Notes | Condense formula sheets into 1-pagers |
| Time Allotment | 8 hrs/day (mock + analysis + weak topic revision) |
GATE Preparation for January
- If the candidate completes around 10+ mock tests in January, they can have better time management skills on the exam day.
- Candidates should practice mock tests on an alternate day basis, along with the required rest as well for maintaining mental health.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Exam mindset, high-weightage topics and mock tests |
| Revision Target | Flashcards + last-minute concepts + GA shortcuts |
| Practice | 10–12 full mocks (alternate days) + timed revision |
| Mock Tests | Stress testing and confidence building |
| Notes | Only refer to micro notes, formula flashcards |
| Time Allotment | 8–9 hrs/day (mock, analysis, 1-pager review) |
Also Read
GATE Preparation 2026: General Tips and Tricks
The strategy for GATE preparation is subjective and based on one’s abilities and limitations. We have mentioned some of the strategies suggested by previous years’ GATE toppers for the best exam output.
- Start Early
- While drafting your routine, analyze the time and number of days required to complete each topic;
- Create a list of all the important topics in order to the levels of difficulty and number of sub-topics. This is to ensure that you are able to allocate the right preparation time to all the topics;
- Stick to the preparation strategy throughout your preparation.
- Understand Concepts
- Strengthen your concepts for each topic
- Prepare short notes of important points, formulas and concepts;
- Make it a habit to go through these short notes for a quick revision before starting with your GATE preparation each day.
- Gather the Best Study Resources
- Select proper material to study. This can include books, modules, online references, articles, videos, etc. which explain the entire topic in great detail in a simple yet effective manner so it can be easily understood;
- The candidate can allude to online videos for help like the NPTEL and offline resources like the notes from the previous years’ toppers.
- Use Flashcards
- The concept of flashcards is really simple; it requires jotting down all the difficult concepts on cards or sticky notes etc. which can be easily referred to and carried anywhere for revision;
- This helps you to retain the difficult topics and formulas.
- Revision
- It is recommended that you dedicate atleast an hour for revision everyday. This will help you retain everything you have studied a day before in a better way;
- Many toppers have also revealed that their preparation strategy included keeping 2 or more days in a week aside entirely for revision.
- Solving Mock Tests/Sample Papers/Previous Years’ Question Papers
- Appear for various mock tests from the beginning of your GATE Preparation. Each year GATE conducting body releases the official GATE Mock Test.
- The official GATE Mock Test is a replication of the actual GATE question paper. It helps the candidates in getting an overview of the actual question paper, helping them with their problem-solving capabilities within the assigned time limit.
- Doing well in the mock test motivates as well boosts the confidence of the candidate
- The more GATE mock tests attempted, the better the speed and accuracy of the candidate.
- Apart from the official mock tests, students must also solve previous years’ GATE Question papers and various sample questions.
- There are a number of test series provided by various coaching institutes such as Gradeup, GATE Academy, Madeeasy, Unacademy, etc.
GATE Preparation 2026: Daily Schedule or Time Table
Since each candidate has their own study span and retention power, the amount of time they can dedicate to their GATE Preparation 2026 will also differ. However, it is advised that candidates at least dedicate the number of hours mentioned below for each of the activity/ topic preparation.
| Day | 1-2 hours | 2 hours | 1 hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Numerical Ability |
| Tuesday | Subject Specific Topic | Subject Specific Topic | Verbal Ability |
| Wednesday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Subject Specific Topic (Pick a Relatively Easy Topic) |
| Thursday | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Specific Topic | Numerical Ability |
| Friday | Subject Specific Topic (Pick a Relatively Easy Topic) | Verbal Ability | Numerical Ability |
| Saturday | Take a Full-length Mock (3 Hours) | ||
| Sunday | Mock Analysis( 2-3 Hours) and retaking the same mock (3 Hours) | ||
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GATE Mock TestsGATE 2026 Preparation for General Aptitude
GATE Preparation has to be formulated based on specific strategies as per the subject that the candidate is preparing for. GATE General Aptitude is common to all the papers in GATE 2026. The General Aptitude section is divided into Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability. Here are some preparation tips for GATE General Aptitude: :
GATE Verbal Ability Preparation
- The easiest way to ace GATE Verbal Ability is by improving your vocabulary.
- Install apps that build vocabulary, that suggest words daily.
- English podcasts are a great way to improve vocabulary and build speaking skills.
- Make a habit to have conversations in english.
- Use shortcuts to solve questions. Several shortcuts can be found online on various different platforms such as Youtube.
- Start reading newspapers daily.
- Learn the fundamentals of grammar such as tenses, adjectives, prepositions, etc. and be thorough with the rules for them. .
- Prepare cue cards. Put down all the new words you come across, along with its meaning. Revise these cards regularly.
- Read questions before reading the passage. This will give you an idea of the question beforehand and save time.
- Read each question carefully and make sure you understand it, such that you don't have to read it repeatedly. .
GATE Numerical Ability Preparation
- Cover all the basics first. Make sure that you have your fundamentals thoroughly covered.
- This is a scoring section as questions are usually moderate in terms of difficulty.
- Lay the foundation and brush up on the concepts. Unless you are absolutely clear with the fundamentals of a topic, you cannot solve complex questions.
- Learn time-saving techniques like tables till 40, squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and percentage equivalent of fractions till 25.
- Maintain a formula book or chart and go through them regularly.
- Take full advantage of the resources that are available online.
- Learn how to use shortcuts and how to apply them.
- Maintain consistency while practicing the questions.
GATE 2026 Preparation for Engineering Mathematics
- Matrix Algebra and Eigenvalue problems are some of the most frequently asked questions, so it is important to cover these linear algebra topics properly.
- For differential equations, it is important to remember special equations such as Bernoulli’s Equation and Euler Differential Equation.
- Probability and Statistics is another important topic, it is important to remember concepts such as Bayes Theorem, Poisson, and so on.
- It is important to memorize the formulas for Numerical Methods, such as Trapezoidal Rule and Simpson’s rule.
GATE 2026: With or without Coaching?
There are many coaching centers that offer GATE 2026 classes, coaching as well as training. But amidst the COVID-19 pandemic it is not possible for everyone to attend the same in an offline manner in addition to this many students cannot afford the hefty fee charged by these coaching centres. Undoubtedly, these coaching centres offer the candidates an assured way and the required guidance to crack the Gate exam.
But the same cannot be regarded as the only way to qualify the examination, given below are a set of essential tips which can be referred to if the candidates wish to qualify GATE 2026 without coaching. However, the same can also be followed alongside coaching for better results.
Also Read
GATE CoachingBest Resources for GATE 2026 Preparation
To find the best resources for GATE Preparation 2026 is very important for candidates who do not opt for GATE Online Coaching. These resources can include mobile apps, books, question papers, mock tests, test series, etc. The section below includes some of these resources that can help candiadtes in self-preparation.
Best Android Apps for GATE Preparation 2026
Most of these android apps mentioned below are free and provide relevant material which shall be helpful for GATE Preparation 2026-
- GATE/ESE – Online Test Series- The designers of this app, Made Easy, aim to provide real time based exam experience to the students. They have made the app easily accessible to all the students. The tests are designed in such a way that the candidates can attempt them subject wise as well as opt for the full syllabus one. All the tests are prepared keeping in mind the current revised syllabus for GATE 2026. The test papers are curated along the lines of the previous years’ exam papers so the tests match the standard of the previous years’ question papers.
- GATE Exam Preparation Solved Questions Papers- This app has been designed by GATE EduRev. This app has been exclusively designed for GATE ME, CSE, EE, ECE, CE, CSE etc. This app provides MCQs with solutions, free GATE online test series with mock tests along with previous 30 years question bank. In addition to this, it also provides online tests with virtual calculators, preparation books and other material which is easily accessible.
- TIME4GATE – T.I.M.E. has launched the TIME4GATE app to assist candidates in their preparation of GATE 2026. The features of this app provide free mock tests, practise tests, sample study content, previous years’ papers with solutions, sample study material, video lectures, doubt clearing sessions, regular updates on GATE. The material provided by them is especially helpful for cracking PSU Recruitment through GATE 2026.
- D.I.G. (Deewane: IES & GATE) – This app grants access to their video lectures, question discussion sessions, test series etc. Along with this they also have daily group discussions and doubt clearing sessions with their team of GATE toppers who help prepare for the exam.
Best Books for GATE Preparation 2026
The books have been allotted topic wise and the list is given below:
| Subject | Name of Book |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering- | Mechanics of Material- BC Purnima Mechanics of Material- Beer & Johnson Mechanical Vibrations- GC Grover Machine Design- VB Bhandari Heat Transfer- Cengal & Holman |
| Computer Science and Information Technology- | Computer Networks- Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie |
| Electrical Engineering- | Fundamentals of Electric Circuits- Matthew N.O. Sadiku Digital Design- M. Morris Mano |
| Civil Engineering- | Basic Structural Analysis- C.S. Reddy GATE-2022: Civil Engg. Previous Years Solved Papers (ISBN: 9789390564651) |
| Industrial Engineering- | Industrial Engineering- O.P. Khanna Production Engineering- A.K. Mallik, Amitabh Ghosh |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering- | Principles of Communication Systems by Goutam Saha, Herbert Taub, Donald Schilling |
| Manufacturing Engineering- | Production Technology: Manufacturing Processes, Technology and Automation by R.K. Jain Manufacturing Technology- P.N. Rao |
| General Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for all competitive examinations- Abhijit Guha A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning- R S Aggarwal General English for GATE and PSUs- ME Team |
| Mathematics | Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications by Kenneth Rosen Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal |
| Statistics | Miller & Freund's Probability and Statistics for Engineers Statistics for Machine Learning by Pratap Dangeti |
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Books to prepare GATE 2026Previous Year GATE Question Papers
Candidates can refer to the links below for last 15 years GATE papers for CSE, EE, ECE and other branches. Practicins previous year GATE question papers will help to understand the exam difficulty, important topics and the pattern.
Quick Links:
Tips to Remember During GATE Preparation 2026
Here are some last revision tips for productive last days before the exam:
- Stick to what you’ve read: If you are done with a considerable portion of your course, then try to avoid any new topics for now. If the topics are important, then exceptions can be made but retaining a lot of last minute information can hamper your revision.
- Mock Tests are a must: Take a full mock test everyday and analyze it. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them.Time management is one of the most crucial factors for success in such competitive exams, regular mock tests will result in better speed and accuracy.
- Formulas and Notes: Don’t rely on too many resources, reading from multiple sources may result in confusion and stress. Stick to your notes and highlights. Skim over the important formulas once everyday, so that you have them on your tips during application.
- Keep your exam day strategies ready: Candidates should have a clear understanding of how many questions they need to attempt for a desired score. The paper has a negative marking so randomly attempting questions isn’t a feasible option. Strategies like what type of questions to attempt first, question wise time limit etc prove to be really helpful during the paper.Candidates should be able to mould their strategies as per the question paper, as the exam can be full of surprises. There is no sectional time limit so candidates should have an idea of what sequence to take and how much time to devote to a particular section.
- Numerical Value Based Questions: During the paper, candidates should try and attempt the numerical answer value based questions as there is no negative marking for the same.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Most candidates neglect keeping a healthy diet and timely sleeping but it is crucial for a higher concentration level during the paper and it can’t be achieved in a single day.Candidates should keep their lifestyle as per a healthy schedule so that they can effectively implement all their strategies.
Also Read
FAQs for GATE Preparation 2026
Ques. How should I start my GATE preparation?
Ans. To Start preparing for GATE 2026, candidates should understand about GATE Syllabus and exam pattern, which includes following a proper schedule for studying with the right resources and practising mock tests.
Steps to Begin GATE Preparation:
| Step | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Understand Syllabus | Download the paper-wise syllabus from the official website for each exam. |
| Exam Pattern | Know the structure of the exam, which is: 65 questions, 100 marks, 3 hours |
| Study Plan | Create a 6–8 month strategy, divide the syllabus every month |
| Materials | Use standard textbooks, PYQs, and coaching if required |
| Mock Tests | Start mock tests after completing around 40% of the syllabus. |
Ques. Is 40 marks good in GATE?
Ans. In GATE 40 Marks are decent but not enough to get into the top IITs and PSUs. For getting admission in M.Tech in Tier 2 colleges or NITs, it can be enough, depending upon the branch and the category of the candidate.
Impact of 40 Marks in GATE (General Category)
| Paper | Approximate rank | Admission Scope |
|---|---|---|
| CSE | 6000–7000 | NITs, IIITs (lower branches) |
| ME | 5000–6000 | Tier 2 colleges, some NITs |
| EE | 4000–5000 | Moderate chances for NITs, private M.Techs |
Ques. How long does it take to prepare for a GATE?
Ans. To prepare for GATE 2026, Candidates require at least 6-8 months for effective preparation. For working professionals or college-going students, they should prepare for at least 10-12 months with 2-3 hours a day.
- Final Year Students: 8–10 months (3–5 hrs/day)
- Graduates/Drop Year: 6–8 months (6+ hrs/day)
- Working Professionals: 10–12 months (2–3 hrs/day)
Ques. Is GATE hard to crack?
Ans. Yes, the GATE Exam is moderately difficult but very competitive. The Success rate is 16-18% out of the overall 9 lakh candidates who appear every year.
| Criteria | Data Points |
|---|---|
| Avg. Candidates (2024) | 8.9 lakh |
| Avg. Qualifiers | 1.4–1.6 lakh (16–18% qualified) |
| Reason for Failure | Incomplete syllabus, lack of mock test practice |
| What helps most | PYQs, conceptual clarity, consistent revision |
Ques. Is GATE easier than JEE?
Ans. According to the concepts, GATE is easier than JEE Advanced, depending on better understanding and application in the engineering subjects.
GATE vs JEE Advanced Comparison
| Factor | GATE | JEE Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus Depth | Moderate-depth (UG Engineering) | Extensive (11th & 12th + problem-solving) |
| Competition Level | High (PG Level) | Very High (UG Entry to IITs) |
| Acceptance Ratio | 16–18% | 1% |
| Exam Pattern | MCQs, NAT, MSQs | Complex pattern, more analytical |
Ques. Can I clear the GATE in 3 months?
Ans. Yes, candidates can crack the GATE Exam in 3 months, if they prepare in a dedicated way, with basic knowledge and a proper study plan.
3-Month Plan at a Glance:
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | High-weightage topics + Engg., Math + GA |
| Month 2 | Remaining topics + PYQs + 3 mocks/week |
| Month 3 | Full revision + 10+ full-length mock tests |
Ques. Being an Average Student, Is It Possible for Me to Crack GATE 2026?
Ans. Yes, being an average student, candidates can crack the GATE 2026, as the GATE Exam is more about strategic preparation for the exam.
- The Average candidates can clear the GATE Exam with a proper plan, resources and consistency in studying.
- In GATE, around 40% of the toppers are from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Colleges.
- Students who score below average in college can secure an AIR less than 500, with proper revision and PYQ Practice.
- Regularly preparing for 4-6 hours daily for 6-8 months is required for proper progress.
Ques. How Many Hours Should I Dedicate to GATE Preparation 2026?
Ans. In GATE, the total hours candidates study depend on the time they start preparing and their familiarity with the concepts.
A Minimum of 700-800 hours of the entire preparation cycle is required.
| Preparation Phase | Hours/Day | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep (Concept Build) | 4–5 hrs | 2 months | Basics + Engineering Mathematics |
| Oct–Nov (Core Focus) | 5–6 hrs | 2 months | Subject Core + PYQs |
| Dec–Jan (Revision+Mock) | 6–8 hrs | 2 months | Mock Tests + Analysis + Revision |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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