A Journey to GATE Success: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Dreams
When I took the GATE exam again in 2020, it was my second attempt, and it was far beyond my expectations. My first attempt in 2019 had resulted in an All India Rank (AIR) 346, securing in the Mechanical Engineering Paper. This score was not enough for me, as I had been preparing from my second year in college and aiming to be among the top 100. Sadly, I was not shortlisted for interviews with my dream companies like ONGC and IOCL, and even missed the cut by a mere 0.13 marks in IOCL. My NTPC behavioral test was also a disappointment, leading me to join the Machine Design program at IIT Delhi.
The Adjusted After Year at IIT Delhi
After a month at IIT, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me. The lack of in-campus accommodation was a significant issue, as this is something everyone aspires for when attending an IIT. Additionally, I had also rejected my campus placement offer, which was a decent one for IIT. This experience made me decide to start over and give GATE one more shot without the constraints of IIT.
Resilience and Dedication
From September 1st onwards, I dedicated my entire time and full passion to prepare for the GATE 2020 exam. The focus was on addressing my weak areas and practicing extensively from the Test Series. I remember taking around 180 tests, covering topic-wise subjects and full-length exams. Despite the rigorous preparation, the GATE 2020 exam turned out to be more difficult than the previous year.
With a score of 83 odd marks, I managed to attempt 58 questions, the same number I had in my first attempt. After the examination, I honestly felt that I couldn't give my best again, and the result may not be in my favor. The difficulty level of the exam affected everyone, making the prediction of AIR 20 consistently from the rank predictors seem like an achievable dream.
The Eureka Moment
On the fateful day, the news was pouring in, and with the early effects of the pandemic, the results came a bit early. As I opened my GATE 2020 result, I couldn't believe my eyes. My All India Rank was 30, matching exactly with my birthdate. This result not only made me proud but also brought immense joy to my parents, who had always supported me in my endeavors. This success was a tribute to all those who had been praying for my success.
The Transformation
With the GATE 2020 result in hand, my life transformed in ways I could never have imagined. This achievement solidified my future in the field of Mechanical Engineering, opening numerous doors and opportunities.
Conclusion
While the road to success was challenging, it was filled with resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to improvement. If you found this journey inspiring, please consider upvoting and sharing it to inspire others who are also on their path to success.