Is 7 Months Long Enough to Prepare for the GATE?

The short answer is yes, 7 months can be sufficient time to adequately prepare for the GATE exam, especially for construction professionals and civil engineers. However, the success largely depends on your initial knowledge, dedication, and study strategy. This article will explore the feasibility of a 7-month preparation period and provide practical advice to help you maximize your chances of securing a good rank.

Self-Assessment and Preparation

Before starting your preparation, it's crucial to self-assess your current understanding of the GATE syllabus and your study environment. Here are the key factors to consider:

How thoroughly have you studied the GATE subjects from standard textbooks? Are you currently taking any coaching classes? Have you ordered any study materials or are you planning to take online mock tests? Are you preparing during your final year, or alongside your job? Have you previously taken the GATE exam without much preparation? Are you able to focus on your studies without distractions during the preparation period?

Personal Assessment

Based on the given scenario, here is a detailed assessment:

I hardly studied 2-3 subjects in detail from the GATE EC syllabus and studied the rest in the last moment before the semester to get decent grades. No additional coaching classes were taken. Postal materials like Made-Easy study materials were ordered and found helpful. A drop was taken after a certain point in the academic year. Previous GATE preparation was minimal, helping only slightly but not significantly. Preparations were done at home with minimal distractions, studying 12-15 hours daily for 7 months, allowing for occasional breaks.

Study Strategy and Materials

With the given conditions, a dedicated and well-structured study plan was essential. Here's how the materials and methods were employed:

Subject-specific postal materials were used, supplemented by standard books and YouTube videos for weaker subjects. The Kanodia book was used to practice GATE questions for each subject studied. Short notes (30-40 pages) were hand-written for each subject. From December, previous GATE questions were practiced twice over, leading up to thorough practice in January through online mocks. The final few days focused on revising the hand-written notes.

Results and Conclusion

By following these strategies, it was possible to secure a rank under 500. This experience suggests that 7 months can be a sufficient preparation period if studied dedicatedly. If you have prior GATE preparation, coaching, or are already in your final year, the preparation period can be shorter and more efficient.

For the most challenging scenario of being in your final year or working a job without coaching and minimal preparation, it's crucial to allocate more time and develop a smart study strategy. With diligent revision and practice of previous year's questions, you can secure a decent rank even in 7 months.

In conclusion, 7 months can be adequate for GATE preparation if approached with focus, dedication, and a well-structured plan. Here's wishing you the very best of luck!