Optimizing Your GATE Preparation as a Civil Engineering Student: The Ideal Timing

The right time for preparation of the GATE exam for a civil engineering student can vary depending on individual circumstances. However, it is generally recommended to start preparing at least 6-12 months in advance to allow ample time for thorough revision and practice. This timeframe allows for a systematic study plan covering all the necessary subjects and topics and also allows for the identification and improvement of any weak areas.

Timing Options for GATE Preparation

The right time to start preparing for the GATE for civil engineering depends on your own schedule and goals! Some people prefer to start preparing several months in advance while others may start a year before the exam. It is important to give yourself enough time to cover all the topics and practice solving questions.

Additionally, make sure to consider your current level of knowledge and understanding in civil engineering. If you feel you need more time to strengthen your foundation, it may be wise to start earlier. Ultimately, the key is to plan ahead and find a study routine that works best for you. Good luck!

Advisories for Different Aspiring Students

Not Very Strong in Basics

I have seen many aspirants who struggle with plus 2 concepts. For such aspirants, I would suggest covering up some basic concepts of maths before joining the coaching like trigonometry, calculus, matrix basics of motion, force and energy basics of electrodynamics, etc. You can ask any topper of your branch to tell you the prerequisite for starting the preparation. After you are done with these concepts, you can take an 8–9 months course.

Strong in Basics but Weak in Engineering Concepts

Aspirants who have a good hold on maths and physics can directly join the coaching for a 7–8 months course. If possible, try to complete 1-2 basic subjects of your GATE syllabus before joining coaching so that you have a good head start.

Studied Well During College

For such students, coaching is not necessary. They can self-study from standard books along with solving past year problems and giving test series.

Already Took Coaching but Couldn't Clear GATE

Such aspirants need to first analyze where they are standing. They need to solve the past year problems and see in which subjects they are unable to solve problems. If you are not able to solve questions from more than 3-4 important subjects, then it's better to go for coaching again because maybe last time you got wrong concepts, and wrong concepts are more lethal than no concepts. This time, you need to choose a coaching institute where good teachers are there for your weak subjects.

Working Aspirants

I would suggest working aspirants not to take too much stress as time is a constraint in their case. They just need to focus on first understanding the concepts in weekend classes and making detailed notes. Maybe they will not get enough time for solving questions, but their first priority must be to make correct and detailed notes. The next priority must be to solve past year problems whenever they get time. Even if they are not able to crack GATE in the first attempt, at least they must be confident for the next attempt. One tip to all working individuals, try to make things good at office. It's not difficult – you just have to start your day by planning your work at the office and sorting things out. If you are relaxed at work, then GATE preparation will automatically go well.

Totally Demotivated

Few aspirants have been preparing for 2-3 years and unfortunately, are unable to crack GATE due to various reasons and mistakes. They need to bring positivity in them. I know it's easy said than done. But there is no other way. You take a week off from studies, social media, and friends, and start focusing on meditation and improving your lifestyle. After getting some motivation back, you need to analyze what went wrong and write those mistakes down and take a vow to never commit these mistakes again. I would suggest them to prepare for small exams like SSC JE and state exams alongside GATE. Joining a coaching or not is totally their decision to make.