Preparation Strategy for Electrical Engineering (GATE)

GATE is conducted every year with the primary aim of providing post-graduation admissions to candidates in IITs or NITs or offers other benefits like PSU jobs, studying abroad, fellowships, teaching jobs, etc. Candidates who want to pursue their PG programs from various IITs or NITs should clear GATE with good scores. Electrical engineering is one of the most appeared streams each year. It provides opportunities for candidates to get various jobs in MNCs or PSU. The scope of electrical engineering is in various domains such as research and development field, manufacturing, federal government and engineering services firm. Gate preparation for electrical engineering is easy if one follows a proper preparation strategy. 

Let’s discuss the detailed plan for the preparation:

The primary aspect here is that the candidates should know the exam pattern, the trends, the syllabus, the weightage of each topic, etc. Let us first start by knowing the exam pattern. 

The GATE exam pattern: 

The entire paper weighs 100 marks and the duration of the exam is for 3 hours. The total number of questions asked would be 65 and the paper is divided into three sections namely Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude and Technical Subject. The questions are asked in MCQ and NAT format respectively. The weightage of Engineering mathematics is 15 marks, General Aptitude is 15 marks and Technical Subject is 70 marks. Negative marking is applicable for MCQs which are answered wrong while there is no negative marking for NAT questions. 

The GATE syllabus:

General Aptitude 

This section covers topics related to Numerical and Verbal Ability. 

Engineering Mathematics

This section covers topics related to Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Calculus, Differential equations, Transform Theory, Complex Numbers and Numerical Methods. 

Technical Subject i.e. Electrical Engineering 

This section covers topics related to Electric Circuits, Power Electronics, Electrical & Electronics Measurement, Analog & Digital Electronics, Control Systems, Power Systems, Electrical Machines, Signals & Systems and Electromagnetic fields. 

Which Books to refer to? 

Candidates need reliable study materials which can help them to practice better for the exam. Also, irrelevant study materials can cause a blunder as the candidate will consume the wrong information. Some of the books that can help the candidates to prepare better for the exam are as follows:

For General Aptitude Refer- Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal & Non- Verbal Ability by R.S Aggarwal. 

For Engineering Mathematics Refer- Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig and Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S Grewal. 

For Electrical Engineering Refer- 

Control Systems Engineering by Nagrath and Gopal

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory by Boylestad

Digital Electronics by M.Moris Mano

Circuit Analysis by Arieh L Shenkmann, Chakrabarthi

Elements of Electromagnetics by Mathew N.O. Safiku

Engineering Electromagnetics by William H. Hayt

Electrical Machinery by P.S Bimbhra

Power Electronics for beginners by MH Rashid

Power Electronics by P.S Bimbhra

Power Systems Engineering by Nagrath & Kothari 

GATE electrical by RK Kanodia

Signals & Systems by Nagoor Kani

Electrical & Electronic Measurement and instrumentation by AK Sawhney

Preparation Tips:

GATE preparation for electrical engineering is only effective if one follows the mentioned steps.

1. The first thing is to know about the exam and the syllabus which has already mentioned above.
2. Make a study time table or plan to help manage the day to day studying routine. A good study plan will be better for the candidates to schedule their studying hours and complete it on time. It is also important to stick to the routine daily in order to complete it on schedule. 
3. The next thing is to devote a specific amount of time daily to all the sections of the paper. Study all the sections from day one itself rather than keeping some syllabus for the last minute. 
4. Remember that each section is equally important for scoring the marks as there is a lot of competition and the level of this exam is tough. It is not everybody’s piece of cake to clear the exam and get into their dream institutes. 
5. Let’s take an example of the same. One can devote at least 1 hour each for general aptitude and engineering mathematics and 2 hours for the technical subject. As the exam approaches i.e. one or two months before the exam, candidates can double their studying hours. 
6. Take a look at the previous years question paper. It will help to recognize the level and type of questions asked. 
7. Sort the important topics first. There is a chance that these topics come every year in the paper. Look for the common topics in each section and study accordingly. 
8. Practice with the help of mock tests. These tests will help the candidates to prepare better for the exam. With the help of mock tests, candidates can gain a better understanding of the questions and manage their problem-solving time. 
9. Make mini notes simultaneously while studying daily. These notes will help the candidates to refer to the important things at the last moment rather than revising the whole syllabus. 
10. The last thing is the revision. Revise every day as the gate syllabus is vast.

GATE preparation for civil engineering should be followed with dedication, hard work and a positive mindset. Candidates should note that each IITs or NITs have their own cut-offs and to score the marks according to that level one needs to prepare for the exam thoroughly.