Failed GATE Three Times: Should You Retry or Leave?

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam is a significant hurdle for many engineering aspirants. If you’ve failed the GATE three times, you might be wondering whether to continue your attempts or consider other paths. In this article, we'll explore the possible reasons for your struggles and provide actionable strategies for a successful retry.

Underlying Reasons for GATE Failures

There are various reasons why you may be struggling to clear the GATE exam. These can be broadly categorized into conceptual clarity and time management issues. Here are some of the factors:

Conceptual Clarity: If your foundational concepts are not clear, you may face difficulty in solving questions, even if you remember the formulas. Memory Over Time: Formulas and concepts are often forgotten over time, leading to unsatisfactory performance.

Strategies for Improvement

Here are some actionable strategies to help you improve your chances of clearing the GATE exam:

1. Early Start with Non-Technical Subjects

Non-technical subjects carry a significant weightage, approximately 28 percent. Start preparing early for these sections. Practice extensively in engineering mathematics and general aptitude. Recommended books like BS Grewal can be a great resource. Dedicate at least 1 hour daily to practice these subjects.

2. Create Personal Notes

Personal notes are crucial for retaining and recalling important information. Include not just formulas and concepts but also shortcuts, different patterns of questions, tutor tips, and tricky details that are often overlooked. If time is a constraint, consider purchasing comprehensive notes from reputable sites like

3. Regular Mock Tests

Taking mock tests religiously is essential for identifying and addressing your weaknesses. Analyze your performance through solution banks, focusing on the approach to unattempted questions, your mistakes, and finding shortcuts. This will help in building an exponential learning curve, improving both your speed and accuracy.

4. Prioritize Time Management

Avoid wasting time on non-essential activities like entertainment, searching for free resources online, socializing, or seeking potential partners. These activities can lead to significant time losses that can impact your preparation. Invest your time wisely in your preparation and mock test analysis.

5. Stay Positive and Persistent

Never lose hope during your journey. If you are not getting a good rank, it means you are scoring at a level that is not sufficient for a good rank. You must be aware of the basic concepts, but there are certain things you need to take care of during preparation to get a rank. Acknowledge that the exam questions are different from previous years, with calculations becoming more lengthy and questions less repetitive.

Conclusion

Getting a good rank in the GATE exam is not impossible; it requires a smart strategy and dedication. Solve as many test series as possible before the exam, identify and eliminate mistakes, focus on 2-mark and NAT questions, and keep your mind calm and efficient. Remember that success will come with flying colors as long as you do not leave your preparation.

Lastly, remember that if you have given your maximum effort but are still unable to clear, it is important to own it and move on. Find your strengths and start earning, fulfilling your responsibilities, and moving forward in your career.