GATE 2018 Electrical Engineering: Strategic Focus Areas and Effective Study Plan

Preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in electrical engineering can be a daunting task. However, by identifying key areas to focus on and creating a well-structured study plan, you can make the most of your preparation time and enhance your chances of achieving a high rank. This article outlines a strategic approach, highlighting the most critical subjects to focus on as well as those to be less concerned with for GATE 2018.

Identifying the Right Focus Areas

When preparing for the GATE 2018 exam in electrical engineering, it's crucial to prioritize topics based on their relative importance and the distribution of marks they carry. The below list highlights the subjects that deserve the most attention, along with those that can be given less priority:

Subjects to Focus On

Network Theory: A fundamental topic that is often the building block for many other subjects. It's essential to have a strong grasp of the basic principles and problem-solving techniques. Control Systems: This topic is relatively easier and scoring. Key concepts like transfer functions, stability analysis, and control system design are critical. Signals and Systems: Another easily manageable area that covers Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, and z-transforms. Understanding these transforms is crucial for comprehending control systems. Machines: This subject requires a good understanding of the principles of electrical machinery, including generators, motors, and transformers. However, it can be somewhat challenging, especially for those who are less familiar with the underlying physics. Power Systems: While this is a vast and complex area, it is still important to get a basic understanding of the core concepts to tackle more difficult aspects later on. Power Electronics: This topic involves the principles of operation and control of power electronic circuits. It can be complex, but essential for advanced engineering tasks. Measurement: Understanding measurement techniques and system design is crucial for accurately assessing electrical systems.

Subjects to Downplay

While all subjects are necessary and contribute to the overall understanding of electrical engineering, some can be given less priority if your time is limited. For instance:

Communication Systems: While this is a significant part of electrical engineering, it might not be a critical area for the GATE 2018 exam compared to other topics. Microcontrollers: Although they are important in industry, the GATE 2018 exam might not require extensive knowledge of microcontroller details.

Creating a Structured Study Plan

Once you have identified the key subjects to focus on, it's important to create a structured study plan that aligns with your goals. Here's a general guideline for an effective study schedule:

Time Management and Daily Study Habits

1. Daily Study Habits: Allocate at least one hour per day specifically for electrical engineering study, with a mix of different topics to keep your mind engaged and to maintain a balanced understanding.

2. Strategy Development: Make a personalized study strategy. Prioritize topics that you find challenging and create a detailed plan for each subtopic. This might include:

Focusing on network theory first, as it will serve as a foundation for understanding later topics. Practicing problems related to control systems, signals and systems, and digital circuits frequently. Reviewing previous year's question papers to identify frequently asked questions in machines, power systems, and power electronics.

Making the Most of Your Mathematics and Aptitude Skills

Maintaining a strong hold on mathematics and aptitude is crucial for acing the GATE exam. These sections typically contribute to a significant portion of the total marks.

Key Tips for Mathematics and Aptitude

Start preparing for mathematics and aptitude from the beginning of your GATE preparation. Maintain a consistent practice of solving problems from different areas of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and differential equations. Regularly solve aptitude questions that cover topics like problem-solving, logical reasoning, and numerical ability. Use previous year question papers to fine-tune your preparation and to identify any weak areas.

Real-World Success Stories and Insights

Many successful GATE candidates share valuable insights from their preparation experiences. One such experience is shared below:

"As a GATE aspirant, I can confidently say that studying the entire syllabus is often not the best approach. If you aim to secure a rank below 500 and have only 3-4 months to prepare, prioritizing key areas as outlined above can be highly effective."

The candidate further recommends the following preparation pattern for a rank below 3500:

Aptitude: 15 marks Mathematics: 15 marks Control Systems: 10 marks Digital Circuits: 10 marks Network Theory: 12 marks Signals and Systems: 5 marks

With this focused approach, it is possible to achieve a minimum of 40-45 marks and secure a rank below 3500.

Conclusion

By identifying the key focus areas, creating a well-structured study plan, and emphasizing your mathematics and aptitude skills, you can significantly improve your chances of success in the GATE 2018 exam. Remember, the key is to stay organized, dedicated, and responsive to feedback from past exam papers. Good luck with your preparation!