How to Start GATE Exam Preparation 2026 | Online Mock Test

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an aspirational examination that opens doors to numerous opportunities for engineering candidates. The GATE exam 2026 will be held by IIT Guwahati in February 2026 and candidates are bracing up for the early GATE exam preparations. Aspirants can take admission in IITs and IIS, or they can also pursue PSU jobs in India based on the GATE cutoffs.

However, the questions that aspirants often get are, “How to prepare for the GATE? and “When is the best time to start GATE exam preparation?” This blog will help you decide the ideal timing to start your GATE prep and test your prep with an online mock test.

Free Gate Mock Tests
For EC, EE, IN, ME, CE, CS

• 1 GATE past year’s paper with detailed solutions
• 1 subject test
• 2 chapter tests
• Video solutions for all questions

P.S. Also, get access to 50+ hours of exclusive concept videos, masterclasses, workshops, and content.

Access My Free GATE Mock Test

Here is how you can start your GATE exam preparation at the right time

How to Prepare for GATE in Your Pre-Final Year

Starting your GATE preparation during your pre-final year of undergraduate studies is often considered the most advantageous approach. Here’s why:

1. Ample time: If you are aiming for a Rank under 100 in GATE along with your B.Tech., you need to allocate around 700 hours for complete syllabus preparation and approximately 500 hours for practice, revision, and test series. So if you start in your pre-final year, around 1.5 to 2 years are available until the exam. If you read for an average of 3 hours every day for two years, around 2000 hours are available to comprehensively cover all the topics, practice all the previous year’s questions, and revise the syllabus multiple times before the GATE exam.
2. Conceptual Clarity: Your concepts are fresh and clear since you’re still in academic mode. Building on this foundation can be more effective than trying to relearn later.
3. Test Run: As of now, all engineering graduates are eligible to write the GATE exam from their 3rd year onwards. So, if a student starts preparing after the 4th semester, clearly, they will have the upper hand in their prep for GATE. The preparation after the 4th semester also helps the aspirant secure well in the semester exams, directly increasing the CGPA. So, if an aspirant prepares at least 4-5 subjects and appears in GATE in the 3rd year, it gives them a proper idea about the difficulty level of questions and the depth of the concepts that an aspirant should prepare for.
4. Reduced Pressure: You can distribute your study hours more evenly and avoid last-minute cramming, reducing stress significantly.

How to Prepare for GATE in the Final Year

If you’re already in your final year of undergraduate studies, don’t despair. You can still begin your prep and make it to the merit list of GATE. Here’s how you can make it work:

1. Intensive Study: Allocate more time to your GATE preparation in your final year, ensuring rigorous study and practice.
2. Strategic Approach: Concentrate on your core subjects and prioritise topics with higher weightage in the GATE exam.
3. Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.

How to Start GATE Exam Preparation along with a Job

Finding the right time to start can be tricky if you’re a working professional. However, it’s not impossible. Consider these factors:

1. Work-Life Balance: Assess your work commitments and the time you can realistically devote to GATE preparation. Consider part-time courses or evening classes if necessary.
2. Weekend Warrior: Utilize weekends and evenings efficiently. Dedicate focused study sessions to maximise your learning.
3. Longer Timeline: You might need a longer preparation duration than full-time students, but persistence and consistency can lead to success.

How to Prepare for GATE in a Gap Year

Some individuals choose to take a gap year specifically for GATE preparation. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Dedicated Year: Treat your GATE preparation as a full-time job during your gap year. Create a study schedule and stick to it religiously.
2. Coaching Institutes: Consider enrolling in a coaching institute for structured guidance and a competitive environment.
3. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to gauge your progress and identify areas of improvement.

In conclusion, your GATE exam preparation mainly depends on your situation and goals. Whether you’re a student in your pre-final year, a final year undergraduate, a working professional, or taking a gap year, the key is to plan strategically and take notes of important points:

• First, understand the GATE 2026 exam syllabus.
• Create a study plan and stay disciplined.
• Know the high-weightage topics of the GATE 2026 syllabus and focus more on them.
• Choose the best preparation resources.
• Attempt mock tests to know the paper pattern.

Start your journey when it makes the most sense for you, and give it your all! And if you have any questions and are looking for guidance, just fill out the form given on the link below, and our mentors will get on a call with you.