Common Mistakes While Solving GATE Questions — And How to Avoid Them
Common mistakes while solving GATE questions often don’t come from a lack of knowledge, but from avoidable errors that happen under pressure, like misreading questions, skipping units, or making calculation mistakes. GATE tests accuracy, speed, and conceptual clarity, so even a single mistake can cost valuable marks. In this blog, we will break down the frequent errors students make during GATE problem-solving and share easy tips and tricks to avoid them so you can improve your score with a smarter exam strategy.
GATE Exam Preparation Mistakes: Not Reading the Question Stem Properly
The Mistake
Many GATE questions contain tricky wording:
- “NOT correct”
- “Most appropriate”
- “At steady state”
- “Neglect friction”
- “Assume incompressible flow”
Students often overlook these small but critical details.
Example:
A question asks:
“Identify the incorrect statement.”
Many students mark the correct statement because they overlook the incorrect keyword.
How to Avoid
✔ Underline keywords like NOT, EXCEPT, MOST, LEAST, ASSUME, APPROXIMATE
✔ Read the question twice before solving
✔ In the final 10 seconds before marking, re-check the demand of the question
Mismanagement of Units
The Mistake
Unit errors are one of the biggest reasons for silly mistakes.
Students calculate using one unit system while the question expects another.
Examples:
- Speed is given in km/h, but students use it directly for m/s equations
- Force is given in kN, output required in N
- Density in g/cc, calculation done assuming kg/m³
How to Avoid
✔ Convert all values to SI units before solving
✔ Write units at each step
✔ Practice dimensional analysis regularly
✔ Memorize critical conversion factors (1 bar = 10⁵ Pa, 1 hp = 746 W, etc.)
Using Wrong Formula or Forgetting Special Conditions
The Mistake
Many formulas in engineering have specific assumptions that must be met.
Students sometimes apply formulas blindly.
Examples:
- Using the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor formula for laminar flow, where it is not applicable
- Using the bending stress formula without checking whether the section is singly or doubly reinforced
- Using Stokes’ law for particles which are not spherical or not slow settling
How to Avoid
✔ Before applying the formula, ask:
“What are the assumptions?”
“Does this question satisfy them?”
✔ Maintain a separate notebook for:
- Key formulas
- Assumptions
- Limitations
✔ Solve topic-wise PYQs to understand formula boundaries
Read More: GATE Syllabus
Continue reading to learn about common mistakes made when solving GATE questions…
Getting Stuck on a Tough Question
The Mistake
Many aspirants get emotionally attached to one tough question and waste 5–10 minutes.
This destroys the entire paper flow.
How to Avoid
✔ Follow the 3-cycle strategy:
Cycle 1: Attempt all easy & direct questions (30–40 mins)
Cycle 2: Attempt medium / calculative ones (30–40 mins)
Cycle 3: Attempt the difficult ones (remaining time)
✔ Remember:
“Your goal is to maximize marks, not ego-solve every question.”
Calculation Mistakes (Manual and Calculator Misuse)
The Mistake
- Wrong square root
- Wrong use of brackets in calculator
- Forgetting to convert angle from degrees to radians
- Incorrect significant figure rounding
How to Avoid
✔ Practice frequently using the GATE virtual calculator
✔ Always rewrite the expression clearly before entering
✔ Use the BODMAS rule carefully
✔ Double-check by estimating:
If the answer is 10⁶ but your result is 10², something is definitely wrong.
Overthinking MCQs and Underthinking NAT Questions
The Mistake
Many students overanalyze MCQs, assuming negative marking.
They also underestimate numerical answer type (NAT) questions because there is no negative marking.
How to Avoid
✔ For MCQs:
Use the elimination method instead of solving fully every time.
Sometimes, 2–3 options can be eliminated instantly.
✔ For NATs:
Be extra careful with calculations—there is no partial marking.
✔ Practice NATs extensively since they often carry easy, direct formulas.
Ignoring Dimensional Consistency
The Mistake
Students forget to check whether their final answer is dimensionally correct.
Example:
Mass cannot come out in m² or J — yet students sometimes mark such answers.
How to Avoid
✔ After solving, quickly check dimensions
✔ If something looks suspicious, redo the step
✔ Dimensional analysis helps catch 20–30% of silly mistakes
Lack of Conceptual Understanding
The Mistake
Students rely on memorizing formulas without understanding physical meaning.
Example:
In soil mechanics, students memorize that:
“Effective stress increases with depth.”
However, in upward seepage, the effective stress decreases, even as the depth increases.
How to Avoid
✔ Focus on concepts, not only formulas
✔ Solve variations of the same concept
✔ Use visualization: sketches, graphs, simple analogies
Not Solving Enough PYQs and Subject Tests
The Mistake
Students study theory endlessly but do not solve questions.
GATE is a question-solving exam, not a theory-writing exam.
How to Avoid
✔ Solve 10 years of PYQs for every subject
✔ Attempt chapter tests → subject tests → full tests
✔ Track your weak topics in a self-maintained error log
Revising Ineffectively
The Mistake
Students revise by reading notes passively like a storybook.
How to Avoid
✔ Use active recall
✔ Make short formula sheets
✔ Revise using flashcards
✔ Give weekly full-syllabus revision tests
✔ Use “Feynman Technique” — explain topics in your own words
Losing Confidence in the Exam Hall
The Mistake
Stress, fear, and panic can significantly reduce performance.
How to Avoid
✔ Practice in time-bound conditions
✔ Meditate for 5–10 minutes daily
✔ Give at least 10–12 full mock tests
✔ Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Remember:
“GATE rewards calmness more than brilliance.”
Guessing Blindly in MCQs
The Mistake
Random guessing without logic leads to heavy negative marking.
How to Avoid
✔ Attempt MCQ only if:
- You can eliminate at least 2 options, or
- You are confident above 60%
✔ Otherwise, skip—strategic skipping is a skill.
Poor Time Allocation Across Subjects
The Mistake
Students spend too much time on their favourite subjects and ignore scoring ones like Aptitude or Mathematics.
How to Avoid
✔ Follow a balanced plan:
- Engineering Math: 15 marks
- Aptitude: 15 marks
- Core Subjects: 70 marks
✔ First secure 30 marks (Math + Apt), then secure 30–40 in core.
Conclusion
Cracking GATE is not just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart. If you avoid these common mistakes, your score can improve by 15–25 marks, without learning any new topic.
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FAQs: Common Mistakes While Solving GATE Questions
What are the most common mistakes students make while solving GATE questions?
Students often misread the question, use wrong formula assumptions, make unit conversion errors, rely on memorization instead of concepts, mismanage time, overthink MCQs and underthink NATs. These errors can impact accuracy even when concepts are well understood.
How can I reduce silly mistakes during the GATE exam?
Underline keywords like NOT, EXCEPT, MOST, convert all units to SI, recheck formulas, verify dimensions, estimate answers after calculation, and practice using the GATE virtual calculator. The goal is accuracy with calmness.
Why do GATE aspirants lose marks despite good preparation?
Lack of revision strategy, insufficient PYQ practice, getting stuck on tough questions, panic during the exam, and blind guessing in MCQs are major reasons. GATE rewards smart solving, not just study hours.
Are unit conversion and calculation mistakes common in GATE?
Yes. Many mistakes occur due to mixing units, such as km/h vs. m/s or kN vs. N. Writing units at each step and practicing dimensional analysis helps eliminate these errors.
How do I manage time efficiently during the GATE exam?
Use the 3-cycle strategy—attempt easy questions first, then moderate ones, and lastly difficult ones. Skip ego-based solving and attempt high-probability scoring questions early.
Is it necessary to solve PYQs for GATE?
Absolutely! PYQs help understand question patterns, formula boundaries, weightage distribution, and frequently repeated concepts. Aim to solve at least 10 years of PYQs thoroughly.
How do I avoid negative marking in GATE MCQs?
Attempt MCQs only if you can logically eliminate two options. Avoid blind guessing. Focus on clarity, not guesswork. NATs have no negative marking—use them wisely.
How can I improve conceptual understanding instead of rote learning?
Use visual learning, topic variation practice, error logs, and the Feynman technique. Understand why formulas work, not just how to apply them.
How many mock tests should I take before GATE?
Ideally, 10–12 full-length mocks with post-test analysis. Note your common errors and create a personal mistake tracker.
Can avoiding common mistakes improve my GATE score?
Yes. Avoiding careless mistakes alone can boost scores by 15–25 marks, often making the difference between average rank and top rank.
