Careers360: When should the GATE preparation ideally start for any candidate

during the under graduation years? Is it enough if a candidate prepares for GATE in the
final year?
Jitendra Sinha: Actually the last eight to nine months prior to the GATE exam are
crucial for preparation. While it is helpful for students to keep themselves up to date on
their academic front with the basic concepts in place starting from the second year, the
final year is crucial as it needs students to combine their academic study with
preparation for GATE
Both are vastly different. GATE tests the candidates on their conceptual knowledge and
is objective in nature; the usual B.Tech exams are subjective.
So yes, a hard working student can crack GATE even in the final year if done seriously.

Careers360: What should the preparation be like in the initial stages say September
when the GATE 2015 Application is announced? How does the preparation strategy
change in the coming months after the initial application days say 6 months before the
exam, three months before the exam and a month before the exam?
Jitendra Sinha: The preparation differs from stage to stage.
Initial Months: This stage is important as it lays the basic foundation to GATE
Preparation and should be implemented by the first six months. Starting, the basic
concepts have to be strong so candidates must concentrate on this and build their
foundation.Once the concepts are strong, candidates can move to practice through the
sample test papers, mock tests and such.
Last Three Months: Mock Tests play an important role because this stage is about
testing oneself in the important areas that have been studied. Mock tests help
candidates know where they are placed, their weak, strong points and the weak points
should be strengthened. Candidates still have time here to improve if they lag in some
areas. Click here for GATE 2015 Mock Tests
Last Month: The last month is all about revision of the topics and practice and more
practice. At this stage, refreshing the knowledge till one becomes almost perfect is the
goal. Building on the strong points is vital.

Careers360: Is it enough for the student to refer to their engineering (UG) books or is
there a need to delve into other books too? What is the difference in the B.Tech/B.E
curriculum and the GATE Syllabus?
Jitendra Sinha: Engineering Textbooks are good for the concepts and in depth
knowledge. The other point is that they are mostly tailored for subjective tests. Hence it
is advisable to read and study the other books that are GATE specific as the exam
pattern for the B.Tech. B.E courses is pretty different from the GATE pattern. Click
here for GATE 2015 Syllabus
So, candidates would do well if they use the popular books for GATE that is available in
the market.

Careers360: Do you think that an interview before admissions should be made
compulsory for all M.Tech admissions just like the ones to the IITs? In spite of good
scores, candidates have to undergo an interview most times.
Jitendra Sinha: Actually this is for some branches and only at some IITs. Looking at
the figures, you will see that certain candidates usually are repeaters; some have taken a
break for a job and then applied for M.Tech. It is usually to judge and know that the
correct candidates are allowed admissions that the interviews are held. But not all the
IIT admissions have the interview procedure.
The IIT admissions are complex and differ from IIT to IIT. Yes a similar admission
process to CCMT would be great for the students for IIT admissions but that doesnt
seem a possibility right now.
GATE 2015 scores will now be valid for three years. I see an increase in the interviews
that will be held for admissions as a student who may apply for M.Tech admissions two
years after attempting GATE may not have the fresh knowledge like the student who has
just passed out. That is the basic reason for the interviews being conducted.

Careers360: A common question amongst students is how good is an M.Tech degree
in a state level mediocre institute when compared to an M.Tech from IIT? Similarly in
comparison lists, how would you rate the M.Tech degree from an IIT, IISc, IIIT, NIT,
State Level Institute and Private universities say like VIT or SRM?
Jitendra Sinha: IITs are the best institutes followed by four of the NITs down south.
Other NITS are also good as well as the IITs. State Level- the top engineering colleges
that are Govt based are always preferable.
Then Private Universities like BITS, VIT and others also are good. These also have a
good placement record. Candidates have to look at the infrastructure, faculty, facilities,
fee structure and placement record to name a few factors. Since everyone cant get into
the IITs, the others are good enough too if not the excellent.

Careers360: What is the role of a coaching institute like GATE Forum?
Jitendra Sinha: We prepare students for the GATE exam from the very basics. We
start with the fundamentals and ensure that the topics are clear. We then carry it to the
next level by having the mock tests where the students are tested on their knowledge
and what they have learnt so far.
The mock tests also serve another purpose. They familiarize students with the GATE
exam pattern and help the students know how to tackle the actual exam. They are a
necessity especially in the last months when students have to practice more and more.
Click here for GATE 2015 Sample Papers
We have live classes, test series and much more- all designed to ensure that our students
give their best with our help. So a student who takes our help doesnt need to struggle at
all to get things in place. All we require from the student is their concentration and hard
work.

Careers360: How should the preparation be days before the exam?
Jitendra Sinha: This is actually crucial and we generally advise students to be relaxed.
At this stage, there is no point in getting worked up over topics and subject matter. After
months of preparation, the last days need to be used to keep focus on those topics that
the students are much clear on.
One important thing we advise students with is not to even look at topics that they dont
know. It makes no sense for anyone to read topics that they have not understood earlier
and spoils all the other strengths by bringing in self doubts, low esteem and poor
confidence. So students should leave those topics that they are not well versed with or
dont understand. They should concentrate on revising the important topics they are
well versed in. They should do some practice papers also.
And it is important for them to be relaxed. They can simply listen to music, go for a walk
or do whatever relaxes them so that the pressure doesnt build. It is only then they can
write their GATE papers well.

Careers360 wishes to thank Mr.Jitendra Sinha for his valuable inputs and hope
that the GATE 2015 aspirants can use them to aid their successful preparation.

Keep checking our website for more Expert Talk on GATE 2015 subject wise, inputs
from Toppers who have cracked earlier GATE exams successfully and more.