What to Do One Day Before the GATE Exam

Most GATE aspirants have been preparing for months, even over a year, for this highly competitive exam. With more than 10 lakh students appearing each year, GATE is considered one of the toughest exams for engineering students. However, you’ll only be competing against candidates in your selected engineering branch. Despite the vast syllabus and challenging nature of the exam, if you've been consistent and diligent in your preparation, there’s no need to let anxiety take over. To ensure you're ready, here are some crucial things to do the day before the GATE exam.

No New Topics

A day before your exam is not the time to start learning new topics. Doing so will only cause confusion and take away valuable revision time. It’s better to focus on revising what you already know well rather than cramming in last-minute information, which can lead to poor performance during the exam.

Revise

This is the time to go over formulas, definitions, and key concepts you’ve studied. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and review the areas where you had difficulties, especially tricky questions from past GATE papers. Focus on recalling the GATE tips and tricks you've learned during your GATE coaching. Online GATE Coaching platforms can be particularly helpful in providing quick revision modules and mock tests.

Take a Break

Don’t let stress consume you. Instead, engage in activities that calm your mind. Whether it's meditation, listening to music, or taking a walk with a friend, relaxing will help you stay focused and composed.

Familiarize Yourself with the Virtual Calculator

By now, you should be familiar with the virtual calculator, having used it in several mock tests. Since personal calculators are not allowed in the exam, make sure you're comfortable using the virtual calculator. It’s an essential tool, and being unfamiliar with it can be a significant disadvantage.

Know Your GATE Center

Make sure you know the exact location of your exam center. GATE is conducted over two weekends in two sessions each day. Double-check the date, timing, and location of your exam. Prepare a checklist of items to bring, including your admit card.

Stay Focused During the Exam

Once inside the exam hall, it’s crucial to maintain focus. If something distracts you during the exam, inform the invigilator immediately. Losing concentration could affect your score negatively, so ensure you’re in the right mindset.

Plan Your Approach

Before entering the exam hall, have a plan for how you will approach the paper. Tackle the questions from topics you’re confident in first to maximize your time on more challenging questions. While it’s essential to attempt as many 2-mark questions as possible, remember that it's not necessary to answer all 65 questions. Negative marking is in place, so don’t rely on guesswork.

Stay Healthy

In the days leading up to the exam, ensure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Poor diet or lack of sleep can lead to fatigue during the exam. Adjust your sleep schedule to align with your exam timing, so you’re at your most alert during the test.

Stay Positive

Your mental health plays a significant role in your performance. Avoid overthinking and keep negative thoughts or discouraging people at bay. Reflect on your hard work and dedication leading up to the GATE exam, and enter the exam hall with confidence.

By following these tips and sticking to the guidance from your GATE Coaching, you can head into your exam day feeling prepared and focused. Stay calm, stay positive, and trust in your hard work. Best of luck with your GATE exam!