GATE Preparation Strategy for Non-Engineering Background Students

GATE preparation strategy for non-engineering background students is essential to qualify for the exam. The GATE 2025 exam is scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. As the date for the exam approaches closer, students must start chalking out the strategies for it. For non-engineering background students, it is crucial they first familiarize themselves with the GATE syllabus 2025 and exam pattern.

The GATE exam consists of 30 test papers in total. The questions will be a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and /or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions. The total duration of the GATE exam 2025 is 3 hours (180 minutes).

How to Prepare for GATE 2025 Exam for Non-Engineering Students?

There are several methods through which non-engineering background students can prepare for the GATE exam. It is of utmost importance that such students first practice and know the numerical and technical questions of the exam. 

A detailed GATE preparation strategy that candidates should follow is given below:

• To know the GATE 2025 syllabus: Candidates should first know all the topics included in the syllabus. From the syllabus, students can strategise which topics to cover first.
• Familiarize with Exam Pattern: There are 30 test papers for the GATE exam. It is crucial that candidates thoroughly acquaint themselves with the paper pattern. 
• Practice Previous Years’ Question Papers: Practising previous years’ question appears to act as a revision. Furthermore, many a time a question from previous years’ may be repeated. In such cases, aspirants who have been solving previous exam papers will be at an advantage.
• Set Time Limit: While solving past years' exam papers, aspirants should set a time limit. The time limit should preferably be 3 hours or less, as it is the time allotted for the exam. This will eventually lead the candidate to finish the paper on time.
• Prepare a Robust Preparation: Before embarking on studying the topics, there should be a preparation strategy set in place. This will act as a guide to the candidates and keep them on track with preparation.
• Reference Books: Students must choose the correct reference books for study. There are a number of books available in the market. However, not all of them are fit for study. Due to this students must try and read the tried and tested books on the market.
• Practice Test Series: Several coaching centres and online platforms, test series are available for the practice of students. Candidates while on their preparation journey can practice these test papers to increase their knowledge and efficiency.
• Analyse Gaps: At regular intervals, candidates must analyse the gaps in the study and make efforts to overcome them.
• Choosing Guide/Mentor/Teacher: In case a student needs additional guidance on a matter, then the student must seek help from a teacher or guide to solve the problem. It is important that the chosen guide or mentor is experienced and knows about the subject matter.
• Time Management: Candidates must be efficient in managing their time so that they complete their preparation on time. Moreover, they should have enough time to revise all the topics as well.
• Keep Notes: Keeping notes will help the candidates 
• Revision: Candidates should keep time to revise the syllabus at least once.
• Taking Breaks: Students must take breaks in between their studies. Studying continuously without any breaks may hamper concentration.

Also Read: GATE Online Coaching 2025: Best Free Online Coaching for GATE in India

GATE Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates can follow the below-mentioned table for the GATE exam pattern 2025:

Examination Mode	Computer Based Test
Language	English
Duration	3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of GATE Papers	30 Papers
Total Number of Sections	General Aptitude (GA) + Selected subject
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and /or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Test of Abilities	Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis
Distribution of Marks in all Papers Except papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL	General Aptitude: 15 marksEngineering Mathematics**: 13 marksSubject Questions: 72 marksTotal: 100 marks(**XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks)
Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL	General Aptitude: 15 marksSubject Questions: 85 marksTotal: 100 marks
Marking Scheme	Questions carry 1 mark or 2 marks
Negative Marking	For a 1-mark MCQ, a 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer
	For a 2-mark MCQ, a 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
	There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ.
Total Number of Questions	65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude)
Total Marks	100 Marks

Also Read: GATE 2025: Registration, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus

GATE 2025 Important Dates

Candidates preparing for the exam can refer to the below table for the GATE 2025 exam date:

Events	Dates
Application Form Start Date	August 28, 2024
Application Form End Date (Without Late Fees)	September 26, 2024
Application Form End Date (With Late Fees)	October 7, 2024
Application Form Correction	November 6, 2024
Admit Card Release Date	January 2, 2025
GATE 2024 Exam Date	February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025
Result Date	March 19, 2025
Scorecard Availability Date (Free Download)	March 28 - May 31, 2025
Scorecard Availability Date (Download With a Fee)	June 1 - December 31, 2025
Response Sheet Release Date	Feb 2025
Answer Key Release Date	Feb 2025
Window to Submit the Objections Over Answer Key	Feb 2025

Also Read: GATE 2025 Applicants to Witness Hike

Candidates interested in appearing for the GATE 2025 exam must start early. It will give them ample time to revise the important topics. Students must avoid last-minute preparation. This will create confusion. Aspirants must aim at creating a preparation strategy rather than reading it randomly from any resources. They must also ensure to look to correct references while preparing.