How to Tackle General Aptitude in GATE? Tips and Resources

How to tackle general aptitude in GATE is a common query of aspirants. They must focus on improving their vocabulary, and sentence composition, improve critical reasoning skills, practice data interpretation and more. Since general aptitude comprises 15% of the total marks, candidates must aim to gain full marks in this section.

While preparing for the GATE exam 2025 candidates often focus only on core and technical subjects, leaving the general aptitude section behind. This may result in losing basic scores in the exam.

Aspirants can check this article to learn more about how to tackle general aptitude in GATE. They must prepare thoroughly as the GATE exam date is approaching, scheduled for Feb 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2025.

GATE General Aptitude Section Preparation Tips

Often, when preparing for the GATE exam, candidates tend to focus mainly on the core and technical subjects and leave the general aptitude section for later on. This practice can in turn lead to the loss of basic marks that could have been easily gained with extra effort and practice.

Stressed about how to tackle general aptitude in GATE exam? Well, aspirants need not worry anymore. The following tips can help them learn ways to tackle the GATE general aptitude section:

Check the GATE Syllabus and Exam Pattern Thoroughly

First things first, check the GATE general aptitude syllabus and exam pattern. Doing so would allow the candidates to understand the topics, and weightage of questions in the GATE exam.

GATE general aptitude topics like data interpretation, verbs, graphs, articles and objectives are already covered at the higher secondary level, thus, they only require a revision from the candidate’s end.

Strategize the Preparation Time

Though the GATE general aptitude syllabus is less, the subject carries 15% weightage in the exam and mostly depends on practice. Thus, strategizing time management for general aptitude preparation must be done.

Candidates must give at least an hour daily to the GATE general aptitude section. They must not emphasize the technical aspects of the question, as each question requires a different technique. Rather, the candidate should focus on visualizing the question to seek an answer. Remember that it is a matter of practice and speed rather than memorization.

Also Read: Time Management Strategy for GATE Exam Day

Read for an Enhanced Vocabulary

General aptitude in GATE assesses fundamental grammar, vocabulary, and English aptitude. To improve their scores in the Verbal Ability section and basic grammatical skills, candidates should read newspaper articles, and columns regularly.

Even if one is not a reader, they can begin small or read stuff that interests them. For example, English magazines or comics, even watching English TV shows can help them grasp idioms, sentence structures and more.

Improve Speed and Accuracy With Practice

Speed and accuracy must go hand in hand while attempting the GATE question paper. These skills can be improved with practice. Solving GATE general aptitude questions using GATE previous year question papers and sample papers can prove effective in increasing the speed and accuracy when answering the questions, particularly verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Notably, candidates must first focus on accuracy to minimize the impact of negative markings. Further, they can go on to improve their speed in solving GATE questions.

Also Read: Impact of Negative Marking in GATE

Appear for GATE Mock Tests

Mock tests are dummy tests designed along the lines of actual exams. Appearing for the GATE mock tests allows the candidates to experience real-test situations.

They can anticipate the types of general aptitude questions that could be asked in the actual test. As a result, candidates can mentally prepare themselves to tackle general aptitude in GATE.

Apply Tricks to Solve General Aptitude Questions in GATE

To tackle the GATE general aptitude section, candidates should observe the tricks applied to each question. While the shortcut might be different, implementing the same during the exam can save a lot of time. This, in turn, would boost candidates’ confidence and they will attempt the GATE question paper better.

Revise and Seek Advice

Revision is crucial to prepare for the GATE exam. Candidates can revisit the questions that they are least confident about, especially questions related to time, speed & distance, percentage, averages, graphs, and permutations and combinations. With consistent revision, they can also eliminate the risk of negative marking and enhance speed and accuracy.

Additionally, seek advice from GATE toppers. Watch their YouTube videos, and talk to mentors to understand the pattern of answering questions.

Also Read: GATE Preparation Strategy for Non-Engineering Background Students

Section-wise Tips to Tackle General Aptitude in GATE

The GATE general aptitude section is divided into halves: verbal and numerical ability. Both parts require different approaches to preparation. Here’s a section-wise approach to tackling general aptitude in GATE:

Tips to Tackle Verbal Ability Section in GATE

The following steps can be taken to prepare for verbal ability under general aptitude in GATE:

• Focus on improving vocabulary. This is where candidates can win the GATE scores.
• Candidates can listen to English podcasts, watch YouTube videos or English TV shows to improve speaking skills and understanding the sentence structures.
• Play vocabulary games, and read magazines, newspaper articles and even comics (if one is not a reader) to increase the understanding of idioms, and phrases.
• Work on fundamental grammar, articles, tenses, adjectives, prepositions and adverbs to gain at least the qualifying marks.
• Candidates can create flashcards with unique terminologies, idioms and phrases and their meanings. Use them daily in normal conversations.
• While attempting the question paper, read the passage carefully and then go on to answer the question. Never rush just by checking the beginning part of the question.

Tips to Tackle Numerical Ability Section in GATE

The numerical ability part can be tough to solve for some candidates. The following tips can help tackle numerical ability in GATE:

• Begin by understanding the basic concepts of each topic. Since these require quick resolution during the GATE exam, it's better to be equipped with the fundamentals.
• The numerical ability questions can range from moderate to difficult. Thus, it is advisable to practice regularly.
• Observe the tricks and shortcuts used for each question, particularly those with up to 40 columns, squares with 30 sides, a giant triangle with mini triangles, percentage questions and more. Use time-saving techniques on GATE exam day for timely completion.
• Make graphs and charts, note down formulas and revise them from time to time.
•  Practice regularly for enhanced speed and accuracy.
• Candidates can revisit the areas that they lack.
• Always use a pen and paper to tackle numerical ability in GATE.

Also Read: Avoid These 9 Common Mistakes in GATE Preparation 2025

How to Tackle General Aptitude in GATE Exam?

The real challenge is faced when solving general aptitude in GATE on the exam day. No matter the level of preparation, candidates can make silly mistakes on the GATE exam day. So, how to tackle general aptitude in GATE? Here’s how:

• Before beginning to answer the GATE question paper take a look at the general aptitude questions with a bird’s eye view. This will help the candidates to plan the way to attempt the questions.
• Answer the verbal ability questions first, as they are comparatively easier.
• Read the questions carefully before jumping on options and finding answers, particularly with English comprehension.
• Always use a pen and paper when solving numerical ability questions in GATE.
• Make graphs and charts, or visualize numerical ability questions to solve them easily.
• Candidates must not waste time on questions that are difficult to crack. Remember that guessing is never an option.
• Revisit the difficult or time-consuming questions at the end of the GATE exam.
• Keep a few minutes at the end of the GATE exam to revisit all the questions and cross-verify the answers.

Also Read: GATE 2025 Preparation Tips from Toppers & Experts

Best Resources for GATE 2025 Preparation

GATE 2025 preparation can take a toll on candidates’ mental and physical health. The following are the best GATE 2025 books that can help them with a smooth preparation for the GATE exam:

Also Read: Is GATE Exam Tough?

How to tackle general aptitude in GATE? Practice consistently, solve as many GATE previous year questions as possible, read to improve vocabulary, and learn shortcuts for numerical questions. Candidates must not forget that these tips can help achieve full marks in general aptitude under GATE exam.