How I Secured AIR 87 in GATE Electrical Engineering (EEE) with 7 Months of Preparation
When I started preparing for GATE Electrical Engineering, I had only seven months left before the examination. The syllabus looked enormous, and balancing college academics alongside preparation seemed challenging. However, by focusing on the right subjects, practicing consistently, and avoiding common mistakes, I managed to secure AIR 87.
In this blog, I'll share the strategy that helped me achieve this rank.
Step 1: Understanding the GATE EEE Syllabus
Before starting preparation, I spent a few days understanding:
- Complete GATE EEE syllabus
- Previous year papers
- Subject-wise weightage
- Frequently asked topics
I divided subjects into three categories:
High-Weightage Subjects
- Electrical Machines
- Power Systems
- Power Electronics
- Control Systems
- Signals and Systems
- Electrical Networks
Medium-Weightage Subjects
- Analog Electronics
- Digital Electronics
- Measurements and Instrumentation
Scoring Sections
- Engineering Mathematics
- General Aptitude
This classification helped me prioritize my study plan.
Step 2: Completing the Syllabus Efficiently
My goal was to complete the entire syllabus within the first four months.
For every subject, I followed this sequence:
Learn Concepts
I focused on understanding fundamentals rather than memorizing formulas.
Make Short Notes
For each chapter, I prepared concise notes containing:
- Important formulas
- Key concepts
- Shortcuts
- Frequently made mistakes
Practice Questions
Immediately after completing a topic, I solved:
- Topic-wise questions
- Previous year questions
- Numerical problems
This helped reinforce concepts effectively.
Step 3: Mastering Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude
Many students underestimate these sections.
I dedicated one hour daily to:
- Engineering Mathematics
- General Aptitude
Since these sections contribute significantly to the overall score, they can dramatically improve rank.
Step 4: Solving Previous Year Questions
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) became the backbone of my preparation.
I solved the last 15 years of GATE EEE papers multiple times.
Benefits included:
- Understanding question patterns
- Identifying important topics
- Improving speed
- Boosting confidence
Many concepts in GATE are repeated with slight variations, making PYQs extremely valuable.
Step 5: Mock Tests and Performance Analysis
Starting from the fifth month, I began taking full-length mock tests regularly.
However, the real improvement came from analyzing them.
After every test, I recorded:
- Wrong answers
- Silly mistakes
- Conceptual gaps
- Time-management issues
I maintained an error notebook and revised it weekly.
This significantly reduced repeated mistakes.
Step 6: Revision Strategy
The final two months were dedicated largely to revision.
My revision plan included:
Daily Revision
- Formula sheets
- Important concepts
Weekly Revision
- Completed subjects
- Error notebook
Monthly Revision
- Full syllabus revision
This ensured that concepts stayed fresh until the examination.
My Daily Study Schedule
A typical day looked like this:
Morning (3 Hours)
Core technical subject
Afternoon (3 Hours)
Problem-solving and numerical practice
Evening (2 Hours)
Engineering Mathematics and Aptitude
Night (1-2 Hours)
Revision and PYQs
Total effective study time: 8-10 focused hours per day
Consistency mattered far more than occasional long study sessions.
Mistakes I Avoided
Too Many Resources
I stuck to limited and reliable study materials.
Ignoring Revision
Regular revision prevented forgetting previously studied topics.
Avoiding Mock Tests
Mocks helped me develop exam temperament and time management skills.
Chasing Difficult Problems Too Early
I first mastered fundamentals before attempting advanced questions.
Exam Day Strategy
On the exam day:
- Started with easy questions
- Attempted Mathematics and Aptitude confidently
- Avoided spending excessive time on a single problem
- Reviewed marked questions at the end
- Stayed calm throughout the examination
Maintaining composure played a crucial role in maximizing my score.
Final Advice for GATE EEE Aspirants
If you're preparing for GATE Electrical Engineering, remember these five principles:
- Build strong fundamentals.
- Complete the syllabus early.
- Solve PYQs extensively.
- Take mock tests seriously.
- Revise consistently.
A top rank is not reserved for genius students. It is usually achieved by those who remain disciplined, consistent, and focused throughout their preparation journey.
If I could secure AIR 87 with just seven months of focused preparation, you can achieve your target rank too. Stay consistent, trust the process, and keep improving every day.
All the best for your GATE journey!