How many subjects have you covered? If you’ve completed your entire syllabus, your strategy is very simple: 

• Focus on revision

• Attend subject mock tests. 

From November or until the first week of December, keep attending subject tests. By the second week of December, you can start attending combination subject tests. From the last week of December, you can begin mock tests.

1. If You Have Covered Three or less Subjects

If you’ve done three or more subjects or even just three, here’s the next step. Another scenario might be where you’ve completed only one or two subjects. For both cases, you have two options.

•  You can either focus on revising your previous subjects as you would typically revise, or you can pick up a new pending subject. 

• Alternatively, you can revise previous subjects and attend subject tests, then pick up a new subject.

2. The Role of Accuracy

Which category and path should you choose? The GATE exam is not just about how much syllabus you cover but about your accuracy. Even if you’ve prepared well, the examiner won’t give you marks unless your answers are correct—whether it’s MCQs, numerical answer types, or MSQs. Accuracy is crucial.

So, it’s about converting your preparation into marks. If you’ve already covered the qualifying marks’ weightage—meaning you’ve done three or more subjects—then revise each subject thoroughly, attend subject tests, and then take up a pending high-weightage subject. Revision should be quick; you can’t spend 5–6 days on one subject. Revision means reviewing concepts, not memorising questions. Practice applying these concepts in subject tests. I’ll explain what to do with your mistakes later.

If you’ve done less than three subjects—say only one or two—you need another subject urgently, as two subjects alone can’t help you qualify. Revise your old subjects and immediately pick a high-weightage subject from the pending ones. It’s a simple strategy.

3. January: The Month of Mock Tests

Now, let’s talk about January. Regardless of your category, in January, everyone must focus on attempting mock tests. You can’t avoid mock tests for any reason.

 During these tests, you’ll make many mistakes—either incorrect attempts or skipped questions. 

Try solving those questions again. If you manage to solve them, it means you couldn’t crack them in the exam due to pressure. Over time, with more test series attempts, you’ll adapt to the environment, and the pressure will decrease.

If a question is entirely new to you, note it down along with its solution. Even if you memorise it initially, try to understand it later. This is a part of test series analysis. Look at your correct answers as well—check if there was an easier approach than yours. Adopting a simpler method could save time during the exam.

4. The Importance of Belief and Hard Work

This is how your last two months should go. Let me emphasise—how many mistakes you make in your test series doesn’t matter. What matters is the belief in yourself. Even if you score zero in your test series today, maintain your belief that you can improve. Your current situation doesn’t determine your future. Always stay positive and tell yourself, I can do this.

Belief in yourself can turn impossible things into reality. Whether the situation is against you or others are ahead of you, remember your belief and effort will shape your future. Respecting time and time will reward your efforts.

We’ve seen my life change through consistent belief and hard work, and we are confident you can change yours, too. That’s all for this blog.

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