Playing your strengths - How to capitalize on yourstrong subject areas to score more in GATE

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

essentially examines the aptitude of engineering graduates/students in understanding simple problems and applying engineering concepts to solve them. Thus, a GATE aspirant has to develop  abilities in solving aptitude-based problems. The engineering aptitude for GATE requires the GATE aspirants to pass through the following stages of preparation:
1. Motivation
2. Preparation strategy
3. Selection of books
4. Theoretical study
5. Key concepts
6. Practice on problems
7. Revision
Time, energy, hard work and books are the basic inputs to the success in this exam. Each of the
seven stages mentioned above is critical in preparation.

Motivation:

Success in GATE needs motivation, confidence, determination, time, books, energy and
hard work. Aspirants must be full of natural motivation and curiosity for study, and should seek for knowledge as much as possible by self-interest. While preparing for GATE, the aspirant must keep in
mind what can be the long-term and short-term effects of success in GATE in his/her career- making process.

Preparation strategy:

Time, energy and other inputs of preparation must be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner. For this, the candidate has to develop a preparation strategy that includes steps such as selection of important topics for study, selection of books/chapters for specific topics, allotment of time for coverage of a particular list of topics, etc.

Selection of books:

A brief planning of the theoretical background can be enhanced by following books that are error free and cover the topics in detail. The general tendency of following too many books should be avoided to circumvent any type of confusion in concepts. For this, a suitable survey should be carried out by the candidate to reach the correct choice of books. Teachers, senior students and class-mates should
be asked about the correct book for preparation. Information available online can also be used. Although there are various resources available online, a systematic and limited browsing of the Internet is recommended to avoid misuse and wastage of time. Preparation for GATE is expected in parallel to graduate courses; the time available for preparation must be effectively utilized. This is possible only by selection of correct study material (textbooks or reference/guide books), which is very critical in preparation for GATE. The choice of books in graduate studies is equally important.

In fact, the referred book only determines the standard and level of study and preparation. Reputed publishers, such as Wiley India, offer comprehensive books specifically written by established authors for preparation for GATE. Hence, there is no need to take stress for selection of books.

Theoretical study:

Aspirants must study the topics asked in GATE papers in depth. For this, a survey of all the questions asked in GATE is a most useful step. Reference books for GATE provide chapter- wise solutions of GATE questions. A good reference book can save a lot of time and energy. Earlier,  students were required to make exhaustive notes of each topic. It was very difficult to organize these notes for revision in future. Students always face initial hesitation in starting the preparation. If not realized, days can pass without any fruitful effort undertaken. It is a general tendency in students that only a few subjects interest them. These subjects are generally taken in groups. Subjects of primary interest should be made the key to success in GATE by completing their preparation on priority. Thereafter, subjects of secondary interest must be given priority in preparation, and so on. However, the ideal recommendation is that each subject must be studied with full interest and devotion for success in GATE. It is always better if weak subjects are also studied religiously so that they  also become subjects of primary interest and one of strength for success in GATE. One must always  remember that the objective of preparation is success in GATE, and not to show someone that  you are a master in one subject but a failure in another.

Understanding of Key concepts:

Students must always make a summary of important concepts that must always be remembered and that can also be used for quick revision of the complete theoretical study. This helps in saving time and building confidence. All important observations must be clearly noted in brief so that the same can be used instead of referring to the complete theoretical study from the beginning.

Practice on problems:

The best policy to generate and maintain self-confidence is to get tested. The candidate must always be aware about the status and level of preparedness of writing the exam. Strong theoretical background and practice are of utmost importance for the fastest solution of the questions. Negative marking of wrong answers may lead to failure if wild guesses are made for filling in the answer sheets without confidence. The questions asked in this exam are mainly meant to examine the fundamental aptitude of engineering graduate/students of the respective discipline.

Difficult or lengthy questions are asked very rarely, and those questions will also be based on simple and basic concepts. A physical interpretation of engineering quantities is very important to understand the problems.

Revision:

As the GATE is held in February, at least 4 months should be given for complete revision of the GATE syllabus, with the material prepared or referred from a guide book. Thus, the revision of the preparation must start from October. The remaining month of January should be used for mastering  he key concepts, derivations, formula and selected (difficult) questions. Like any other competitive exam, accuracy of answers and time management are very important aspects for success in GATE.

About 65 questions are required to be solved within 3 hours; that is, on average, 2.76 minutes are available for each question. The questions of engineering mathematics and general aptitude are generally very easy. Hence, less time should be  given to solving questions from these topics. Speed
is a very important parameter of time management during the writing of the exam.

Important Topic List for GATE EXAM

Hello Friends,
Here is some of the important topics for the GATE exam. I evaluate these on the basis of my experience and knowledge, hope it will help you.
Subject Wise Priority List
1. Mathematics
2. Manufacturing science/ Production technology
3. Industrial engineering
4. SOM
5. TOM
6. Design
7. Thermodynamics
8. Fluid Mechanics
9. Heat Transfer
10. RAC
11. Powerplant
12. IC engines
13. Engineering materials and Engineering Mechanics

IMPORTANT TOPICS

1. Mathematics

Probability
eigen values and eigen vectors
differential equations
Laplace transform
numerical methods
calculus, gradient, multiple
integrals
complex variables
matrix algebra

2. Production (IMPORTANT)

Theory of metal cutting (most imp .)
rolling calculations
wire drawing and extrusion
calculations
sheet metal, (clearance and force
required, shear calculations)
limit, tolerance, fits
basic machining operations time
calculations (lathe, grinding, drilling etc.)
Casting(important)
welding
NC, CNC, M and G code

3. Industrial Engineering

EOQ Models
PERT and CPM
Queueing Model
Forecasting
LPP
Break even analysis
Work study and measurement
Scheduling and Johnson's Rule
Balancing

4. SOM

Principe stress and strain
BMD and SFD
Torsion
Columns and struts
Theories of failures thin cylinders

5. TOM

Mechanism
Gear train
Flywheel
Linear Vibration Analysis of
Mechanical systems

6. DESIGN

Rolling contact bearings. load life relationship
Fluctuating Load consideration for design
Clutch, brake

7. THERMODYNAMICS

Basic concepts
application of first law
Entropy and availability
(IMPORTANT)
pure substances
thermodynamics relations

8. FLUID MECHANICS

Properties of Fluid
Pressure measurement
Fluid kinematics
Bernoulli's equation and venturi meter
Boundary layer theory
Hydraulic Turbine

9. HEAT TRANSFER

Conduction critical thickness of insulation
unsteady conduction(lumped heat analysis) (Important)

Heat exchangers (LMTD, NTU) Radiation (shape factor, heat exchange between non black bodies)

10. RAC

Heat engine, pump and
refrigerator Vapour compression systems Psychrometry

11. POWERPLANT

Steam cycle Gas Cycle

12. IC ENGINES

Gas Power cycles(Otto, Diesel)

13. ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Iron-Carbon Equilibrium diagram
Heat treatment

14. Engineering Mechanics

Equilibrium and truss

These are the very important topics for the GATE exam...
Any doubt and question are welcome....

Books recommended for Gate....

MATHS:

B S GREWAL or H K DASS is sufficient. But my personal choice is H K DASS. At the last stage of your preparation u can do your practice from GATE

ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS

by R K KANODIA. It has large collection of objective type question. If u want to study more, u can go through ERWIN  KREYSZIG (WILEY publication)

MANUFACTURING SCIENCE :

In Manufacturing, whether it is GATE or IES 70% questions r numerical based. Amitabh Ghosh is a very good but tough book. It has very limited theoretical part and more numerical part. P N RAO is a good book.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

by P C SHARMA (S.CHAND publication). Its theoretical part is better than P N Rao. PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY by R K JAIN (KHANNA publication). It has huge volume of theoretical part.

INDUSTRIAL and OPERATION
RESEARCH:

MAHAJHAN or HEERA Gupta. Numerical from Inventory, PERT/CPM and Queuing are most important.

THERMODYNAMICS

I will prefer P K NAG rather than R K RAJPUT. I know P K NAG is a tough book but if u will go through dat book u will have an excellent command over the subject. This book also has the RAC and IC Engine part that is asked in GATE.

HMT

For this you can refer to R K RAJPUT. For more conceptual refer HOLLMAN or INCOPERA.

SOM-

Either PUNAMIA or S.RAMAMRUTHAM is sufficient. You can also refer TIMOSHENKO & GERE for SOM.

FLUID -

MODI & SETH is better than R K BANSAL. For Fluid 1000 Solved Problem Sigma Series FLUID MECHANICS by K.SUBRAMANYA. This book is only for practice not for
foundation

THEORY OF MACHINE

S.S.RATTAN for Numerical problems

Machine Design :

V B Bhandari is preferred.

MATERIALS SCIENCE &
ENGINEERING:

O P KHANNA is a good book or CALLISTER (WILEY publication).

Question arises during preparation of Gate!

Question: What should be the strategy?

If you are aiming for IIT or any PSU your fundamentals should be strong enough. In our branch basic subjects are SOM, TOM, THERMODYNAMICS, FLUID, HMT, PRODUCTION PROCESS, and MATERIAL SCIENCE. Basic subject will cover 60 to 70% of the paper. If you have a strong command over your basic subject it will take less time cover other application based subjects like RAC, ICE, MD etc. For an example u may heard that RAC is a tough subject. But I am telling you that if you have a
good command over THERMODYNAMICS u will cover GATE syllabus of RAC in only 2 weeks. Same thing is also applicable with MD and SOM. All question of GATE are not same level but these are mixed some easy and some conceptual. Afterall scoring max marks is our prime target.

Marks Distribution Subjects In
Mechanical

Question: Should I Join Coaching?

Coaching is a helpful supplement only & it is useless without self- discipline. It contributes to 20% for your study preparation rest 80% you have to do your own. But yes you can do it without coaching by taking the Question Paper/ Model Paper. But yes I will suggest you should join any test series from any coaching institute to self-analyze yourself. Coaching will simply support you to achieve your target. Without your personal dedicated effort it is impossible to achieve it (unless you’re lucky enough). Study plan is a very crucial part of preparation. A
strategy depends on your target, resources available, time available & your internal qualities like your strength & weakness. So, you can
understand everybody should have their own strategy. It is not necessary that the strategy given success to me, will also give u the same result. Make your own study plan and don't copy other.

Question: How many hours I should Study to get a good score in GATE?

Answer: Frankly speaking I don’t know answer of this question. This is the toughest question to answer and I think there cannot be direct answer to this question.

It varies for individual to individual and from time to time. But for sure following rules apply:

Regular studies give better results
Follow a time table

Practice Last year question From
GATE exam

Have good gaps in between for
recreation/sports.

Try puzzles quizzes to sharpen your brain.

Test yourself regularly to see where you stand and plan accordingly.

MORE OR LESS STICK TO BASICS
IT WILL BE GOOD

Have a contact with Gate Qualified candidates those can guide about basic trend.

Notes making is a very good practice.

Make notes short and concise.

Maintain formulas, short-cuts and tips/tricks in notes.

This will help you set your targets and get ready for the big day. Take practice tests and solve previous year questions to get an idea where do you stand. If you are getting fewer score put a little more extra effort. Just don’t give it. Believe me IITs are worth giving a hard try you will enjoy
you success later.

20 Tips for Happy Healthy Life Which will give a wayto your Success to GATE

20 Tips for Happy Healthy Life Which will give a way to your Success to GATE

Today's Scenario has been Changed, with good mind you need a good health.

So I am posting these

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

5. Make time for prayer and reflection

6. Read more books than you did in college.

7. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

8. Sleep for 7 hours.

9. Be Focused.

Personality:

10. Take a 10-30 minutes’ walk every day —- and while you walk, smile.

11. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don’t overdo; keep your limits.

14. Don’t take yourself so seriously; no one else does.

15. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

Tips for Happy Healthy Life Which will give a way to your Success to GATE/IES

How to crack GATE

How to crack GATE in 2 months time (without coaching)
By SAGAR

Hello friends,
This is my first post and i am going to tell you how to clear GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in
Engineering) and that too without any coaching.

The first question that might be coming to your mind  is – How the hell did i know that?

So, the answer is – Through my experience. While i was in my third year of college, i got AIR 186 in
GATE 2011 without much sweating. Again in GATE 2012, i got AIR 138 & that too without much effort.

May be the rank was not “too” good, but it was decent enough for the level of effort that i put into it.

So, you can also get impressive GATE ranks without much toiling after knowing these steps.

1. Have your concepts clear-

This is more of a pre-requisite than a step. Throughout your 2nd &
3rd year of B.tech, try to clear the concepts as much as possible. The clearer they will be, the easier you will find to sail through. Now you may ask me- What should be the level of clarity? Answer to which is- You should be able to teach the basics to someone. If you are unable to do that, you have to open the text-books once again.

2. Collect the arms & ammunition-

Even if the title says 2 months, but this step should be started at least 6 months before exam. So, around June-July, start collecting these books-

1. Solved papers of previous years of GATE. (Preferably- Chapterwise)
( Most Important)

2. GATE Refresher (Very Important)-

For the link to the books that i have used, look at the right side border of this page.

3. Textbooks (Either in print or e books) of all the subjects which are in the syllabus of GATE.
(Important)

4. If possible, sample papers for GATE/ any test series.
(Not so important)

3. Start solving the problems-

Yes! Start solving.
Do not start reading the text books cover to cover. In 2 months time, it is a rare possibility that you will be able to do that. Now the steps for this step are-

In the solved paper book, start with a chapter.

Attempt the questions. Most probably you will face problems in solving them. If you are missing on the formula or some single concept,
open up the refresher & look after it. If you are now able to solve the problem easily, then proceed to next question.

If, however, you feel that the question is like a stranger in a strange country on a strange planet, then you should open up the textbook.

Read all the related topics to that question & do the practice problems. Now, return to the questions, are you able to do them? If yes, then proceed to the next question. If not, again read the topic & practice from textbook until you become comfortable with the topics & gain
confidence in it.

So, the step is – Question from previous year- read the topic -practice the topic.
This way you will do a selective & much more efficient & targeted preparation.

4. PRACTICE!!

There must be some reason why we
call doctor’s job as “practice”. Really, this word has the secret to success in any examination of the world.

Stop reading your books/notes like novels, Open up a notebook, pick up a pen & start practicing the questions.

Make a target of at least 100 questions a day. If 2 months practice while in final year of college can lend me a decent rank, which ultimately, lead me to NTPC Ltd, imagine, what could you do if you are preparing full time for GATE.

Run..Start practicing.. Slot for AIR 1 of this year GATE is still open! :)

PS: If you have any queries, you can ask me in the comments. I would be glad to answer them.

RRB Section Engineer (S.E) & Junior Engineer (J.E)

RRB Section Engineer (S.E) & Junior Engineer (J.E)

Exam syllabus

Post Name S.E & J.E

Exam Time in minute 120

Syllabus topics No. of questions
General Awarness 25
Arithmatic 25
General intelligence 05
Reasoning 05
General Science 00
Technical Ability 90
Total NO Questions 150

To join GATE coaching or Not?

To join GATE coaching or Not?

By Zahid June, 2010

It is really an important question and usually one who is preparing for GATE struck at. Usually the first question comes to mind that is it better to go for GATE coaching center or prepare from home or hostel. This a part of series of article that I preparing for students who are preparing for GATE.

This really depends on oneself. The major thing is your concentration & motive for cracking GATE. Every student has different characteristics and this decision mostly depends on that. Joining and not joining a coaching center have their own pro and cons and you can judge what is best based on how you can handle the negative aspect while taking the full advantage of positive sides.

Let me first start with advantages of joining a coaching center. The first and foremost advantage is you are forced to take time for studies, eventually you will learn few things there. Second advantage is you can make use of tips given by experienced faculty. General information like study material, questions and solutions from fellow mates.

The basic disadvantage of joining a coaching center is that you need to go there. Time is consumed in traveling a little before and after the class. You may in a no time situation for revising the stuff you learned. This can be big issue in metro and big cities as the traffic and distance to a good coaching center may take up to an hour to go and another hour to comeback. Another disadvantage can be meeting new friends and waste more time with them, slowly as you go formal less information and more useless stuff start flowing.

The advantage of studying at home is that you have total control over time and a complete concentration is possible. You can save lot of time that you spend in going out to class and buffer time between the classes. You can spare some time for search and being a part of active forums on internet to see what others are doing and how they are preparing.

The major disadvantages of studying at home are lots distract ERS that may push you away from study like, TV, internet, family member, relative and friends. Even a single cut of tea from your beloved mom may take an hour and finally end up not doing anything. A Cricket match, a TV serial or a movie can lead to hours of distraction.

To make it in simple words if you are an average student better you choose to opt a coaching center. On the other hand, if you above average better prepare from home and keep the distractions away from you.

Make a balance between pro and cons and don’t waste your precious time in distracters like matches, TV shows, too much to time with friends and relatives. Stay focused and rise above you excuses and realize your dreams .

Wish you all a great luck.

Comment of an IITian over MTech in India.....

I would not suggest doing an MTech now, there is very little value in MTech in India, other than from  good colleges. Unless you are very specifically looking at

1. Government Jobs
2. Teaching Profession

I would NOT recommend going for MTech now. The most important thing you need to understand is that , there is an opportunity cost associated with MTech, the point is you are losing 2 years of your job, and 2 years of experience. If you cannot make up for what you lose in the knowledge you gain, and in being able to apply to more companies, you are losing A LOT.

Firstly the only important difference you would find between BTech , and MTech is actually only the project/thesis you do. In average colleges, this is often a joke, and I have seen people get through with projects that would not even make the B.Tech
Project cut at NITs, so considering your interest is to get into Core CS, it would not help you.

If you look at placement statistics, the placement statistics of MTechs ain't much better (or in many cases are actually worse) than that of BTech of the same college.

Look at the faculties in the colleges you are going to, do you really think they would be able to guide the MTech students ?

So going for MTech now will NOT help you to

1. Get more deep knowledge about core CS topics.
2. Get a much better placement at a later time

If you are confident that you can do better, I would definitely suggest aiming for IITs (even NITs have
very little additional value when it comes to MTech) and I am sure you can make it.

Important Topic List for GATE EXAM

Hello Friends,

Here is some of the important topics for the GATE exam. I evaluate these on the basis of my experience and knowledge, hope it will help you.

Subject Wise Priority List
1. Mathematics
2. Manufacturing science/ Production technology
3. Industrial engineering
4. SOM
5. TOM
6. Design
7. Thermodynamics
8. Fluid Mechanics
9. Heat Transfer
10. RAC
11. Powerplant
12. IC engines
13. Engineering materials and Engineering
Mechanics

IMPORTANT TOPICS

1. Mathematics
Probability
eigen values and eigen vectors
differential equations
Laplace transform
numerical methods
calculus, gradient, multiple integrals
complex variables
matrix algebra

2. Production (IMPORTANT)
Theory of metal cutting (most imp .)
rolling calculations
wire drawing and extrusion
calculations
sheet metal, (clearance and force
required, shear calculations)
limit, tolerance, fits
basic machining operations time
calculations (lathe, grinding,
drilling etc.)
Casting(important)
welding
NC, CNC, M and G code

3. Industrial Engineering
EOQ Models
PERT and CPM
Queueing Model
Forecasting
LPP
Break even analysis
Work study and measurement
Scheduling and Johnson's Rule
Balancing

4. SOM
Principe stress and strain
BMD and SFD
Torsion
Columns and struts
Theories of failures thin cylinders

5. TOM
Mechanism
Gear train
Flywheel
Linear Vibration Analysis of
Mechanical systems

6. DESIGN
Rolling contact bearings. load life
relationship
Fluctuating Load consideration for
design
Clutch, brake

7. THERMODYNAMICS
Basic concepts
application of first law
Entropy and availability
(IMPORTANT)
pure substances
thermodynamics relations

8. FLUID MECHANICS
Properties of Fluid
Pressure measurement
Fluid kinematics
Bernoulli's equation & venturimeter
Boundary layer theory
Hydraulic Turbine

9. HEAT TRANSFER
Conduction
critical thickness of insulation
unsteady conduction(lumped heat
analysis) (Important)
Heat exchangers (LMTD, NTU)
Radiation (shape factor, heat exchange between non black bodies)

10. RAC
Heat engine, pump and refrigerator
Vapour compression systems
Psychrometry

11. POWERPLANT
Steam cycle
Gas Cycle

12. IC ENGINES
Gas Power cycles(Otto, Diesel)

13. ENGINEERING MATERIALS
Iron-Carbon Equilibrium diagram
Heat treatment

14. Engineering Mechanics
Equilibrium and truss

These are the very important topics for the GATE
exam...
Any doubt and question are welcome....

Strategy for Cracking GATE from home i.e. with out coaching

Guys i want to tell you all that securing above 60 marks in GATE is not that much difficult. I was unable to get because of lack in preparation and not able to bear the pressure in the final 1 hour of GATE exam. still i got promising marks, that boost me up.

Well in mechanical from the last 3 or 4 years the GATE pattern was quite easy compared to that of 2007 and before. So now a days some serious
concentration on very important topics make you to get away with a very good rank.

Now i want to tell you that what are the most important topics in gate exam.

GATE PATTERN
GATE exam is of 100 marks and in mechanical average cut off is between 25 to 30, but may depend on the exam of particular year. there is 70 marks for the all technical part of mechanical side which consist of core mechanical subjects and other part consist of 15 marks engineering
mathematics plus 15 marks for aptitude and English.

Heat transfer, Thermodynamics,
Fluid Mechanics and Machines,
Strength of materials, Theory of
Machines, Production Technology,
Power plant, RAC and Machine
Design, IC engines.

Engineering mathematics English and Reasoning and Aptitude for me preparing time is less so i left machine design and RAC, but i suggest you to not to leave any of these subjects. i explain how to make this simple.

Strategy
Firstly cover Thermodynamics
completely with last 10 years gate
papers and after that when you are through with the subject then its time for heat transfer and IC engine cycles i.e. Otto, and diesel cycles.

With Thermodynamics it is easy for you to cover heat transfer and understand it easily.

Now when you are done with these subjects then its time for Fluid and power plant subjects, comparatively fluid syllabus is more than power plant, power plant only includes vapour power cycle and steam power cycle. Sothese are the very important
subjects

Now the most important subject
according to me is Production Technology, all last year exam gives you an idea how important is this. In GATE 2013 it consist of 16 marks out of 70. so it makes you feel that how important is this subject, so give sufficient time to this subject to justify its importance.

In production technology metal cutting, casting, forming is very
very important.

Now subjects Theory of Machines
and Strength of Materials have equal importance. Always 7 to 8 marks is expected from these subjects.

Machine design and RAC consist
of less marks but never underestimate these subjects as of their importance.

According to me at least 20 to 25 days are requires for the practise after your preparation of all subjects.
other subject i.e. maths, Eng. and aptitude also require time for the practise.

HOW TO MAKE PREPARATION SIMPLE

Now you are thinking all these subjects done at a time is very difficult to remember. so here the some ways to how to do this:

1. firstly you prepare thermal subjects i.e. Thermodynamics, heat transfer, IC engines.

2. then start fluid along with practise of previous subjects.

3. at the middle of fluid start production and

4. when fluid ends along with of production start some 1 or 2 hour practise of maths, and aptitude.

5. when you all are done then try to give some tests so that to increase your speed.

6. doing all your practise set a time alarm near to you so that every time you can increase your speed.

7. now for machine design and rac if more time is there then gocompletely through these subjects

8. but if time is not there then try to see last year papers what is they are asking in these subjects and make Strong that topics.

9. 20 to 25 days of complete practise is must.

10. try to maintain daily 8 to 10 hours, is you are able to give more that is up to you soon i will post some more information regarding
gate exam and list of important gate topics.

you can ask for any of your doubt.
keep preparing....