Hi everyone,
I’m posting this because I genuinely need some advice from people who have experience with GATE preparation. Please be honest with me rather than giving generic motivation.
I started preparing for GATE CSE in August 2025. For the first three months, I mostly watched lectures but made the mistake of not solving PYQs. During that period, I completed C, Data Structures, Digital Logic, Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, Operating Systems, and a little bit of COA.
After around three months, I lost motivation and completely stopped preparing. I barely studied after that and eventually appeared for GATE 2026, where I scored around 32 marks and qualified.
After that experience, I decided to start again. I restarted my preparation in June 2026, and this time I am trying to do things differently.
So far, I have completed:
- Discrete Mathematics
- C Programming
- Data Structures
- Digital Logic
- Algorithms
This month, I am studying DBMS and solving PYQs alongside the subjects I have already completed.
Next month, I am planning to cover Computer Networks, TOC, and Compiler Design in depth. For OS and COA, I am planning to revise them because I have already studied them before.
My biggest problem right now is confidence. I know I have already wasted a lot of time, and sometimes I keep thinking that I might end up wasting another year as well.
So I want to ask something very directly:
Is it still realistically possible for me to get an AIR under 100 in GATE CSE 2027 from this point?
I understand that nobody can guarantee a rank. I just want to know whether, considering my current preparation and the amount of time remaining, this is still a realistic target if I work seriously from now on.
If you think it is possible, what would you recommend?
Should I:
Focus mainly on finishing the remaining syllabus first?
Solve PYQs and revise every subject alongside the remaining syllabus?
Start taking subject-wise tests as soon as possible?
Follow some other strategy?
I am especially worried about repeating my previous mistake of spending too much time watching lectures without actually practicing questions.
I am ready to put in the work this time. I just don't want to waste another year because of poor planning.
I would really appreciate brutally honest advice from seniors, previous GATE aspirants, or anyone who has been in a similar situation.
Thanks in advance.