Revise Your GATE Syllabus in One Day: A Comprehensive Guide

In the race to clear the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) with a top rank, one of the most critical steps is the effective revision of the syllabus. Just like the bamboo that needs long-term care to grow and then suddenly shoots up, your GATE preparation needs regular effort and diligent revision to see results. Here's how you can strategize your revision effectively to cover the entire syllabus in just one day.

Understanding the Challenge

Revising the entire GATE syllabus in one day is a significant challenge. It requires a level of preparation and planning that you might not have done in the past. However, the results can be astonishing. When you have prepared regularly and made short notes, the process of revision becomes much simpler and faster.

Strategies for Effective Revision

Creating Short Notes

If you have been preparing diligently throughout the year, the effort will be reflected in the quality of your short notes. These notes are condensed versions of your class notes, focusing on important definitions, formulas, and key concepts. They serve as a quick reference and can be the backbone of your last-minute revision. If you haven't prepared short notes, it's not too late to start. Follow these steps to create them:

Allocate 60% of your day to revising the core subjects of your engineering branch. Start by writing down all the important formulas and definitions without looking at your class notes. After completing each subject, scroll through your class notes to fill in any gaps. This might take around 1–2 hours for each major subject. For the remaining 40% of the day, focus on Mathematics and General Aptitude. Additional time can be allocated to other subjects that require more attention.

Utilizing Resources

Handwritten notes from websites like Hindustan Photostat can be a valuable resource if you don't have enough time to create your own notes. However, the key is to keep revising and updating these notes regularly.

QA on GATE Syllabus Revision

Is it Possible to Revise in One Day?

Yes, it is possible to revise your GATE syllabus in one day if you have prepared well throughout the year and have compiled short notes. This requires significant effort and proactive planning, but it can be achieved through disciplined revision techniques.

How to Exactly Shorten the Revision Process?

The process involves transforming a standard textbook into concise short notes. This involves several steps:

Start with the standard textbooks. Create short notes that focus on key definitions, formulas, and concepts. Regularly update these notes to ensure they remain relevant and comprehensive.

What Should Be Included in Short Notes?

Short notes should consist of:

Important definitions and formulas A quick reminder of key concepts

These notes should be concise enough to be reviewed within an hour or two, serving as a quick reference rather than a detailed study material.

Summary and Conclusion

For last-minute revision, it is advisable to use your short notes for strong areas and standard textbooks or reference materials for topics that require more attention. Everyone's preparation strategy may differ, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to adapt and optimize your revision plan to suit your needs.

Good luck with your GATE exam!

Written by Ujjwal Verma, who qualified GATE 2019 IN with an AIR of 72 and currently works for Indian Oil.