GATE CS 2025 : Preparation

The GATE exam is a popular test for engineering graduates in India. Staying focused and following your study plan is important to get a good rank. The competition can feel tough, but don't worry—you've got help. Here's a simple guide to help you prepare.

What is GATE?

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a tough exam for students who want to study postgraduation (ME/M.Tech). Many public sector companies (PSUs) also hire engineers based on GATE scores. Usually, around 15-20% of students pass. The exam is conducted by seven IITs and IISc. It’s a 100-mark exam with 65 questions, and students in the third year or above can apply.

1. Know the GATE Exam Pattern

It's important to understand the exam pattern. This will help you know the sections, marks, and time given for each part. Here’s the GATE 2025 pattern:

GATE 2025 Exam Pattern – Overview
Particulars	Description
Number of Gate Papers	30 Subjects
Duration of Gate Exam	180 minutes (3 hours)
Divisions in Gate Paper	Paper 1: General Aptitude (GA) Paper 2: Technical Section
Total Number of Questions	Total Question = 65 General Aptitude: 10 Questions Selected Subjects: 55 Questions
Types of Questions in the GATE Exam	MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
Distribution of marks for CS	Total Marks: 100 Mark GA – General Aptitude = 15 marks Engineering Math = 13 marks Subject Questions = 72 marks
Marking System	Questions Carry 1 mark or 2 marks.
Negative Marking in the GATE 2025	For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 marks will be deducted for an incorrect answer. For 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 marks will be deducted for an incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answers to MSQ or NAT Questions.

2. Understand the Subjects and Marks

Learn about the GATE subjects and their weightage. This will help you focus on the most important topics and break down your study into manageable parts.

Subject List	Weightage
Programming & Data Structures	10-12%
Algorithm	5-7%
Operating System	7-9%
Database Management System(DBMS)	8-10%
Computer Networks	6-8%
Discrete Mathematics	6-7%
Theory Of Computation(TOC)	8-9%
Digital Logic	4-5%
Compiler Design	2-4%
Computer Organisation and Architecture(COA)	9-10%
Engineering Mathematics	6-7%
General Aptitude	15%

3. Use the Right Textbooks

Each subject in GATE has suggested textbooks. Two or three books per subject are enough. Start with one and refer to others if you need more help. Here are some popular books for GATE CS/IT:

Subject	Book Name	Author Name
Programming	The C Programming language	Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
Data Structures	Classic Data Structures	Debasis Samanta
Algorithm	Introduction to Algorithms	Thomas H. Cormen
Operating System	Operating System Concepts	Galvin
Computer Organization and Architecture	Computer Organization and Architecture	William Stallings
Computer Networks	Computer Networks	William Stallings
Computer Networks	Networks by Fourozon	Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall
Theory of Computation	An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata	Peter Linz
Database Management Systems	Database System Concepts	Henry Korth
Discrete Mathematics	Discrete Mathematics and its Applications	Kenneth H Rosen
Digital Logic	Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals	Morris Mano
Compiler Design	Compiler Design	Aho & Ullman
Engineering Mathematics	Higher Engineering Mathematics	B.S. Grewal

4. Make a Study Plan

Having a study plan is essential. It helps you stay disciplined and manage your time. Tailor your plan based on your strengths and weaknesses, and make sure to include time for revision. Set small goals to track your progress and focus extra time on difficult subjects. Revising regularly will help you remember important topics.

5. Don’t Skip Mathematics and Aptitude

Many students skip math and aptitude, but they’re easy and high-scoring sections. Be sure to include them in your study plan to get better marks.

6. Focus on Concepts

GATE tests your understanding of concepts. So, focus on building a strong foundation in each subject, especially in CSE. Strong concepts will help you answer questions accurately.

7. Practice Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Solve past GATE papers for each subject after you finish studying. This helps you get familiar with the types of questions and improves problem-solving. Try to solve these questions 2-3 times.

8. Join a Test Series

Join a good test series that covers all topics and has questions of varying difficulty. Test series help track your performance and identify weak areas. Practice regularly for better results.

9. Revise Often

Revision is very important. Set daily and weekly goals for revising topics and checking your progress. Focus extra time on tough subjects and take mock tests to measure your improvement.