GATE 2020 Topper's Interview Sourabh Chandra (AIR 64 ME)

By Ashish Singh Dhanjal|Updated : April 6th, 2020

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GATE is the biggest exam for every Mechanical Engineer who is aiming to secure a job in govt. PSU such as IOCL, ONGC, NTPC Exam or pursue higher studies in the most prestigious institutes i.e. IISc, IIT's, NIT etc. Every year over 2 Lac candidates appear for the GATE exam and strive to fulfil their dreams. This year GATE 2020 was conducted on 1st Feb in two slots (forenoon & afternoon) and the final result was declared on 13th March in which Sourabh Chandra achieved AIR 64 with 78.97 marks and 892 GATE score in GATE 2020 Mechanical Engineering exam.

GATE 2020 Success Story of Sourabh Chandra

Gradeup: Please tell us something about yourself and your motivation to appear for GATE 2020

Sourabh: I graduated in the year 2019 from NIT Raipur ( B.Tech. Mechanical Engg.).
While I was in college, I came to know about GATE & ESE in 3rd year. Knowing about PSUs and Higher studies always fascinated me. Then I started my GATE, ESE preparation and besides ignored my college placements. Then, after serious preparation I gave GATE 2019 and the results were a bit shocking as I got AIR 3439 which was not enough to get PSUs or to get admission in M.Tech from a reputed college.

I had an urge from inside that I can crack this exam. So, I decided to prepare again, this time with more seriousness and cool & calm mind for GATE 2020.

Gradeup: Please share your preparation strategy in detail

Sourabh:

I used to take a subject, started reading from basics, solved previous year GATE & ESE questions and attempted test series.
A single subject usually took about 15-20 days.
In due course of time, I made formula copy and revised it whenever I got time.
My whole syllabus was completed by last week of October.
Then, I started attempting full tests every second day until December and everyday in January.
In the mean time, if I forgot some formulas or concepts, then I used to read that again.

Gradeup: Please share some important topics & necessary preparation sources (books/study material etc) to prepare for GATE

Sourabh: I advise Previous Year's GATE & ESE questions and Test Series.
For college students, 1 test series is sufficient. Passed Out students can take upto 3 test series if they want.

Gradeup: What are the challenges you faced in your preparation journey?

Sourabh:

Lack of motivation sometimes.
Handling both Technical part and GS ( for ESE ) in last months.

Gradeup: What are some mistakes that you would have done during your preparation, that you would advise fellow aspirants to avoid?

Sourabh:

Regular revision of subjects is important.
Be cool & calm.
Attempt Full Tests as much as possible.

Gradeup: What was your strategy in the last 1 month before the GATE exam?

Sourabh:

I used to revise my Formula Copy and attempt Mock Tests.

Gradeup: How did BYJU'S Exam Prep help you in your preparation?

Sourabh:

BYJU'S Exam Prep Champion Study Plan quizzes are awesome and helped my clear concepts in many New Questions which I have never learned before.