Navigating GATE: One Aspirant’s Journey and Lessons Learned

My GATE 2021 experience was both a triumph and a failure. It began back in July 2020, a period when my parents had a dream for me to be admitted to top institutes like IITs and IISc. The journey was intense, filled with challenges and perseverance, yet the outcome was devastating. Here is my story.

Initial Preparation and Motivation

After JEE Advance failures, GATE seemed like the next step to fulfill my parents' dreams. With lockdown 1.0 as my study time, I started my preparations diligently. YouTube, study packages, and extensive test series became my tools. Initially, I studied for 5-6 hours a day, but as the exam approached, my study time increased to 10-12 hours daily.

Uninstalling social media apps created a distraction-free environment. Despite completing my syllabus and solving test series with moderate success, I never managed to score above 50 marks. My frustration was palpable, yet my loved ones—parents, girlfriend, and friends—remained supportive, motivating me to persist.

The Day of the Exam

The D-Day arrived, and the exam hall was where I made my last stand. With confidence and a determination to succeed, I faced the screen. However, the exam was a series of peculiar questions that taxed my mind. Under pressure, my mental state deteriorated, and I failed to complete the test within the given time. I missed the cutoff by just one mark, a bitter pill to swallow after months of hard work.

The Aftermath: A Turning Point

The failure was a profound disappointment, leading me to isolate myself. The future became bleak, and I skipped college placements to focus on GATE. This period was transformative. The realization that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain motivated me to change my perspective. I moved from negativity to positivity, which significantly improved my outlook.

Results and Future Prospects

Now, I have a job I love, a career to build, and a life to enjoy. Additionally, I am confident in fulfilling my parents' dreams. GATE, in my experience, is merely a 3-hour test. No matter how extensively you prepare, if you cannot perform during that period, you may fail. Mental preparation and staying calm are crucial.

Advice for Aspirants

To all GATE aspirants, even if you fail, it is not the end of your journey. Life offers many lessons and paths. Trust the flow and continue to put in your efforts. Here are some key points to remember:

Mental Preparedness: Train your mind to stay calm and focused during the exam. Gratitude: Appreciate the efforts made and stay positive, no matter the outcome. Second Chances: Treat every attempt as a new beginning, regardless of past failures.

Life is an ongoing process of learning and growth. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to become better.