GATE TIPS &TRICKS

Prepared By
Krithika Mohan, Expert at Biotecnika.org
 1. GRADUATE APTITUDE TEST IN
ENGINEERING.......................................................3
WHAT IS GATE?............................................................................................................................................3
WHY GATE?.................................................................................................................................................3
WHEN IS GATE EXAM CONDUCTED?..................................................................................................................3
HOW DOES IT HELP YOUR CAREER?......................................................................................................................3
WHO CAN APPEAR FOR GATE?.........................................................................................................................4
WHAT DOES GATE SCORE MEAN?.....................................................................................................................5

2. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE EXAM............5

EXAMINATION PATTERN......................................................................................................................................6
EXAMPLES.......................................................................................................................................................7
TYPES OF MCQ’S..........................................................................................................................................8
Recall......................................................................................................................................................8
Comprehension.......................................................................................................................................9
Application..............................................................................................................................................9
Common data questions........................................................................................................................10
Linked answer questions.......................................................................................................................11
Match the following questions..............................................................................................................11
Assertion[a]/Reason[r] .......................................................................................................................12
Combinational option codes.................................................................................................................12
OTHER MEMORY TRICKS.................................................................................................................................13
Collage .................................................................................................................................................13
Acronyms & Acrostics...........................................................................................................................14
Prepare Your own Question Bank.........................................................................................................16
Visual Memory......................................................................................................................................16
Everything around You..........................................................................................................................17
For Application Based questions..........................................................................................................17
BOOKS TO REFER..........................................................................................................................................18

IN CONCLUSION.............................................26

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 1. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

What is GATE?
GATE is an acronym for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, and it tests for the
inherent ability a student possesses. The aptitude test is for the fundamental knowledge a
student has gained during his college.

Why GATE?
As the name denotes, it is the gateway for higher education as well as ones career. This is
one of the most important competitive exams an Indian student has to face for his
promising future in India.

When is GATE exam conducted?

The issue of the application form: 1st week of October.
Last date for submitting the filled application forms: 1st week of November.
Examination date: 2nd Sunday of February.
Announcement of Results: Mid of March.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an All-India examination conducted

by the Indian Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, on behalf of
the National Coordinating Board – GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human
Resources Development ( MHRD ), Government of India.

How does it help your career?

 Competition these days is growing at a faster pace regardless of the field and
to keep ourselves at the same pace, higher studies is required. Moreover Post

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 Graduates have a better position in the market when compared to the Under
Graduates.
 Campus placement is one of the marketing strategy these days while
advertising about a college, but this campus placement does not happen in all
colleges rather renowned colleges have 100% placement, and to step into such
colleges like IIT’s, IISC, NIT’s etc
 It helps the candidate to obtain scholarships for his M.Tech course.
 GATE qualified students are eligible for the JRF fellowship in CSIR
laboratories.
 Some foreign universities like NUS have GATE score in the selection criteria.
BUT
There is lots of confusion regarding choosing of subjects for the GATE life science
aspirants. Chemistry is compulsory and students must prepare it properly. Students
should concentrate more on the basics and they must solve various types of problems
based on physical, organic and inorganic portions. There are certain types of problems
which are usually asked every year so prepare those types of questions well. After this
you have options to select any two subjects out of four. It is always better to select those
subjects in which you have good command and in the mean time no. of candidates opting
for those particular subjects are less. This will help you to improve your percentile score
as well as ranking. To prepare thoroughly it is very important to solve problems based on
reasoning and assertion, common data type questions etc. Do not neglect these types of
questions.

Who can appear for GATE?

 A master's degree in any branch of science or M.Sc. in Mathematics. Students

in the final or pre-final year of these programmes are eligible.

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  A bachelor's degree in engineering/technology/architecture/pharmacy would
also suffice. Candidates in the final or pre-final year may also apply, because
GATE syllabus covers up to V semester.
 Candidates in the second year or above of the B.Sc. four-year Integrated
Master's Degree Programme, or in the third year (or above) of the five-year
Integrated Master's Degree Programme in engineering/technology.
 Candidates with professional qualification equivalent to BE/B.Tech. through a
UPSC/AICTE-recognized examination. Those who have completed Section A
or equivalent are also eligible.

What does GATE score mean?

GATE score means percentile score which is calculated by the formula
P = (N - ΣNc or R)/N * 100
Where
P = percentile score
N = Total number of students appearing for the exam in a discipline.
Nc = Total number of students with the same All India Rank.
R = All India Rank

GATE score card is issued to candidates who score a minimum percentile of 75.
And the GATE score is valid for one year.

2. Everything About the Exam

The questions in the exam are objective type questions. There would be 18 questions in
the chemistry paper and 21 questions in each of the other two papers and these sums up
to 60 questions for 100 marks. The time duration for three sections would be 3 hrs. So
there would be 3 minutes for each question.

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Negative marking is another important criterion while evaluating the GATE answer sheet.

Examination pattern

There will be 18 questions carrying 30 marks in XL Section H paper

Q.1 to Q.6 (6 questions) 0.33 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
will carry one mark each
(sub-total 6 marks)
Q.7 to Q.14 (8 questions)0.66 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
will carry two marks
each (sub-total 16
marks)
(Q.15, Q.16) will be 0.66 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
common data
questions. Each question
will carry two marks
each.
Question pair (Q.17, For Q.17, 0.66 marks will be deducted for wrong answer. No
Q.18) will have linked negative mark for Q.18.
answer question. Each
question will carry two
marks. Negative marking
is done only for wrong
answer to the first
question of the linked
answer question pair.

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XL section papers (Sections I through M) will contain 21 questions carrying 35 marks

Q.1 to Q.7 (7 0.33 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
questions) will
carry one mark
each (sub-total 7
marks).
Q.8 to Q.21 (14 0.66 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
questions) will
carry two marks
each (sub-total 28
marks).

Examples
Eg for Q1-Q6
Hydride that readily liberates hydrogen gas on reaction with water is
a. NaBH4 b.CaH2 c. SiH4 d. NH3

E.g. for Q7 – Q14

Air oxidation of sodium metal produces hygroscopic compound ‘X’ which reacts
with CO2 to produce ‘Y’ .X and Y respectively are

a.Na2O3 and Na2CO3 b.Na2O and NaHCO3 c. NaOH and Na2CO3 d.Na2O and
Na2CO3

E.g. for Q15 – Q16 Common Data Question

3, 3, Dimethyl-1-butene on reaction with
Q 15. HCl produces a halogenated compound as major product. The product is

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 a. Me3C-CH (Cl)-CH3 b. Me3C-CH2-CH2Cl c. Me2C(Cl)-
CHMe2 d. Me2C(Cl)-CH2CH2CH3
Q 16 Hg(OCOCH3)2 followed by treatment with alkali NaBH4 produces
a. Me2C(OH)-CHMe2 b. Me2C(OH)-CH2CH2CH3 c. Me3C-CH2-CH2OH
d. Me3C-CH(OH)-CH3

E.g. for Q17 – Q18 Linked Answer Question

A pink coloured aqueous solution of CoCl2 changes immediately to blue on
adding excess of Cl- ion.
Q 17. The blue coloured species is
a.[CoCl6]3- b.[CoCl4]2- c.[Co(H2O)6]2+ d. [CoCl4]2-
Q 18. The d-electron configuration for the blue complex ion is
a.eg3t2g3 b.t2g3eg2 c.t2g4eg2 d.e4tg3

Types Of MCQ’s
Multiple choice questions in all papers and sections will contain four answers, of which
only one is correct. The types of questions in a paper may be based on following logic:

Recall
These are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws of the discipline. The
candidate is expected to be able to obtain the answer either from his/her memory of the
subject or at most from a one-line computation.
Eg : Which one of the following is not a state function?
a) Enthalpy b) Internal Energy c) Work Done d) Entropy

A Tip: For these types of questions memory plays a vital role. Some have a very good
memory but others increase their memory by devising some methods.

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For Example: The colours in the rainbow cannot be forgotten due to the term
VIBGYOR. Similarly acronyms can be used as per ones necessity.
Like: Intensive property – it does not depend on the bulk of the substance in the system
like Pressure, Temperature, Density, Viscosity, Refractive index, Surface tension, Specific
heat. IDPRS2TV.

Comprehension
These questions will test the candidate’s understanding of the basics of his/her
field, by requiring him/her to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.
E.g.: Which among the following molecules has the lowest bond dissociation energy?
a) NO b) NO+ c) NO- d)N2

Application
In these questions, the candidate is expected to apply his/her knowledge either
through computation or by logical reasoning.
E.g.: Problems

A Tip for 2.3.2 and 2.3.3: Flash Card type of Learning.

There are many ways a person can learn: Some take notes while learning, few others
highlight, some others draw in air, some read aloud etc.
One can also follow Leitner system. In this method, known as the Leitner system,
flashcards are sorted into groups according to how well you know each one in the
Leitner's learning box. This is how it works: you try to recall the solution written on a
flashcard. If you succeed, you send the card to the next group. But if you fail, you send it
back to the first group. Each succeeding group has a longer period of time before you are
required to revisit the cards.

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What is a Flash card?
A flashcard or flash card is a card that
is used as a learning aid. One writes a
question on a card and an answer
overleaf. Flashcards can bear
vocabulary, historical dates, formulas
or any subject matter that can be
learned via a question and answer
format. Flashcards are widely used as a learning drill to aid memorization by way of
spaced repetition.

Common data questions

Multiple questions may be linked to a common data problem, passage and the
like. 2 or 3 questions can be formed but generally only 2 are formed from the given
common data problem. Each question is independent and its solution obtainable from the
above problem data/passage directly. (Answer of the previous question is not required to
solve the next question). Each question under this group will carry two marks.
 While tackling these types of questions understand the common passage very
well.
 Guess as to what type of question could be asked from that passage.
 The questions will not have common answer linked, so it is better to know
what type of question you are answering.
 Each of these questions has a negative marking; hence it would be better to
leave it unanswered when the candidate is not sure of the answer.

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Linked answer questions
These questions are of problem solving type. A problem statement is followed by
two questions based on the problem statement. The two questions are designed such that
the solution to the second question depends upon the answer to the first one. In other
words, the first answer is an intermediate step in working out the second answer. Each
question in such linked answer questions will carry two marks.

 This question is designed such that the candidate goes wrong.

 This is a tricky question where in the answer for the second question might be
wrong when the first one is wrong.
 Hence concentrate on the first question, only this has a negative marking.

 Even if the candidate cannot link the answer for the second, it is better to take
a guess as there is no negative marking.

Match the following questions

These questions are simple memory based questions which involve 4→4 linked
answers and 4 choices out of which 1 is correct.
Match the following sub-division would be the easiest for the students of all standards.
It is no different in GATE, yet the options would be slightly confusing.
For E.g.
Column 1 Column 2
1. Energy of Activation A. Calomel
2. Mercurous chloride B. Layer structure
3. Graphite C. Arrhenius Equation
Options would be like
a) 1-C,2-A,3-B b)1-C,2-B,3-A c)1-A,2-B,3-C d)1-A,2-C,3-B

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  First try to match the items you are sure and then scan the options matching
your answer.
 There would be at least 2 options with one of the combinations correct.
 So your options would now come down to 2.
 From the matching given in these options it will be possible for one to narrow
down his answer.
 If confusions persist, it is advised to solve the question finally.

Assertion[a]/Reason[r]
Type with the choices stating if [a]/[r] are True/False and/or stating if [r] is
correct/incorrect reasoning of
Example:
Q. Determine the correctness or otherwise of the following Assertion [a] and the
Reason [r]
Assertion: The azimuthal Quantum no (l) for s, p, d and f orbitals is 0, 1, 2, 3.
Reason: (l) can have all integral values between 0 – (n-1)
1. Both [a] and [r] are true and [r] is the correct reason for [a]
2. Both [a] and [r] are true but [r] is not the correct reason for [a]
3. Both [a] and [r] are false
4. [a] is true but [r] is false
One general mistake a candidate tends to do is to consider the Assertion always true.
This kind of assumptions is never true.
Read the statements carefully and pick your options wisely.

Combinational option codes

The question may be accompanied by four options P, Q, R, S and the choices may be a
combination of these options. You have to choose the right combination as the correct
answer.

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Example:
Q. The infra-red stretching frequency νco of
(P) Mn(CO)6+ (Q) CO (R) H3B←CO (S) [V(CO)6]-
follows the order
1. P>R>S>Q 2. S>P>R>Q 3. Q>S>P>R 4. R>Q>P>S

Follow the trick used for Match the following questions.

Other Memory tricks

Collage
A collage (From the French: coller, to glue) is a work of formal art, primarily in the visual
arts, made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole.
A collage can be of many different types,

How can it be used as a learning aid?

13
 Cut out pieces of paper containing laws,
reactions, intermediate products etc from
anywhere you find.

Stick them on a chart or cardboard in a

haphazard or ordered manner.

One can use the same procedure on laptops or desktops. Collect images and make a
collage using Picasa tool. Make it your Screen saver and learn from it.
Modified version of collages can also be made by using papers of different colour for
each category such as enzymes, catalyst and others.

Acronyms & Acrostics

To create an acronym, take the first letters of the items that you are trying to remember
and make a new word out of them. For example the word "BRASS" can be used to
remember how to shoot a rifle: Breath, Relax, Aim, Sight, Squeeze. "CART" could be
used to remember your grocery list: Carrots, Apples, Radishes, and Turnips.

An acrostic is similar to an acronym, but instead of making a word out of the first letters,
you make a sentence. For example, you could remember the phrase "My very educated
mother just sent us nine pizzas" to learn the order of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Similarly
Intensive property – it does not depend on the bulk of the substance in the system like
Pressure, Temperature, Density, Viscosity, Refractive index, Surface tension, Specific
heat. IDPRS2TV.
Set INdia PResents Sony TV to the world.

14
15
Prepare Your own Question Bank

Prepare your
own
Read the set of
Chapter. questions,
Whatever
possible

Compare
your
questions
with
A standard
QB.

Visual Memory
Some have a very good visual memory, Make use of this while preparing for GATE.
Draw the diagrams and link them to all what you have learnt about them. This trick will
help you in answering RECALL type of questions. This can also be used for Match the
following type.
This type of linking the diagrams can also improve your analytical thinking.

16
If you are a person who opts group study, then link the persons/friends name to the facts.
BRAIN recalls things you are familiar with than those are new to it. Some are fond of
writing on Blackboards, Instead use Whiteboards to practice. One can use any such type
of items in writing down the facts.
In short Use your TALENT in making your learning, this will be the best trick anyone
can state.

Everything around You.

Everyone would have a monthly calendar, hanging in the room. There is lots of space left
for every day in it. Make use of them to write down the things you tend to forget. You
can also make use of Stick pads to write down and stick them in you favorite place. For
all the above methods, make your writing attractive using different colors or different
patterns of writing. Use highlighters, paints, crayon etc anything that attracts you.

For Application Based questions

Expert advice is required especially for this type of questions because theoretical
knowledge is always different from practical experience.
So collect practical based books and understand them.
Finding Practical books dealing with industrial problems is difficult. Search for company
catalogs, they give everything about their product.
For Eg : Amersham has a manual that gives everything about Chromatography.

Learn By Teaching
A person learns more while teaching others and when he is interrogated by many others.
Learn a chapter and debate over the chapter with many others, and make the concepts
clear online.

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Books To Refer
Chemistry
1. IIT –JEE Chemistry Question Bank.
2. GATE-Life Sciences Chemistry made compulsory by Kumar. P
3. Organic Chemistry by Morrison&Boyd.
4. Inorganic Chemistry by
5. The elements of Physical Chemistry by Atkins.
6. Dodge B.F., “Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics”, McGraw Hill.

Biochemistry
1. Lehninger AL., Nelson JR., and Cox MM., “Principles of Biochemistry” .
2. Voet D, Voet JG & Pratt CW., “Fundamentals of Biochemistry” .

Microbiology
1. Pelczar Jr M J., Chan, ECS., and Krieg R., “ Microbiology” McGraw-Hill.
2. Salle, A J Fundamental principles of Bacteriology, Tata McGraw Hill.
3. Prescott, LM., Harley JP and Klein DA., “Microbiology” , McGraw Hill ,
USA, 2003

Biotechnology

1. Cruegar W and Cruegar A,’Biotechnology: A text book of Industrial

Microbiology 2nd Edition Panima Publications.
2. Ratledge C and Kristiansen B ‘Basic Biotechnology’ Cambridge University
press Cambridge.
3. Fogler H.S., “Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering” Prentice Hall, 2nd
Edition, N.J.
4. Bioprocess Engineering by kargi. F Schuler, M.L
5. Biotol Series.

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6. Doran, P.M “Bioprocess Engineering Principles” Academic Press, California.
7. Brown, T.A. Gene Cloning an introduction, Blackwell Publishers,
Chelthenham.
8. Wilson and Walker " Practical Biochemistry" Cambridge Publishers, UK.
9. Skoog,D.A., Holler, F.J and Nieman, T.A " Principles of Instrumental
Analysis" Harcourt Barace College Publishing, Fl..
10. Biotechnology by B.D Singh.

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 In Conclusion

1. Refer more than 3 books.

2. Devise easier ways to remember.
3. Constants required for solving the question paper would be mentioned in the
paper.
4. Read consistently for at least a year.
5. It is always better to write GATE when one is in his VI semester. This would
help him to analyze himself, by which one can change his learning methods in
order to get good percentile in GATE.
6. Solve as many questions as possible.
7. Do not refer books which give lots of information during final days of your
preparation. For e.g. Morrison & Boyd for organic chemistry.
8. Take self tests for each chapter before moving on to the next. Repeated taking
of tests would help one better.
9. Get experts guidance always.
10. Make yourself tough by taking tests that provide All India Exposure. For e.g.
BioTecNika GATE challenge. This would help one to know as to where he or
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26
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