Preparation time for GATE depends on many factors, such as individual's aptitude, attitude, fundamentals, concentration level, etc Generally, rigorous preparation for four to six months is considered good, but it may vary from student to student Candidate should refer to the syllabus and analyse the exam pattern using previous years' papers and start preparing accordingly It is important to know what to study, but it is more important to know what not to study A clear understanding of the underlying concepts is a must since the questions asked in GATE exam will test the level and depth of understanding of concepts. As all subjects don't have equal marks, few subjects are preferred over others Make a list of topics which needs to be studied based on the number of questions which have appeared from the topic in the previous GATE examinations Identify topics which have fetched more marks and give more importance to them during your preparation Create a timetable for study of topics and follow it strictly. While studying any topic, make sure to highlight important points like key definitions, equations, derivations, theorems, laws, etc Allocate preparation time to subjects based on the number and frequency of questions asked in previous examinations. Good Luck!!!