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Rakesh, AIR 1, CS, GATE 2008, answers below some of the questions posed by us in an interview to help benefit present and future GATE Aspirants.
Pimplikar Rakesh Rameshrao
Stream CS
AIR 1
[Roll no: 156551]
1. When and from which college did you complete your engineering?
I have completed my B.E. in Computer Science from Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nanded (Maharashtra) in the year 2007.
2. Have you taken GATE earlier and how was your performance in it?
Earlier I have attempted GATE twice. In GATE 2006, my score was just 355 and rank was 2238. In GATE 2007, my score was 424 and rank was 932. I improved it significantly in GATE 2008. Now my score is 935 and rank is 1.
3. Can you recollect when you started preparation for GATE 2008? (Which year of engineering / job)
I got job through campus. But as I was desperate for M.Tech. from a reputed institute, I didn't join the job. I feel it is very difficult to give time for technical studies while doing a job. I was very good in basic concepts in my engineering course. I started preparing seriously for GATE 2008 in August 2007. I think if you are good in basics, a consistent study of 4-5 months is sufficient to crack GATE. Third and final year of Engineering is the right time to clear your basics.
4. When you started your preparation, what was your aim in GATE?
In the beginning I didn't aim high. (Consequently) My aim was to get into top 100 rankers so that I can get admission in IIT. Accordingly I planned my studies.
5. When you were preparing for GATE, were you expecting this rank?
When I started preparing I wasn't expecting this rank. Later on, I joined OneStopGate test series in August 2008. When I started getting good All India Rank in mock tests, my confidence was boosted. I felt that with consistent study I could get AIR 1 in GATE as well. In such a way, OneStopGate test series helped me to analyze myself and to improve over weak areas. It was really useful to know where I stand in India.
6. What were the subjects you felt were tough?
In the beginning, Theory of Computation, Compilers, Computer Organization, Operating Systems & Computer Networks were tough for me. But logical approach helped me to get command over these subjects. I concentrated over only those topics which are given in GATE syllabus and I solved as many problems from these subjects as possible.
7. What were the subjects you felt were easy?
Subjects like Discrete Mathematics, Data Structures, Computer Algorithms, C-Programming, Digital Electronics, Database Managements Systems were easy for me.
8. Which books and material did you refer to in your preparation?
I think books prescribed by any university syllabus are standard books and those books are sufficient for GATE studies. Books only help us clearing concepts, but GATE is all about application of those concepts. So unless you practice problems from previous GATE papers or from other mock test series, you cannot crack GATE.
9. How did OneStopGate's coaching / correspondence course / test series help in your preparation?
I had joined OneStopGate test series only. I think it played a very important role in my preparation. The main thing is that it provides All India Rank in every test so that you come to know where you stand in India. It helps very much to boost your confidence. In the beginning I was thinking to get into top 100 rankers only. As I started improving in test series, I thought I could also get into top 5 or even AIR 1. It also helped me to learn time management. Subject wise analysis and ranking is another feature of this test series so that I came to know where I was weak and which area I should improve upon. Reading tough topics, appearing for next test, analyzing weak areas, improving over weak areas, again appearing for next test, this cycle can be followed in this test series. And 10 such tests are enough to get perfection. Thus OneStopGate test series is the perfect simulation of real GATE exam./
10. What are the strengths of OneStopGate's product?
It is precise as per the GATE syllabus and it shows the right direction for the preparation.
11. In your opinion what are the major reasons for your success in GATE?
I believe in 3 C's, Confidence, Consistency and Concentration. 3 C's are sufficient to get success in any field. Again you should have burning desire to achieve something. I solved around 35 full length GATE question papers (previous year papers and mock test series papers). And I analyzed each and every paper after solving it. Solving problems is the key. Also, right decision at right time is the reason for my success.
12. What was your methodology while preparing for GATE?
I had joined coaching. So my habit was to revise the topic at home on the same day when it was taught in class. Also I was trying to solve problems over that topic at home. If there was any difficulty, I used to ask it to Sir on next day. In such a way, I didn't leave any concept uncleared. I used to revise every subject once in at least 15 days so that it remains fresh in your mind. Otherwise you will forget few concepts by the time of exam. Also I was appearing for OneStopGate mock tests regularly.
13. When did you complete the syllabus? And were you able to revise? (how many times)
I completed my syllabus well in advance before 1 and half month. Then I revised syllabus within 15-20 days. Earlier I kept revising every subject at least once in 15 days. So approximately I revised entire syllabus 6-7 times. And that is important too, because GATE syllabus is so vast that if don't revise periodically, you will forget it.
14. How did you prepare in the last 2 months before GATE?
In last 2 months, I revised all subjects twice. In the last 1 month I didn't read any new concept. I was just solving question papers in the last month.
15. What suggestion and preparation tips would you like to give to GATE aspirants?
Very first point is you should have a strong desire to crack GATE. Give importance to GATE study over activities for at least 4-5 months. Plan your study as per time you have. Don't read entire book for a subject. Be precise and practice as many problems as you can. Practicing problem is the key. Hard work of 4-5 months is sufficient to crack GATE.
16. Which institute and specialization are you planning to take up?
Most probably, I will go for IIT Bombay. I am interested in Data Mining and Networks.
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