What is the best strategy to prepare for the GATE Mechanical Engineering(ME) Paper?

“Strategy without a process is a little more than a wish list” – Robert Filek.

🙂

Hence following the above statement, we will come up with a process.

Keep in mind that GATE is a competitive exam, hence apart from good knowledge of the subject a good strategy will be required to ace the exam. Assuming that you have the right resources in terms of books and materials, let us dive into the “study smart aspect”.

We would first like you to take a look at the topic wise weightage analysis that we have done for GATE Mechanical Engineering (M.E.)

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These values have been obtained by taking the average of the marks allotment per topic over the last three years. From these values we can see the most to the least important topics that come in the GATE Mechanical Engineering Paper.
Now will go a little more in depth to see the important and frequently asked parts in the first few important topics.

• Engineering Mathematics

Problems on finding rank of matrix, type of solution (unique and infinitely many), integration using Trapezoidal or/and Simpson’s 1/3rd rule, formula based Laplace Transforms, probability distributions (normal, poisons, binomial distribution , uniform distribution ), directional derivatives, divergence, curl, simple dice problems, limits, simple PDE are the common concepts that are tested in the questions.

• Theory of Machines and Vibrations

Single Degree of Freedom and Finding natural frequencies (underdamped, critically damped, overdamped) comprise of the frequently asked topics.

• Manufacturing Engineering

Machining (milling, drilling, EDM, ECM), Machining time, current, tool geometry, punching, blanking, force; conceptual & theoretical questions; orthogonal machining,  heat & power required in welding, transformations (rotations, scaling etc.), solidification time, CNC machine G codes and M Codes , sheet metal, various types of fits, clearance calculation, arc welding, cutting time are the topics from which formula based questions are asked.

• Industrial Engineering 

Forecasting model, CPM, PERT, Depreciation, Cost (labour, tool grinding cost, waiting cost etc.), P-chart, C-chart, R-chart, X-chart, Time study, EOQ, standard time, demand, Poisson’s arrivals & departures, LPP problems (graphical), simplex method, GO, NO-GO gauges, Machine allocation problems, Sequencing problems , EDD, SPT rule (scheduling) are the most frequently covered concepts from this topic.

• Fluid Mechanics

Simple & Differential Piezometer, Pressure Column Height Calculation, Reynold’s number calculation, Hydraulic power, nozzle velocity of turbines, continuity equation, Bernoulli’s law, tapered sections, Pump Parameters (speed, power, discharge), Gates(of dams) Force Calculation, Venturimeter, Laminar Flow are the frequently asked topics.

• Strength of Materials

One can find problems on FBD for finding force, Conservation of Momentum, Block and Slope Type (average stress and maximum stress for different sections like rectangle, triangle etc.), Macaulay’s Theorem (slope & deflection), a question on thin pressure vessels, problems on theories of failure, torques, bending moment calculation, truss.

And now, after collating all this information, prepare a study plan accordingly and follow it with complete discipline. You can see this article to help yourself prepare a study plan for yourself: Study planning and Schedule for GATE Exam Preparation 
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Have a good time studying, best of luck!