Starting Late Doesn’t Mean Ending Last
Let’s be honest. If you’re starting your GATE Aerospace preparation late, the pressure is real. You’re seeing people already solving mock tests while you’re figuring out where to begin.
But here’s the truth: it’s not too late.
In fact, many students have cracked GATE with limited time—because they prepared the smart way.
This blog is your shortcut: a focused, no-fluff guide to help you make the most of the time you have.
1. First Things First: Don’t Panic
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But panic won’t get you marks.
Instead, take 1–2 hours and understand:
- What’s actually in the syllabus?
- What topics carry the most weight?
- What’s your strongest and weakest subject?
Once you know this, you’re not “behind” anymore. You’re just on a different plan.
2. Focus on the 70-Mark Strategy
You don’t need to score 100.
A good GATE rank often comes with 65–75 marks. So your goal should be:
- Covering topics that appear every year
- Mastering concepts that are easy to score
- Letting go of the 5–10% topics that waste time
Think: precision over perfection.
3. Subject-Wise Smart Breakdown
Here are the most important subjects you should lock in:
- Engineering Mathematics – 13–15 marks
- General Aptitude – 15 marks (easy to score)
- Flight Mechanics – key theory + numerical
- Propulsion & Thermodynamics – core concepts
- Structures – frequently repeated questions
Start with Math and Aptitude (highest ROI), then move to core technical subjects.
4. The Magic of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
This is your best friend.
Solving 10 years of PYQs teaches you:
- What topics GATE actually asks
- How concepts are tested (not just memorized)
- Which areas to focus on in revision
Bonus tip: Try to solve PYQs in exam conditions. Time yourself. Analyze your mistakes.
5. Mock Tests: Don’t Just Solve, Learn
Many students take mock tests. Few learn from them.
After every mock:
- Note down silly mistakes
- Identify weak areas
- Revisit those topics for a short revision session
Mocks aren’t the end. They’re the feedback loop.
6. Build a Study Routine That Works for YOU
No two students have the same day.
If you’re in college, plan around lectures. If you’re working, use early mornings or evenings.
Your daily schedule could look like this:
- 2 hrs: Core subject theory + notes
- 1 hr: PYQs or revision
- 30 mins: Aptitude or Math practice
Weekends? Reserve them for full mock tests + deep revision.
7. Motivation Will Come From Progress
You don’t need motivational videos. You need tiny wins.
Each day you finish a topic, solve a PYQ set, or complete a mock—you’ll feel the momentum build.
Don’t aim to be perfect. Aim to be consistent.
Final Word: You Can Still Make It
You may have started late, but you’re not out.
You have time to:
- Learn smart
- Focus hard
- Practice well
- And crack GATE Aerospace in less time
So take a deep breath. Start today. And don’t look back.
Your late start can still lead to an early success.
Want a focused study plan for last 90 days?
Goodwill Gate2IIT’s structured programs, PYQ series, and mock tests are built for serious students like you.
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