Tips to Get Top Rank in GATE 2026 in 5 Months

Being the GATE topper 2026 is a dream of every aspirant; however, with less time left, “How to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months?” Begin with important chapters, solve problems, focus on pain points, revise consistently, appear for mock tests, and improve the understanding of the GATE 2026 exam pattern.

The GATE exam 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati in February 2026. The GATE 2026 registrations are all set to begin on Aug 28, 2025.

With only a little time left, it is the right time to gear up and strategize to achieve the top rank in GATE 2026. Aspirants can check this article to learn how to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months.

General Tips and Tricks to Get Top Rank in GATE 2026 in 5 Months

GATE is considered one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India. The exam is conducted for admission to the M.Tech and PhD degree levels. Thus, aspirants are often biting their nails before even starting to prepare for the examination.

Now, there are 3 categories of candidates who usually appear for the exam, including the following:

• Candidates who start to prepare at the very end
• Candidates who take a drop year to prepare for the GATE exam
• Candidates who begin preparing during the final year of M.Tech

Whatever the case may be, having the right preparation tips for GATE 2026 at hand can prove to be a game-changer for many aspirants. Below are some general tips to follow when looking for answers to the question “How to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months?”

• Check the GATE Syllabus Thoroughly
• Choose the Right GATE Reference Books
• Prepare a Study Schedule
• Cover the High-weightage Chapters First
• Solve Sample Questions
• Use Notes for Revision
• Observe Pain Points and Improve
• Solve GATE Previous Year’s Question Papers
• Appear for GATE Mock Tests
• Keep a Check on Accuracy and Improve Speed
• Seek Help When Required
• Be Mindful of the Health
• Be Consistent and Use the Time Wisely

1. Check the GATE Syllabus Thoroughly

Taking a look at the GATE 2026 syllabus should be the first and foremost step while preparing for GATE 2026. The syllabus is a great way to check where the candidate stands in the knowledge spectrum - how much they know and how much is left to prepare. Checking the syllabus also provides an idea of chapter-wise weightage for GATE 2026, highlighting the important chapters in the curriculum.

2. Choose the Right GATE Reference Books

The right books and reference materials often play a crucial role in the preparation for GATE 2026. Since only 5 months are left for the exam, a top rank in GATE 2026 can be achieved by studying from good books and reference material. The following are some GATE 2026 books that can be a true guide to aspirants looking to geta  top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months:

3. Prepare a Study Schedule

Once the candidates gather the GATE 2026 study material, the next step is to prepare a solid study schedule. Now, not every candidate can have the same schedule as the learning capacities are different.

Begin the day with comprehensive learning of a particular subject/topic(s). Then, after a break revise the studied topic(s). Further, solve sample problems, observe pain points and revise the topics that the candidate is least confident about. Then, go on to jump to the next topic(s). Remember to take short notes on each topic and do not forget to take breaks in between the schedule.

Note: Since some candidates are already behind in the race of preparation be mindful of the topics chosen and pace up the speed of comprehensive study to make enough time for mock tests, revisions and solving previous year’s question papers.

Also Read: Important Instructions To Fill GATE 2026 Application Form

4. Cover the High-weightage Chapters First

Learning about the chapter-wise weightage of the GATE syllabus allows candidates to focus on the topics that are most likely to appear in the exam. Some of the high-weightage topics include the following:

• Engg. Mathematics
• Network Theory
• Signals and Systems
• Control System
• Aptitude
• Communication
• EMFT
• Power Electronics
• Power System

Candidates must choose the topics wisely. They must not waste their time or distract themselves by focusing on topics of least importance.

Note: Some of the topics can be covered during revision or the last 2 months of preparation.

5. Solve Sample Questions

After a comprehensive study of each topic, it is advisable to solve sample questions or problems to check the candidate's understanding. This practice also allows the students to retain what they have learned.

6. Use Notes for Revision

Revision using short notes can be the key to success, especially during the last 1 or 1.5 months of GATE 2026 preparation. Thus, it is advisable to take notes while doing a comprehensive study so that during the revision process everything is covered. Notes will also help the students easily grasp the topics that they might have skimmed through at the beginning of preparation.

Also Read: Importance of GATE Mock Tests for Effective Preparation

6. Observe Pain Points and Improve

During the revision process if a candidate feels like a topic needs to be better prepared or they have missed some topics, take some time to focus on those topics along with the revision - do not skip revision. this will help the candidates to improve their areas of weaknesses while focusing on the strong points. 

7. Solve GATE Previous Year’s Question Papers

Solving the GATE previous year’s question papers will come into the picture during the last 2 months of the preparation. It is advisable to solve at least the last 15 years of GATE question papers to improve the speed, accuracy and understanding of the pattern of questions.

8. Appear for GATE Mock Tests

The last month or 20 days of the preparation should be dedicated to GATE mock tests. Mock tests are pseudo-exam papers designed to provide an experience of the actual exam.

By appearing for these tests candidates get to know about the exam pattern, number of questions asked, time limit, expected difficulty of level of the exam and more. As a result, candidates can prepare mentally prepare themselves to face the questions.

Mock tests will be available on the official website of IIT Guwahati

9. Keep a Check on Accuracy and Improve Speed

While sitting for the mock tests, the initial focus of the candidates should be the accuracy of the answers. This will ensure that they are not getting answers wrong or the efforts will be in vain.

Once the candidates are confident in their answers, they must focus on increasing their speed to complete the exam within the given time.

Also Read: Important & High Scoring Topics for GATE

10. Seek Help When Required

There may be times when aspirants might get stuck, feel perplexed or cannot study at all. In such cases, they must reach out to their mentors, family members, friends or people they confide in.

They can join online study groups and communities to seek answers to their questions. Talking about the problems might solve their queries.

11. Be Mindful of the Health

With preparation also comes a feeling of overwhelm, stress, anxiety and distress, which may impact candidates’ mental as well as physical health. The only way to not let the exam preparation stress impact candidates’ health is by incorporating the following:

• Relaxation techniques
• Taking breaks during study
• Pursuing any favourite activity
• Watching comic movies, shows, or plays
• Spending time with loved ones

12. Be Consistent and Use the Time Wisely

One of the most important tricks to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months is to stay consistent. With only a few months left in hand, there’s no time to waste on any other activity - apart from unfortunate events. Candidates must use their time wisely by following a fast-paced study schedule.

Moreover, candidates must be self-confident and must not lose faith. Whatever is the status of the preparation, confidently attempt the GATE 2026 examination.

Also Read: What Does it Take to Become a GATE Topper?

5 Month Schedule to Get Top Rank in GATE 2026

How to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months is a question of many aspirants as the exam is approaching. They can follow the 5-month study schedule to get top rank in GATE 2026:

• September: Candidates must take up the topics with the highest weightage and cover the fundamentals of the subjects they are going to take exams for. Comprehensively study for the papers and make notes alongside.
• October - November: Candidates must seriously review and practice their topics to understand their subjects well. From the middle of November, candidates must start focusing on low-weightage topics
• December: This is the time to start focusing on revision and observing areas of weaknesses to improve. The idea is to read notes, revise, and solve the previous year’s question papers and repeat.
• January: By the middle of January candidates must solely dedicate themselves to taking mock tests and revising topics. 

Daily Schedule to Get Top Rank in GATE 2026 in 5 Months

While monthly schedule to get the top rank in GATE 2026 is a general overview of what to cover during the months. A daily schedule for GATE 2026 preparation can be a great way to understand how must one’s day must look like:

Note: This is a general study schedule for GATE 2026. The candidates can alter it based on their learning capabilities. They may also create their own schedules.

Also Read: GATE 2026 Applicants to Witness Hike

“How to get top rank in GATE 2026 in 5 months?” Is a question of many GATE 2026 aspirants. They often struggle to have a proper study schedule and maintain it. By focusing on solving the previous year’s question papers, revising using short notes, consistently following their study schedule and being self-confident aspirants can get a top 100 rank in GATE 2026.