GATE CSE Exam Experience

GATE CSE 2024 :

Hey there! I’m a computer science student, and in today’s competitive world, we’re all familiar with the plethora of challenges we face. One significant milestone that many engineering students, including myself, aim for is the GATE exam.

• GATE(Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
• Is a renowned examination conducted by various IITs across India.
• This exam serves as a gateway for higher education opportunities and lucrative government job placements.
• In 2024, the responsibility of organizing GATE fell upon the esteemed Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore.
• It’s worth noting that while I am a computer science enthusiast, GATE covers a wide array of branches beyond just computer science.

GATE Exam Process :

Let’s delve into the process I followed for the GATE exam:

1. The application window typically opens in September and closes in November.
2. During this period, I filled out the application form and paid a fee of around Rs. 800.
3. For foreign and male candidates, the fee is approximately Rs. 1000.
4. After applying, if any changes were needed, we received an email notification prompting us to make the necessary revisions.
5. These changes often included uploading a correctly sized photo or signature.
6. Once the application was successfully submitted, the exam was scheduled for February, usually spanning 10-11 days for the computer science branch.
7. Before the exam date, we received an email containing our admit card, which detailed the date, session, timing, and assigned exam center.

After receiving my admit card, I discovered that my exam center was Solapur Digital Hub. Before the exam, I took the initiative to inquire about :

• The center’s location
• It’s distance from my home
• The estimated travel time required, and
• what time I needed to leave home to ensure I arrived on time.

These preparations were crucial to ensuring a smooth journey to the exam center on the day of the GATE exam.

Before the exam day:

I found myself immersed in stress. Despite waking up early, I couldn’t focus on my revision. My mind was consumed by thoughts of the impending exam, and I feared forgetting important concepts. Despite these challenges, I persisted in preparing and revising the material. However, an unexpected twist occurred during my journey to the GATE exam.

Around 1-2 PM in the afternoon, I was seated in my room with my laptop in front of me, along with pen and paper, revising concepts for my upcoming exam. My little brother called me for help in the kitchen. At that moment, the water supply was on, and in Solapur, we rely on filling water for drinking purposes. Since my exams were the next day, my little brother was assisting my mom with this task. As he urgently called for my help because water was spilling in the kitchen, I dashed towards the kitchen with pen in hand, oblivious to the water on the floor. I ended up slipping badly onto the water, losing awareness of my surroundings. My mom, brother, and other family members quickly rushed to my aid, helping me to get back on my feet.

I started crying because the pain in my right leg was excruciating. It swelled badly, and the heat was unbearable. The real challenge awaited me when I realized that the corner of my right hand was also swollen severely, rendering it immobile. Tears streamed down my face as I thought about my exam the next day. How would I manage to write it? How could I even move my hand? GATE is a computer-based exam, and I needed my hand to operate the mouse. Moreover, with the online calculator provided in the GATE exam, which is often challenging to use efficiently, I had practiced extensively to save time. But now, everything seemed to have turned upside down, and my sole concern was my ability to even attempt the exam.

Given my condition, my parents suggested skipping the exam the next day. However, I quickly applied some medication to my injuries. My dad urged me to visit the doctor, but I declined, knowing that home remedies and bandages were readily available. Despite spending 2-3 hours dealing with the incident, I resumed revising my concepts.

At that moment, I convinced myself that even if the exam didn’t go perfectly, it was crucial to attempt it. Sitting at home wouldn’t guarantee a better outcome. I decided to approach the exam as an experience without stressing over the marks.

I started practicing using the mouse with my left hand and even attempted writing with my left hand. It was a challenging situation, but I gave it my best shot.

The Exam Day:

I woke up early, but I couldn’t seem to focus on my revision. It felt like all the concepts were slipping away from my mind. I was in the worst situation imaginable, overwhelmed with stress, depression, and the pain from my injury. I couldn’t even manage to eat breakfast properly due to exam-related stress.

My dad and I were supposed to go to the exam center together, but because of my injured leg, I couldn’t walk properly. My brother accompanied me instead, and as we left home, I prayed for the strength to face this challenging situation.

Exam Center:

1. With just a few essentials –
2. Some short notes
3. A water bottle
4. My admit card
5. A pen and
6. A government ID proof

I arrived at the exam center. However, another challenge awaited me. The exam center lacked any seating facilities for students waiting for their session, and the scorching sunlight made it even more difficult. I had to stand for an hour under the relentless sun, adding to the challenge, especially with my injured leg.

Before my session time, all students formed a queue to enter the exam hall, each with their :

• Admit card
• ID proof and
• A pen.

At the entrance gate, our IDs and admit cards were checked, and upon verification, we were allowed to enter the hall after leaving our footwear, bags, and phones outside. Inside, each of us was allocated a PC number, and I proceeded to my designated seat. We were provided with a scribal pad for rough work, and I attempted the exam using my left hand, which was challenging but I gave it my best shot.

After completing the exam, I exited the hall and headed back home. I was very tired and took some rest upon reaching home.

This experience taught me a priceless life lesson: Nothing is impossible. We must take the first step to make things possible without worrying about whether we can do it. If we don’t take any steps towards our goals, it could lead to regret in the future. It’s important to believe in oneself. All the best!!