The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most essential tests for postgraduate admissions in prestigious institutions across the country. Engineering Mathematics is one of the disciplines that has consistently accounted for 15% of total weightage in the GATE exam during the last five to six years, according to the GATE exam’s established syllabus.
Though mathematics has always been a difficult subject to score in, it has shown to be a benefit for bright and dedicated students. When we script the Engineering Mathematics syllabus, it appears to be enormous and conformable to take a long time to complete. However, if a candidate prepares it well, the topic can be completed in a matter of days and a decent grade can be obtained.
On that note, let’s discuss how to prepare for the Engineering Mathematics section of the GATE Exam in a short time interval to make that 15% count.
Crucial Strategy and Tips to Cover Syllabus
A candidate should construct a strong plan for studying the syllabus in a short period by simply following these easy tips and strategies after they have a good understanding of the relevant topics to learn and the types of questions that will be asked.
- Do not try to memorize steps, formulas, or short tricks without a sound understanding of the fundamentals behind them.
- For noting down significant equations, formulas, and short tricks, the Candidate can refer to standard books such as Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal.
- Study the list of topics in order of importance, then solve the previous year’s papers after you’ve finished each one. This will familiarise you with the difficulty level and pattern of questions.
- While studying Engineering Mathematics, the aspirant should revise regularly to keep all concepts in mind and give the syllabus a quick thorough revision at the end.
- After completing the syllabus, candidates can take online mock tests to help them improve their weak areas and put the finishing touches on their preparation before the exam.
Important Topics in Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Mathematics has the same 15 percent weightage and syllabus in every specialization, regardless of whether the candidate belongs to Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Civil engineering, or any other stream.
With that said, each chapter with preferred specialization has been discussed along with important topics.
Linear Algebra
Candidates should focus on Eigenvalues and vectors, rank and determinant of matrices, and systems of linear equations while studying linear algebra.
Differential Equations
In the GATE exam, general questions such as finding the solution to a differential equation are asked. Bernoulli’s Equation and the Euler Differential Equation should be covered in addition to first-order equations. You should be thorough with various Methods of differentiation for solving differential equations.
Calculus
The candidate should concentrate on maxima and minima in single variable calculus after learning calculus. Divergence and Curls, Gradient, and Vector Integral Theorems are all topics covered in vector calculus. Limits can sometimes raise questions.
Complex Analysis
It is the easiest topic to cover, and the applicant should concentrate just on Cauchy-Riemann Equations, the Residue Method of Integration, and the Taylor series.
Probability and statistics
More questions on Bayes’ Theorem, Random Variables like Poisson’s Distribution, Statistics, Measure of Central Tendency concepts (Mean, Median, and Mode), and the coefficient of correlation should be practiced by the candidate. To have a decent handle on probabilities and statistics, these topics would suffice.
Discrete Mathematics
Finding tautology, equivalences of given propositional statements, finding the number of edges, vertices, or components for a given connected or disconnected graph, isomorphism, Euler circuit, and Simple properties of various graphs such as a complete graph, bipartite graph, cycle graph, and Multiple Line Graph are few topics of discrete mathematics from where questions can be asked.
