GATE Civil Engineering Preparation Strategy - Study Plan, Timetable, Important Topics, Best Books

Diksha Sharma

Updated On: August 20, 2024 04:28 PM | GATE

Wondering how to prepare for GATE Civil engineering exam? Check out the detailed preparation strategy in this article.

 

GATE Civil Engineering

GATE Civil Engineering Preparation: Civil Engineering is one of the most opted choices courses after Computer Science Engineering and Mechanical Engineering that candidates appear for in the GATE examination. Candidates must follow a well thought of preparation strategy from the very beginning instead of studying without a plan as the competition surrounding GATE increases every year. With each passing year, civil engineering has become one of the GATE subjects bringing in the highest number of applications.  As a result, the competition for GATE Civil Engineering is also very high. However, candidates need not worry as adopting the proper preparation strategy can enable them to score well in the exam and qualify GATE with flying colours.

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In this article, we have discussed the GATE Civil Engineering preparation strategy for the GATE exam, which comprises of a 4-month and a 2-month study schedule.

Also read: GATE Syllabus

GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus

The candidates must have familiarity with the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus planning out a preparation strategy. Having complete knowledge of the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus will help candidates in figuring out the crucial topics.

The PDF for the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus has been provided in the table below. Candidates can download the same by clicking on the link below.

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GATE Civil Engineering: Division of Syllabus for four Months Preparation

In order to prepare for GATE Civil Engineering, it is advisable for the candidates to divide the whole syllabus into smaller parts which will help them organize the syllabus easily. Also, the candidates are advised to allot more time to the  GATE Civil Engineering syllabus topics as it will have the highest weightage in the exam. The GATE Civil Engineering division of syllabus for 4 months of preparation is given in the below table:

Particular

Details

Number of Sections in GATE Civil Engineering

7

Total Number of Chapters

26

GATE Civil Engineering Four Months Timetable/ Study Plan

Now that we know about the complete GATE Civil Engineering syllabus and sub-topics, let us overview the study plan through which you can prepare for GATE Civil Engineering in four months.

It is to be noted that the below timetable/ study plan has been included just for reference and the students can modify the timetable as per their preference.

Particular

Details

Total Number of Chapters

26

Total Number of Sub-Topics

119

Recommended Study Hours Each Day

4 Hours

Number of Days for Each Chapter

5 Days

Total Number of Days/ Month to complete the syllabus

4 Months

Revision, Mock Test and Solving Sample Papers

20 Days

Practice to do in one day

02

Last-minute revision

01 Day

Once you have been thorough with the syllabus, you should start solving the GATE Civil Engineering Question Paper as it will help you understand the exam pattern, analyze your exam preparation, and work on your shortcomings.

GATE Civil Engineering: Division of Syllabus for Two Months Preparation

The GATE Civil Engineering division of syllabus for two months will remain similar as per the four months syllabus division:

Particular

Details

Number of Sections in GATE Civil Engineering

7

Total Number of Chapters

26

GATE Civil Engineering: Two Months Timetable/ Study Plan

The following section will overview the timetable/ study plan through which the students can prepare for the GATE exam in two months.

It is to be noted that the below timetable/ study plan has been included just for reference and the students can modify the timetable as per their preference.

Particular

Details

Days Left for GATE exam

2 Months (60 Days)

Total Number of Chapters

26

Total Number of Sub-Topics

119

Recommended Study Hours Each Day

6 Hours

Number of Days for Each Chapter

2 Days

Total Chapters Completed in one month

12 Chapters

Revision, Mock Test and Solving Sample Papers

2 Days

Practice to do in one day

04

Last-minute revision

01 Day

GATE Civil Engineering One Months Revision Plan

If there is only a month remaining for the GATE exam, it is advisable for the applicants to revise the already learned concepts and avoid studying new concepts. The last month preparation for the GATE exam must be focused on solving sample papers, GATE previous year question papers and revising the syllabus. The one-month revision plan for GATE Civil Engineering is mentioned in the below table:

Particular

Details

Hours to Revise Each Day

3 to 4 hours

Number of Chapters to Revise Each Day

1 Chapter

Number of Days to Complete the Revision

19 Days

Number of Days to Solve sample papers/ mock tests/ previous year’s papers

10 Days

Last Minute Revision

1 Day


Quick Link:

GATE Civil Engineering: Subject Wise Sub-Topics

There are various sub-topics in each chapter of subjects in the GATE Syllabus . Therefore, to make the preparation strategy more effective, it is advisable to divide the complete syllabus into sub-topic and allot time for each topic preparation.

The GATE Civil Engineering subject-wise sub-topics are listed in the below table:

Name of the Subject

Sub-Topic Included

Engineering Mathematics

06

Structural Engineering

06

Geotechnical Engineering

02

Water Resources Engineering

04

Environmental Engineering

03

Transportation Engineering

03

Geomatics Engineering

02

*Note : The following subtopics mentioned here are as per the latest GATE syllabus. In case of any changes in the syllabus, the page will be updated as per the new changes.

Best Books for GATE Civil Engineering

Candidates appearing for GATE Civil Engineering must study from the best books available in the market in accordance with the latest GATE syllabus. Some of the best books to study from for GATE Civil Engineering have been mentioned below:

Book Name

Engineering Hydrology by K. Subramanya

Highway Engineering S. K. Khanna

Water Supply Engineering by B.C. Punmia

Design of Steel Structures S K Duggal

Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulic Structures by S.K. Garg

Reinforced concrete design S. Pillai

List of Popular Colleges for GATE Civil Engineering

Some of the popular colleges participating in GATE for Civil Engineering are listed in the table below:

We hope this article on the GATE Civil Engineering preparation strategy will help you prepare well for the exam and score good marks.

College Dekho wishes you all the best for your test.

For more articles related to GATE Civil Engineering, stay tuned!

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FAQs

When should I start preparing for gate 2024?

You should start your GATE 2024 preparation as early as possible. The IISc Bangalore will be conducting the GATE exam 2024 on February 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2024 so if you start studying now you will have enough time to cover up the syllabus, and attempt mock tests, previous year's papers in the last few months before the exam

What is the course of GATE Civil Engineering 2024?

The GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus is divided into seven sections. Engineering Mathematics, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering are the core subjects for the GATE 2024 Civil Engineering Syllabus.

Which subject should I focus on more for GATE Civil Engineering Preparation?

For GATE Civil Engineering Preparation, the candidates must focus on Civil Engineering subjects as it has more weightage in the exam.

Can I prepare for GATE Civil Engineering in one month?

It is not possible to prepare for GATE Civil Engineering in one month and the students should only focus on revision in the last month of GATE preparation.

How can I score well in GATE Civil Engineering?

You can score well in GATE Civil Engineering by following the right preparing strategy and practising a lot.

Are GATE Civil Engineering questions similar to mock tests?

No, mock test questions are just for practice and are not similar to GATE Civil Engineering exam questions.

Are the previous year’s questions for GATE Civil Engineering useful?

Yes, solving previous year questions for GATE Civil Engineering will help you understand what type of questions are asked in the exam and how to solve them.

Is GATE Civil Engineering really tough?

Yes, GATE Civil Engineering is tough as lakhs of aspirants apply for the exam every year.

Is it enough to prepare for GATE Civil Engineering in 4 months?

Using the GATE 4 months study plan mentioned above, you can prepare for Civil Engineering in 4 months.

Can I prepare for GATE Civil Engineering without coaching?

Yes, you can prepare for GATE without coaching if you study hard and follow the correct preparation strategy.

How can I start my GATE Civil Engineering preparation?

You should start your GATE preparation by reading a timetable, practising mock tests and learning all the concepts thoroughly.

How much time is enough for GATE Civil Engineering preparation?

Although 1 year is enough for GATE Civil Engineering preparation, it is advisable to start preparing for GATE 6 months earlier.

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