A Topper's Guide: Insights from Aditya Manoj (AIR 29)

An exclusive interview with a top ranker on his GATE preparation strategy.


The journey to a top rank in GATE is paved with consistent effort, smart strategies, and the right resources. But what truly separates a good rank from a great one?

To get these answers, we present an interview with Aditya Manoj, a dedicated GO Classes student who secured an outstanding AIR 29 in GATE CS. In this detailed Q&A, Aditya shares his entire preparation strategy, from his mindset for a 6-month prep to the one tool he calls a "game-changer."


Q1: Let's start with the biggest doubt: Is 6 months enough time to prepare for GATE?

Aditya: Absolutely. My focus was on consistency, not the duration. I believe it’s the quality of your daily effort that matters most. With a structured course and a clear plan, you can cover the syllabus and practice sufficiently in 6 months to get a top rank.

Q2: How did you approach revision for such a vast syllabus?

Aditya: My entire revision strategy revolved around high-quality short notes. I made it a rule to create my own concise notes after completing every topic. In the final months, these notes were invaluable. They allowed me to revise an entire subject in just a couple of hours, which is crucial for retention.

Q3: What was the role of mock tests in your preparation?

Aditya: Mock tests are the most important part of the final phase. They are not just for practice; they build your exam temperament and pinpoint your weaknesses. The real improvement comes from the hours you spend analyzing your performance after each test.

Q4: Which single resource had the biggest impact on your rank?

"Without a doubt, the GO Classes Test Series. The quality of the questions felt very close to the actual GATE level. But the most important part was the detailed analysis and solutions. It helped me understand not just what I got wrong, but the fundamental reason why. That feature was instrumental in refining my strategy and boosting my score."

Q5: Based on your experience with the test series, how should a student analyze their mock test performance?

Aditya: After every mock, I would spend 3-4 hours on analysis. I would categorize every mistake: Was it a silly calculation error? A conceptual gap? Or a time management issue? This detailed analysis told me exactly what to focus on in my revision. Don't just look at the score; look for the patterns in your mistakes.

Q6: What is your final piece of advice for future GATE aspirants?

Aditya: Trust your preparation and stay consistent. Don't get overwhelmed by the syllabus. Break it down, follow a good plan, and focus on deep conceptual understanding. And most importantly, learn from every single mistake you make in your tests. That is the key to improvement.

The Topper's Blueprint: Key Takeaways

Aditya's journey proves that success comes from a combination of consistent learning, smart revision, and a high-quality test series to refine your strategy. Ready to build your own success story?

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Priyam
Team GO Classes