Namita Kalra - GATE 2018 AIR 1 Computer Science - Delhi
Namita Kalra

I am Namita Kalra, have completed graduation in 2014 from NIT Uttarakhand and was placed in a Punjab based organisation where I worked for 3 years. In May 2017, I resigned and started preparing for GATE. Though I always wanted to go for higher studies yet I decided to give the industrial experience a try.


My first reaction

Upon seeing the answer keys, I was sure that I will be getting a single digit rank though AIR 1 was indeed a different feeling. I have always adored my family for supporting me in all odds and never imposing their will on me. The credit for this goes to my family as well as Made Easy.


Preparation

I joined Made Easy classroom course as I wasn’t in touch with the academics for a long period of 3.5 yrs. It was particularly beneficial for me to pursue right where I left off in 2014. Madeeasy has really experienced teachers from whom I learnt a lot without much hassle.


Strategies

A. Study schedule:

In the initial days, I used to study for at least 2 hrs apart from the classroom schedule of 6 hrs. Completing assignments and previous year questions was all I did in these 2 hours.

B. Strong and weak subjects (How did I prepare them?)

I found myself strong in Operating Systems and Discrete Mathematics and had difficulty particularly in Computer Architecture. Clearing doubts and practising previous year questions and fundamental concepts can help you improve any weak subject.


Books and e-sources

Aptitude Section:
I have always been good in aptitude. Though I have followed a Facebook page –

https://www.facebook.com/GenAptQuest/

I now have become one of the contributor also to this. The page aims at a variety of substantially challenging aptitude questions.


Mock Tests

Yes indeed. You need to have enough practice to avoid silly mistakes on the actual day. Also regular tests can help you evaluate your own performance and you can improve accordingly. Made easy’s test series was by far the best that I came across.


Examination Day

I have always followed the simple serial approach. Just make sure that you don’t get demotivated if you are not able to answer some of the questions. Stay calm and try your best.


Interviews

Fortunately or unfortunately I won’t be required to give any interviews as of now. However, you need to be thorough with the basics, final year projects, research idea (if any) to perform well in such interviews.


Future Plans

I would like to join IIT BOMBAY for MTech as of now.


Advice to fellow students

You have got plenty of time. Experiment in initial days and find out what studying strategy suits you. If you feel confident enough, you can study on your own. If you don’t, you can join some coaching institute. Don’t try to find the answers to your questions in what other people say, instead find what suits you. Be calm and be consistent.