How to Prepare for Engineering Mathematics for GATE

Engineering Mathematics for GATE is an important section that tests the mathematical knowledge of an individual. This section weighs for a total of 15 marks which consists of 11 questions. There are 7 questions that carry 1 mark each and the other 4 questions that carry 2 marks each. The preparation strategy for this particular section should be carried out keeping in mind the important topics and the weightage for each topic. 

Engineering Mathematics for GATE consists of topics such as Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Calculus, Complex functions, Numerical Method, Differential Equation and Transform Theory.

The weightage for each of these topics include:

Linear Algebra - 10%

Probability & Statistics - 20%

Calculus - 10%

Complex Variables - 10%

Vector Calculus - 20%

Differential Equation - 10%

Numerical Methods - 20%

How to Prepare for each of these topics?

Linear Algebra- This topic covers Matrices, Determinants and Eigenvalue Problems. The questions are most likely to be asked from these topics only. For Matrices and Determinants, one can refer to the 12th standard books as there are many basic problems and solutions for solving. The chapter ‘Solution of Linear Equations’ is helpful to refer to matrices related problems. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are also important that needs to be covered by the candidates. The rarely asked questions in GATE are related to basis vector and span of basis to form an n-dimensional space, so there is no need to cover these topics. 

Probability & Statistics - Probability related questions are based on mental aptitude and there is no specific rules or method to solve these problems. Each problem needs to be understood and solved using logic. Probability covers topics such as Baye’s Theorem, Conditional Probability, Total Probability, Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Density Function (CDF). 

The Statistics cover topics such as Mean, Median, Mode and Standard Deviation. 

The last topic is the Random Variable and Continuous Random Variable where candidates need to study Gaussian Distribution, Uniform Distribution, Poisson’s Distribution, etc. 

Calculus - This section covers a wide area of topics such as Differential Calculus, Vector Calculus and Integral Calculus. Candidates need to prepare for Derivation, Maxima, Minima, limits, Vector Integral theorems, Gradients, Divergence, Curl, etc. 

Complex Functions - This is considered as the simplest and smallest section where candidates can easily score more marks. It consists of Complex Numbers, Cauchy-Reimann Equations, Type of singularities like Isolated, essential and removable singular points. 

Numerical Methods - There are two important things that this section covers. Equation solving using Newton-Raphson and Bisection method, the other is the Numerical Integration Technique using methods like Trapezoidal rule and Simpson’s rule. 

Differential Equations- This section is also easy as compared to the other mathematical sections. In this section, candidates need to prepare the differential equations using various methods such as Bernoulli’s Equation, Euler-Cauchy Equation, Exact Differential Equation, Homogenous Differential Equation, etc. Also, one needs to prepare some concepts of Higher Order Differential Equations. Note that ME and CE candidates need to prepare concepts related to Partial Differential Equations as well. 

Transform Theory- This topic is relevant to candidates appearing for CE and ECE paper. It covers Laplace Transform, Fourier Transform and Z-Transform. 

Additional Tips:

1. Candidates need to filter out the most important questions as this section is vast and the weightage is only for 15 marks.
2. Practice the problems from day one itself rather than keeping it for a last-minute. 
3. Try to give an equal amount of time to each topic. 
4. A study plan or strategy from day one will help candidates to prepare for the exam better. 
5. Refer to the previous years question papers to get an overall idea of the topics. 
6. Candidates can also take mock tests to improve their problem-solving skills and time management. 

Which Books to Refer to?

GATE aspirants can refer to books such as Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig and Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S Grewal. These books cover the majority of the engineering mathematics problems. 

Engineering Mathematics for GATE is an equally important section that one needs to cover to score the best in their GATE exams. The level of this exam is tough but with proper strategy, preparation and hard work one can pass this exam with flying colors.