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Here are some of the best books for GATE preparation, categorized by subject: 1. General Engineering & Mathematics: “Engineering Mathematics” by B.S. Grewal: Essential for understanding mathematical concepts with a focus on problem-solving. “Higher Engineering Mathematics” by B.V. Ramana: A comprehensive book covering advanced topics in mathematics for GATE. 2. Core Engineering Subjects: “Strength of Materials” by R.K. Bansal: A must-have for the Strength of Materials section. “Fluid Mechanics” by R.K. Bansal: Highly recommended for the fluid mechanics section. “Electrical Engineering” by U.A. Bakshi & A.V. Bakshi (for Electrical Engineering): Covers all key topics thoroughly. 3. Subject-Specific Books: “Control Systems Engineering” by Norman S. Nise: Widely used for Control Systems. “Signals and Systems” by A.V. Oppenheim: Crucial for GATE preparation in signals and systems. “Digital Circuits” by R.P. Jain: A good resource for digital electronics. 4. Previous Years’ Question Papers & Practice Books: “GATE 2024: Previous Year Question Papers and Solutions” by G.K. Publications: Essential for solving past papers to understand the pattern. “GATE Solved Papers (1987-2020)” by G.K. Publications: A great resource for practicing past years’ questions. “Objective GATE: Civil Engineering” by GKP: Suitable for Civil Engineering aspirants, offers a wide variety of practice questions. 5. Preparation Guides and Theory Books: “A Handbook on GATE” by GATE Academy: Offers insights into the structure, tips, and tricks for the exam. “GATE Guide” by Made Easy: Popular for its thorough explanations and mock tests, covering all branches. Each of these books provides detailed explanations of key concepts along with practice problems. Refer to these books based on your specific engineering discipline for the most effective GATE preparation. Sources: GATE 2024 exam guides and preparation resources. read less

The GATE exam is generally considered difficult due to its comprehensive syllabus, competitive nature, and challenging question patterns. Here’s why: 1. Complexity of Questions: The exam assesses not just theoretical knowledge but also problem-solving skills in core engineering subjects, which require in-depth understanding and application. Questions include MCQs, Numerical Answer Type (NAT), and Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), often requiring candidates to solve complex problems within a limited time frame. 2. Time Pressure: With 65 questions to solve in 3 hours, effective time management is crucial. This pressure adds difficulty, as candidates need to balance speed with accuracy. 3. Wide Syllabus: The syllabus spans across core subjects, mathematics, and general aptitude, making it essential to cover a broad range of topics. Some subjects, like Control Systems or Thermodynamics, can be particularly challenging. 4. Competitive: Over 5 lakh candidates take the exam annually, and with top institutes and PSUs relying on GATE scores, the level of competition increases, making it harder to secure top ranks. While tough, with structured preparation, mock tests, and consistent practice, it’s possible to perform well. read less