"The metrics of Time are easily obvious. Seconds, hours, and the usual days. But some have proved that time can also be measured by one's relentless efforts." 
           We were fortunate enough to catch up with Shweta Yadav, an Instrumentation branch senior, who discreetly flew into the rainbow, with an AIR seven in GATE 19'. Fast forwarding through the pleasantries in the narrow window we had, we cut to the chase.
 An inspiration for us and all the juniors who aspire to clear GATE, CSE, or CAT, she generously engaged with us, the excerpts of which follow."

WB: What was your schedule like?

I am a day scholar. I returned home at around ten at night, which is quite late. But I tried to take out the time to revise the course as soon as I reached home, and completed the practice modules timely. It was difficult for me initially. But I focused my attention on my planned schedule and simply did not waste any of the time.

WB: What was your strategy for preparation? How much successful was it, in your analysis?

See, we all devise a plan for our studies, which basically goes like, 'we will allot this much number of hours to a particular subject', but complications never let you attain the ideality. So, I decided to be flexible with my plans, and consequently, all my plans changed according to the, then requirements.

WB: What is the most important thing one should stick to, in days when things aren’t working out as planned?

One needs to plan things right from the very beginning. This is very important. Problems shall prevail, be it personal or any other, but one need to stick with what’s essential. In the long run, your results will stand above any of the problem faced in the course of your preparation.

WB: College life is a 'sea of sentiments', which might hinder one's success. How did you manage all these emotions and cope with your studies, at the same time?

I went through a lot, but I just thought about the end result and mustered the strength to pass through all the turmoil and unfavorable situations. One needs to put aside all sources of unproductivity if one can't handle them simultaneously.

WB: There are different sections in the GATE paper - General Aptitude, NAT, MCQ’S. So how did you prioritise your time and what was your approach towards different sections?

Firstly, I solved the aptitude and English questions in half an hour (all of which were correct) and devoted the rest of the time to the NAT’s and technical questions. This became a crucial rank decider in GATE. Many people don’t pay attention to this section, focusing more on the technical ones.

WB: Major difference between coaching and self-study and which one is better?

In my opinion, coaching in no doubt, plays an important role because the preparation is different from other exams in terms of: covering a vast syllabus over a confined time period (with college classes and exams simultaneously) which requires a structured strategic approach. The coaching provides you with that structure.
Most of the students join the classes to receive proper guidance. In case if you are having someone who already has got a decent rank in GATE, and if they can guide you then there’s no need of coaching in particular.

WB: There is a prevailing myth about EI branch, that is known to coerce people to prefer EC or Electrical over EI. What is the scope and future prospect of this branch? How much beneficial is it in the GATE aspect?

People might not consider EI as a preferable branch over others because they might not have the requisite knowledge about it. In my case, my brother guided me, I figured out its appositeness.
If you do well in the exam, you would easily get placed in PSUs, or if you opt for higher studies, IITs or IISc are a great option.

WB: Many of the students plan to switch to a different branch on the assumption that the branch has a limited scope. What would be your say on this?

One should just try to find their interest and what they actually want to pursue. I was interested in the subjects that I studied. There are other careers as well, but this is the foundation for a specific field, so if one doesn’t have the interest to pursue his/her career in this field, one should leave it and should definitely look for a change. Not just for the sake that it was the order of the day to say that the branch has no scope.

Have you always been just studious or were a fun to go person as well?

In my third year, I was totally into studies and my preparation, but until the second year, I was a fun to go, person, never missing chances to hang out with friends. I exhausted myself a lot during the preparation which I’ll suggest one should not do. Rather one can prepare without being overstressed about it, if he/she finds the right chords to hit. You should simply go out for a walk with your friends or even alone sometimes to de-stress. (*her stress release mantra*)

WB : What kind of a person were you in your first year and how much have you changed?

Honestly, I wasn't much serious about the aftermath of engineering and the exams I needed to prepare for. I participated in ‘Encore' and 'Shauryotsava'. Although, that changed during my second year when I learnt about the GATE coaching and its curriculum, and the time that I shall need to devote to it. I joined one of them in the month of February (fourth semester). Following that, I was full-fledged imbibed into my studies.

WB : The college has improved a lot since the time you joined it. What are your views on the same ?

Yes. It is definitely great to see our college doing considerably good and improving each day. In our times we couldn't devote much time for the college, the reason being the absence of resources or lack of spirit to bring a change. It is nice to see the students now working tirelessly, in shaping the college's stature.

WB: What were your primary sources of revision and practice? Did you follow any test series? What do you want to say to the future aspirants?

I bought both the test series of 'Made Easy' and 'Ace', and practiced them as much as I could. I referred to the study material provided by the coaching and then too if I had any problems, I referred to the provided theory books. 
Everyone has a different pace of studying, so ones need to acknowledge that and plan out accordingly, which I did as I was a slow learner.

WB: Three words, be it any exam, you would use to describe the preparation that builds up to success?

Time Management, Peace, and Patience.