You only need to prepare on your own rather than joining a coaching. So believe in self study. Here, some preparation strategy is given- 1. Planning your study after analysing previous years' papers You must plan your study after taking the analysis of previous years' GATE papers. This will give you the idea that which subject usually has the highest weightage in GATE exam and about the topics asked from the particular subject most. After the analysis of previous years papers, you will be able to make the list of topics to be studied on the priority basis. You also will be able to prepare time schedule to study individual topics. 2. Prefer standard books for GATE Make an extensive search for standard books in the library and go for the best ones. Try to cover complete syllabus within the time you have (5 or 6 months). If it isn't possible, get expertise in the topics you have studied. 3. Group study is a great comrade Group study is one of the best ways for preparation of GATE. Assign a few sections/topics to your friend and you focus on the remaining. Then have a brief session and discussion and exchange what both of you have studied/gained. This not only saves your time and efforts but also enhances understanding on the topics/concepts. 4. Solve the previous years' GATE papers Solve previous years' GATE papers to understand what the actual paper would be like. It also brushes up your mind and tells you the weaknesses in the subject knowledge. So try to solve as many test papers as you can. This is the best way to prepare and get through the GATE. 5. Practice Sets is a great platform to check yourself Attempt all the 65 questions given in a practice set and then check yourself step by step by considering the answer with solutions given along with each practice set. Because, the practice sets are designed based exactly on the latest exam pattern, hence you will find your strongest and weakest points related to all sections i.e., Aptitude, Mathematics and Engineering disciplines in a particular topic. So, keep practicing and secure your success in GATE. 6. Analyse your results Analysing the results from your solved questions from the practice sets and solved papers is very significant. If you do not analyse, it does not add value to your performance. You should check and find out where you have mistaken and could have scored more. Know your accuracy rates in various topics and prepare a topicwise datasheet to make record of your performance in different solved papers and practice sets. 7. Keep the time for Revision As time management is an important factor to crack the exam. Hence, give the appropriate time to each subject and complete that subject within your time schedule. After completion of the whole syllabus, you must have time for the quick revision. Best of luck.