My Problem, My Solution

Contributed by: manish@gcblog on June 27, 2013.

In the following article, I have tried to express my views regarding the topic given above. Before proceeding with the
article, I would like to let you know that I am a person from your young generation. I am exactly aware of the
condition(s) you are through. I did my B.Tech. from a decent institute, Aligarh Muslim University in the year 2009.
Just after finishing my undergraduate course, I planned to pursue M.Tech. from IIT Kanpur. I am continuing my
studies as a PhD student in the United States. I think these details are enough to begin the article now.
So, if you look at the topic My problem, My solution, the influencing and connecting word is My. In particular, it
does not asks for My problem, and advices/solutions by other persons. Because, if you are going to ask anybody
about your problem, you will get a whole list of things you can do.
I am very well aware of how our (Indian) society works. The only thing you can get free is Advice. And, in those
conversations, we forget to ask someone, who is constantly ignored by us. He/she is nothing other than someone
reflected in the word Me, i.e. your soul!
Eventually, we get so many advices that we feel confused and frustrated which are enough to leave the things as
they are. We come back and realize that the problems are still there. Instead of asking that inner-self, we try to skip
the problem. We wonder, how to find a shortcut button, which can ease our pain.
I love to remain in contact with my juniors. The most common situation faced by them is given below (even this
scenario was at my side, when I was a kid who was enjoying his life perfectly with a group of friends in his B.Tech.
program ).
(i) The story starts in the first year of B.Tech. with a feeling I have enough time to catch up for GATE/PSUs, I
wasnt selected in IIT-JEE, but see me this time dude, I will rock, IITs will be mine.
(ii) Slowly, we realize that we can score reasonably well in midsem/final exams without spending much time in
books/lectures. We keep rewarding ourselves by minor achievements (like scoring an A grade in a tough subject
etc.). Time passes by, and we try to look at the eligibility criterias for GATE and PSU exams, whether they allow third
year and fourth students.
So, we decide lets do one thing: I will see what happens in third year result. Accordingly, I will prepare in my
fourth year (with the same rocking feeling ). How about doing some GATE coaching?
(iii) As soon as the results of those third-year eligible exams are out, we realize that the exam was a bit tough and
we need to spend more time on books. The discussion consists of phrases like:
Everything was from book. Damn it! That formula slipped from my mind. Believe me, the question just
needed that stupid formula
I have more than a year in my hand, I will break the rules in fourth year. See how I speeds up
Lets make some plans, lets strategize everything, especially which subject to study first?
(iv) And, the person gets in his fourth year. The scenario is:
More labs to attend. Which makes it reasonable to say Less time to spend on books
Placements are not good. Trying to search for off-campus type options
Still thinking, whether try companies like TCS, Infosys or aim for core companies like Siemens etc.
Download placement papers from internet. Lets take the placement first. At least I should have something as
a back-up (no discussion about competition like GATE, my mind is on I will think about it LATER mode)
My friends are getting placed. How should I land one job?
(v) Finally, we get placed in some company. And, we always have one good phrase from our companys
profile/history, like My company has largest number of employees, My company was first in introducing ______
instrument in India
Time goes by. Almost every night becomes a reason for long-ending parties. We do not get time to think more about
our needs. The needs that will feed our mind in few years from now.
The story ends, we still dont understand what we were aiming for? Everything gets practical, its hard to save
money, we keep switching the companies. Because, we forgot to turn-on the switch that may have reflected the
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solutions to our problems, at the right time. Friends keep posting their pics/news about their new highly paid or
any other attracting job/update. At that time, we try to think, we should have done something better.
The funny thing is that we do not forget every little decision that could have changed our lives. Our mistakes comes
in front of us, motivating us to wipe off all those things. Friends keep departing, a group of ten is scattered into a
group of two or three.
Believe me, the scenario I have discussed above is very common in our generation. I do not oppose the getting-
placed type attitude. Neither I believe that getting placements is a trivial thing. The thing I will be stressing in this
article relates with the person that was left behind.
If you are in your B.Tech. program and you believe that there are still many things you need to prove, following are
the suggestions from my side.
1. Start thinking from the very basic: Keeping in mind: you reap what you sow
2. Blame yourself, even if it is obvious that you are not wrong: Now is not the right time to prove
anything. Focus on your work irrespective of what others are doing, or what others are achieving.
Be straightforward, if youre wrong accept it. Dont live in any imaginary world, neither try to put reasons in front of
everyone. Try to place the real reasons in front of you. So, if you were not able to qualify IIT-JEE, accept it. Accept
that there were some mistakes. Dont tell anybody, rather save it at the very back side of your mind. And, dont
forget that you need to work on these mistakes, once you become a part of new battle.
I am not really a big fan of Facebook. Probably because, it tells you more about the life of others, than giving an
insight to yourself. That in my way, keeps you away from the real scenario/perspective.
Just a thought: why there arent any dislike options on Facebook? May be because, we try to hide the dislike
things from ourselves, we try to escape from our inner-self. We are happy with our good side and dont want to
discuss our dark side. And, guess what? We are interested in others life more than we know our likes and dislikes.
The day, they will try to incorporate this feature, people will find it difficult to make even few hundreds of friends on
Facebook. Thats just my way of looking at it and according to me, its new name will be Fightbook
I may be wrong, but some of the facts pushes me to think in this manner. We know everyone more than we know
our inner-self. I was attending a spiritual talk at IIT Kanpur in 2010. The speaker asked: List five strengths and
five weaknesses about yourselves. Everyone started counting in their mind. Most of us were able to figure out some
of our strengths. But, almost everyone was blank at their weaknesses.
The speaker smiled and said: What if I ask you to write weaknesses of your friend/companion/colleagues? In that
case we will provide her a complete word document, maintained in a nice font and color. The document will provide
several problems in our friends which they need to work on. This observation was enough to prove that we know
others more than we know ourselves.
Thats true. We know ourselves. But, we dont!
I was harshly distressed by a suicide committed by a highly talented IIM girl. She had approximately 700 friends on
Facebook, still the conditions made it worst.
Understand the problem/situation. Be practical, none of your friend is going to give you a part of his salary each
month. Everything looks good at the beginning, things fade out with time. And at last, we regret the things we did,
hiding the things we could have done to live this place better.
In short, train your mind for solving your own problems. Dont expect anything from others. Neither do much for
them. Like I said it once:
When you do MORE than what other deserves,
AUTOMATICALLY you expect MORE than what you deserve.
This doesnt mean to get secluded and live like a monk. But, find time to spend with your inner-self to understand
your actual needs. Remember, thats your life, you have to answer your inner-self one day. If not today, then
tomorrow!

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Figure taken from www.despair.com
3. Close every door: Realize your inner potential. Forgetting everything, ask yourself: What do you want?
Where are you heading to? How can you better utilize this time?
Recently, when I was talking to one of a B.Tech. final year student, she said: Hey, I think I am late. I am in final
year, we have about 8 months left for GATE. Now GATE is merged with PSUs, its tough to crack. Also, placements
will start in some time etc. etc. (and she had a list of these type of reasons).
I said, if I were you, I would have started preparing for the exam from this instant. Be true to yourself: Youve done
it. You have to face it. Just use your time efficiently.
In future, you will be glad to see how better you have utilized your time. According to my understanding Success is
making BEST out of your POTENTIAL. And, to me: success is a synonym of satisfaction.
Along the similar lines, I was talking to a sophomore who was confused in selecting his career path (from M.Tech.,
MBA, or placements). As our conversation proceeded, I realized that the problem arises when we compare
everything in terms of Money Factor. Dont try to chase something because it will be a step to improve your
financial status (unless your family needs it badly!). Neither try to do something because its easy to achieve.
Instead, ask yourself what kind of life you want to live?
Be true to yourself and give yourself some time to compare these three lives. Like in M.Tech., you will be spending
much time with books. You will be on the technical side. However, in MBA you will be on the management side. Now,
you have to ask yourself about the things you like most. I do not underestimate any of these things. But, its really
embarrassing when you are forced to do the something that you dont like (like a robot).
4. Keep exploring yourself until you get the solution: Its in there, give yourself some time to figure out
what is best for you. The more you explore yourself, the better you will understand your problem.
And in case you havent got what you demanded, take a chill pill. You will get what you deserve, just keep pushing
the cart. Adjust yourself to the surroundings. And, when you think youre good to move ahead, start new iterations
by considering that point as the starting point.
5. Try to keep your mouth shut and listen: Be succinct in words. Dont put infinite reasons of why you were
not able to achieve your goals. No one wants to know that. Even if they try to, they are just verbose speakers. You
will see them enjoying their life after few hours. So, talk to yourself and prioritize everything accordingly.
6. Make it low, make it slow: Dont take shortcuts. If you cannot work on your goal right now, you wont be
able to achieve it tomorrow. The shortcuts are bad. They may give you a temporary satisfaction. But, at the end you
will realize that you have skipped many important things.
Consistency is an important thing to learn. Dont try to run too fast that you fall off and get injured. Its better to
study 2 hours daily for five days rather than studying for 10 hours continuously. In this manner you will understand
the sacrifices you need to do to achieve your dream.
7. Think how the perspective is from the top of the earth: After few years from now, the problems you
have faced will look trivial. Think from a broader perspective. Dont compare your life with your friends, everybody is
different. And, everyone has different physical and mental capabilities.
Figure taken from www.cartoonmotivators.com
Lastly, if after pushing it too hard, youre not able to move it. Think about your past achievements, think about a
non-deserving candidate getting paid more than you thought . If they can survive, you are of course better
than them.
In this article, I have tried to share my experiences. I did not had any plans to prove that any other philosophy is
wrong. My whole intention was to make you realize that: within you lies the solution of equations you are trying to
solve.
Control your mind, its yours. No one has the right to occupy even a V volume of it.
Take your time and understand your priorities. Believe me you will be better than you ever thought you could be.
I have been through those times. I can imagine the life you are through. Training your mind is tough, the best way
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to achieve this is by exploring yourself through meditation. Get in touch with me, if you want to discuss more about
it. You are also welcome to share any of your personal troubles. I will keep the confidentiality of your details. Even if
GATECounsellor places your question somewhere, you will be kept anonymous.
Thanks for reading the article. Please feel free to comment below.
Have a wonderful life ahead.
-Your senior.
*******************************************************************************
To know what TO DO in your life is as much important as to know what NOT TO DO in your life.
*******************************************************************************
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POORNIMA says:
July 3, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Hi Sir,
I too am a person just like Vivek. One who did well till +2 and then after getting a seat in a good college in
the state, drastically de-GRADED!! I completed B.Tech. and went for job in IT field(TCS) while I was a
B.Tech. graduate in ECE. After completing hardly 10 months, left job because of my long forgotten dream of
joining Indias prestigious IIT. Tried well for GATE 2013 but ended up with just a 500+ score out of 1000.
(Had been writing GATE since I got passed out from college: GATE 2011 with a rank of 16000+ and GATE
2012 with a rank of 12000+(disq.)) And now I am in a position experienced by many here- I need to join
somewhere for sure. And I have decided to write GATE 2014 and the story continues. I simply wonder when I
will stop writing GATE! I will, once I realize my dream. And hope it will by next year.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 4, 2013 at 10:07 am
Hi Poornima,
That happens! Atleast you now know what you should aim for. Theres nothing wrong with it.
Just as a suggestion: Break everything priority-wise. Meaning, just try to find anything that will give
you satisfaction (other than IITs). If you get one, you can also prepare for it too. Otherwise, aim for
GATE only, with an excellent devotion from your side.
The reason I said this is because, sometimes we have things (in this case aim) so near that we fail
to notice it. Plus, that will give you an insight of yourself.
If you lose motivations anytime, feel free to stop here.
All the best!
Reply
POORNIMA says:
July 5, 2013 at 7:15 am
Thank you very much for the reply and the wonderful post.
Sure, Ill.
Reply
soumen says:
July 2, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Hi
My gate2013 paper is ee.score 611.rank 969.I have got pe in nit calicut in 3rd round.my gate score for 2014
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is 710.will this score get me a better nit or iit next year.should I prepare for gate 2014 with this back up or
should I join calicut or wait for 4 th round which is highlyunpredictable? Please help me.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 4, 2013 at 10:26 am
Hi Soumen,
Before deciding something, may I know how/where did you calculated GATE 2014 score?
Reply
POORNIMA says:
July 5, 2013 at 7:21 am
As new formula is being adopted from 2013, GATE authorities have calculated this year
students score using both old and new formulae. The score calculated using old formula is
valid in the academic year 2013-2014 and is used to compare with the 2012 scores. The
score calculated using new formula is valid in the next academic year only. There is almost a
difference of 100 in both these scores. The scores out of 1000 is given as 547/647 =>
old formula(2013-2014)/new formula(2014-2015).
Reply
soumen says:
July 5, 2013 at 11:14 am
The gate score for 2014 using new formula is already given in gate scorecard along with the
score for 2013 using old formula.
Reply
Anonymous says:
June 30, 2013 at 11:16 pm
thanks a lot for this solution. This actually cleared my path now. The only thing that stop someone from
reaching their goal is they themselves. I have really never thought of clear decisions on GATE because I have
taken so many risks that it actually gives a little bit of cold feet now but I want to research and I will do it. No
matter what or how many times I fail.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 1, 2013 at 12:33 am
Exactly. This is what I was looking for. Beat the iron so hard that it becomes red-hot. And, in the
mean time, if you want to share anything, feel free to post it to me.
Thanks and have fun!
Reply
vivek says:
June 29, 2013 at 2:14 pm
sir i read ur article yesterday. Now again i am reading it.
The article is inspirational to me as i decided to study for gate today morning with all my potential. Can you
guide me to achieve my goal? I was confused over what do to do. I am studying b. tech in ece stream. I have
just completed 3rd year. I am confused to choose from gate/ job/semester study/2yr of job n after that mba.
I was a bright student till class 12. I got admission in a government College in west bengal. but after taking
admission my result decreases drastically. my cgpa is 8.02 til 5th semester. so I am confused which is the
best option to choose for. From your blog I learn that this is a very important time and I should stop thinking
these things and should study and utilise this time properly. If i start now for preparing for gate is it possibl
to achieve a good score? As in b. tech i hadnt learned anything technically i took admission in gateforum and
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attending classes regularly. please show me the path that i shold and will be best for me. I think as u are
very much aware of todays b. tech youth u will probably understand my problem and guide me and show me
right path.
Again thank you for a wonderful blog.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Hi Vivek,
I am glad that someone who is still in his BTech course has brought up this topic (because my replies
to you will be different from the other replies on this page).
Note: Do not underestimate your GPA. 8.02 is a decent figure. Dont think its too bad, just dont let it
drop below 8.02. Rather, try to push it higher.
Lets look at the life you will be facing in each of these cases:
1. GATE: If you do Mtech, you will take some courses. You will do research for about a year. Then
either you will follow the PhD path or job.
To pursue Mtech, you will devote yourself mainly to the books and thereafter research. You will be
more on technical side. Not many people will consider how you speak/dressed up, you will be
mainly graded based on the research work. In particular, in most of the cases you wont even think of
developing any management skills (like leadership, group discussion etc etc.), unless if you apply for
a job after Mtech that has this criteria.
Plus, if you get in IIT, you will be having an exciting life with happenings all over the campus.
2. Job: Getting placements is not so strategic. Even 1-2 months preparation can get you some of the
private jobs. In this case again you have to ask yourself whether you want an IT company or core?
When I was at your place, getting a job was at second priority (Mtech at IIT was the first). I started
preparing for GATE when my third year was started (the GATE had eligibility of 3rd and 4th year
students).
But I also had one more priority that I wont ask my parents for money after my Btech. There wasnt
any pressure from my family. But, that was just my decision of feeding myself no matter what the
conditions are.
So, as a back-up, I thought of taking the job too. I was clear that I will only apply for core jobs. I got
one finally. But, like I told you, Mtech was at the highest priority, so I never stopped preparing for
GATE. No matter what life I was facing, I was always preparing for GATE at the back side.
If you are interested in jobs. Then you should prepare for IES or PSUs. I mean, the problem with
human nature is that: we try to move towards the things that are easy to get (like getting placed in
some private IT companies). Dont do anything because its easier to achieve. I do not discourage
you to live the IT-job life, but you should have a valid and logical reason to prove your point.
3. Semester Study: Do you think that preparing for semester study even counts? I mean, its not that
hard, right? I certainly know that it is relatively easier to achieve good grades in less time. So, just
give the sufficient time to score excellent grades. And, of course, if you prepare for GATE/IES your
semester study will also account into this.
4. Job+MBA: If you think that you will be able to pursue MBA after two years, then why not today? I
dont think job will help you much in getting focused towards MBA. Rather it will be VERY difficult for
you to prepare for MBA after getting exhausted. I have many colleagues who accounted this scenario,
most of them were not able to qualify the good MBA competitions.
Conclusion:
I think, you should move step by step. You wont be doing everything: MBA+MTECH+JOB at the same
time. So, the first thing you should do is select the field you want to get into. Keeping in mind the
kind of life you will face when you pursue that course.
Suppose, you say, I want to gain enough engineering knowledge first, I will do Mtech. So , just focus
on option (1)
If you decide job only, you are left with options (2) and (4). Now think, do you want to do MBA? If
yes, then start preparing now (and prepare for giving MBA this year. Dont be lazy in putting todays
job to tomorrow.
I always suggest my juniors to move in a step-wise manner. Moving from all sides gives nothing but
distraction from things you like most. Eventually, it results in frustration when you see your
colleagues are uploading IIT/IIM pics and you just have the option to either comment or like
them.
Even if you start preparing now for any option GATE/IES/PSUs, you have enough time to catch the
train. Like I said, in future you wont regret if you tried your best and you didnt get any IITs. What
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kills us is the thought that I had the potential, but I missed the train. Especially when your friends
who had lesser GPAs succeed in their life. To avoid this situation, start acting now.
Remember Coachings will give you arrows, but not the passion to aim your target. So, be-aware that
you spend a lot of time with books. As you will start, you will get enough experience to strategize
everything.
Thanks for writing the problems youre facing. Take care and all the best!
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 2, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Each and every moment is precious, start preparing asap.
Wanted to add one quote:
All men are created equal, some work harder in pre-season.
- Emitt Smith
Reply
RSP says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Manish , Really very inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with us.
I share very much same kind of a situation.
I dint know there are so many people in similar kind of a situation as i am.
You really helped me a lot, thanks again.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 30, 2013 at 11:57 am
Thanks RSP. Youre definitely not alone.
Positive responses on this page reflects the common things in most of us.
Take Care!
Reply
SM says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:56 pm
I must say, this is an excellent post and you have a great insight.
I have also learnt the hard way, most of us never do any serious introspection in our lives. You are an
inspiration for us. So I really want to seek your opinion regarding my situation as mentioned above.
Thanks!
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 30, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Thanks for your kind words SM.
I have replied to your query. Take Care of yourself.
Reply
Tuhin Roy says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Its awesome
I am speechless to say any other words. The main problem is that we do not give the time to ourselves to
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understand our problem. I think this is the main reason that is why we do not get the solution of our own
problem.
But I have another one question why we forget everything when we have to face the real situations and get
frustrated????
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 1, 2013 at 7:31 am
Hi Tuhin,
Thats an excellent question. Even I face these type of difficulties, frequently. Thats human nature, I
believe.
Well, I dont know the biological causes that leads to this frustration. But, I can certainly explain it
to you in terms of physics.
According to my understanding, when we devote ourselves to the real situation, we get so involved in
it that our perspective works in a center-of-mass frame. At this point of time, we compare ourselves
with very tiny things (may be our colleagues). This situation is similar to as if two drivers (in two
different cars) are racing with each other, without any prime reason.
They do not generally realize the instability in the system (like they are over-speeding/risking their
lives, they just drive the cars ignoring and forgetting everything, like you said). They just keep
looking at each other and their speedometer. So everything is just black and white for them.
In our case, we treat an exam as either a win or a loss. Especially when we are faced with that
loss part, we feel devastated/frustrated. Moreover, we do not enjoy the journey we are through!
Our life ends at that destination, our goal becomes so important to us that we forget every
experience we are gaining. Additionally, we forget every other past achievements/accomplishments.
The overall (lab-view)/matured perspective does not strikes our mind at that time. This causes a
temporary agitation in our brain, leading to frustration, as you said. But, as we face the situations,
we become experts in keeping ourselves in lab-view mode. Understanding that no one thing can
define yourself. You will always be treated on the overall perspective. No body is going to call you
just because you had an excellent GPA or something (I dont even remember how much my friends
scored ). Similarly, even if you get selected in IITs and do not study well there in Mtech, you
wont achieve many things! Like I said, we are graded based on the various phases of life. No one
exam/condition can define your whole character/passions/motivations and determination.
You may find a different solution for yourself. But for me, its a long-long sleep ^_^. I remember, I
was working on one experiment, I wasnt able to figure-out some trend in the results. My every
experiment takes approximately one week of data collection and I reached Exp. I (I started from Exp.
A).
I dont want to go into the details for now. But, believe me that was freaking me out (COM view). I
went back home had a great sleep. I demanded nothing but just sleeping straight for 6 hours on that
day. When I woke up, I felt fresh, I was now in the lab-view frame. Luckily after approximately 10-15
days I got some logical understanding behind everything. Every experiment I did, gave me a new
thing that I can re-apply somewhere in my research.
So, be-aware that the situation you are through, has already been faced by someone else. Its just
some of them discuss it on blog to find the solution, like we are doing , and other dont!
Whenever your brain gets agitated, give it rest. Let him relax for couple of hours.
Thanks for stopping-by and appreciating the article. Have a great time.
Reply
P.SAI GUNARANJAN says:
June 28, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Your blog is really inspirational sir.Youve caught the pulse of the students .I have been following your blog
and its been a real inspiration for me.Ive now got an admission in my dream institute IISc Blore(M.Sc).I
owe a lot of credit to your blog for the simple fact that it helped me realise my strengths.Thanks a lot sir.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 29, 2013 at 2:32 am
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8 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
Thanks P.Sai. People like you will always been an inspiration to our juniors too.
Have a wonderful life at IISc.
Take Care.
Reply
DHAVAL PARMAR says:
June 28, 2013 at 4:47 pm
hello big broits feel vry motivating aftr rdng ur articleand whateer u write that each phrases and line
seems to belongs to me..amd i m feeling all this things(vry badly).
i am vry shining student upto class 12th. alwys came 1st in class and all that. My dreams are alwys big from
that tym(virtually). i appered from aieee but dont get good rank and than join goverment engg colefge in our
state(gujarat). I jst take admsn bcz i dont want to waste my year for prptn for aieee or iit jee(biggest
mistake of my lyf). Aftr joining college i jst wastage my four yearsno proper labs,classes..and we got
distinction jst reading previous years que and ans before 1 month of examtill techniqly nillDuring my final
year thinking about gate and aftr completing B.E. i joined ace academy for coaching..i appeared for gate
2012.. as paper was too hard..aftr attempting the answers of quetion i know(100%).i feel that by answrng
vry few que.. i didnt get any iit or nit ..then i answer few more and aftr one month result came and i didnt
get qualifying marks also.too depressed.. At that tym mind was just emptydont knoe what to do.lyk
1) again preapare for gate by home only
2)joim made easy and start for IES
3) by giving some bank xam and aftr cracking it get a job in banking sector(jst for prprtn of one month crack
2 or 3 bank xam also)
BUT aftr of august i feel that last year i am trying too hard for gate ..i didnt give up aftr only jst 1
attemptthen again starting for prapare for gate 2013..
hopefully this tym i will crack it but with only 31.67 marks with 358 score belongs to sc category..didnt get
admsn anywhere..till the 2 rounds of nit finished.
depressed vry much an dfuture seems vry badplz give some suggetion to me that what to do.??????????
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 1, 2013 at 10:29 am
Hi Dhaval,
Thats Ok. Atleast your reply tells me that you know what happened, you know what you did. Not
everyone is good enough to define everything happened to them You have to search yourself to
highlight every little thing happened with you.
Anyways, getting IITs, qualifying GATE is not the only thing that everyone is supposed to do. You will
always be graded in life based upon your overall performance (I have just replied to a guy named
Tuhin on this page; please read it).
You can ofcourse prepare for GATE again. But, if you are in doubt (or have less confidence), you can
prepare for Bank Exams. I treat GATE and IES exam equally (technically they are not). But, both of
them requires excellent devotion from your side. Preparing for GATE covers atleast 50-60% of IES
examination; you can read the other subject for IES separately.
If I am not wrong, according to your words, banking exams can be prepared in few months. So, why
dont to you prepare for those exams at the best? Remember, no shortcuts, even if these exams
require 2 months of preparation, you should prepare well above than that. The more you prepare, the
better chance you will have. So, make it high, devoting yourself to the preparation.
IF I WERE YOU (Two Cases):
1. If I assume that preparing banking exams is easier than GATE/IES (which I think is true), I would
prepare for banking exams at the fullest. After I gain excellent command on them, I will focus on
GATE/IES too (revising the bank part also). I mean, why should I do the thing that are easier? Why
should I lose hope?
2. If only banking exams can bring me the ultimate satisfaction. Then, I wouldnt even think about
any other exams. I would have solved the sample papers as many times as possible in this case.
Lastly, these are just my views. Like I said, please take the decision according to your priorities, and
physical and mental capabilities. You should aim for the life that will keep you happier, 5-8 years
from now.
Thanks for your kind words in support of this article.
All the best.
GATECounsellor | My Problem, My Solution http://www.gatecounsellor.com/blog/my-problem-my-solution/
9 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
Reply
dhaval parmar says:
July 2, 2013 at 1:19 pm
thanx sirfor ur inspirational words..plz keeep motivating us
sir please give information about csir institute ..if i am gate qualified and i want apply as jrf
under scientist than its possible for us or not?? bcz sir in ccmt 3rd round i didnt gate any seat
and now i want to csir lab and move for gate 2014.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 3, 2013 at 10:43 am
Hi Dhaval,
I do not have any idea about the query you have asked. At my time, I was only
focused towards IITs. So, for now I cannot answer your Post-GATE queries. May be
someone, who has explored much about CSIR would ve answered it well.
Thanks and have fun!
Reply
darshak says:
June 28, 2013 at 3:01 pm
hello sir,
I gave GATE 2013 In AE paper and scored AIR 178.
But till date, I have not got admission in any IIT.
Now after reading your article, I have decided to tarGATE 2014 AE again and learn from the mistakes which I
have made in GATE 2013.
thank u very much
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 29, 2013 at 7:43 am
Hello Darshak,
Thats really great. You are already matured, buddy!
The humans generally regret when they realize that they had the potential, but they didnt utilized it.
So, improve yourself to the extent that you can say: I tried at my BEST.
Forget about IITs, forget about everything. Life is much beyond IITs. So take a chill-pill, just push it
HARDER and HARDER
And, if you feel demotivated in future, we are here to share your pains!
All the best!
Reply
darshak says:
June 29, 2013 at 10:12 am
Thank you for your support
Reply
pavani says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:53 pm
GATECounsellor | My Problem, My Solution http://www.gatecounsellor.com/blog/my-problem-my-solution/
10 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
i hv recently completed my engg in ece and decided to prepare for gate 2014 can u help me which subject
should i start first and after reading ur article i hv decided that i will not waste my precious time and start
preparing and thanks for the article .please till me which subject to start first
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 30, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Hi Pavani,
My undergraduate was in electrical engineering so I wont be able to say your branch specific words.
But, I certainly know the procedure that you can follow (without having aid of anyone, like I said
dont expect from anyone!). And, these are not just the words, I followed these simple steps at my
time.
1. Look at the previous GATE exams (10 years atleast). For every question, just write the subject
name and its weight-age points. Repeat this for every question and every year paper.
2. When youre done, try to figure-out the overall pattern that is followed. Like at my time, I was
very sure that I will be getting considerable questions in machines/circuit theory and power
electronics. So, they were at high priority.
I wouldnt really discourage you to ask this question to ECE qualified students. But, the more things
you do by yourself, the more pain you give to yourself, the more you will enjoy your success.
Because, there wont be even a 1% contribution of others in your achievement. And, you will be
confident to stand alone one day to say whatever I have achieved, I have achieved it myself
whatever I have achieved, I purely deserve it!.
Take Care.
Reply
Vijay Patel says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Very nice and motivative article.
I am having a quary and needs your guidence for the same.
I have just completed my B.E. in mechanical engg from government college and fortunately also get placed in
a core company during campus.
As I was placed in august or so I had enough time for preparation for GATE13 and also worked hard and with
the help of god able to secure AIR 571..
But with this rank I am not able too get my first preference(Design engg.) in any of the old IITs I am getting
my third preference in old IITs (IIT KGP.) and first preference in new IITs(Hyderabad and gandhinagar)
So, my question is should I take admission in old iit (third preference)or should take in new iit and go for the
first choice Or should take up a job and prepare for Gate14 for getting my first choice in old iits??(All the
three preferences are core mechanical branches)OR should only go for a job in core company as i am not
interested in acedamics side I am writing Gate just for higher studies and at the end I only want to go and
work in industry
Need quick help bcz I have to take decision and take admission just in a week
Thanx in advance
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 29, 2013 at 7:32 am
Hi Vijay,
Thanks for appreciating the article. Lets look at it in a step-wise manner:
1. The choice between old and new iits
I think, you should look at the profiles of the department. Go for one which have profs with
impressive profile (most probably that will be the old one)
Contact the graduate students (if you get there information from deptt. website) to explore more
about the placement scenario in both the deptt.
Take decision accordingly.
2. Only Job scenario
I personally believe that its harder to crack GATE or any other competition once you get a job (thats
what my experience says, you may have exceptions). If I were you, I wouldnt have tried the job!
I am a bit confused about as i am not interested in academics side I am writing Gate just for higher
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studies. Because, youre saying that you arent interested in academics and want to go for higher
studies. I mean, if you do Mtech from IITs, you will be forced to opt a particular number of courses.
In short, I believe its better to get into IITs (old ones, depending upon profs profiles). According to
my perspective, if you are getting a job today, I dont think there will be less options after Mtech
(atleast like the job you have today, because youre getting core branches). If the placements/profile
scenario is satisfying, and you think that it wont be too painful for you to survive in IITs, I would
suggest Mtech.
I believe that after getting a job, life becomes almost stagnant. Also, dont think too far like you want
to end up with industry or something.
Life is too short to decide what will you end up with. Youve just started your career.
Now I ask you a question: What if you accept the job today, and after 4 years you say: I should
have opted IITs?
Theres nothing definite my friend. Think of now, think what is the best option as of now. Dont
confuse yourself what will you end-up with.
Things change as you pass through various phases of life. As an example, I never thought I would be
doing PhD from United States in my Btech Program. All, I knew was: I have to do Mtech from IITs no
matter what it takes. As soon as I got in Mtech program, I asked myself,: what next? And, the
answer was PhD.
Youve a decent rank in GATE, give a second thought before leaving IITs.
Remember, thats my take on it. I do not, by any chance, know what is right or what is wrong. Thats
just my way of looking at your scenario.
You may not be able to figure out the gist of what I said, please read this reply again, if required.
Lastly, congratulations, you have scored well (I mean it! ). Take care of yourself.
Reply
Vijay Patel says:
June 29, 2013 at 3:39 pm
thnx a lot 4 ur valuable advice
and very good blog work of also replying the comments in time..
Reply
premkumar says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:11 pm
excellent blog work
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 2, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Thank you once again, Prem!
Reply
premkumar says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:10 pm
awesome, yu let out my longlasting woes!!! thank you
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 29, 2013 at 2:34 am
Thanks Prem for reading this article.
Take care of yourself!
GATECounsellor | My Problem, My Solution http://www.gatecounsellor.com/blog/my-problem-my-solution/
12 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
Reply
shweta singh says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:33 pm
very inspiring.. ..keep writing like this..g8 work!!
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 29, 2013 at 2:35 am
Thanks Shweta.
Reply
avinash singh says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:03 pm
12feb 2012 : i appeared in gate 2012 but after reading the gate paper once i realized that
i am not in the condition to get the entry into IITs.
no doubt i worked hard but this amount of work is not sufficient.
Instead of giving best of mine at that time i was thinking that as i did not work hard. As i enjoyed more than
of my class mates so i am unable to answer the questions.
i accepted that.
Very next day of gate exam i updated status on fb : tarGATE2013
I joined coaching and prepared well to achieve my target and
One day before GATE13 exam i updated status : Whatever the RESULT i worked hard . it was just to gain
confidence.
10 FEB 2013 : I forgot all the things and committed my self that as i worked hard almost for 1 year i can do
well and will give my best..
i got the paper in my hand and suddenly i realized that things are different from last year, i can do well in
this exam and i did well
GATE 2013 : i and by
finally i got the entry into IIT BHU .
thnx 2 u..
I always like to read motivating stories and it is one of the best..thnx..
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
July 3, 2013 at 10:38 am
Hi Avinash,
Well, thanks to you too. You have described yourself so well. Whatever you have done is of proud to
you and your family.
Take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing your retrospection.
Reply
joy nondy says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:45 am
very well said,this things happens to me alsoafter reading this,feeling like it was an eye opener for me!!
thanx a lot sir I will try to listen my inner voice
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 28, 2013 at 10:31 am
Thanks for liking the article Joy. Have a good one!
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13 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
Reply
tinku says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:09 am
thanks fr the artical and i hav one confusion kindly help me to over come
i recently took gate exam and got 20 marks i didnt get dissapointd (becz im bettr than others becz im at
30000 place out of lakhs in ece)and gets strtd prep fr next gate after preparng some topic i use to slove
qestions when im doing im able to slove the problems but lacking in some conceptual qestns(ies)
so can u plz kindly tell where im lacking whether i understood concept or not
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:34 am
Hi Tinku,
Focus on solved numericals as more as you can. Dont look at the solution until you spend enough
time with the problem. Read the question 3-4 times at least, before you move on to the solution.
If you find a new concept, highlight it. Copy it down in some short and remember-able form in your
personal notebook. If you find that there are lot of problems (that belongs to GATE syllabus) that you
are not able to understand, I think you should read the theory again.
Patience is very important. Dont try to skip anything. The same situation happened to me, I
remember Nagrath-Kothari of Electrical machines was one of the best books. Whenever I got 2-3
insolvable/conceptual questions in line, I looked at the solution then at the theory to figure-out some
sense in between the theory and the question.
Also, try to proceed in a sequence. In particular, dont try to solve the problems without reading the
book. You may feel frustrated after you see some of the GATE questions. Like I said: No shortcuts.
Just a suggestion: I had a small notebook (the one that kids take to their school) that contained
nothing but formulas. Every little thing that activated my neurons were in that book. Dont spend
time on writing in stylish or impressing manner. The minimum time in which you can recall
everything should be given in preparing these notes.
Your comment indicates that youre on right track. You will learn how to tackle these situations as
you proceed further. Good job, keep pushing it!
All the best!
Reply
Vedsar Kushwaha says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:22 am
complete and very well written.im also the guy who listen inner voice irrespective of market, environment
and money. Sometimes I get demotivated by seeing others getting huge package(money) as Im also eligible
for that but left every offer just because my inner voice doesnt let me to join thatbut these type of article
really boost me and fills me with enthusiasmthank you manish sir for sharing your experience and
motivating me.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:43 am
Thanks Vedsar for your positive views. Its great that we belong to the same category.
I have added one of my other quote at the last of the article, just for you!
Have fun!
Reply
Vamshi Raj says:
June 27, 2013 at 1:47 pm
GATECounsellor | My Problem, My Solution http://www.gatecounsellor.com/blog/my-problem-my-solution/
14 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
GREAT ARTICLE !!
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 27, 2013 at 11:51 pm
I am glad you liked it Vamshi. Take care!
Reply
Anonymous says:
June 27, 2013 at 1:20 pm
I am someone who can relate to this article. Passed in 2011 B.tech CSE from a pvt engineering college which
was far from good, I have bigger dreams. I never got a job afterwards neither was able to apply for GATE.
The first time I gave it was on 2013 and scored a single digit as I had lost all my touch from the subject. Until
then, I kept roaming around looking for a job as my parents wanted me to. It took me almost 2 years to say
a NO to them finally and now I can at least study for GATE. Even though I managed to say a No to them,
finishing up my engineering from 2011 and sitting home 2 years is not good and my father tells me to
prepare and appear for Banking exams too. I dont say No to him either because sometimes it might not be
good to put all eggs in one basket if my situation is considered. Besides, how far can I ask for money to my
parents? I feel embarrassed these days when I call them for the same.
I am very soon joining a coaching institute to prepare for GATE and I have no idea if that would be beneficial
for me or not considering the year gap and the gap might further extend too because I dont say I can clear
GATE in one chance. Even if I got a job tomorrow, I will try all my best to keep up my preparations. With a
CGPA of 6.66, I am quite not sure of achieving big but I am hopeful that I will get some good points in my life
soon.
All I know is that I want to study more and wants to know more. I want to research and know something new
and more. This is all I get inside me.
Will it be helpful for someone with 2 years or more of year gap doing nothing after passing out B.tech,
seeking admission for M.tech in good institute (Lets consider IISc and IITs)?
Is it suggested to take up preparations for GATE in my case?
Reply
DHAVAL PARMAR says:
June 28, 2013 at 4:46 pm
I HAVE ALSO SAME PROBLEM.
Reply
SM says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:51 pm
I am also in the same situation as the above two. I was placed in a software services but I
didnt join for GATE-12 but lost it and dropped a year for GATE 13. And couldnt secure a rank
for IITs. I am devastated now. My only aim is to join M.Tech in a IIT. But I am now where
now and I dont know whether it is a good idea to drop again or to join MTech in a small
college and give GATE again. Only problem is at my rank NITs seem distant and the private
college I may get has too high fees.
Reply
manish@gcblog says:
June 30, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Hi SM
If youre not much confident about giving GATE this time for Mtech, I think you can
drop this idea. Like I said in a recent post Every successful man is not an IITian. I
have examples who did Mtech with me and still are struggling with
placements/satisfaction issue.
But, doing Mtech from institutes except IIT is not suggested from my side. According
to my experiences its just a time-pass when you think of private colleges. If you
want to teach in a private college, it may be of help. But, do not expect much from
Mtech from a high fee private college.
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15 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
Lastly, preparing for GATE depends upon your caliber. If you think you can score big
by improving some mistakes, go for it. Just dont play half-heartedly.
In-case you didnt prepare for GATE, move on to the second priority option. Ask,
yourself what is the next thing that will give you enough satisfaction? (software
job/core job/psus or any other priority)
Thanks and Take Care.
Reply
SM says:
July 2, 2013 at 10:44 pm
Thanks for the reply! . Well, my first priority is doing M.Tech from IIT
and then 2nd priority is a core job or psu job. I have decided I will definitely
appear for GATE 2014. But since I am a 2011 passout, I am confused
whether I should take admission somewhere and give GATE or prepare
explicitly for GATE.
SM says:
July 2, 2013 at 10:58 pm
Also, I applied for many private core jobs but couldnt get any and couldnt
crack any psus. So eveyone is just saying take admission in MTech as you
have lost two years.
manish@gcblog says:
July 3, 2013 at 9:23 am
Hi SM
Good. I like your clear vision. You do not have any uncertainty associated
with your goal. So, I would say just focus on GATE only. Dont think anything
about IIT.
I now understand things from your perspective. You can take admission
anywhere, if you want. But remember, that SHOULD NOT be a hurdle
between you and GATE. I do not underestimate institutes other than IITs.
But, I am well aware that preparing for GATE is not impossible, if you are
registered in any other institute.
Remember your GOAL should be scoring excellent GATE score. Not thinking
about IITs, not even PSUs. Like I said, think from very basic.
And yes, avoid that LAZY feeling inherited in humans (like, in your case, I
will start preparing once I get admission in MTech somewhere!).
Of course, we are here to help you from every dimension.
Remember those names who rejected your application.
Lets think Bigger. Lets do it now. Lets shoot everyone standing between you
and GATE.
SM says:
July 4, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Thanks a lot for the encouraging words Mr Manish:) ! We really need more
people like you. Thanks for pointing out towards the Basic goal. I know I will
be able to crack it and I have even started to stop uttering those negative
thoughts with people like kahin ho ga nahi?, kya ho rha hai meri life me?, I
am good for nothing, etc, etc. I am trying to stop listening to
discouragements.
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16 of 17 7/6/2013 4:51 PM
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manish@gcblog says:
June 30, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Hi Anonymous
Lets discuss the job scenario. You said, you kept roaming after BTECH because your parents wanted
to. I do not think they are wrong. Tell me what happened to those four years that you spend in your
undergraduate? Your parents gave you enough time to buckle-up. Whatever they thought in
getting-job perspective is for you and your careers benefit. Like I said, dont blame anyone else.
I also understand the money issue. Its really very embarrassing to ask for money at this age.
I dont think now is the time to discuss CAUSES of your present situation rather act on Solution to
the current situation.
Ok. So lets break everything you said in simple steps.
1. So, first of all, you have to be confident. On one side you say All I know is that I want to STUDY
MORE and wants to KNOW more. I want to RESEARCH and know something new and more. So, why
you tremble by saying I dont say I can clear GATE in one chance? Dont play half-heartedly.
Instead, forget about the consequences, play at your best. By thinking more about GATE/IITs will
bring nothing, but stress. Its time to act.
I am very soon joining a coaching institute to prepare for GATE and I have no idea if that would be
beneficial for me Again, there should be a crystal clear decision of joining the coaching or not.
Coaching can not develop the passion. I have many friends from IITs, most of them never took any
coaching. I do not discourage you to skip the coaching, but like I said Start thinking from the very
basic. First develop that passion to achieve your goal. Your prime purpose should be to spend a lot
time with books. Even if you join coaching and do not put enough time, the exam will be hard for
you. So, the gist is that start from the very basic and serious preparation (atleast for 1-2 months).
Once youve enough confidence, you can either join coaching or solve sample papers depending upon
your schedule.
2. I cannot comment on money issue But, if I were you, I would have arranged a small job (may be
in teaching/tutoring) that can cover my expenses for my survival till I give GATE.
3. Forget about 2 year gap thing. Do IITs specify that candidate should not have wasted his two
years after Btech? No! That means they know what it takes to reach the destination. All they care in
interviews is your GATE score and your performance in interview (majorly). So, get out from the
things that keeps you de-motivated towards your goal.
4. Lastly, every successful man is not IITian. So, in any case you feel that GATE is not a good thing
to cook, just leave it. Dont force yourself for the sake of IITs. But, if you want to aspire for IITs, give
a one big-shot through GATE, irrespective of what will be the consequences. In future, you will be
glad that You did your best Thats it!
I understand what youre talking about. You didnt got job, thats ok. Because, according to me, there
isnt any sense in pondering over the things that can not be changed. Like I said, dont feel ashamed
of anything, you did it, you have to face it! And, everyone is not like you. I am really glad that you
brought up this topic on the public blog. No body else does that. Thats not common.
I have just expressed my views and experiences. My only purpose is to guide you. You definitely have
the right to accept/reject according to your priorities.
Start preparing from now. Give your best shot. Believe me you are not too late.
Reply
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