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Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously?

Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously? Discover the six effective tips to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together in this guide, along with syllabus PDF, notes, and key topics.
authorImagePratibha Bohra27 Dec, 2023
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Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously?

Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously?: It is no brainer that both GATE and CSIR NET are highly competitive national-level entrance examinations. Lakhs of eligible applicants appear for these examinations every year. But one question that crosses aspirants minds is, "Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation be Done Simultaneously?"

The GATE and CSIR NET are both well-known examinations conducted in India and require sheer hard work and dedication to crack. For aspirants aiming to pass these two exams, this article provides effective tips on how to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together, so keep reading to learn more.

Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously?

It goes without saying that both exams have their own share of benefits and if aspirants are sure which career path they wish to pursue, the choice can be made easily between GATE and CSIR NET. But if they aren't certain and willing to explore more career options, then preparing for GATE and CSIR NET together is a wise decision to prevent wastage of time. But can GATE and CSIR NET preparation be done simultaneously? So, the answer is yes, it can be. Just like in order to target two birds with a single stone, one needs a solid plan, preparing for GATE and CSIR NET together requires a robust study timetable along with smart strategy. But first, let’s understand what both of these examinations are.

What is GATE?

GATE, which stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is an entrance examination conducted for aspirants who have graduated in engineering, technology, commerce, humanities, etc. fields. Every year, seven IITs and IISc conduct GATE examinations on a rotational basis. For the next year, IISc, Bengaluru, is organizing the GATE 2024 examination on February 3, 4, 10, and 11. Aspirants appear for this examination with the aim of either pursuing M.Tech. from popular IITs, NITs, etc. or in order to secure PSU jobs through GATE . Best GATE Online Courses; Enroll Now!

What is CSIR NET?

CSIR NET , which stands for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test, is a nationwide examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The CSIR NET aims to assess the eligibility of aspirants for the position of Assistant Professor in Indian colleges and universities. Furthermore, CSIR NET also grants a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to qualified applicants for training in research methods in university departments, national laboratories, and institutions across various scientific fields, including IITs, postgraduate colleges, government research establishments, CSIR-affiliated institutions, and recognized public or private sector industrial firms. Some Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also recruit applicants based on their CSIR NET scores.

Can I Prepare for GATE and CSIR NET Together?

Yes, you can prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together with utter dedication and smart strategy. When it comes to pursuing research and achieving prestigious jobs, GATE and CSIR NET (also known as CSIR UGC NET) are two of the most prominent competitive tests. While aspirants can prepare for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously, it can be challenging and overwhelming because both examinations have extensive syllabuses to cover. So, the smart and effective tips that answer the question, “Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation be Done Simultaneously’? are:
  1. Identify Overlapping Topics From GATE and CSIR NET Syllabuses
  2. Utilize GATE and CSIR NET Short Notes
  3. Prioritize Important GATE and CSIR NET Topics
  4. Solve as Many of the Previous Year's Questions for the GATE and CSIR NET Exams As Possible
  5. Enroll in Best Online Courses Dedicated to GATE and CSIR NET
  6. Attempt Test Series of GATE as well as CSIR NET Daily
Both GATE and CSIR NET require a solid understanding of foundational topics from 10+2 to graduation level. Let’s discuss effective tips on how to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously in detail.

Identify Overlapping Topics From GATE and CSIR NET Syllabuses

One of the best and most effective ways to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET is to identify the overlapping topics from both examination syllabuses. This approach serves as a valuable tool and is equal to preparing for both exams individually.
  • Both GATE and CSIR NET evaluate aspirants on the basis of fundamental concepts from 10th to 12th classes and the bachelor's program. Having a strong command of the basic concepts of subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and biology is essential for succeeding in GATE as well as in CSIR NET.
To understand it in a better manner, take a look at the GATE Syllabus 2024 and the CSIR Syllabus, presented below.

GATE Syllabus 2024

The GATE syllabus 2024 consists of a total of 30 subjects and all the important topics from which the majority of questions arise in the final examination. Aspirants studying for GATE must ensure to download the syllabuses of their preferred subjects from the direct links provided below.
GATE 2024 Syllabus
Sl. No. GATE Paper Wise Syllabus
1. GATE Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering
2 GATE Syllabus for Agricultural Engineering
3 GATE Syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering
4 GATE Syllabus for Mathematics
5 GATE Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering
6 GATE Syllabus for Mining Engineering
7 GATE Syllabus for Biomedical Engineering
8 GATE Syllabus for Biotechnology Engineering
9 GATE Syllabus for Metallurgical Engineering
10 GATE Syllabus for Civil Engineering
11 GATE Syllabus for Chemical Engineering
12 GATE Syllabus for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
13 GATE Syllabus for Architecture and Planning
14 GATE Syllabus for Petroleum Engineering
15 GATE Syllabus for Computer Science and Information Technology
16 GATE Syllabus for Chemistry
17 GATE Syllabus for Production and Industrial Engineering
18 GATE Syllabus for Electronics and Communication Engineering
19 GATE Syllabus for Statistics
20 GATE Syllabus for Electrical Engineering
21 GATE Syllabus for Textile Engineering and Fibre Science
22 GATE Syllabus for Environmental Science & Engineering
23 GATE Syllabus for Engineering Sciences
24 GATE Syllabus for Ecology and Evolution
25 GATE Syllabus for Humanities & Social Sciences
26 GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences
27 GATE Syllabus for Geomatics Engineering
28 GATE Syllabus for Geology and Geophysics
29 GATE Syllabus for Physics
30 GATE Syllabus for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (New)

CSIR NET Syllabus

The CSIR UGC NET syllabus comprises topics from all five subjects: Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences. Aspirants must ensure to download the subject wise CSIR NET Syllabus PDF provided below for reference.

CSIR NET Syllabus PDF

Subject Download Link
CSIR NET Syllabus 2023 Life Sciences PDF Click Here
CSIR NET Syllabus 2023 Mathematical Sciences PDF Click Here
CSIR NET Syllabus 2023 Chemical Sciences PDF Click Here
CSIR NET Syllabus 2023 Physical Sciences PDF Click Here
CSIR NET Syllabus 2023 Earth Sciences PDF Click Here
After knowing both syllabuses, aspirants can move forward to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together by noting the similar topics and subjects. This approach will effectively cover half of the syllabus of GATE as well as CSIR NET.

Study with GATE and CSIR NET Short Notes

Studying with short notes can be highly beneficial when preparing for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously. These concise notes help cover a wide range of topics in a brief and easily understandable manner, helping in effective exam preparation.
  • Short notes also allow for quick revision and serve as handy reference material, allowing applicants to strengthen important topics and improve memorization during their GATE and CSIR NET exam preparation.
To help aspirants, Physics Wallah has curated a GATE subject wise notes PDF, which can be easily downloaded from the table below.

GATE Short Notes

PW GATE Electrical Engineering Notes 2024
PW GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Notes 2024
PW GATE Mechanical Engineering Notes 2024
PW Civil Engineering Notes 2024
PW GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Notes 2024

Prioritize Important GATE and CSIR NET Topics

GATE and CSIR UGC NET have vast syllabuses, and covering both at a time is quite tiresome. Therefore, to study smartly, aspirants should shortlist the important topics that generally have high weightage in GATE as well as in CSIR NET. Now the best tip to identify important topics is to check the subject-wise weightage of the topics by analyzing the past year's examination questions. In order to learn in detail about the important GATE topics, click on the following links: Check out the important topics for CSIR NET outlined in the table below.
CSIR NET Subjects CSIR Important Topics
CSIR NET Chemical Science important topics Allotropy, synthesis, structure, and bonding of main group elements, Acid and base concepts, Spectral and magnetic properties in insert transition elements, Synthesis, bonding, and structure of organometallic compounds, Structure, bonding, and reaction activities of transition elements, etc
Important topics for CSIR NET Earth Science Sedimentology, Geochemistry, The Earth and the solar system, Earth’s interior, tectonic plates, and deformation Oceans and atmosphere (most important), Planetary science, Climatology (most important), Earth materials, Surface features and processes, Marine geology and paleoceanography, Applied geology, Mineralogy, Igneous and methamorphic petrology, Geophysics (most important)
CSIR NET Life Science Important topics Structure of amino acids, their behaviour and properties, stabilizing bonds between proteins and RNA, inhibition processes in enzyme kinetics, ETP and ATC Synthesis, lipid and carbohydrates structures Pathways for protein transportation, cellular fractionation, and membrane structure, composition, and functions Structure of chromosomes, DNA sequences, microbial diseases, and their growth and stress conditions, etc
Important topics for CSIR NET Mathematics Integral calculus, Differential equations, Linear algebra, Calculus of variables, Complex analysis, Number Theory, Classical mechanics, Probability and statistics, Topology
Important topics for CSIR NET Physical Science Mathematical Methods of Physics: Taylor’s theorem, contour integration, differential equation, Fourier transform, and numerical analysis methods like Simpson, Runge-Kutta, Newton-Raphson, and Trapezoidal Electromagnetic Theory: Maxwell’s Equation, EM Wave Theory, and scalar and vector potential Classical Mechanics: Planetary motion, virial theorem, equation of motion, etc

Solve as Many GATE and CSIR NET Previous Year's Questions As Possible

Solving the GATE and CSIR NET previous year's question paper is one of the best approaches in order to understand the exam pattern, types of questions, marking scheme, and time allocations. By regularly solving GATE and CSIR NET previous year's question papers, aspirants can identify their strengths as well as weaknesses. It is advised to use a timer in accordance with the sectional timing of the actual exam paper to improve time management skills. The subject-wise previous year’s GATE Question Paper PDFs from 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and GATE 2023 are provided in the table below for aspirants reference.

GATE Previous Year Question Papers FREE PDF Download

GATE Civil Previous Year Question Papers
GATE Mechanical Previous Year Question Papers
GATE CSE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE EE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE ECE Previous Year Question Papers
GATE Instrumentation Previous Year Question Papers

Enroll in Best Online Courses Dedicated to GATE and CSIR NET

Another smart tip that can help in effectively preparing for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously is enrolling in the best online courses that provide focused and dedicated live sessions for these entrance exams.
  • By enrolling in online courses that offer dedicated doubt sessions, study notes, daily practice papers, and valuable study resources, preparing for GATE and CSIR NET together can be manageable.
Physics Wallah, which is well-known for its affordable courses, provides all of the aforementioned features in its GATE and CSIR NET online coaching. Aspirants are advised to explore and enroll in the PW GATE and PW CSIR NET online courses from the links provided below.

Best GATE and CSIR NET Online Courses by Physics Wallah

Examination Name Subjects Covered Course Enroll Link
GATE Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Science and Information Technology Electronics and Communication Engineering Electrical Engineering’ Instrumentation Engineering Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
CSIR NET Life Sciences Chemical Sciences Physical Sciences Mathematical Sciences

Attempt Test Series of GATE and CSIR NET Daily

GATE and CSIR NET are both computer-based online tests and having familiarity with the online setup of examinations can be a game changer when it comes to preparing for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously.
  • The GATE and CSIR NET online test series replicates the exam setup of actual examinations, which allows aspirants to become familiar with the exam environment, which ultimately reduces stress and anxiety while appearing in the final test.
Furthermore, by attempting the regular GATE and CSIR Test Series, aspirants can have an in-depth analysis of how well their overall preparations and studies are going. Aspirants can enroll in the best-in-class PW Test Series for GATE and CSIR NET to ace their exam preparations for GATE and CSIR NET together.

By following the aforementioned smart and effective tips, aspirants can prepare for the GATE and CSIR NET exams simultaneously. These strategies will help in utilizing the limited time and prepare applicants to give their best shot at the GATE and CSIR NET upcoming examinations.

Can GATE and CSIR NET Preparation Be Done Simultaneously? FAQs

Q. Can I prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together?

Yes, you can prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together and achieve success by curating a robust study plan and following the smart tips outlined in the article above.

Q. What is the best way to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously?

The best way to prepare for GATE and CSIR NET simultaneously is to find similar overlapping subjects in both examination syllabuses.

Q. क्या GATE और CSIR NET की तैयारी एक साथ की जा सकती है?

CSIR NET और GATE दोनों के लिए एक साथ तैयारी करना पूरी तरह से संभव है। हालाँकि, आवेदकों को इसे पूरा करने के लिए एक उचित रणनीति विकसित करनी होगी। यद्यपि पैटर्न समान प्रतीत होते हैं, इन दोनों परीक्षणों के कठिनाई स्तर काफी भिन्न हैं।

Q. Which is tougher, GATE or CSIR NET?

GATE is considered to be tougher than CSIR NET as it has a vast syllabus and is more technical. However, the level of difficulty also depends on the aspirant's readiness for the exam.
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