From College Classes to AIR 348: Baibhav Pratap's GATE 2026 DA Journey with Physics Wallah

Preparing for GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence requires much more than completing the syllabus. It demands consistency, smart planning, and the ability to stay disciplined even while managing college. Baibhav Pratap experienced this firsthand during his preparation journey.

A final-year engineering student from Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University, Bhilai, Baibhav prepared for GATE alongside his college studies. After initially relying on free resources, he realised that his preparation needed better direction. That decision eventually led him to Physics Wallah's Parakram Batch, where he followed a structured study plan, built a strong revision routine, and steadily improved his preparation. His journey to securing AIR 348 in GATE 2026 DA reflects how consistency and the right guidance can help students stay focused throughout a long preparation journey.

How PW Helped Niranjan Hebli Secure AIR 235 in GATE 2026 CSE  

Baibhav Pratap Began with Free Resources 

Baibhav did not begin his preparation with a paid course. Like many aspirants, he first relied on free resources available online. However, after a few months, he realised something important.

"2023 ke October se main YouTube pe free courses se padh raha tha. Lekin mujhe laga ki sustainable nahi hai."

Although the content was available, his preparation lacked structure. He did not know which subject to complete first, how much time to give each topic, or how to plan revisions.

This is when he joined Physics Wallah's Parakram Batch in February. According to Baibhav, the biggest advantage was not just the lectures but the organised schedule.

He especially appreciated that Mathematics was completed early in the batch. Since GATE DA has a strong mathematical foundation, finishing this subject first gave him enough time to revise it multiple times before the examination.

Instead of constantly deciding what to study next, he could simply follow the planned schedule and focus on learning.

PW GATE 2026 AIR 1 XE Kushagra Mishra's Journey to Success 

How Baibhav Pratap Built Consistency Through Small Habits 

Consistency became the biggest strength of his preparation.

Rather than collecting multiple notebooks or changing strategies every month, he followed a simple routine every day.

"Main saath-saath notes banata tha. Agle din padhai shuru karne se pehle sirf 10 minute previous day ke notes revise karta tha."

His revision method was simple. Before every class, he quickly revised the previous day's notes by flipping through the pages. This daily habit prevented concepts from fading over time.

He also prepared separate short notes every morning.

"Subah uthkar main important notes ek alag copy mein likhta tha. Roz aadha ghanta deta tha. Usse revision bhi ho jata tha aur short notes bhi ban jaate the."

This small routine gradually built a strong revision system without creating extra pressure.

For subjects where previous year questions were limited, especially AI and Machine Learning, he relied mainly on the practice questions discussed during classes and additional question series provided during preparation.

Instead of searching for endless resources, he repeatedly revised what he already had.

How Physics Wallah Gave Baibhav Pratap the Right Direction 

For Baibhav, Physics Wallah became more than a source of lectures. It helped him prepare with a clear direction.

"YouTube mein guidance nahi tha. Kis order mein padhna hai, kitna padhna hai, kab complete hoga, kuch clear nahi tha."

After joining the batch, he followed the planned sequence of subjects without confusion.

He also found motivation from the faculty members throughout his preparation.

"Puneet sir bolte the ki agar itne questions kar rahe ho to preparation bahut achhi chal rahi hai. Siddharth sir bhi har class motivation ke saath start karte the."

Regular classroom guidance helped him stay focused even during difficult phases.

Baibhav also attended revision initiatives such as Mahabhyas, Maha Revision, One Shot Revision, and other revision sessions before the examination. These sessions helped him revisit important concepts during the final stage of preparation.

Rather than introducing new topics at the last moment, he concentrated on strengthening concepts he had already studied.

Baibhav Pratap Recovered from a Major Setback 

Every long preparation journey has difficult phases.

For Baibhav, the biggest challenge came when he fell seriously ill during the middle of his preparation.

"Mujhe typhoid ho gaya tha. Lagbhag ek mahina bed rest pe tha."

Being away from studies for almost a month could have affected his preparation badly. However, once he recovered, he gradually returned to his routine.

"Jitna setback hua tha, usko cover karne ke liye ek din mein do ya teen lectures dekhta tha."

Instead of worrying about lost time, he focused on completing pending lectures one step at a time.

Another challenge was handling pressure during the examination.

Since he regularly scored high marks in mock tests, he entered the exam expecting an even better rank. During the interview, he admitted that this expectation created unnecessary pressure.

Looking back, he believes staying calm would have helped him perform even better.

His experience reminds aspirants that confidence is important, but excessive expectations can sometimes affect decision-making during the examination.

Baibhav Pratap Balanced College Without Losing Momentum 

Many students believe college makes GATE preparation impossible.

Baibhav's experience was different.

"Shuru mein lagta tha college ki wajah se problem ho rahi hai. Lekin discipline ban gaya to kabhi laga hi nahi ki college rukawat hai."

He carefully observed his daily schedule and used every available opportunity.

During practical sessions that finished early, he revised concepts or solved practice questions.

He also planned his day based on the college timetable instead of studying randomly.

"Jahan bhi thoda time milta tha, main DPP solve kar leta tha ya lecture dekh leta tha."

Rather than waiting for long study hours, he utilised small pockets of time throughout the day.

This disciplined approach helped him complete both his college responsibilities and GATE preparation together.

AIR 348 Became the Result of Baibhav Pratap's Consistency 

Baibhav Pratap secured AIR 348 in GATE 2026 Data Science & Artificial Intelligence with a score of 77.

Although he hoped for an even higher rank, his journey reflects months of disciplined preparation, structured revision, and efficient time management.

His story also shows that improvement does not always come from studying more resources. Sometimes, following one plan consistently, revising regularly, and making the most of available time can make a meaningful difference.

For GATE DA aspirants, Baibhav's journey is a reminder that preparation becomes easier when you stay consistent, trust your learning process, and keep moving forward even after setbacks.