Aaryendra Kashyap, a B.Tech graduate in Mathematics and Computing from Delhi Technological University, had already qualified the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) exam twice. However, he wanted to achieve a much better rank instead of just clearing the exam.
While working as a full-time software professional, he looked for a more structured way to prepare. With consistent practice, focused revision, and guidance from Physics Wallah's GATE DA Vijay Batch, Aaryendra improved his performance and secured AIR 244 in GATE DA 2026.
Qualifying the exam wasn't enough for Aaryendra. After securing around AIR 4000 in 2024 and around AIR 1300 in 2025 through self-study, he realised that improving further required a different approach.
"2024 aur 25 dono mein main qualify kiya tha... 24 mein mera rank 4000 something tha aur 25 mein mera 1300 something tha. Maine koi coaching nahi liya tha. Phir realise kiya ki mujhe apna rank sudharna hai... isliye maine Vijay Batch join kiya."
Instead of repeating the same preparation strategy, he evaluated his weaknesses and joined PW's GATE DA Vijay Batch, a course designed for rank improvement. His goal was clear—not just qualifying again, but building stronger concepts to achieve a significantly better rank.
Preparing alongside a full-time software job was one of the biggest challenges during his journey. Rather than waiting for ideal circumstances, Aaryendra built a schedule around his work commitments.
"Saturday-Sunday mujhe full utilise karna padta tha. 8–10 ghante padhna padta tha aur weekdays mein jab bhi ek-aadh ghante ka time milta tha, main recordings follow karta tha."
Recorded lectures became an important part of his preparation because attending live classes wasn't always possible. He utilised weekends for long study sessions and revised concepts during weekdays whenever he found time. Along with studying, he solved questions regularly to keep evaluating his progress.
After analysing his previous attempts, Aaryendra understood that his preparation lacked depth in a few important subjects, especially Mathematics and Python.
"Puneet sir ke notes kaafi helpful rahe... Kashif sir ke lectures bahut kaam aaye... Python mein is baar mera kaafi achha score hua."
He also found Aditya Jain Sir's Algorithm classes helpful in strengthening concepts that had troubled him in earlier attempts.
"Aditya Jain sir ne sorting bahut achhe tareeke se padhaya... pehle concepts utne clear nahi the."
Along with classroom learning, the PW GATE DA Test Series played a major role in improving his preparation.
"Test Series mein maine har test diya. Agar ek baar kharab hua to concept theek karke dobara diya."
Attempting tests multiple times helped him identify mistakes, revise weak areas, and improve exam temperament before the actual GATE examination.
By combining structured learning with disciplined revision, Aaryendra gradually transformed his preparation. Instead of depending only on previous year questions, he also practised university-level questions and used additional learning resources wherever required.
"Mathematics ke liye coaching bahut zaroori hai taaki jo gaps hain woh fill ho jaaye."
His approach of continuously identifying weaknesses, improving concepts, and practising through tests helped him progress from qualifying the exam to securing AIR 244 in GATE DA 2026.
For GATE aspirants, Aaryendra's journey highlights that rank improvement doesn't always require starting from scratch. Honest self-analysis, consistent practice, and the right guidance can make a significant difference. Whether you're a working professional or a repeat aspirant, improving one step at a time can eventually lead to the result you're aiming for.