Rishikesh Shahi: GATE 2026 CE AIR 9 Topper Interview
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GATE 2026 result has been announced, bringing inspiring success stories from across the country. Among the PW’s top performers is Rishikesh Shahi, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 9 in Civil Engineering. His journey stands out not just for the rank but for the discipline, smart strategy, and determination behind it. From choosing the right time to start preparation to managing challenges and maintaining consistency, his experience offers clear insights into what it takes to achieve a top rank in GATE.
AIR 9's GATE Strategy
Rishikesh Shahi, an All India Rank (AIR) 9 achiever in Civil Engineering GATE, shares his journey and insights for aspirants. From shifting academic interests to conquering personal challenges, his experience provides a valuable roadmap for effective GATE preparation.
GATE Preparation Journey & Motivation
Initially leaning towards IT, Rishikesh Shahi developed a strong interest in core engineering subjects after exploring the GATE exam. He began his formal preparation with Physics Wallah's Parakram Batch and later joined the Vijay Batch for comprehensive revision. A significant personal challenge—his father's brain hemorrhage—served as a profound motivator for his 2026 attempt. Despite immense difficulties, he managed his father's care while maintaining rigorous preparation, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Online Preparation & Optimal Start Time
Online preparation is more than sufficient for GATE. Students can effectively manage their GATE preparation concurrently with their B.Tech studies. The second year of engineering is considered the best time to start GATE preparation. This early start allows aspirants to:
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Build a strong foundation in core subjects.
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Utilize optimum time for covering all subjects thoroughly.
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Engage extensively in test series to gauge progress and improve.
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Notably, one year is sufficient for comprehensive GATE preparation if started strategically.
Exam Strategy & Accuracy
Rishikesh strongly emphasizes that accuracy is one of the most important factors in GATE. Many students focus only on solving more questions, but accuracy is what truly determines rank.
How He Improved Accuracy
In the beginning, his scores in subject-wise tests were average, and he made small mistakes. But with regular practice of:
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Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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Daily Practice Problems (DPPs)
He gradually improved both his accuracy and speed.
Exam Day Approach
On the exam day, he maintained a calm and positive mindset. He started with the General Aptitude section and then moved to core subjects. A smart move he made was skipping two time-consuming questions immediately after reading them. This shows the importance of time management and decision-making during the exam.
Time Management vs Conceptual Understanding
Many aspirants believe that strong concepts alone are enough for a top rank. However, Rishikesh explains that there is a clear difference between learning concepts and securing a high rank.
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Time Management vs Conceptual Understanding |
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|---|---|
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Aspect |
Description
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Conceptual Understanding |
Focuses on deep knowledge of subjects. |
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Achieving a High Rank |
Requires specific strategies beyond just conceptual knowledge, including exam technique and practice. |
Effective Study Methods & Notes
Rishikesh followed a balanced approach using both live and recorded classes. He attended live sessions regularly and used recorded lectures to revise topics or catch up on missed classes.
Importance of Handwritten Notes
He strongly recommends making handwritten notes for every subject. Writing helps in better understanding and long-term memory retention.
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Detailed notes for each subject
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Short notes for quick revision before the exam
Revision Strategy
Revision played a crucial role in his preparation. He followed a weekly revision plan to ensure he did not forget previously studied topics. Regular revision helped him:
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Strengthen concepts
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Improve confidence
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Perform better in tests
Role of Test Series in Success
Test series were a key part of his preparation. They helped him:
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Identify weak areas
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Improve speed and accuracy
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Build exam confidence
Through consistent testing, he was able to simulate real exam conditions and improve his performance over time.
Rishikesh Shahi Final Message to Aspirants
Rishikesh Shahi advises all GATE aspirants to:
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Work hard consistently.
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Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs) diligently.
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Practice Daily Practice Problems (DPPs) regularly.
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Follow faculty guidance closely.
Adhering to these principles will pave the way for achieving a good rank in the GATE examination.