Topper Hacks to Attempt GATE Paper: Tips to Maximize Score in GATE 2026

Cracking the GATE exam requires more than just mastering concepts; it demands smart strategies to maximize scores under time pressure. Topper Hacks to Attempt GATE Paper provide actionable insights from previous high scorers, helping aspirants plan, prioritize, and attempt questions efficiently. 

From pre-exam mindset techniques to multi-round solving strategies and effective use of exam tools, these hacks are designed to boost accuracy, speed, and confidence on the big day.

PW Online GATE Coaching

Phase 1: Pre-Exam and Initial Setup

Before the GATE exam, manage anxiety with calm exercises and ensure your computer and peripherals are fully functional to avoid technical issues during the test.

Managing Pre-Exam Anxiety

Feeling pressure before the exam is common. Instead of letting anxiety take over, utilize this time productively. Practice simple meditation or breathing exercises with your eyes closed. Alternatively, calmly read all on-screen instructions line-by-line. This helps you acclimate to the environment and prevents your mind from dwelling on pre-exam stress.

System and Hardware Check

Before the exam timer begins, or in the very first moments, verify that your computer and peripherals are functioning correctly.

• Check the Mouse: Test its clicks and cursor movement by navigating through the instruction screens. A malfunctioning mouse can severely hinder your speed, especially with the virtual calculator. For instance, a double-clicking mouse can cause errors like typing '44' instead of '4'.

• Action Protocol: If you detect any technical issues with your PC or mouse, immediately inform the invigilator. Your session can be paused and moved to another system. The timer will stop when your PC is shut down and resume from the same point on the new machine, ensuring no loss of time. This information is critical for first-time test-takers.

Phase 2: Strategic Use of Exam Resources

Effectively using exam resources like a structured scribble pad, a quick paper overview, and colour-coded question tracking can boost speed, accuracy, and time management during the GATE exam.

1. The Scribble Pad: An Organizational Tool

The scribble pad is a critical tool that must be used in a structured manner, not for random, messy calculations. Disorganized work makes reviewing partially solved questions nearly impossible, forcing you to restart calculations and waste time.

• Topper's Strategy:

1. Divide the Page: Partition each sheet of the scribble pad into sections, such as four quadrants.

2. Assign and Number: Use one or two sections per question, clearly numbering each question. Write down key formulas and steps neatly within that assigned box.

3. Manage Pad Replacement: If you fill a scribble pad, you must submit it to receive a new one. An organized pad allows you to quickly copy essential data for a few unsolved questions onto the new pad before submitting the old one.

2. The Initial Paper Overview

Upon starting the exam, use the "Question Paper" button to view the entire paper.

• Objective: Spend 3-4 minutes quickly scrolling through all questions. Do not attempt to read or solve them. The goal is to get a general overview of the paper's structure and the types of questions asked.

• Cognitive Benefit: This initial scan "activates" your brain. Briefly seeing a question (e.g., recognizing "rectangular wing" or "triangles") primes your mind to subconsciously retrieve relevant formulas and concepts. When you encounter that question later, it will not feel entirely new, potentially improving problem-solving speed and accuracy.

• Psychological Benefit: Sometimes, challenging questions are placed early in the paper. A quick overview helps you avoid this psychological trap by revealing the full paper, including easier questions further ahead, preventing early anxiety and loss of confidence.

3. Mastering the Exam Interface Colour-Coding Tools

The online interface uses colour-coded buttons to categorize questions. Top performers use this system rigorously for efficient navigation and time management. (Memory Tip: Use these colour codes as a mental classification system for every question you encounter).

Phase 3: The Multi-Round Paper Attempt Strategy

Do not attempt the paper in a single, linear pass. A three-round attempt strategy is highly effective for maximizing your score.

• Round 1: The Quick-Win Round (~90-100 minutes)

• Goal: Solve all easy, straightforward questions.

• Process: Go through all 65 questions.

• If you can solve a question quickly and confidently, answer it (it becomes Green).

• If you are doubtful or it will take time, mark it appropriately (Purple or Purple with Green Tick) and move on.

• If you have no idea, skip it (Red).

• Outcome: You will have secured a base score from low-hanging fruit and a perfectly categorized map of the remaining paper, covering approximately 35-40 questions.

• Round 2: The Verification & High-Confidence Round

• Goal: Solidify answers and solve questions you were close to finishing.

• Process:

1. First, tackle all questions "Answered but Marked for Review" (Purple with Green Tick). Verify calculations and confirm answers. Once confident, Save & Next to turn them Green.

2. Next, attempt the questions "Marked for Review" (Purple Circle) that you felt you could solve but needed more time.

• Outcome: You will have added another 10-15 questions to your confirmed score.

• Round 3: The Final Push

• Goal: Attempt the most difficult or time-consuming questions.

• Process: With the remaining time, focus on the questions you initially skipped (Red or remaining Purple). These questions require the most effort, but any you solve now are a bonus.

Additional Technical and Mindset Strategies

Some additional strategies to attempt the GATE Paper 2026 include mastering question types, using the virtual calculator correctly, and maintaining focus and a positive mindset to maximise your performance.

Identifying Question Types (MCQ, MSQ, NAT)

• Pay close attention to the marking scheme displayed for each question.

• A key indicator for MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) is that negative marking will be listed as zero. If you see multiple checkbox options and zero negative marks, it is an MSQ, and multiple answers may be correct.

Using the Virtual Calculator

• Be proficient with the calculator's advanced functions from your practice.

• Crucially, always check if the calculator is in Degree or Radian mode as required by the formula you are using. This is a common source of error in branches like Mechanical and Civil Engineering and can cost you 2-3 marks.

Exam Hall Mindset and Etiquette

• Never look at other students: Some may click rapidly for show or are not serious candidates. Focusing on them only creates unnecessary pressure and anxiety.

• Do not calculate your score during the exam: Avoid counting green-marked questions and predicting your rank. Your entire focus must remain on the 65 questions in front of you. Score calculation is for after the exam.

• Maintain a Positive Mindset: Focus on maximizing your score based on your preparation, rather than worrying about uncovered subjects or weak topics. The goal is to extract the best possible result from your current knowledge base.

Elevate your GATE readiness with Physics Wallah’s GATE Online Courses. PW GATE Online Coaching offers comprehensive live sessions tailored to the syllabus, invaluable study materials, practice tests, and much more.