Cracking the GATE is a dream of most of the engineering students in India. Nitesh Rai from National Institute of Technology, Durgapur actualized this big dream by claiming AIR 1 (Metallurgy) in GATE 2017. He has scored cent percent marks in one of the most difficult competitive exams in India. Nitesh shared his feelings of being a GATE 2017 Topper with Aglasem and chipped in some essential tips for GATE aspirants. Read the complete interview to know more about Nitesh and his success at GATE.
| Name | Nitesh Rai |
| College(Graduation) | National Institute of Technology Durgapur |
| GATE Attempt | First |
| GATE Score | 1000 |
| GATE Rank | 1 |
About Nitesh Rai
Nitesh Rai hails from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh . His father is an officer in correspondence department in Allahabad University and his mother is a home maker. Nitesh is an amusing person and says that he never compromises, be it having fun or following his study schedule. Nitesh Rai likes to travel, and made the most out of his vacations by travelling to new places. In his free time, he loves to play chess and cricket. And he likes listening to music and is a huge Coldplay fan.
He stated his motive behind appearing in GATE 2017:
In 10+2, I couldn’t make it to the IIT. So, I didn’t want to let go this opportunity. Therefore I targeted decent rank this time so that I can get admission in top IITs.
Surely, GATE 2017 Topper Nitesh Rai has made his parents proud. But, one must wonder how does it feels to achieve what you dream against all the odds. Nitesh also shared his feelings of sweet shock the moment he realized that he has done it. He recalls:
“Actually, I was happy. To be honest, I was expecting a rank in single digit, but to actually get the first rank is surreal.”
GATE Exam Experience
When asked about the GATE exam experience, this is what Nitesh had to say:
The experience was a pleasant one. I believed myself that I had a good preparation. Hence the test did not make me tensed.
Other questions asked to Nitesh Rai were:
1. There are a lot of students who are apprehensive about the online (computer based test) pattern. In your opinion, is the format something to be worried about?
The online test format is very user friendly as we can easily switch to questions back or forth. So there is nothing to be worried about not being at ease with the online format.
2. According to you, how was the exam? Was it tough or was it easy?
This year few of the questions were very simple. And few of them were on the bit of tougher side. So I would say that it was a mixed bag.
3. On the exam day, what was your experience like? Please elaborate upon this as it will be extremely helpful for the students.
I was trying to avoid thinking about the results otherwise it would have affected my focus to the test. Be positive and confident.
GATE Preparation and Strategy
Nothing worth having comes easy and GATE is so not an easy thing. Students prepare night and day for the same. We tried to get insights on Nitesh’s preparation plan and he elaborated:
I started my Preparation 4-5 months before the Gate exams. I used to study for about 4-5 hrs in a day.
Apart from the strategies, the balance between studies and other things needs to be well maintained. This is what Nitesh had to say:
I used to pre plan my schedule of topics to be covered on a day, a day prior, according to my class routine on that day. This way I managed my time aptly when to attend my classes and when to take out my time for my preparation.
Books recommended
| Thermodynamics and Rate Processes | David R Gaskell |
| Mechanical Metallurgy | George E Dieter |
| Physical Metallurgy | V Raghavan |
| Extractive Metallurgy | H S Ray and follow NPTEL for Steel Making |
| Iron and Steel Making | R.H Tupkary |
| Manufacturing Process | Dieter and P N Rao |
Last Minute Gate Preparation
When asked about the last minute preparation tips that Nitesh Rai wanted to give to aspirants of Gate 2018, Nitesh said:
Don’t think about the end results and have faith on your hard work and capability.
Future Plans
This is what Nitesh Rai said about his future plans:
I want to pursue M Tech from IISc Bangalore. My second preference will be to join an organisation in the R&D sector.
Success Mantra
For a desired result, one must not only make a time-table for the preparation but also positively stick to it. One must solve an ample amount of numerical problems and revise the concepts on a regular basis.
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