Cracking the GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a tough cookie for aspirants. When we look at data from GATE 2025, nearly 8 lakh aspirants registered, out of which only 15% qualified for the exam. Most applicants are not able to qualify for the exam, as they lack speed and accuracy.

Must Read- How Should I Plan My Last 5 Months for GATE Preparation?

Previous year questions and GATE exam mock test are the best way to practice and add to your preparation session to get the real experience before appearing in the upcoming GATE exam. The mock test is a real-time practice where applicants have to sit for three hours and solve 65 questions. In this blog post, we have mentioned the importance of PYQs and mock tests that can boost your speed and answer accuracy to clear the GATE exam.

Advantages of Mock Tests and PYQs

• The GATE exam mock test helps you get familiar with the real exam. The mock test triggers your practice for the real exam. It boosts your confidence and helps you know your strengths and flaws. 
• A mock test helps you to measure yourself and bring necessary changes to your study plan.
• Aspirants who attend the mock test regularly and practice GATE previous year question papers can perform well in the real GATE exam.
• Solving the previous year's questions helps you to understand the exam pattern and also gives a perception of different types of questions and the marking scheme.
• Mock tests and previous year questions help you to identify significant topics and prioritize your GATE preparation plan.
• GATE PYQs and mock tests give a helping hand to master the question pattern, like multiple choice questions and numeric ones.

Recommended Links:

For Best GATE Exam Books for the 2026 Exam – Click Here

For GATE Exam Syllabus for the 2026 Exam – Click Here

For GATE Exam Previous Year Question Papers for 2026 Exam – Click Here 

How Many Mock Tests Should You Attend Regularly?

If you have just started preparation, then you can start with one mock test once a week. If there are 5 or 6 months left for the exam, you can go with 2 tests per week. And as you come closer to the exam, escalate the number of tests per week.

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How to Prepare Yourself for the GATE Exam?

Going through the GATE syllabus and previous year questions, attending mock tests, and solving questions within a self-assigned duration helps you make necessary adjustments in your revision routines. Further, clearing concepts and doubts, taking breaks at regular intervals, and having a healthy lifestyle can boost your productivity as well as help you to stay focused in preparation. You can easily get the GATE previous year question paper from the Oswaal360 Book Store along with a mock test series for self-analysis and dedicate more effort to the subject that needs more practice and attention.