INTERVIEW WITH GATEPE TOPPER- DHAVAL PATEL, AIR#13, GATE-2020
GATE 2020 Topper Interview
Dhaval Patel, GATE 2020 Topper secured AIR 13 in Petroleum Engineering. He credits his success to his parents and friends who supported him through the difficult times. I always focussed on planned study, revising topics, said Dhaval. My friends and seniors provided me with the much essential boost and motivation which helped me in becoming the GATE 2020 topper. Ace Petroleum Admin interacted with Dhaval regarding the GATE 2020 to know how he achieved this feat. Read the full GATE 2020 topper interview to know his preparation strategy and more.
ACE ADMIN-Congratulations on becoming the GATE 2020 topper. How were you feeling when you came to know about your result?
DHAVAL-I was surprised and very happy, it was like a dream come true.
ACE ADMIN- Tell me about yourself. Where are you from and your educational journey till your highest education qualification?
DHAVAL-I am Dhaval Patel. I am from Ahmedabad, Gujrat. I did my B.Tech in Petroleum engineering from School of petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar.
ACE ADMIN- What was your Engineering stream and why have you decided to take this stream for Engineering?
DHAVAL-I done my B.tech in petroleum Engineering. After completing higher secondary, i want to join course which offer uniqueness and money. So I learned about petroleum and joined it.
ACE ADMIN-When did you learn about the GATE Exam and when and why have you decided to start to prepare for this exam?
DHAVAL-During second year of college, i get to knew about GATE in PE.
I started preparing for it after november 2018 (in 7th semester.) Before that I didn't did anything specifically for GATE.
ACE ADMIN-What and who motivated you to prepare for GATE exam for the first time?
DHAVAL-After reviewing many profiles during campus interview, i thought I am not made for marketing or IT jobs. So I decided to prepare for GATE and do better. My one friend motivated me for GATE preparation. He was also preparing seriously.
ACE ADMIN-Who do you want to attribute your success to?
DHAVAL-A friend who believe in you and family for encouragement and support
ACE ADMIN-When did you start your preparation for GATE2020 and when should an avg student ideally start his/her preparation before the exam?
DHAVAL-I started in November 2018, then took a break (No GATE reading) between Feb 2019 to Oct 2019. Avg student can start before 7 to 8 months i guess.
ACE ADMIN-How have you prepared for technical subject.. Like do you used to study only 1 subject at a time or two or more subjects at a time? Which suited best to you?
DHAVAL-I prepared one subject at a time so that I can link concepts easily. I followed field process sequence for study. eg. Studied exploration first then drilling then production.....
In each subject also, i tried to follow process sequence of field.
ACE ADMIN-Have you ever encountered a numerical or concept that was tough and you are stuck. How do you deal with those numericals ?
DHAVAL-Yes, many times I encountered this kind of situation.
I try to solve, if I can't , then I take snap of it and I send it to my friends who were preparing. They tell their views. And if no one can answer, then I discuss with them in phone calls for possible.method to solve. And if nothing works, then I post it into group of API.
ACE ADMIN-Did you follow any time table or schedule during preparation. How much time on an avg do you used to spend to prepare for GATE in PE? What is the importance of a schedule?
DHAVAL-I prepare schedule for reading timings only.
I did not decided hrs to each topics, so that I can freely go in-depth in required topics.
ACE ADMIN-On an avg how many hours do you used to give for the preparation?
DHAVAL-Around 8 to 9 hrs
ACE ADMIN-What was the toughest aspect of GATE preparation according to you?
DHAVAL-For me, Build up of coincidence that I can do it. That was toughest part.
ACE ADMIN-Have you ever encountered fear and stress during preparation. How have you handled it during that time?
DHAVAL-Yes, During first time when I was preparing and I was having very short time to prepare.
I calm down my self by studying more than I planned.
ACE ADMIN-Many aspirants ask about building confidence. How have you built your confidence?
DHAVAL-I build my confidence by gaining more knowledge than required for gate.
ACE ADMIN-What five qualities do you think an aspirant must have to secure under 50 rank in GATE exam?
DHAVAL-1.Accuracy
2.Dedication
3.Logical thinking
4.Memory or understanding
5.Self thinking
ACE ADMIN-How have you completed the major subjects like Reservoir, Drilling, production. Major books that you recommend for these subjects for theory and Numericals?
DHAVAL-I followed gate rankers guidance and I followed my college time study notes for revising.
I read, highlight important.part and then I write my review on that topics on book itslef. So every time when I read that, i don't have to revise all.
ACE ADMIN-When have you started giving online tests? What are the importance of giving these tests. Were they helpful?
DHAVAL-After mid of december, in started giving tests. It is important to.know your accuracy and where you are making errors.
ACE ADMIN-In online tests sometime we may get a bad rank. Then what do you used to do then?
DHAVAL-Then, i see for topics which I need further preparation. I revise topic and see for where errors i made.
ACE ADMIN-What is the importance of note making in GATE? How one should make notes?
DHAVAL-It is important to revise each subject. One should make notes in own language so that he can revise quickly from it
ACE ADMIN-Have you set for college placement. How have you adjusted your time with college studies?
DHAVAL-Yes, but my advise is, stick to one thing. Gate then gate , otherwise go for it.
I was unable manage both at time.
ACE ADMIN-What were your strategy for last one month for GATE aspirants?
DHAVAL-Revise maximum times. And build confidence and environment and habits for exams
ACE ADMIN-What distracted you the most in GATE Exam ? How have you remained focused. ?
DHAVAL-Job attractions distracted me towards interviews more instead of pure gate preparation.
ACE ADMIN-How have you managed the exam pressure during the exam?
DHAVAL-Drink more water
ACE ADMIN-Do you want to pursue higher studies or want to join PSUs? Why?
DHAVAL-Join PSU, Bcs that's my dream.
ACE ADMIN-Do you think our Telegram group will be helpful for GATE aspirants? Do you recommend it to college students?
DHAVAL-Yes, if you are in telegram API group then you don't have to go and search material from outside. Yes, i recommend it to college students.
ACE ADMIN-Your message to GATEPE 2021 ASPIRANTS ?
DHAVAL-Do work with all your efforts. All the very best. Just find your own way to be confident enough. There is only one person who can help you. it's, you.
ACE ADMIN-Thank you Dhaval Patel for being a part of the Interview, I am sure it will be helpfull and will guide future gate aspirants.
DHAVAL- Thanks a lot.
