The PGEE Examination conducted by IIIT-Hyderabad is quite different from the GATE Examination. The syllabus is quite vast and requires an in-depth knowledge of each topic, although it only covers matters dealt with at the undergraduate level. Unlike many of the institutions offering post-graduate courses like Ph.D., M. Tech, M.S. and so on; all students who wish to join IIIT-Hyderabad need to clear the PGEE examination since they do not consider GATE scores during admission. Details of the admission procedure and the syllabus as well as sample question papers of the examination are available on the official college website.
These tips can help in preparing for and successfully clearing the PGEE exam:
- Only attend questions that you are confident about and avoid guesswork: Although there are no negative marks in this examination, the evaluator checks not only for correct answers, but also your answering pattern. Thus, if you are randomly answering questions based on guesswork (particularly the multiple choice questions), the chances of your being selected is negligible.
- Tricky Multiple Choice Questions: The multiple choice questions are may have more than one correct answer. If you choose only one, the answer is deemed to be incorrect. Similarly, if you choose 2 or more answers of which any 1 choice is incorrect, the answer is deemed to be incorrect. Therefore, a proper understanding of the question alone will help you move forward to the next round.
- Neat and Legible Writing: The answer sheet shall be evaluated manually. Therefore, it is mandatory to ensure that your handwriting is neat and legible. The important points should be highlighted and the entire paper should be well presented.
- Write each step clearly and in the correct sequence: Pseudo code, C & C++ programming code as well as all mathematical calculations need to be written sequentially in the subjective papers as you will be graded on working method as well as accurate results.
- Answering Part 1 is Compulsory: It is compulsory to not only answer the general aptitude test, but also to make the cutoff marks for the 2nd paper to be evaluated. In other words, if you do not pass paper 1, paper 2 will not be evaluated.
All other guidelines remain the same as for all competitive examinations and are listed below:
- Solve sample question papers: Solving sample question papers help build confidence by helping you understand the expected standards of the examination. As you gain confidence try to answer each paper maintaining the stipulated time-limit. Ensure that you practice all the sample questions on the official college website. Practice as many mock tests and model question papers as possible.
- Be focused and confident: Remaining calm, confident and focused will help you clear the exams easily.
- Time management during the examination: Read the paper for five minutes before you commence answering this will let you understand the level of difficulty. Keep the last 5 minutes of the exam aside to re-examine the paper.
On successfully clearing the PGEE examination, the candidate shall be shortlisted for group discussion and personal interview.