Best SUBJECT Sequence to cover Syllabus - GATE Mechanical

Summary

The video provides a comprehensive strategy for GATE Mechanical Engineering aspirants to maximize their preparation and achieve the best possible rank. It emphasizes the importance of following a logical sequence when tackling subjects, as they are highly interconnected. Starting with foundational subjects like Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials, the video outlines the best sequence to follow, highlighting key subjects like Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Machine Design. The video warns against choosing subjects randomly based on weightage and stresses the significance of mastering concepts to ensure a solid understanding for solving GATE questions effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting with high-weightage subjects like Manufacturing and Production without a proper sequence may hinder your understanding and lead to incomplete concepts.
• 😀 Engineering Mechanics (EM) is the most fundamental subject and should be covered first if your basics are weak. Otherwise, start with Strength of Materials (SoM).
• 😀 The sequence of subjects matters because many subjects are highly interconnected, and mastering the connections will help you understand and retain better.
• 😀 Fluid Mechanics should come after Strength of Materials as the knowledge of stress, strain, and deformation is crucial for understanding fluid mechanics.
• 😀 The most recommended sequence is Engineering Mechanics, followed by Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Theory of Machines, Thermodynamics, and Applied Thermodynamics.
• 😀 The choice between Theory of Machines (TOM) and Thermodynamics (ET) depends on your comfort with mechanics. If you're saturated with mechanics, switch to Thermodynamics.
• 😀 Machine Design (MD) and Heat Transfer (HT) should follow MD and HT as they are extensions of previously learned concepts (SoM for MD, Thermodynamics for HT).
• 😀 Material Science and Metrology should be covered after MD and HT since they connect directly with materials and manufacturing.
• 😀 Manufacturing and Production (MP) should be covered after the foundational subjects because they are highly related to many other subjects in GATE Mechanical.
• 😀 Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) should be done last as it requires knowledge of Manufacturing and Production and is less concept-heavy.
• 😀 The right sequence of subjects not only maximizes your score but also ensures that you cover all topics in a logical, interconnected manner, improving both understanding and retention.

Q & A

What is the main issue with starting GATE preparation by focusing on high-weightage subjects first?

The main issue is that subjects in GATE Mechanical Engineering are deeply interconnected. Starting with high-weightage subjects can lead to incomplete understanding because you might miss foundational concepts that are needed to grasp later topics.

Why is Engineering Mechanics considered fundamental in GATE Mechanical Engineering preparation?

Engineering Mechanics is considered fundamental because it covers basic concepts like force, mass, moment, and movement of inertia, which are used across many other subjects such as Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, and Theory of Machines.

What is the risk of starting with Engineering Mechanics for GATE preparation?

The risk is that Engineering Mechanics requires a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, which could take over a month to master, potentially disturbing the balance of your preparation. If you spend too much time on one subject, it might negatively affect your overall preparation.

If someone has weak fundamentals in basic physics concepts, which subject should they start with?

If a student has weak fundamentals, they should start with Engineering Mechanics to build a solid foundation. However, they should be prepared for it to take longer due to the advanced level of questions typically asked in GATE.

Why is Strength of Materials considered a good alternative starting point in GATE preparation?

Strength of Materials is a good alternative starting point because it applies basic mechanics concepts, but it is generally quicker to master than Engineering Mechanics, and it provides a solid foundation for subsequent subjects like Fluid Mechanics and Machine Design.

How is Fluid Mechanics related to other subjects in GATE Mechanical Engineering?

Fluid Mechanics is an essential link between thermal and design subjects. It applies principles of mechanics, especially stress, strain, and deformation, and its concepts are widely used in subjects like Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Theory of Machines.

What is the most recommended sequence for GATE Mechanical Engineering preparation?

The most recommended sequence is: 1) Strength of Materials (or Engineering Mechanics), 2) Fluid Mechanics, 3) Theory of Machines (TOM) or Engineering Thermodynamics (ET) + Applied Thermodynamics (ETA), 4) Machine Design (MD) and Heat Transfer (HT), 5) Material Science and Metrology, 6) Manufacturing and Production, and 7) Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR).

Why is Machine Design (MD) studied after Strength of Materials?

Machine Design is studied after Strength of Materials because it builds directly on the principles of stress, strain, and deformation, which are covered in Strength of Materials.

Why should Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) be left towards the end of GATE preparation?

IEOR should be left towards the end because it requires prior knowledge of Manufacturing and Production (MP) to fully understand its processes and models. Additionally, IEOR is less concept-heavy and more process-driven, making it suitable for studying closer to the exam.

How does the recommended sequence of subjects affect GATE preparation results?

Following the recommended sequence helps build a strong conceptual foundation and ensures a smooth transition between interconnected subjects. This method maximizes understanding and retention, leading to better marks in GATE exams.