The ideal time to start preparing for the GATE exam depends on the individual circumstances and level of familiarity with the subjects. The best case is early Preparation one to two years in advance.

If you have just started your undergraduate engineering program or are in the early stages, you can begin your GATE preparation. This long-term approach allows you to build a strong foundation in your engineering discipline and gives you ample time to understand concepts thoroughly. You can study at a more relaxed pace, which reduces stress and anxiety.

The other option is of intermediate preparation that is six to twelve months in advance. If you're in the middle of your engineering program, you should aim to start your GATE preparation at least 6 to 12 months before the exam. This timeframe allows you to review your coursework while diving into specific GATE syllabus topics.

It provides a balance between in-depth subject coverage and managing other academic commitments.

Finally there are students who prefer intensive short-term Preparation for three to six months in advance. If you've completed your engineering program and are planning to dedicate full time to GATE preparation, three to six months before the exam is a reasonable timeframe. During this period, you can immerse yourself in GATE-specific studies, focusing on the most important topics.

However, this approach requires intensive daily study and may be more stressful.

Here is is important to mention that everyone's learning curve is different, so adapt your preparation timeline based on your existing knowledge, the number of hours you can commit daily, and your overall comfort with the GATE syllabus. Starting early gives you an advantage in terms of understanding the subjects thoroughly and retaining information, but with the right strategy, even a few months of focused preparation can yield good results.

Ultimately, the key to success in the GATE exam is the disciplined and structured preparation, regular practice, and understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme.

Coaching is not mandatory for the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam, and many candidates successfully prepare for the exam on their own. Whether or not you should opt for coaching depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and the availability of resources. Qualifying GATE is not difficult but getting good rank is necessary for admission in reputed institutes and PSU jobs. Coaching provides ready material for preparation hence rank improves with coaching. 

GATE coaching classes are meant to make study simple, concepts understandable and goal achievable. Teachers provide ready material, solve doubts and maintain consistency. Coaching institutes provide a structured and organized study plan, which can be beneficial for candidates who may struggle with self-discipline and time management. This can help ensure that you cover the entire syllabus systematically.

Experienced faculty at coaching centres provides expert guidance, solve doubts, and offer insights into the most important topics and exam strategies. They can help you understand concepts and solve difficult problems. Coaching institutes often provide high-quality study materials and resources, which are meticulously curated to align with the GATE syllabus. These materials can save you time in searching for appropriate study materials.

Coaching centres also conduct regular mock tests that simulate the actual GATE exam conditions. These mock tests are invaluable for assessing your readiness and improving your time management skills. Coaching classes offer the opportunity to interact with seniors who share a similar goal. Group discussions and interactions with fellow aspirants can help you gain different perspectives and share study strategies. Being part of a coaching program can provide the motivation and discipline needed for rigorous GATE preparation. It can create a competitive environment that pushes you to work harder.

Most important resource is time. Coaching can save you time in terms of selecting study materials, designing a study plan, and finding practice questions. This can be particularly advantageous if you have limited time to prepare.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of your GATE exam preparation depends on your dedication, the quality of the coaching, your study habits, and your ability to manage time and resources effectively.

Offline classes are considered better than online classes for GATE exam preparation by because they offer interactive and structured learning. Beside this in the offline classes, you have the advantage of face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates. This direct interaction can facilitate better understanding of complex topics, immediate clarification of doubts, and engaging discussions, which can be particularly beneficial for subjects that require in-depth understanding.

Attending offline classes often fosters a sense of discipline and accountability. Knowing that you have to be present at a certain time and place can help you stay committed to your GATE preparation. Offline classes can provide an environment with fewer distractions compared to studying at home. Students often find it easier to concentrate in a classroom setting.

Physical classes offer networking opportunities with both instructors and fellow students. This can be essential for career development and learning from the experiences of others.

Familiarize yourself with the GATE exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. Make a schedule for the entire three-month period. Allocate more time to subjects or topics you find challenging. Plan your study hours, making sure to balance your study time with regular breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Collect standard GATE preparation books and resources for your specific discipline.

Identify your core subjects for the exam. Focus on the subjects with the highest weightage and prioritize them.

Revise your college notes and textbooks. Use standard reference books and online resources to supplement your knowledge.

Practice solving previous years' GATE papers and take mock tests to get a feel for the exam.

Stick to your study schedule religiously. Time management is critical when you have only three months.

Allocate more time to subjects that you find most challenging.

Eat well, exercise regularly, and ensure you get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are essential for effective study.

Consider joining a GATE coaching program if you can. These programs provide structured guidance and access to experienced teachers.

Set achievable short-term goals and reward yourself when you meet them.

Visualize your success and remember the reasons you decided to take the GATE exam in the first place.

Remember, the key to success in the GATE exam is consistency, focus, and dedication. Make the most of the limited time you have, and it's possible to achieve a good score. Good luck!