GATE 2015 Topper: AIR 1 Metallurgical Engineering- Abhas Deva

By Sunitha Chandrasekharan

Abhas Deva, a student of IIT (BHU) Varanasi successfully cleared GATE 2015 by securing an All India Rank 1 in Metallurgical Engineering.

A music lover, Abhas is a big fan of Pink Floyd, Metallica and Iron Maiden. He also is a hard core cricket fan.

Abhas also loves playing Tabla. Infact, he has also earned a graduate level degree in the same. With a score of 94.38 out of 100 in GATE 2015, Abhas believes that hard work and only hard word is the key to success.

In a candid chat with shiksha.com, Abhas Deva shares all about the secret of securing a high rank and his plans for the future. Take a look at the interview below.

Q: Congratulations. Tell us, how do you fell being a GATE AIR 1 Topper for Metallurgical Engineering?

A: Absolutely, I am very happy and I can’t express something that I didn’t even expect for. My department in IIT (BHU) Varanasi has the history of producing GATE toppers. Last year, one of my senior was also a GATE topper. I’ m happy to be contributing to the legacy of my department, continuing the tradition.

Q: So were you expecting to score AIR 1?

A: My exam went well and last year the top score was around 95 or 94 out of 100. I only expected a good rank, scoring somewhere around 90. But, I didn’t expect to emerge a GATE topper in my subject.

Q: Did you get enrolled in any coaching classes for GATE 2015?

A: No, I did the preparations by myself.

Q: Do you think it is necessary to take coaching classes or self-study is enough?

A: According to me, it depends on the individual who is taking the exam. Since my department in IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a history of producing GATE toppers and my seniors have been doing well in the entrance exam. But if you feel that you need some specialized and organized kind of study then you must go for it. What one needs to realize is that everybody has their different level of strengths and weakness. 

Q: How long have you being preparing for GATE exam?

A: Around a month, and we have our placement session from December to January just before the entrance exam. So, I was busy there but once that was over, I started with my preparations.

Q: You are pursuing your B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering. So what was your study plan like?

A: Frankly, I did not have a very specific study plan. Basically, what I did was I look up for previous year GATE papers especially last 10 years and I built up concepts that I was weak in and mostly I had prepared using these papers to get a feel of the exam.

Q: How different were your undergraduate exams from GATE 2015?

A: Our undergraduate exams are much more detailed, one needs to answer the questions in depth where as in GATE exams you need clear aspect of concepts but less of depth. GATE exams are objective in nature and require a wider knowledge. The questions in UG exams are specific and needs to be answered in detail.

Q: When did you decide to take GATE and Why GATE?

A: Since all my friends and seniors attempted for the entrance exam, I decided to take it this year and one more motivation was to secure admission in IIT especially Bangalore and Public Sector Units (PSUs). Sometimes, we graduates won’t get very good job offers from core companies of our field. So, I decided to prepare myself for GATE 2015 entrance exam.

Q: Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?

A: As I told you earlier, you should believe in yourself. You should know which areas you are good at and work on your weakness. Make proper use of time and plan according to what you feel you should focus on. Don’t copy anyone else study plan. Hard work and only hard work will bring success. 

Q: What do you plan to do next?

A: I’ m keen to pursue higher education either in IISE (International Institute of Special Education) or apply aboard for Ph.D degree.

Q: Which institutes have you applied for?

A: There are eight institutes mostly located in United States. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is one of eight universities; others are Kent state, University of Pennsylvania I would like to study.

Q: Tell us about your family background?

A: I have followed the footsteps of my father who is also a Metallurgical Engineer by profession and my mother is a home maker.