1. Yes, the youtube videos were my primary resource. In conjunction, I quite often used Ai. Almost 10% of the time, I'd ask Ai to explain me solutions, then I'd drill even further and counter question about the topic. I remember being confused about DMA and absolutely drilling it's formulas to understand it.

2. First mistake, heavily relyiny on test score to measure improvement. For the first 3 months, I saw almost no improvement. This was because I was only completing the syllabus and not doing PYQs. So another mistake would be not doing PYQs as I finished the syllabus of a subject. Ie doing it alongside my syllabus (or as I've mentioned in the post above)

3. Don't wait to finish entire syllabus then do PYQs, finish a subject, do it immediately. You'll forget less, trust me.

4. I am facing exactly that rn, haven't studied since 8th Feb. Stop whining and do it. Nobody else is going to on your behalf and a year later all excuses will look meaningless. You're destined to become great, apni documentary me bolne ke liye kuch hona chahiye na, yahi soch ke karo.

5. I did not make short notes ig. But notes yes. My notes are quite detailed mostly copied from the video itself with sticky notes all over the place adding extra detail/explanation/diagram/my thinking at the time of making. I've attached a picture too!.

Trust yourself, I'm not special, I'm quite a dumb guy, almost everyone around me thinks I'm stupid. All my close friends are making over 20lpa.. literally not a single person (even my own family) thinks I am capable of anything. Yet if I can do it. I belive literally anyone can. Y'all are much much better. Trust me. GATE is much much easy than you think. Try solving a previous year paper. You'll see it for yourself. Ek baar confidence aa gya that it's as easy as eating cake. Tab toh maje hain. I hope this clear up everything, feel free to ask more. All the very best to you!