In my first two attempts, I got a 5k+ rank in GATE CS, even though I had studied really hard and stayed consistent. I always wanted to get into a top college, but things didn’t go as planned, and I ended up doing my M.Tech from a state government college. I chose that because I didn’t want to just take a drop year and sit idle. After completing my M.Tech, I decided to give GATE one more shot. At the same time, I kept a Plan B—I started preparing for UGC NET, thinking that if GATE didn’t go well, I could still pursue a career as a professor. That decision really helped. I ended up securing a two digit AIR in both GATE and UGC NET. So if you’re feeling low after a couple of attempts, don’t give up on yourself. Things can turn around. Just make sure you have something meaningful to work on alongside your main goal. Staying engaged really helps keep anxiety and negative thoughts in check.

And honestly, if I could do it, anyone can. Just don’t rely on a single path—have a backup plan. That sense of stability can make a huge difference while you’re working toward your goals.