One Test, One Lecture, and a Little More Self-Control

Today was a reasonably productive day in my GATE CSE 2027 preparation. Nothing extraordinary happened, but I managed to complete some work, attempted a test, and made a little progress on a habit that I have been trying to control.

And honestly, sometimes these small things are worth documenting.

What I Studied Today

I completed one lecture of Theory of Computation (TOC), covering the introduction to Non-Deterministic Finite Automata (NFA).

The lecture covered the differences between DFA and NFA, along with the conversion of NFA to DFA.

This is where things get a little difficult for me.

During my graduation, I mostly memorized TOC rather than studying it in depth. So, now that I am preparing for GATE, I am realizing that some of these concepts are practically new to me.

The conversion of NFA to DFA is one such topic. I am trying to understand how the process works instead of simply memorizing the steps.

I know that I will probably need to revise TOC four or five times before I become comfortable with it. That is something I have accepted, even if it means moving a little slowly at first.

My Data Structures Test

I had a Data Structures test scheduled, and I decided to attempt it today.

I had also scheduled a Digital Logic test on combinational circuits, but I postponed it because I wanted to complete the Data Structures test first. Since there was no test scheduled for tomorrow, I moved the Digital Logic test to the next day.

Here is how my Data Structures test went:

• Total marks: 25
• Questions attempted: 14 out of 15
• Correct answers: 11
• Incorrect answers: 3
• Score: 16.23 out of 25

The score was around 64.9% of the total marks.

There is definitely room for improvement, but I also want to acknowledge something positive about today's test.

The Phone Distraction: A Small Improvement

One thing I have been trying to change is my habit of using my phone during tests.

Today, I controlled myself much better than before. I did not keep checking my phone throughout the test.

However, I want to be honest about what actually happened.

I did use Gemini once.

I had spent considerable time solving one question, and I did not want all that effort to go to waste. So, I quickly checked whether the answer I had arrived at was correct.

Luckily, it was.

But the important thing here is not whether that particular answer was correct. I still used external help during the test, and I don't want to pretend otherwise.

At the same time, I can acknowledge that I controlled the habit much better than I had in earlier tests.

That is a small improvement, not a complete victory.

Getting Comfortable With TOC

Apart from the test, I am trying to build a better understanding of TOC.

My approach is to watch the lectures carefully, understand how the concepts work, and then revise them later.

I generally prefer to focus on the lecture while it is playing rather than constantly stopping to make notes.

I also use my commute to and from the office to watch lectures. Those hours on the train give me an opportunity to cover some of the syllabus without having to squeeze every lecture into my time at home.

The notes come later, whenever I get some time.

At the moment, I still have notes pending for Computer Networks, some portions of Digital Logic, and TOC. I want to complete them before I forget the concepts I have already studied.

The Remaining Syllabus

There is still a fair amount of work left.

The major subjects I need to finish are:

• Computer Networks
• Computer Organization and Architecture
• Theory of Computation
• Compiler Design

I also have some portions of Discrete Mathematics remaining. I have completed roughly 70% of it, but the remaining part is still something I need to work on.

Engineering Mathematics is another subject I am leaving for later. I feel relatively comfortable with it, and I have already looked at its PYQs. I don't currently find it as difficult as some of the other subjects.

My plan is to complete the remaining syllabus as soon as reasonably possible so that I can devote more time to mock tests, revision, and practice.

The exam is getting closer, and I can feel that I need to manage my time carefully.

Tomorrow's Plan

Tomorrow, I will be leaving the office early, around 3 PM, and expect to reach home by around 5 PM.

I am hoping to use those extra hours productively.

My main priority is to prepare for and attempt the Digital Logic test on combinational circuits that I postponed today.

I also want to make progress on my pending notes for Computer Networks, Digital Logic, and TOC.

I know that completing everything in one evening might be unrealistic, but I want to make proper use of the additional time.

A Reminder to Myself

There is one thing I want to remind myself of during this journey.

Come on, Prince. This is your chance to give your best shot.

Whatever mistakes you have made in the past, or wherever you currently stand, you still have an opportunity to work toward the future you want.

My goal is to achieve a single-digit rank in GATE CSE 2027, or at least get under AIR 50, and pursue a government career through NIC or a PSU.

I know those are ambitious goals. I also know that saying them is much easier than doing the work required to achieve them.

But I want to give this attempt my best effort.

Today's progress was not perfect. I postponed a test, struggled with a new TOC concept, and still checked one answer using Gemini.

Yet I also completed a lecture, attempted my Data Structures test, and controlled my phone usage better than before.

That is the honest picture of Day 3.

Tomorrow, I have another test waiting for me. Let's see how it goes.