Your Ultimate Study Guide for GATE 2024 in DS & AI

Introduction

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance examination conducted in India for postgraduate admission. The exam primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering and sciences. If you’re gearing up for the GATE 2024 in Data Science and AI, introduced by IISc Bangalore, you’re in the right place. This article is a treasure trove of references – study materials, lecture notes, and standard books – that will be your compass as you navigate through this new and exciting GATE paper.

The main subjects that will form the cornerstone of your preparation include Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, AI, and more. These are not just any subjects; they are the pillars upon which the edifice of Data Science and AI stands. The resources I’m about to reveal come straight from the hallowed halls of IISc Bangalore, tested and recommended by the professors themselves.

Probability and Statistics: The Game of Chance and Data

When it comes to Probability and Statistics, expect to be challenged. This subject carries significant weight in the GATE DS & AI paper, with many additional topics compared to the CSE syllabus. To conquer this beast, you’ll need to arm yourself with the right books. I recommend starting with “A First Course in Probability” by Sheldon Ross, a staple even at the undergraduate level. Once you’ve got the hang of it, level up with “Introduction to Probability Models” by the same author.

For those hungry for more advanced knowledge, delve into “Introduction to Probability Theory” by S.C. Port and C.J. Stone, followed by “Introduction to Stochastic Processes.” These books will take you deeper into the realm of stochastic modeling and theoretical probability.

And when it comes to lecture videos, MIT’s offerings on Probability and Statistics are unparalleled. Whether you prefer the comprehensive older playlist or the newer, bite-sized topic-focused videos, they’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to check out probabilitycourse.com for a wealth of examples and exercises that align perfectly with the GATE syllabus.

Linear Algebra: The Fabric of Data Science

Linear Algebra is another subject that demands your attention. With new topics like Vector Spaces and Singular Value Decomposition added to the GATE syllabus, you can’t afford to skim the surface. To build a strong foundation, immerse yourself in the lecture videos by Gilbert Strang, available on YouTube through MIT’s channel. His teachings will not only educate but inspire you.

Accompany these lectures with Strang’s own book on Linear Algebra for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. “Linear Algebra and Its Applications” by David C. Lay is another gem on the topic. These texts are your keys to unlocking the mysteries of Linear Algebra.

The Calculus and Optimization Duo

Calculus might be a smaller portion of the syllabus, but it’s no less important. Stick to the resources you’ve used during your undergraduate days, as the GATE syllabus doesn’t stray far from the CSE topics. For Optimization, however, I suggest you turn to the NPTEL lecture series on Numerical Optimization by Professor Suresh Chandra. The first five lectures will guide you through the intricacies of single-variable optimization and the Taylor series, crucial for the GATE DS & AI paper.

Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms: The Python Twist

While Data Structures and Algorithms remain similar to the CSE paper, the programming language of choice for GATE DS & AI is Python. To adapt, practice CSE paper programming questions and simultaneously hone your Python skills through platforms like LeetCode or Analytics Vidhya. This dual approach will prepare you for the type of programming questions you can expect in the exam.

Machine Learning: The Heart of Data Science

Machine Learning is a vast field with abundant resources. However, two lecture series stand out: “Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks” by Professor P.S. Sastry from IISc Bangalore and the Stanford CS229 course by Professor Andrew Ng. These comprehensive videos, along with the lecture notes from Professor Piyush Rai of IIT Kanpur, will solidify your understanding of Machine Learning concepts.

To complement these lectures, turn to the books “Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning” by Christopher Bishop and “Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective” by Kevin Murphy. These texts are revered in the field and will serve as your scholarly guides.

Artificial Intelligence: The Frontier of Innovation

AI is a vast domain, but the GATE 2024 syllabus narrows it down to a few key topics. While there aren’t as many consolidated resources for AI, you can still find valuable lecture videos and notes by searching for specific subtopics online. Courses by Professors Mausam from IIT Delhi and Deepak Khemani from IIT Madras can offer some guidance.

Database Management System and Data Mining: The Data Stewards

For Database Management Systems, stick to the resources you’ve used for the CSE paper. Data Mining, however, requires a more exploratory approach. Search for tutorials and lecture notes on each topic to find a wealth of PDFs from various institutions that can aid your study.

Remember, while Data Mining and AI might not dominate the paper, subjects like Machine Learning, Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, and Data Structures and Algorithms will. Focus your energy on these areas, as they will likely make up the bulk of the exam.

Conclusion

Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is the latest added paper in the GATE 2024 exam. This article was aimed at guiding aspirers to prepare better for the exam. Probability and Statistics are heavily weighted in the GATE DS & AI paper, with additional topics beyond the CSE syllabus. The majority of the exam will likely cover Machine Learning, Probability and Statistics, Linear Algebra, and Data Structures and Algorithms. Don’t be overwhelmed by the list of topics. Be rest assured the resources listed above will help you cover them all extensively. So, good luck with your preparations, and hope you clear GATE 2024 with flying colors!