Top 20 Tips to Pass the GAT Exam in Ethiopia (NGAT/GAT)—A Complete, Practical Guide

The Graduate Admission Test (often called GAT and now commonly handled as NGAT—National Graduate Admission Test on the Ministry-linked portal) is a competitive screening exam for applicants aiming for graduate programs (Master’s/PhD) in Ethiopia. Your score can influence whether you move forward in the graduate admissions process, so preparing smartly matters as much as studying hard.

A big advantage is that the exam tests skills more than memorization: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical/logical reasoning are the core focus in most preparation kits and training materials.

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Below are 20 high-impact tips that build a complete preparation flow—from understanding the exam to practicing strategy to test-day execution.

Before You Start: Know the Exam You’re Preparing For

Many Ethiopian GAT preparation systems organize the content into three key modules: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical reasoning, and often include model tests for practice.
So your preparation should match these three skill areas instead of reading random topics without a plan.

Also, if you’re registering via the NGAT portal, the Ministry-hosted registration guide highlights key steps like using a valid email, uploading a proper photo, and paying via Telebirr using a PRN (Payment Reference Number).

Tip 1: Start with a “diagnostic test” (don’t guess your level)

On Day 1, take one timed mini-test (even 30–45 minutes). This tells you:

• Which section is your weakest

• Whether you struggle with time or concepts

• What type of mistakes you repeat (calculation, reading, logic jumps)

Your study plan becomes 2× faster when you know exactly what to fix.

Tip 2: Study the three sections like three different subjects

Treat these as separate skill tracks:

• Verbal: reading + vocabulary-in-context + logic in language

• Quant: speed math + word problems + interpretation

• Analytical: patterns, rules, inference, deduction

Prepare each section with its own notebook and daily target.

Tip 3: Make a weekly timetable that fits real life

A simple, realistic routine beats a “perfect” plan you won’t follow.

Example:

• 5 days/week study

• 2–3 hours/day

• 1 hour verbal + 1 hour quant + 30 min analytical

• Weekend: 1 full mock test + deep review

Tip 4: Use “active learning,” not passive reading

For GAT, reading theory alone is low return. Instead:

• Solve a question

• Check answer

• Write why you were wrong

• Write the correct rule/shortcut

This is how your brain learns exam patterns.

Tip 5: Build a mistake notebook (this is your secret weapon)

Divide pages into:

• Verbal mistakes (wrong inference, vocabulary traps)

• Quant mistakes (formula slip, unit error)

• Analytical mistakes (missed condition, wrong assumption)

Revise this notebook every 3 days. Your score improves because you stop repeating the same errors.

Tip 6: Learn “high-frequency” quant skills first

Most candidates waste time on advanced math. Prioritize:

• Percentages, ratios, averages

• Basic algebra

• Word problems

• Speed = distance/time

• Data interpretation basics (tables/graphs)

Goal: become fast and accurate in the basics.

Tip 7: Train mental math and approximation

In timed exams, speed matters. Practice:

• Quick percent estimates

• Rounding numbers to compare options

• Eliminating impossible answers fast

This reduces time pressure and boosts accuracy.

Tip 8: For verbal, focus on comprehension more than memorizing words

Vocabulary helps, but your biggest score boost often comes from:

• Reading short passages and identifying main idea

• Understanding tone and purpose

• Finding the best conclusion based on evidence

Practice reading “for meaning,” not “for speed only.”

Tip 9: Learn vocabulary in context (10–15 words/day)

Do this properly:

• Write the word

• Write a sentence using it

• Write a synonym and an opposite (if possible)

Small daily vocabulary practice compounds fast.

Tip 10: Master elimination technique (especially in verbal)

If you can eliminate two options quickly, your probability of a correct answer jumps.

Common traps:

• Extreme words: always, never, completely

• Options that repeat words from the passage but change meaning

• Choices that add new information not supported

Tip 11: For analytical reasoning, write rules clearly before solving

Many students jump to answers too early.

Do this instead:

• List conditions

• Draw a tiny table/diagram if needed

• Solve step-by-step

Analytical questions punish careless assumptions.

Tip 12: Practice under time pressure from Week 2

Studying without timing creates a false confidence.

Start with:

• 10 questions / 12 minutes (quant)

• 10 questions / 10 minutes (verbal)

• 8 questions / 12 minutes (analytical)

Gradually increase to full sections.

Tip 13: Take at least 6–10 mock tests before the exam

Mock tests train:

• stamina

• speed control

• section switching

• anxiety management

Some platforms also mention mock tests as part of their GAT preparation structure (for example, LearnEthiopia highlights mock tests and large question banks for practice).

Tip 14: Review mocks the right way (most people do this wrong)

After a mock:

1. Mark every wrong question

2. Categorize the reason: concept / speed / careless / guessing

3. Resolve without seeing the answer

4. Add the lesson to your mistake notebook

A mock test without review is almost wasted effort.

Tip 15: Use spaced revision (revise the same content multiple times)

A simple spaced plan:

• Revise today’s notes tomorrow (5–10 minutes)

• Revise again after 3 days

• Revise again after 1 week

This locks learning into memory.

Tip 16: Fix your weakest section first (fastest score improvement)

If your diagnostic shows:

• Quant is weak; do daily quant drills

• Verbal is weak; do daily passage practice

• Analytical is weak → do rule-based puzzles daily

Your score improves faster when you lift the lowest section.

Tip 17: Avoid “resource overload” (too many books, too many PDFs)

Pick:

• 1 main practice source

• 1 backup set of questions

• 1 mock test source

Then stick with it. Consistency beats switching.

(For example, some local prep platforms describe structured question banks and modules; use that structure but don’t collect endless materials.)

Tip 18: Prepare your registration and exam credentials early

If you’re using the NGAT portal process, the ministry-hosted guide emphasizes:

• Use a valid working email (communication/activation)

• Upload proper photo (used for certificate printing)

• Payment via Telebirr using PRN

• Check the portal frequently for announcements and exam credentials

Do these early so you’re not stressed close to the exam.

Tip 19: Make a test-day checklist (reduce panic, increase performance)

The night before:

• Sleep 7–8 hours

• Eat light and normal (no experiments)

• Prepare required ID/credentials

• Plan transport and arrival time

On exam day:

• Start with confidence questions to build momentum

• Don’t get stuck: if a question is hard, mark and move on.

• Keep an eye on time

Tip 20: Use a simple section strategy (time management wins marks)

A practical approach:

• Round 1: Easy questions only (fast wins)

• Round 2: Medium questions

• Round 3: Hard questions if time remains

This prevents losing 10 minutes on one question while missing 8 easy ones.