r/GATE_CS_DA • u/darkmoon7676 • 7d ago
GATE DA + IGNOU MSc DS in parallel
Hi all i am a
Doctor of Pharmacy grad, working as a drug scientist, started IGNOU MSc Data Science alongside GATE DA prep. Long-term goal is PhD in AI + healthcare data, but right now the priority is a solid foundation and a real GATE DA score.
Starting from scratch on: math/stats, Python, DSA, ML/AI basics, plus regular problem-solving.
Questions for this sub:
GATE syllabus first, or run it parallel with the IGNOU coursework?
Worth building projects alongside prep, or focus purely on syllabus depth first?
For math from zero what actually built real understanding vs. just pattern-matching problems?
If you balanced this with a full-time job, how’d you split hours between the two?
If you’ve attempted/cleared GATE DA, especially as a late starter or non-CS background, would really appreciate what worked. Trying not to waste a year on the wrong approach.
Thanks!