Mtech in VLSI

Heyy guys. I'm pursuing btech in ECE, and in sem 4 right now. I'm planning to prepare for GATE and go for mtech and PhD integrated course in VLSI. I know it's too early to even think of GATE(planning to write in 2026, but let's see) and all that, but I wanna start early. And hence I need your suggestions, advice, etc. More like what advice would you give to 20y/o self. And if y'all know good colleges for the same, please let me know. Open to all kind of suggestions. Thank you.