The UPSC ESE exam is tough and requires a lot of time and effort to prepare for. Creating a study plan, using standard study material, practicing mock tests and keeping a positive mindset are important to success.
Besides reading the syllabus, applicants must also keep an eye out for any news or information related to the exam. Attempting previous year ESE question papers is also essential to gauge your preparedness.
Eligibility
The Union Public Service Commission conducts IES, or Indian Engineering Services, to recruit engineers for various government organisations. It is a three-stage competitive exam with preliminary, mains, and interview rounds. Applicants must meet academic and age eligibility requirements to sit for the examination.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and syllabus before they begin their preparation. This will help them plan their study schedule and time management effectively. They should also refer to standard study material and practice mock tests regularly. This will improve their understanding of the subject and help them answer questions more quickly and accurately.
Applicants should also be aware of the interview process and how to prepare for it. This includes preparing answers to common interview questions such as why you want to become an engineer and what are your career goals. Moreover, they should watch videos online on how to give an impressive interview and practice answering questions in front of friends.
Syllabus
The exam syllabus is based on the course that you are applying for. The prelims exam includes general studies and engineering aptitude questions while the mains exams include two descriptive papers based on your course of study.
Make sure you are revising frequently to improve your score. Read a lot of reference books and make notes on important topics. Take mock tests and analyze them to understand your mistakes. Try to solve previous year questions as well to get a better idea of how the paper is framed.
A successful career as an IES officer comes with a lot of perks. Apart from a good salary, you can also expect to receive other benefits like residential quarters and HRA allowance, travel allowances and tour allowances. The salary package will be determined by the post you are recruited into. Moreover, you can look forward to a secure pension after retirement. But, to be able to enjoy all these benefits, you need to work hard and excel in the IES examination.
Exam Pattern
IES is a long exam process, requiring a minimum of one year of consistent effort. Applicants must avoid derailing from the preparation and focus on systematically completing each subject in their syllabus. This can be achieved by making a plan and following it sincerely.
Taking small breaks in between hours of study and spending time with friends or family can also help to keep candidates motivated. In addition, attempting sample & previous years’ question papers can help them understand the questions and pattern better.
Attempting mock tests can improve the candidates’ time management skills and help them perform well in the mains. The candidates should also stay updated on current affairs to perform well in the General Studies Paper of the IES exam. Additionally, they should refer to standard study materials and textbooks to make sure that they have a good understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, they should practice writing answers to questions within the stipulated time limit to improve their accuracy.
Tips to Prepare
Candidates need to understand the overall structure of the exam and how it is conducted. This will help them plan their preparation and focus on the areas that require improvement. It is also recommended that applicants refer to standard study material and textbooks for their subjects. They can also practice UPSC ESE mock tests to get an idea of the type of questions that are asked in the exam. It is also advisable to make short notes while studying as they are useful during revision.
During the ESE Preparation phase, it is common for candidates to feel demotivated and waste time procrastinating. To avoid this, it is a good idea to stay healthy and maintain a good sleep schedule. You can also take small breaks between study sessions and spend time on activities such as playing sports, listening to music, or having conversations with family members & friends to keep yourself motivated. Moreover, it is essential to have a strong willpower to succeed in the ESE exam.
