How to Crack the ESE Exam 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) Exam, is one of the most prestigious exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it opens the door to a career in the government sector for engineers. Cracking the ESE Exam requires strategic preparation, hard work, and perseverance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you succeed in ESE 2025.

Understanding the ESE Exam Structure

The ESE Exam consists of three stages:

Preliminary Examination:

• Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (200 marks, 2 hours)
• Paper II: Engineering Discipline-specific (300 marks, 3 hours)

Main Examination:

• Paper I and II: Engineering Discipline-specific (300 marks each, 3 hours each)

Personality Test: Interview (200 marks)

Preparation Strategy for ESE Exam 2025

Know the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus and the exam pattern. This will help you understand what to expect and how to plan your study schedule effectively. The syllabus for both the preliminary and main exams is vast and covers technical subjects as well as general studies.

Create a Study Plan

Develop a realistic and well-structured study plan. Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Ensure that your plan includes:

• Daily study hours
• Weekly targets
• Monthly revisions
• Time for practicing previous year papers and mock tests

Gather Study Materials

Choose the right study materials, including standard textbooks, reference books, and coaching notes. Some recommended books include:

• General Studies and Engineering Aptitude: “General Studies for ESE” by Made Easy
• Engineering Discipline-specific Books: Choose standard textbooks recommended for your engineering branch (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunications).

Focus on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude

Paper I of the preliminary exam tests your general knowledge and aptitude. Key areas include:

• Current Affairs
• Engineering Mathematics
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Basics of Project Management
• Ethics and Values in Engineering

Read newspapers daily, use current affairs magazines, and practice aptitude questions regularly.

Strengthen Technical Knowledge

Your technical knowledge is crucial for both the preliminary and main exams. Study all core subjects thoroughly. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning. Use the following strategies:

• Study from standard textbooks
• Solve numerical problems daily
• Refer to previous years’ question papers to understand the type of questions asked

Practice, Practice, Practice

Regular practice is key to success in ESE. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance in these tests to identify areas for improvement.

Revision is Crucial

Regular revision is essential to retain what you’ve learned. Make concise notes for quick revisions. Focus on revising important formulas, concepts, and current affairs.

Prepare for the Personality Test

The personality test assesses your overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in engineering services. To prepare:

• Stay updated with current affairs
• Brush up on your technical knowledge
• Develop good communication skills
• Be honest and confident during the interview

Stay Healthy and Positive

Maintaining good physical and mental health is vital during your preparation. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure you get adequate sleep. Stay positive and motivated throughout your preparation journey.

Tips from Toppers About ESE Exam

Here are some tips from previous ESE toppers:

• Consistency is key. Study regularly and avoid last-minute cramming.
• Join a coaching institute if you need guidance and a structured approach.
• Use online resources like video lectures and online test series.
• Form a study group with like-minded aspirants for group studies and discussions.
• Stay away from distractions and manage your time effectively.

There is a YouTube platform named CTwT. It primarily concentrates on interviews with toppers of competitive exams in India which includes Banking, SSC, UPSC, JEE/NEET, GATE, etc. Their goal is to provide exam-specific guidance and strategies. Interviews revolve around the topper’s journey, including their preparation methods, challenges faced, and tips for success. This format seems consistent across interviews.

Some of the interviews videos are given below.

Video of UPSC ESE 2022 (Civil Engineering) Topper Vineet Jain AIR 1

Video of UPSC ESE 2022 (Electrical Engineering) Topper Akhil Kumawat AIR 1

Video of UPSC ESE 2023 (Civil Engineering) Topper Avantika Rathore AIR 4

Video of UPSC ESE 2023 (Civil Engineering) Topper Anant Yadav AIR 8

Cracking the ESE Exam 2025 requires a combination of hard work, strategic planning, and perseverance. By understanding the exam pattern, creating a robust study plan, focusing on both technical and general studies, practicing regularly, and staying healthy and positive, you can achieve success. Remember, dedication and consistency are the keys to cracking this prestigious examination. Good luck!