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How to Prepare for ESE Along with College? 10 Best Tips to Ace IES Exam

Wondering How to Prepare for ESE Along with College? Explore the 10 best tips provided on this webpage to effectively prepare and excel in the upcoming IES exam alongside acing college studies.
authorImagePratibha Bohra30 Jul, 2024
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How to Prepare for ESE Along with College?

How to Prepare for ESE Along with College?: The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC ESE exam aims to recruit eligible applicants for Group A and B services/posts in various departments of the Government of India. Engineering students from four main branches—civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronics & telecommunication—are eligible to appear for this prestigious exam.

Preparing for the ESE is a challenging task, especially when juggling college coursework and other commitments. However, with the right strategies and a well-structured plan, you can effectively manage both and achieve success. Therefore, this article provides valuable tips on how to prepare for ESE along with college studies, so keep reading.
Also Check: UPSC ESE Previous Year Cut Off

How to Prepare for ESE Along with College?

Applicants in their final year of college and appearing for the first time might wonder how to prepare for the ESE exam effectively. Questions like where to start, what to read, what books to refer to, and whether to take coaching or not often arise. Balancing the rigorous demands of college coursework with the preparation for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) can be daunting. However, with the right approach and strategies, it is possible to excel in both. This article will answer all these questions by providing clarity on how to prepare for ESE along with college studies and commitments.

Suggested read: UPSC ESE Preparation Tips for Freshers

How to Prepare for IES With College?- 10 Best Tips

Balancing ESE preparation with college studies demands effective planning and time management. Here are the 10 best tips to help aspirants excel in their college coursework while also successfully preparing for the upcoming ESE examination.

Tip 1: Understand the UPSC ESE Syllabus

A comprehensive understanding of the UPSC ESE Syllabus is crucial for effective preparation alongside college studies. Aspirants should familiarize themselves with the subjects and topics included in the exam, as this knowledge will guide their study plan and help prioritize their efforts amidst their college coursework.
  • The ESE syllabus encompasses a range of technical subjects relevant to each engineering discipline, along with general studies and current affairs.
  • By breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections and allocating specific time for each topic, applicants can ensure that all areas are covered before the exam, allowing them to balance their ESE preparation with their college responsibilities.

Tip 2: Become Familiar With the IES Exam Pattern

Understanding the IES Exam Pattern is essential for aspirants preparing for the ESE along with college studies. The exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Each stage has its own structure, with the Preliminary Examination featuring objective-type questions and the Mains Examination comprising subjective-type questions.
  • By familiarizing themselves with the exam pattern, students can strategize their preparation effectively. This knowledge allows them to allocate their study time according to the weightage of each subject and focus on mastering the types of questions commonly asked in each stage.
  • Furthermore, being aware of the exam duration and marking scheme will enable applicants to practice time management during their preparation, ensuring they can efficiently tackle both their college studies and ESE preparations.
UPSC ESE Prelims Exam Pattern
Subject Duration Maximum marks Type of paper
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 2 hours 200 Objective
Civil/Electrical/Electrical /Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering 3 hours 300
Total 5 hours 500 marks
UPSC ESE Mains Exam Pattern
ESE/IES Exam Duration Maximum Marks Type of paper
Paper-I (Electrical Engineering) 3 hrs. 300 Descriptive
Paper-II (Electrical Engineering) 3 hrs. 300
Total 6 hrs. 600 marks

Tip 3: Identify Overlapping Topics in ESE Syllabus and College Curriculum

Aspirants should identify and note common topics that overlap between the ESE syllabus and their college curriculum. This approach allows students to streamline their study efforts, as they can prepare for both their academic requirements and the ESE simultaneously. By focusing on these overlapping topics, applicants can reinforce their understanding and retain information more effectively.
  • For instance, core engineering subjects like Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics are often included in both the college curriculum and the ESE syllabus.
  • By revising these subjects for both purposes, students can save time and enhance their mastery of essential concepts, making it easier to excel in both their college exams and the ESE. Regularly updating their notes and creating a study plan that incorporates these common topics can significantly improve their overall preparation strategy.

Tip 4: Create a Realistic Study Schedule

Developing a well-structured study schedule is important for aspirants preparing for the ESE along with college. A realistic study schedule helps students allocate dedicated time for ESE preparation without compromising their college studies. Here’s an example on how to create an effective schedule:
  • Assess Available Time: Evaluate weekly commitments to identify hours dedicated to ESE preparation.
  • Set Specific Goals: Define clear weekly study goals for topics to cover or practice exams to complete.
  • Prioritize Subjects: Focus on challenging topics from both the ESE syllabus and college subjects, allocating more time where needed.
  • Use a Planner: Utilize a planner or digital calendar to map out study time, ensuring a balance between college work and ESE prep.
  • Include Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.
  • Be Flexible: Adjust the schedule as needed for unexpected college tasks or events.

Tip 5: Incorporate Regular Revision Sessions

Regular revision is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC ESE along with college, as it ensures effective retention of knowledge. Aspirants should create a structured revision schedule that allocates specific days and times each week for revisiting previously covered topics.
  • Utilizing active recall techniques, such as flashcards and self-quizzing, can significantly reinforce memory retention. Additionally, summarizing key concepts into concise notes enables quick reviews, while practicing past ESE papers helps familiarize them with the exam format and identify areas needing more focus.
  • By integrating the regular revisions into their study routine, aspirants can effectively manage their ESE preparation while successfully balancing their college studies.

Tip 6: Enroll in PW ESE Online Courses for Effective Management of College Studies and ESE Preparation

Physics Wallah offers comprehensive preparation for both the ESE and GATE 2025 exams. This unique dual coaching approach allows aspirants to prepare effectively for both competitive exams simultaneously, maximizing their study time and enhancing their understanding of key concepts.
  • With specialized courses tailored for ESE and GATE, students receive live classes, access to high-quality study materials, and practice tests designed to mirror the actual exam experience.
  • This integrated preparation strategy ensures that candidates not only excel in their college studies but also build a strong foundation for their future engineering careers by successfully navigating these challenging exams.

Tip 7: Practice with Mock Tests

Mock tests are an essential component of preparing for the ESE while managing college studies. For aspirants balancing both responsibilities, regularly taking mock tests helps assess their understanding of the syllabus and identify areas needing improvement. These tests simulate the actual exam environment, allowing students to experience time management under pressure.
  • Incorporating mock tests into the study schedule can enhance exam readiness and boost confidence. Aspirants should analyze their performance after each test to track progress and adjust their study strategies accordingly.
  • This approach not only reinforces learning but also prepares students to tackle the ESE with greater ease, making it a vital tip for those preparing for the IES along with college commitments.

Tip 8: Enhance Writing Skills

Preparing for the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) while attending college requires effective writing skills, especially since the UPSC ESE Main Examination is conducted in pen-paper mode. Aspirants should practice writing on all relevant topics to improve both speed and accuracy. This practice will help manage time efficiently during the actual exam. Additionally, writing down key formulas and concepts separately for regular review can reinforce understanding and retention. Developing strong writing skills is crucial for achieving the desired marks in the ESE while balancing college studies.

Tip 9: Master Time Management Skills

Balancing ESE preparation with college studies requires effective time management. Managing time well is necessary for covering the vast UPSC ESE syllabus without compromising college studies. Here are a few pointers to help aspirants manage their time better:
  • Regularly attempt the UPSC ESE Previous Year's Question Papers to gauge speed and efficiency in completing all sections. This practice helps in managing both college assignments and ESE preparation simultaneously.
UPSC ESE Previous Year Question Paper PDF (Prelims & Mains)
Branch Download PDF
Civil Engineering Click Here
Mechanical Engineering Click Here
Electrical Engineering Click Here
Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Click Here
Aim to finish the question paper on time, or ideally, 15-20 minutes early. This routine helps in building confidence and improving time management skills, ensuring that both college and ESE commitments are met without undue stress.

Tip 10: Meditate and Be Physically Active

Preparing for ESE along with college studies can be stressful, making it essential to maintain both mental and physical health. Incorporating meditation and regular physical activity into the daily routine can significantly enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
  • Daily meditation helps in calming the mind, increasing concentration, and managing stress effectively. Even 10-15 minutes of mindfulness practice can make a significant difference in maintaining mental clarity during hectic schedules.
  • Engage in regular physical activities like jogging, yoga, or any sport. Physical exercise boosts energy levels, improves mood, and helps in staying alert and focused, making it easier to juggle college studies and ESE preparation effectively.
In conclusion, successfully balancing ESE preparation with college studies is a challenging yet achievable goal with the right approach and dedication. By understanding the syllabus, familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern, and creating a realistic study schedule, students can effectively manage their time. Additionally, enrolling in online courses by PW and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through meditation and physical activity can further enhance one's preparation. By following these tips on how to prepare for ESE along with college , aspirants can maximize their chances of excelling in both their academic pursuits and the ESE examination. 

How to Prepare for ESE Along with College? FAQs

Ques. Is it possible to prepare for ESE with college?

Ans. Yes, with careful planning and effective time management, students can balance ESE preparation with college studies. Many aspirants successfully integrate their college coursework with ESE topics and follow a disciplined study schedule.

Ques. How to manage ESE preparation and college studies simultaneously?

Ans. To manage ESE preparation with college studies, applicants must create a balanced study schedule, understand the ESE syllabus and exam pattern, and regularly revise. Check out more tips on "How to Prepare for ESE Along with College?" in the article above.

Ques. When to start preparing for UPSC ESE in college?

Ans. Students should ideally start preparing for the UPSC ESE exam in their second or third year of college. This allows ample time to understand the syllabus, build foundational knowledge, and develop effective study habits while balancing college coursework.

Ques. Is UPSC ESE tougher than GATE?

Ans. The difficulty level of UPSC ESE compared to GATE can vary depending on individual strengths and preparation strategies. UPSC ESE has a broader syllabus and includes subjective papers, while GATE focuses on objective questions and technical knowledge.
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