What Is ESE/ IES ?: (I) Nationality
What Is ESE/ IES ?: (I) Nationality
Engineering Services Exam comprise of engineers who work under the government of India and
designated as Class – 1 officer. They administer a large segment of the public sector economy,
which constitutes of Indian Railways, Power, Telecommunications, Central Water engineering,
Defense service of Engineers, Central Engineering Service, etc. The nature of work performed
by these bureaucrats largely depends on their engineering branch and the service or cadre they
are recruited in. The career progression goes smoothly attaining high esteem. The first position
offered is that of Asst. Executive engineer and the hierarchy ends at the position of Chairman/
Managing Director.
A combined competitive examination is conducted by the Union Public Services Commission
(UPSC) for recruitment to the Engineering Services Exam. The Examination constitutes of a
written examination followed by an interview for the personality test. The recruitment of qualified
candidates is made under the following categories:
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical engineering
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
ELIGIBILITY
(I) Nationality:
A candidate must be either:
a. a citizen of India, or
b. a subject of Nepal, or
c. a subject of Bhutan, or
d. a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962 with the intention
of permanently settling in India, or
e. a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East
African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi,
Zaire and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently setting in India.
Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (b), (c), (d) and (e) above shall be a person in
whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the
examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility
certificate has been issued to him/her by the Government of India.
Provided that a candidate for the post of Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics
Engineering Posts) and Indian Radio Regulatory Service Group ‘A’ may possess any of the
above qualifications or the qualification mentioned below namely:-
a. For Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engg. Posts) - M.Sc. degree or its
equivalent with Wireless Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio
Engineering as a special subject.
b. For Indian Radio Regulatory Service – M.Sc. degree or its equivalent with Wireless
Communication Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as a subject or Master’s
Degree in Science with Physics and Radio Communication or Electronics or
Telecommunication as a special subject.
2. The Engineering Services (Preliminary/Stage-I) Examination will consist of two objective type
(multiple choices) questions papers and carrying a maximum of 500 marks (Paper 1 – 200 Marks
& Paper II – 300 Marks). Only those candidates who are declared by the Commission to have
qualified in the Preliminary/Stage-I Examination in the year will be eligible for admission to the
Main/StageII Examination of that year provided they are otherwise eligible for admission to the
Main/Stage-II Examination. The Marks obtained in Preliminary/Stage-I Examination by the
candidates who are declared qualified for admission to the Main/Stage-II Examination will be
counted for determining their final order of merit. The number of candidates to be admitted to the
Main/Stage-II Examination will be about six to seven time the total approximate number of
vacancies to be filled in the year through this examination.
Note I : The Commission will draw a list of candidates to be qualified for Engineering Services
(Main/Stage-II) Examination based on the criterion of minimum qualifying marks in General
Studies and Engineering Aptitude Paper (Paper-I) and Engineering Discipline specific paper
(Paper-II) of Preliminary/Stage-I Examination.
Note II: There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in
the objective type question papers.
i. There are four alternative for the answers to every question. For each question for which
a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned
to that question will be deducted as penalty.
ii. If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if
one of the given answers happen to be correct and there will be same penalty as above
for that question.
iii. If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty
for that question.
3.1 The Engineering Services (Main/stage-II) Examination will consist two conventional type
papers in Engineering Discipline specific with duration of three hours and maximum marks of 600
(300 Marks in each paper).
3.2 The Stage-III will consist of Personality Test carrying 200 Marks.
4.1 Candidates who obtain such minimum qualifying marks in the Stage-I: Engineering Services
(Preliminary/Stage-I) and StageII: Engineering Services (Main/Stage-II) Examination as may be
fixed by the Commission as per its discretion, shall be summoned by them for Stage-III
(Personality Test). The number of candidates to be summoned for Personality Test will be about
twice the number ofvacancies to be filled. The Personality Test will carry 200 marks (with no
minimum qualifying marks).
4.2 Marks obtained by the candidates in the Stage-I:(Preliminary/Stage-I) Examination, Stage-
II:(Main/Stage-II) Examination and Stage-III (Personality Test) would determine their final
ranking. Candidates will be allotted to the various services keeping in view their ranks in the
examination and the preference expressed by them for the various services/posts.
5. Candidates are advised to read carefully special instructions to candidates for conventional
type tests and objective type tests given in Appendix-III (Part A and Part B) including the
procedure regarding filing in the Answer Sheet of objective type tests in the Examination Hall
uploaded on the Commission’s website (www.upsc.gov.in) on 26.09.2018.
6. In the Personality Test special attention will be paid to assessing the candidate’s capacity for
leadership, initiative and intellectual curiosity, tact and other social qualities, mental and physical
energy, powers of practical application and integrity of character.
7. Conventional papers must be answered in English. Question paper will be set in English only.
8. Details of the syllabi for Stage-I: (Preliminary/stage-I) and Stage-II :(Main/Stage-II) are at
Section III.
Section II
A. Stage-I(Preliminary/Stage-I) Examination :-
Total 500
B. Stage-II(Main/Stage-II) Examination:-
Total 600
The standard of paper in General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Preliminary Stage-I
Examination) will be such as may be expected of an Engineering/Science Graduate. The
standard of papers in other subjects will approximately be that of an Engineering Degree
Examination of an Indian University. There will be no practical examination in any of the subjects.
1. Current issues of national and international importance relating to social, economic and
industrial development
2. Engineering Aptitude covering Logical reasoning and Analytical ability
3. Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis
4. General Principles of Design, Drawing, Importance of Safety
5. Standards and Quality practices in production, construction, maintenance and services
6. Basics of Energy and Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Climate Change, Environmental impact assessment
7. Basics of Project Management
8. Basics of Material Science and Engineering
9. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based tools and their applications in
Engineering such as networking, e-governance and technology based education.
10. Ethics and values in Engineering profession.
Note: The paper in General Studies and Engineering Aptitude will include Knowledge of
relevant topics as may be expected from an engineering graduate, without special study.
Questions from all the 10 topics mentioned above shall be set. Marks for each Topic may
range from 5% to 15% of the total marks in the paper.
Electronics & Telecommunication
Engineering
PAPER – I
1. Basic Electronics Engineering:
Basics of semiconductors; Diode/Transistor basics and characteristics; Diodes for different uses;
Junction & Field Effect Transistors (BJTs, JFETs, MOSFETs); Transistor amplifiers of different
types, oscillators and other circuits; Basics of Integrated Circuits (ICs); Bipolar, MOS and CMOS
ICs; Basics of linear ICs, operational amplifiers and their applications-linear/non-linear; Optical
sources/detectors; Basics of Opto electronics and its applications.
2. Basic Electrical Engineering:
DC circuits-Ohm’s & Kirchoff’s laws, mesh and nodal analysis, circuit theorems; Electro-
magnetism, Faraday’s & Lenz’s laws, induced EMF and its uses; Single-phase AC circuits;
Transformers, efficiency; Basics- DC machines, induction machines, and synchronous machines;
Electrical power sources- basics: hydroelectric, thermal, nuclear, wind, solar; Basics of batteries
and their uses.
3. Materials Science:
Electrical Engineering materials; Crystal structure & defects; Ceramic materials-structures,
composites, processing and uses; Insulating laminates for electronics, structures, properties and
uses; Magnetic materials, basics, classification, ferrites, ferro/para-magnetic materials and
components; Nano materials-basics, preparation, purification, sintering, nano particles and uses;
Nano-optical/magnetic/electronic materials and uses; Superconductivity, uses.
4. Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation:
Principles of measurement, accuracy, precision and standards; Analog and Digital systems for
measurement, measuring instruments for different applications; Static/dynamic characteristics of
measurement systems, errors, statistical analysis and curve fitting; Measurement systems for
non-electrical quantities; Basics of telemetry; Different types of transducers and displays; Data
acquisition system basics.
5. Network Theory:
Network graphs & matrices; Wye-Delta transformation; Linear constant coefficient differential
equations- time domain analysis of RLC circuits; Solution of network equations using Laplace
transforms- frequency domain analysis of RLC circuits; 2-port network parameters-driving point &
transfer functions; State equations for networks; Steady state sinusoidal analysis.
6. Analog and Digital Circuits:
Small signal equivalent circuits of diodes, BJTS and FETs; Diode circuits for different uses;
Biasing & stability of BJT & JFET amplifier circuits; Analysis/design of amplifier- single/multi-
stage; Feedback& uses; Active filters, timers, multipliers, wave shaping, A/D-D/A converters;
Boolean Algebra& uses; Logic gates, Digital IC families, Combinatorial/sequential circuits; Basics
of multiplexers, counters/registers/ memories /microprocessors, design& applications.
PAPER – II
1. Analog and Digital Communication Systems:
Random signals, noise, probability theory, information theory; Analog versus digital
communication & applications: Systems- AM, FM, transmitters/receivers, theory/practice/
standards, SNR comparison; Digital communication basics: Sampling, quantizing, coding, PCM,
DPCM, multiplexing-audio/video; Digital modulation: ASK, FSK, PSK; Multiple access: TDMA,
FDMA, CDMA; Optical communication: fibre optics, theory, practice/standards.
2. Control Systems:
Classification of signals and systems; Application of signal and system theory; System
realization; Transforms& their applications; Signal flow graphs, Routh-Hurwitz criteria, root loci,
Nyquist/Bode plots; Feedback systems-open &close loop types, stability analysis, steady state,
transient and frequency response analysis; Design of control systems, compensators, elements
of lead/lag compensation, PID and industrial controllers.
3. Computer Organization and Architecture:
Basic architecture, CPU, I/O organisation, memory organisation, peripheral devices, trends;
Hardware /software issues; Data representation& Programming; Operating systems-basics,
processes, characteristics, applications; Memory management, virtual memory, file systems,
protection & security; Data bases, different types, characteristics and design; Transactions and
concurrency control; Elements of programming languages, typical examples.
4. Electro Magnetics:
Elements of vector calculus, Maxwell’s equations-basic concepts; Gauss’, Stokes’ theorems;
Wave propagation through different media; Transmission Lines-different types, basics, Smith’s
chart, impedance matching/transformation, S-parameters, pulse excitation, uses; Waveguides-
basics, rectangular types, modes, cut-off frequency, dispersion, dielectric types; Antennas-
radiation pattern, monopoles/dipoles, gain, arrays-active/passive, theory, uses.
5. Advanced Electronics Topics:
VLSI technology: Processing, lithography, interconnects, packaging, testing; VLSI design:
Principles, MUX/ROM/PLA-based design, Moore & Mealy circuit design; Pipeline concepts &
functions; Design for testability, examples; DSP: Discrete time signals/systems, uses; Digital
filters: FIR/IIR types, design, speech/audio/radar signal processing uses; Microprocessors &
microcontrollers, basics, interrupts, DMA, instruction sets, interfacing; Controllers & uses;
Embedded systems.
6. Advanced Communication Topics:
Communication networks: Principles /practices /technologies /uses /OSI model/security; Basic
packet multiplexed streams/scheduling; Cellular networks, types, analysis, protocols
(TCP/TCPIP); Microwave & satellite communication: Terrestrial/space type LOS systems, block
schematics link calculations, system design; Communication satellites, orbits, characteristics,
systems, uses; Fibre-optic communication systems, block schematics, link calculations, system
design.
Exam Schedule
The keys to success in the IES or any other exam will always be hard work, relentless efforts and
perseverance. However, a smart approach involving systematic planning is also crucial to
achieve targets. A thorough knowledge of the subject including clarity of basic concepts along
with awareness about current affairs, general knowledge add to the advantages of hard work. A
smart and mature persona is also a prerequisite for successfully cracking this exam.
You can use these tips to get a fair idea of these exams and develop your own personal strategy:
You must understand and acquaint yourself with the latest pattern and syllabus of the
examination. The previous year's question papers can be a great help. You can screen them
thoroughly to identify the repeat topics and questions and prepare accordingly.
Use reference books to understand concepts but prefer to understand one topic from one good
book to avoid confusion and waste of time. However, you can use different books for different
topics.
Time management is a very crucial factor during preparation and even writing this exam. One
must chalk out a proper strategy and time table. Each subject from the technical section must be
devoted at least 3 hours daily to get best results. English and General Studies should also be
given 1 hour each so that you can get a cutting edge in exam.
To avoid boredom and maintain enthusiasm distribute the subjects well in your time table for
studying. You can alternate between General Ability and Technical sections to make studying
enjoyable.
You must segregate short-term and long term study goals, and work accordingly to succeed.
Short notes are very helpful especially in technical subjects. Make short notes of important topics
and also a list of formulae and revise them daily.
Practice of questions helps to assess your understanding and level of concepts. Practice as
many as possible from books and previous question papers.
Since time is a crucial factor while attempting the exam candidates can time themselves while
practicing questions. Ensure to complete the tasks within the stipulated time.
Candidates can also practice questions with the help of OMR sheets so that they get
acclimatized to using them during the exam.
For English, you can learn 20 new words daily from previous years question papers or other
sources.
You can also solve 10 to 15 questions of English daily, based on rearranging sentences and
finding errors.
Reading the newspaper, watching the news, surfing the net will help to prepare for the general
ability exam. Knowledge of Current Affairs of 45 days prior to the exam will help to sail through
this exam.
Daily practice of at least of 5 questions from the previous year papers of conventional exam will
enhance writing skills and presentation.
Practice of mock tests that include all sections of the exam within a limited time frame will help
you to sail through and succeed in these exams.
Time plays a very crucial role during all exams including the ESE. So, it is a must that you
optimally utilize the allotted time.
There are 120 questions in Objective Paper I, evenly based on General Studies and English.
Since Comprehension and questions based on rearrangement of sentences are time consuming,
candidates can solve those after completing the rest of the exam.
Ensure that you read the Comprehension thoroughly before attempting the questions. This will
give you a better idea for answering correctly.
Attempt the questions you find easy before moving on to the difficult ones.
echnical theory questions are best attempted before the numerical since you may take long to
attempt numerical which also carry negative marking, so a well attempted theory gives you
stronger chance of scoring well and covering up for negative marks.
Remember to write the formula in the numerical problems, along with S.I units of quantities
involved and also specify the answer.
There are two conventional papers on the third day. Attempt the easy questions first after reading
the paper thoroughly and keep the difficult ones for the end.
Make sure the presentation of your answer sheet is neat, systematic and well organized with
properly labeled diagrams if required. An orderly answer sheet with exact expression within
proper word limit is credited for especially in the conventional papers.
Consistency, Perseverance and self motivation are the key ingredients of success.
Enhance your memory power and efficiency by indulging in recreational activities, to keep your
mind healthy and rejuvenated.
Keep the documents related to examination such as hall ticket, acknowledgment of application,
application number and other details safely to avoid any hassles.
The last day before the exam must be spent in relaxing and revising only important topics and
notes. You must also sleep for at least 6 hours to wake up fresh and rejuvenated for the exam.
Remember to carry sharpened pencils, pens, eraser and your hall ticket on the day of the exam.
Make sure that you reach the exam centre well before time and avoid studying during traveling.
PREPARATION STRATEGY
Preparation for the ESE requires both, clarity of concepts as well as problem solving skills, since
the written exam has objective and subjective sections. A few key points will have you sailing
through.
Begin with awareness of exam pattern, percentage of technical questions & non-technical ones,
weightage of each section to streamline your studying strategy. Use Previous year question
papers as guide to make smart decisions regarding your study plan.
Use Reference books for understanding theory, concepts, derivations and equations etc. and
make your basics strong.
You can practice previous year question papers to analyze your weak areas. Identify the weak
topics and revise them thoroughly. Time yourself as you solve the papers to get an idea of your
speed so that you can focus on that too.
The General Ability section carries 200 marks and is important even for the Personal interview.
Keep your General Knowledge updated for this section through news papers, news channels or
surfing websites.
Writing the Exam
Smart writing skills, good presentation, proper explanations, theoretical reasoning, derivations,
related equations and diagrams will help you cover the subjective section.
Short Cut Techniques: Solve numerical using short techniques rather than traditional methods to
save time.
Beware of marks per question, negative marking and exam duration while attempting the paper.
Personal Interview Your all round personality is the focal point of personal interviews. A Positive
attitude, Smart body language, Proper communication and Knowledge about current affairs
reflect a great Persona. Along with this Sound technical knowledge can create a great
impression in personal interviews. You must prepare to answer queries about your strong and
weak traits.
ESE Reference Books
Electronics paper -1