The Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is a highly competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to the Indian Engineering Services (IES).
The ESE Civil Exam is one of the most sought-after exams for civil engineers in India.
Over the years, the ESE Civil Exam pattern has undergone several changes to keep pace with the changing needs of the engineering industry.
In this blog, we will discuss the changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern over the years.
Changes in ESE Civil Exam Pattern Over the Years
Year-Wise Changes in ESE Civil Exam Pattern
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Implications of the Changes in ESE Civil Exam Pattern
- Greater Emphasis on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
- Increased Focus on Conventional Type Questions
- Changes in Weightage of Different Stages
Wrapping Up
FAQs
Year-Wise Changes in ESE Civil Exam Pattern
2017
In 2017, the UPSC introduced a new pattern for the ESE Civil Exam. The exam was divided into three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test.
The Preliminary Exam consisted of two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2 – each of which was of 2 hours duration and carried 200 marks. Paper 1 consisted of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, while Paper 2 was specific to the civil engineering discipline.
The Mains Exam consisted of two conventional type papers, each of 3 hours duration and carrying 300 marks.
Paper 1 was specific to the civil engineering discipline, while Paper 2 was on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude. The Personality Test carried 200 marks.
2018
In 2018, the UPSC introduced changes to the ESE Civil Exam pattern. The exam was still divided into three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test – but the weightage of each stage was changed.
The Preliminary Exam carried 500 marks, the Mains Exam carried 600 marks, and the Personality Test carried 200 marks.
2019
In 2019, further changes were made to the UPSC Indian Engineering Services Exam pattern. The Preliminary Exam consisted of two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2 – each of which was of 2 hours duration and carried 200 marks.
Paper 1 consisted of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, while Paper 2 was specific to the civil engineering discipline.
The Mains Exam consisted of two conventional type papers, each of 3 hours duration and carrying 300 marks.
Paper 1 was specific to the civil engineering discipline, while Paper 2 was on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude. The Personality Test carried 200 marks.
2020
In 2020, some changes were introduced to the ESE Civil Exam pattern due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Preliminary Exam was held in two sessions, with Paper 1 conducted in the morning session and Paper 2 conducted in the afternoon session.
The Mains Exam was conducted in a single session of 6 hours duration, with Paper 1 in the morning and Paper 2 in the afternoon.
The Personality Test was not conducted in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the final selection was based on the marks obtained in the Preliminary and Mains Exams.
2021
In 2021, the UPSC made no major changes to the UPSC Indian Engineering Services Exam pattern.
The exam was conducted in the same format as in 2019, with the Preliminary Exam consisting of two papers, the Mains Exam consisting of two papers, and the Personality Test carrying 200 marks.
Implications of the Changes in ESE Civil Exam Pattern
The changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern have had several implications for candidates appearing for the exam. Here are some of the key implications:
1. Greater Emphasis on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
The introduction of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude in the Preliminary Exam in 2017 marked a significant shift in the ESE Civil Exam pattern. The aim was to test the candidate’s overall aptitude, reasoning ability, and general awareness along with their technical knowledge. The inclusion of these subjects has increased the importance of non-technical knowledge and skills for the candidates appearing for the exam.
2. Increased Focus on Conventional Type Questions
The Mains Exam in the ESE Civil Exam pattern consists of conventional type questions, where the candidate has to write long descriptive answers. This pattern has been in place for many years, but the weightage of the Mains Exam has been increased in recent years. This indicates that the UPSC wants to test the candidate’s ability to apply their technical knowledge to practical problems and write clear, concise, and accurate answers.
3. Changes in Weightage of Different Stages
The changes in the weightage of different stages of the ESE Civil Exam pattern have implications for candidates’ preparation strategies. The increased weightage of the Preliminary Exam in 2018 indicates that candidates need to focus more on their performance in this stage. Similarly, the removal of the Personality Test in 2020 has reduced the significance of this stage, and candidates need to perform well in the Preliminary and Mains Exams to secure a good rank.
Wrapping Up
The changes in the UPSC Indian Engineering Services Exam pattern over the years reflect the changing needs of the engineering industry and the UPSC’s efforts to test the candidates’ overall aptitude and technical knowledge.
The inclusion of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude and the increased weightage of the Mains Exam highlights the importance of non-technical knowledge and practical application of technical knowledge.
Candidates need to adapt their preparation strategies to these changes and focus on improving their non-technical knowledge, writing skills, and time management abilities to crack the ESE Civil Exam.
FAQs
- What are the changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern over the years?
Ans. The changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern include the inclusion of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude in the Preliminary Exam, increased focus on conventional-type questions in the Mains Exam, and changes in the weightage of different stages.
- How can candidates prepare for the ESE Civil Exam?
Ans. Candidates can prepare for the ESE Civil Exam by focusing on General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, practicing writing descriptive answers, staying updated with current affairs, and improving time management skills.
- What is the weightage of the different stages in the ESE Civil Exam?
Ans. The weightage of the different stages in the ESE Civil Exam has changed over the years. In 2017 and 2018, the Preliminary Exam had a weightage of 500 marks, the Mains Exam had a weightage of 600 marks, and the Personality Test had a weightage of 200 marks. In 2019 and 2020, the Preliminary Exam had a weightage of 500 marks, and the Mains Exam had a weightage of 1100 marks.
- What are the benefits of the changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern?
Ans. The changes in the ESE Civil Exam pattern have benefits for both the engineering industry and the candidates. The inclusion of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude and increased focus on the practical application of technical knowledge can produce better engineers. The changes also give candidates a chance to showcase their overall aptitude and reasoning ability, which can help them in their future careers.