Do Changes in the UPSC ESE Exam Pattern Impact Candidates?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) every year to recruit engineers for various departments of the government. The ESE exam is one of the most prestigious exams for engineers in India. The UPSC has recently announced some key changes in the UPSC ESE exam pattern 2023. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of these changes and how they will impact the candidates.

Key Changes in the ESE Exam Pattern for 2023

Introduction of a New General Studies Paper

The UPSC has introduced a new General Studies Paper in the UPSC ESE Prelims Exam Pattern from 2023 onwards. The General Studies Paper will test the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology and biodiversity, and general science.

Increased Weightage for the Mains Exam

The weightage of the Mains exam has been increased from 600 to 800 marks. The Mains exam will now consist of two papers of 300 marks each and a personality test of 200 marks.

Removal of the Engineering Aptitude Test

The Engineering Aptitude Test (EAT) has been removed from the Preliminary exam. The EAT was introduced in 2017 to test the candidate’s engineering aptitude and logical reasoning skills.

Change in the selection process

The selection process has been changed from a ratio of 1:2 to 1:3. Earlier, the number of candidates selected for the Mains exam was twice the number of vacancies. Now, the number of candidates selected for the Mains exam will be three times the number of vacancies.

In addition to the changes mentioned above, there are a few other changes in the UPSC ESE exam pattern 2023 that candidates need to be aware of.

One of the major changes is the introduction of negative marking in the Mains exam. Earlier, there was no negative marking in the Mains exam, but from 2023, one-third marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. This means that candidates will have to be careful while attempting the questions in the Mains exam and should only attempt the questions they are confident about.

Another change is the reduction in the number of optional subjects in the Mains exam. Earlier, candidates had to choose two optional subjects from a list of disciplines. However, from 2023, candidates will have to choose only one optional subject. This means that candidates will have to be more careful while choosing their optional subject and should choose the subject that they are most comfortable with.

The UPSC has also decided to reduce the time duration for the Personality Test/Interview from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. This means that candidates will have to be more precise and clear in their answers during the interview.

How Will These Changes Impact Candidates?

The changes in the UPSC ESE exam pattern 2023 will require candidates to change their preparation strategy. Candidates should focus on their technical knowledge, answer writing skills, and current affairs to perform well in the exam. They should also practice time management and attempt mock tests to get a feel of the actual exam. Candidates should also stay updated with the latest developments in their engineering discipline and current affairs to perform well in the General Studies Paper.

The introduction of the new General Studies Paper will require candidates to have a good understanding of current affairs and general knowledge. Candidates will have to devote more time to reading newspapers, magazines, and other sources of current affairs to prepare for this paper.
The increased weightage for the Mains exam means that candidates will have to perform well in the Mains exam to secure a good rank. Candidates will have to focus on their technical knowledge and answer writing skills to score well in the Mains exam.
The removal of the EAT from the Preliminary exam means that candidates will not have to prepare separately for this paper. However, candidates will still have to focus on their engineering aptitude and logical reasoning skills to perform well in the Mains exam.
The change in the selection process means that more candidates will be selected for the Mains exam. This will increase the competition among the candidates, and candidates will have to perform exceptionally well in the Preliminary exam to secure a place in the Mains exam.

Wrapping Up

The UPSC ESE exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates need to stay updated with the latest changes in the UPSC ESE prelims exam pattern to prepare well. The changes in the ESE exam pattern for 2023, such as the introduction of a new General Studies Paper, increased weightage for the Mains exam, removal of the EAT, and change in the selection process, will impact the candidates’ preparation strategy. Candidates need to focus on their technical knowledge, answer writing skills, and current affairs to perform well in the ESE exam. With proper preparation and hard work, candidates can crack the ESE exam and secure a career in the government.

FAQs

What is the significance of the changes in the ESE exam pattern for 2023?

Ans. The changes in the ESE exam pattern for 2023 will impact the candidates’ preparation strategy, and candidates need to prepare accordingly to perform well in the exam. The changes in the exam pattern will also make the exam more competitive, and candidates will have to perform exceptionally well to secure a place in the Mains exam.

What is the new General Studies Paper in the ESE exam?

Ans. The new General Studies Paper in the ESE exam is a significant change in the exam pattern for 2023. The General Studies Paper will test the candidates’ knowledge of current affairs, general awareness, and aptitude. Candidates need to focus on their answer writing skills, current affairs, and aptitude to perform well in the General Studies Paper.

Is there any negative marking in the Mains exam of the ESE exam?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking in the Mains exam of the ESE exam. Candidates need to be careful while attempting the questions and should not attempt the questions they are unsure of.

How many optional subjects can candidates choose in the ESE exam?

Ans. Candidates can choose only one optional subject in the ESE exam. The reduction in the number of optional subjects will make the exam more competitive, and candidates will have to perform exceptionally well in the optional subject to secure a good rank in the ESE exam.