Essential Lessons for UPSC ESE Prelims 2024 Aspirants in Civil Engineering

Preparing for the UPSC ESE (Engineering Services Examination) Prelims can be daunting, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can achieve success. Here are some key lessons I would like to share based on my own experience and the traits that the UPSC is looking for.

Key Lessons for UPSC ESE 2024 Aspirants

1. Sincerity and Clarity of Aim

One of the most important lessons I would like to stress is the sincerity and clarity of your aim. It is crucial to be sincere about your goal and clear about what you want to achieve. This clarity will guide your efforts and keep you focused. Always have a well-defined plan and stick to it, deviating from it only when absolutely necessary.

2. Minimizing Deviations and Handling Distractions

Deviations from your plan are inevitable, but they should be minimized to the greatest extent possible. There will be situations that might disturb you, but it is important to handle them without any distraction. This means maintaining your focus and not getting swayed by doubts or external factors. Focus on clearing these disturbances as they arise, ensuring they do not derail your plans.

Risk-Taking Ability and Exam Strategy

1. Developing Risk-Taking Ability

Another trait that the UPSC aspires from candidates is a strong risk-taking ability. It is essential for the aspirants to overcome the fear of attempting questions outside their domain of knowledge. In the ESE Preliminary Exam, it is not uncommon to encounter questions or parts of questions that are outside your comfort zone. This is a reality that all candidates face.

2. Maintaining Both Attempt and Accuracy

Remember, this exam requires both attempt and accuracy. Simply sailing through by leaving questions unanswered is not enough. Aim for a good score by attempting as many questions as possible and ensuring you have done them accurately. For instance, in the ESE 2017, I attempted 137 questions but only scored 185 marks, significantly below the desirable range.

Based on my experience in the ESE 2019 and ESE 2018, the recommended approach is to attempt around 400 marks, i.e., approximately 200 questions. In ESE 2019, by attempting 117 questions, I managed to secure 240 marks, and similarly, in ESE 2018, I achieved 247 marks by following a similar strategy.

Strategies and Effective Study Methodologies

1. Intelligent Guessing and Test Series

To secure higher marks, aim high and attempt more questions. One effective strategy is to develop the habit of intelligent guessing. This can be honed by regularly participating in test series. By giving maximum test series, you can improve your guessing skills and boost your overall performance.

2. Subject-Specific Preparation

While technical knowledge is the backbone of your success, there are also subjects that require focused preparation. For the GS (General Studies) portion, subjects such as Engineering Mathematics, Aptitude, Engineering Drawing, Project Management, Standards Quality, and Basics of Energy and Environment should be prepared to the fullest extent. These subjects are highly relevant and can significantly contribute to your score.

However, candidates should also keep in mind that subjects like Standards Quality and Basics of Energy and Environment are not very relevant beyond the Preliminary stage. It is therefore wise to aim for a realistic score in Paper 1 and avoid spending too much time and effort on these subjects.

3. Focused Revision in the Final Stretch

With less than 45 days left for the exam, it is crucial to refrain from learning any new topics. This is the time to focus on thorough revision of the topics you have already covered. This will ensure that you retain the knowledge and are well-prepared for the exam. Avoid the temptation to add new content as it can confuse you and detract from your overall preparation.

Conclusion and Good Luck

In conclusion, the key to success in the UPSC ESE Prelims lies in being sincere, clear about your goals, maintaining focus, and following a structured yet flexible approach. Develop strong risk-taking ability and maintain a focus on both attempt and accuracy. Engage in intelligent guessing and prepare thoroughly for subjects that matter. With less than 45 days left, focus on revision and good luck with your preparation!

Best of Luck!