GATE ESE are considered the most important and competitive examinations, and college is the place where the real preparation must start. Students who wait till the final semester end up compressing years of studies into a few months. Many toppers try to avoid this by treating engineering degrees and examination preparation as two continuous tracks.
In this article, we will discuss how toppers structure their preparation while still in college, compare GATE 2028 and ESE 2027 so that students know what they are actually preparing for, and help them pick the right MADE EASY course based on the year, branch, and target examination.
How do Toppers Prepare for the GATE/ESE Exam: Year-wise Strategy and Study Plan
Many toppers who prepare for the GATE ESE exam focus on building strong fundamentals, consistent practice, regular revisions, and practicing PYQs rather than doing last-minute preparation. If you start GATE and ESE preparation early, you have enough time to understand concepts, complete the GATE and ESE syllabus, and improve speed and accuracy. Here is the year-wise strategy, which can make GATE ESE preparation more effective along with regular engineering studies.
|
Year |
Description |
|---|---|
| 1st Year |
In the 1st year of college, focus on having an understanding of the engineering concepts, engineering mathematics, and general aptitude. Do make a consistent study routine and make short notes that can be revised later. |
|
2nd Year |
Start with the core engineering subjects. Do solve the GATE and ESE test series or PYQs after completing every topic and start looking for the areas that need more practice. |
| 3rd Year |
In the 3rd year, the main aim must be to cover the major technical subject syllabus while doing PYQs. Start with the subject-wise tests and work on the calculations, speed, and accuracy |
|
4th Year |
From the 4th year onwards, do focus on completing the leftover topics and start revising the syllabus. Attempt ESE or GATE full length mock tests under the timed conditions, do the performance analysis and strengthen your weak areas. |
ESE VS GATE 2028
The GATE exam is an objective-based examination that is conducted by the IITs for admission to master’s courses, PhDs, and PSU recruitments. It is a single-day examination conducted across 30 branches. On the other hand, ESE 2027 is one of the examinations conducted by UPSC. This examination is conducted for only 4 branches in 3 stages, i.e., prelims, mains, and interview. This will lead directly to government officer posts. Here is the major difference between GATE and ESE.
|
Parameters |
GATE 2028 | ESE 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting authority | GATE 2028 will be tentatively conducted by IIT Delhi |
The ESE exam is conducted by UPSC every year. |
|
Branches eligible |
Under the GATE 2028, there are 30 disciplines | Under the ESE exam, there are 4 branches, i.e., civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, and electronics and telecommunication engineering |
| Exam pattern | GATE 2028 is an objective-based paper of 3 hours.
There are 65 questions under the GATE exam. This exam includes MCQ, MSQ, and NAT-based questions. The calculator is allowed in the GATE paper. |
The UPSC ESE exam is conducted in 3 stages, i.e., prelims, mains, and interview. Prelims: It is an objective-based paper that includes 2 papers. Paper 1: General studies and engineering aptitude of 200 marks. Paper 2: Specific engineering discipline of 300 marks Mains: It is a descriptive-based paper that includes 2 papers. This stage is based on the candidate’s specific engineering branch. Each paper is of 300 marks. |
|
Stages |
This is a single-stage examination | This examination is conducted in 3 stages, i.e., prelims, mains, and interview |
| Syllabus | The GATE exam syllabus covers only those topics that are going to be of use in higher studies, and it tests your problem-solving capability. |
The ESE syllabus covers the entire engineering syllabus and is aimed at testing your conceptual capability. |
|
Notification dates |
To be announced | The ESE prelims notification has been announced on 16 September 2026. |
| Examination dates | To be announced |
ESE prelims will be conducted on 31 January 2027, while the Mains examination will be conducted on 18 June 2027. |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Candidates must be either in the final year of graduation or must have completed the graduation in a relevant discipline from the recognized university | Candidates must have completed the graduation degree in relevant disciplines from the recognized university.
The final-year students are eligible for the ESE exam, but they need to submit the relevant qualification proof within the specified time. |
| Time duration | 3 hours |
The ESE prelims exam is conducted in 2 shifts. Paper 1 is of 2 hours, and Paper 2 is of 3 hours The ESE mains exam is also conducted in 2 shifts. Paper 1 is 3 hours, and paper 2 is also 3 hours. |
|
Purpose |
Shortlisted candidates will join the central government ministries and departments such as BRO, CPWD, central engineering services, etc. |
Admission to master’s courses such as M.Tech, ME, and PhD Jobs in PSUs or government organizations. |
MADE EASY Courses for GATE 2028 and ESE 2027: Which one fits you?
MADE EASY courses can be chosen by the candidates based on the year and mode of study. The ESE GATE foundational course is for candidates who want to start preparation early for the GATE ESE exam. Module courses for specific weak subjects. Classroom and flexible modes of learning for structured learning. Tablet and online courses for remote study and self-learning.
|
Courses |
Format of learning | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GATE+ESE+SES foundational course | Classroom mode |
8 to 12 months, i.e., 1250 to 1300 hours |
| Classroom mode | 8 to 10 months; 6 to 8 hours daily | |
| GATE + ESE flexible classroom course | Classroom mode |
1 year |
| Tablet course | Till GATE ESE 2027-28 | |
| Live online foundational course | Online, live and recorded |
Till the syllabus completion of GATE ESE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best preparation strategy for the ESE and GATE exams?
Ans: The candidates must start with a clear understanding of the GATE and ESE syllabus and exam pattern. Then, start building strong concepts in the engineering subjects. Do follow well-structured study plans and regularly practice PYQs, mock tests, and numerical questions. On the other hand, the ESE exam requires focusing on answer writing practice and general studies and engineering aptitude. Lastly, with the help of consistent revisions and time management skills, you can easily crack the examination.
Q2: How to prepare for the GATE examination from the 1st year?
Ans: If you wish to start preparing for the GATE examination from the 1st year, start with engineering mathematics and engineering concepts. Maintain a regular study plan rather than completing the GATE syllabus in one go. As you progress in college, study core subjects systematically, solve PYQs of each topic, and start attempting mock tests as you complete the syllabus.
Q3: How to prepare for the ESE exam from the 1st year of college?
Ans: If you also want to start preparing for the ESE exam from the 1st year of college, then start by building a strong foundation in the engineering subjects. Properly understand the ESE syllabus and cover subjects as they are taught in college. Do make short notes, practice numericals, and solve PYQs to understand the question patterns. After the completion of the ESE syllabus, start practicing PYQs, mock tests, and answer writing practice.
Q4: Is the ESE and GATE exam syllabus already covered in the engineering course?
Ans: Yes, 90-95 percent of the GATE ESE syllabus is covered in the engineering course. The college syllabus may vary in depth and exam pattern. But with the help of dedicated preparation, PYQ practice, and improved problem-solving speed, the candidates can compete for the GATE ESE examination.
Q5: Which one is better for ESE and GATE: online coaching or classroom coaching?
Ans: Basically, both online and classroom coaching are effective for the GATE ESE exam. Classroom learning gives a more structured environment and interaction with the faculty. On the other hand, online learning provides more flexibility, recorded lectures, and the ability to learn at one’s own pace. Candidates can choose ESE GATE coaching as per their learning styles, schedule, location, and flexibility.
Dear Aspirants, Your preparation for GATE, ESE, PSUs, and AE/JE is now smarter than ever — thanks to the MADE EASY YouTube channel. This is not just a channel, but a complete strategy for success, where you get toppers strategies, PYQ–GTQ discussions, current affairs updates, and important job-related information, all delivered by the country’s best teachers and industry experts. If you also want to stay one step ahead in the race to success, subscribe to MADE EASY on YouTube and stay connected with us on social media. MADE EASY — where preparation happens with confidence.
thanku soo much sr i am well motivated this article becuse these articles are a soo amzing and high energetic power article. i am student of 3yer then i am doing the perpration of gate….. so plzzz give the good tips and how i am cracking the gate. in good rank. plzz suggest me
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Team MADE EASY
Hi sir , I really looked through your article and i even liked it too. so I recently cleared my 12th boards and I am planning further for ESE Examination along with my B.Tech and was little worry about when to start the preperations for the exam, so I request you to keep motivating me and keep me update by these amazing articles.
Dear Candidate,
Thanks for writing to us. We are glad to know that you liked this article. Keep visiting our blog to get more content like this.
Regards,
Team MADE EASY
I am a second year student at IIT Bombay Civil and have just made my mind to appear for GATE/ESE in final year of preparation.
Firstly I would like to sincerely thanks MADEEASY team to write a wonderful blog explaining the details of both the coveted exams. I was confused about syllabus,strategy and all that.
I would like to know how should I approach the MADEEASY postal notes for ESE preparation. MADEEASY will send all the notes at once and I will be confused which one to start from now.
Dear Mukul,
We would request you to subscribe our YouTube channel for important videos and stay tuned to our website blog.madeeasy.in for latest blogs.
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Team, MADE EASY