7799996602GATE v/s ESE: UNDERSTANDING THE KEY DIFFERENCES
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Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and Engineering Services Examination (ESE) are two of the most sought-after exams for engineering graduates in India. While both exams are intended to test the technical knowledge of the candidates, there are several differences between them that aspiring candidates should be aware of. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between GATE and ESE.
Overview of GATE and ESE
GATE is an online national-level exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) for admission to postgraduate engineering courses in India. GATE scores are also used for recruitment purposes by various public sector undertakings (PSUs) such as BHEL, NTPC, IOCL, HPCL, and many more. The exam is conducted once a year and is open to all engineering graduates.
ESE, on the other hand, is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various engineering services posts in the Indian government. These posts include the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS), Central Engineering Service (CES), Central Water Engineering Service (CWES), and many others. The exam is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.
| Factors | GATE | ESE |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Pattern | GATE is a computer-based exam that consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer-type questions (NATs). The exam is of three hours duration and consists of 65 questions carrying 100 marks. There is a negative marking for wrong answers in MCQs. | ESE is a pen and paper-based exam. The Prelims stage of the exam consists of two papers - General Studies and Engineering Aptitude, and Engineering Discipline-specific Paper. Both papers consist of multiple-choice questions. The Mains stage of the exam consists of a conventional (essay) type paper in the candidate's chosen engineering discipline. The Interview stage is the final stage of the exam. |
| Stages | GATE Exam consists of only one Stage. | ESE Exam consists of 2 stages namely, Prelims and Mains. |
| Syllabus | The GATE syllabus is designed to test the candidates' understanding of basic engineering concepts and their application. The syllabus covers topics such as Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and the candidate's chosen engineering discipline. | ESE syllabus is designed to test the candidates' knowledge of their chosen engineering discipline. The syllabus covers topics such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, among others. |
| Difficulty Level | GATE is considered to be a moderately difficult exam, and candidates who have a good understanding of basic engineering concepts and have prepared well can score good marks in the exam. However, the competition for GATE is intense, with lakhs of candidates appearing for the exam every year. | ESE is considered to be a highly competitive exam. The exam tests the candidates' technical knowledge in their chosen engineering discipline, and the level of difficulty is high. The competition is also intense, with a limited number of vacancies available every year. |
| Career Opportunities | GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate engineering courses in India, and recruitment purposes by various PSUs. Candidates who score well in GATE can also apply for research positions in various engineering fields. | ESE offers candidates the opportunity to work in various engineering services posts in the Indian government. These posts include the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS), Central Engineering Service (CES), Central Water Engineering Service (CWES), and many others. ESE is also considered to be a gateway to higher positions in the government, as candidates who clear the exam can be promoted to higher posts based on their performance. |
| Salary and Benefits | Candidates who clear GATE and get recruited by PSUs are offered a starting salary of around Rs. 8-10 lakhs per annum. The salary may vary depending on the PSU and the candidate's performance. Candidates who pursue postgraduate courses after clearing GATE can also expect to earn higher salaries. | ESE exam offers candidates a salary in the range of Rs. 50,000-1,50,000 per month, depending on the post and the candidate's experience. In addition to the salary, candidates are also eligible for various benefits such as medical insurance, travel allowance, and housing allowance, among others. |
Which Exam to Choose?
Choosing between GATE and ESE depends on the candidate’s career goals and interests. If the candidate is interested in pursuing higher studies in engineering or wants to work in a PSU, GATE is a better option. On the other hand, if the candidate is interested in working in the government and wants to pursue a career in engineering services, ESE is a better option.
Candidates who are confident about their technical knowledge and want to work in the government can choose to appear for both GATE and ESE. However, candidates should be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and dedication, as both exams are highly competitive and require a good understanding of basic engineering concepts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GATE and ESE are two of the most sought-after exams for engineering graduates in India. While both exams are intended to test the technical knowledge of the candidates, there are several differences between them. Candidates should choose the exam that aligns with their career goals and interests, and be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to clear the exam.
Is GATE Exam tougher than ESE?
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and Engineering Services Examination (ESE) are two of the most popular exams for engineering graduates in India. While GATE is primarily a qualifying exam for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering and technology, ESE is a competitive exam for recruitment into various engineering positions in government departments.
In terms of difficulty, both exams are challenging in their respective ways. GATE tests the theoretical and conceptual knowledge of the candidate, whereas ESE is more application-oriented, testing the problem-solving ability of the candidate.
However, ESE is generally considered to be more difficult than GATE due to its vast syllabus and level of competition. The ESE exam requires a thorough understanding of the core engineering subjects as well as current affairs, general knowledge, and reasoning ability.
In conclusion, both GATE and ESE are tough exams, but ESE is comparatively more difficult due to its comprehensive syllabus and stiff competition.