Analysis of ESE 2018 Prelims for Electrical Engineering
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is an important phase in the career of electrical engineers aspiring to join the government service sector. The 2018 ESE Prelims for Electrical Engineering was widely perceived as moderately challenging by a considerable number of candidates. This article provides a detailed analysis of the exam, discussing the nature of questions, the expected cut-off marks, and insights from various sources including coaching institutes.
Question Distribution and Complexity
The ESE 2018 Prelims for Electrical Engineering covered a range of topics, including electrical circuits, machines, power systems, and control systems. Here's how the questions were distributed:
Electrical Circuits: These questions tested the candidate's understanding of circuit analysis. Machines: Questions in this category often required a mix of both theoretical and practical knowledge. Power Systems: This section included questions on the principles of power generation, transmission, and distribution.Notably, candidates reported that some questions were straightforward, while others necessitated a deeper conceptual understanding and application of theories.
Cut-off Predictions and Analysis
After the exam, there were no official cut-off marks released immediately. However, a variety of coaching institutes and subject matter experts estimated the cut-off marks based on the difficulty level of the paper and overall candidate performance. The cut-off marks for ESE Prelims can vary each year, influenced by factors such as the number of candidates, overall performance, and the exam's difficulty level.
For the ESE 2018 Prelims, the expected cut-off for the Electrical Engineering stream was anticipated to be around 30-40 percent of the total marks. However, it's important to remember that these are estimates, and the actual cut-off marks may vary.
Some unofficial predictions suggested a cut-off range of 230-235, highlighting that the questions were mostly numerical and lengthy, with a good level of difficulty in Paper 1. These predictions were further nuanced by the analysis provided by Made Easy, a well-known coaching institute.
Technical Paper Analysis
The technical portion of the ESE 2018 Prelims for Electrical Engineering was rated as easier compared to the previous year. The paper mainly comprised questions on:
Networks Theory: This included basic concepts and problem-solving exercises. Control System: Questions in this category covered control theory and its practical applications. Machines: This section included topics on the design and function of electrical machines.The total number of questions in the technical portion was approximately 70-80. Topics not covered in the exam included Microprocessors, Signal Systems, and Analog Electronics, which saw very little coverage.
Prediction for Cut-off Marks
Based on the unofficial analysis, the cut-off for the general category in Electrical Engineering for the 2018 ESE Prelims was likely to be around 250-260. Made Easy provided an estimate of 230-235 for the overall cut-off, taking into account the length and numerical nature of the questions.
The varying estimates highlight the subjectivity in determining cut-off marks, which often depends on the performance of the candidates and the difficulty of the exam. It is crucial to refer to official sources such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the confirmed cut-off marks.