My Journey Through ESE 2020 Prelims: Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward
Entering the 2020 Early Stage Examination (ESE) for the first time, I had set out with a well-thought plan to secure the necessary cutoff and move forward to the main examination. However, as the dust settled after the prelims, it became clear that I had fallen short of expectations. Despite knowing that the official keys have not been released yet, I aim to share my experience and the impact of the results on my academic and professional journey.
The Prelims Results
According to unofficial keys from coaching centers, my prelims result was around 270 to 280 out of a total of 500. This includes a GS (General Studies) score of 85 to 90 out of 200, and a Technical score for Civil Engineering of 185 to 190 out of 300. While these marks qualified me for the mains examination, it did not reflect the success I had hoped for. My initial self-assessment indicated around 220 marks, only slightly above the anticipated cutoff of approximately 210 to 215. This was a far cry from the confidence I had before the exam due to the shorter preparation time of 6 to 7 months as a fresher.
Challenges and Adaptations
The lack of proper planning and commitment to the exam led to a significant time deficit. Poorly managed study hours included the omission of the Technical papers on Irrigation and Railway. Similarly, my General Studies preparation was inadequate due to skipping 4 out of 10 subjects. Despite joining a test series with Made Easy, I did not engage in many practice tests, with the primary focus being on covering the syllabus.
After the prelims results, my disappointment was palpable. With the hope of clearing the prelims and being eligible for the mains, I shifted my focus to preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). However, the railway authority withdrew some of the available vacancies, significantly raising the cutoff to around 230 to 235. This setback left me demotivated and made me reconsider my strategy.
A New Opportunity: Thyssenkrupp Recruitment
As the reality of the cut increased, the next turn of events brought a glimmer of hope. Thyssenkrupp, a leading core company, was looking to recruit fresh graduates, offering attractive packages including a base salary of around 70,000 INR plus bonuses. Being among the top 5 in my branch, I had a realistic chance to secure this opportunity.
With thorough preparation, I cleared the aptitude tests, technical assessments, and even the group discussion. During the interview, my knowledge of the subjects was recognized, and the interviewer mentioned my performance impressed him so much that he asked for my preferences regarding location (Pune or Kolkata). However, the HR round shattered my confidence, and I was rejected despite my good performance. This rejection, followed by the loss of valuable time, depleted my motivation for GATE.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The experience from ESE 2020 prelims to GATE 2020 taught me invaluable lessons about planning, commitment, and the importance of balancing academic pressure with personal well-being. While I did not achieve the desired result, the journey allowed me to gain deeper insights into the challenges and strategies needed to succeed in competitive exams.
Though my ESE journey did not result in immediate success, it paved the way for further opportunities. I concluded that resilience and continuous learning are crucial in overcoming academic and professional challenges. Moving forward, I plan to refine my exam strategies, improve time management, and prioritize a balanced lifestyle that supports both my studies and career growth.