Experience and Prediction of the ESE 2018 EC Paper
Electrical and Electronics (ECE) aspirants took different approaches and experienced varying levels of difficulty with the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2018 EC Paper. The preliminary experience and subsequent predictions offer valuable insights into the challenges faced and the expected cut-off marks. This article aims to analyze the key aspects of the paper, share personal experiences, and provide a balanced evaluation.
Introduction to the ESE 2018 EC Paper
The 2018 ESE EC Paper was divided into two main sections: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Each paper was designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in electrical engineering. This article will explore the experiences of candidates and make informed predictions based on the observed trends.
Analysis of Paper 1
The first paper of the ESE EC 2018 exam was a mixture of easy and confusing questions, making it challenging for some candidates to distinguish between the two. According to some participants, securing a minimum mark of 85 was achievable with strategic and selective answering. However, the inclusion of numerous numerical problems related to electrical machines posed a significant challenge for electronics and communication engineering (ECE) students.
A notable aspect of Paper 1 was the emphasis on basic electrical engineering and instrumentation topics, while advanced control systems were underrepresented. This imbalance could make the paper more difficult for candidates with a stronger focus on advanced topics. The introduction of more assertion-reasoning questions (30 in total) further complicated the paper, potentially increasing the overall difficulty level. Based on these factors, a reasonable cutoff prediction is around 215 out of 400, considering the increase in the number of vacancies.
Experience and Prediction of Paper 2
From the perspective of other candidates, Paper 2 of the ESE EC 2018 exam was unbalanced with a disproportionate focus on certain topics. The paper favored mechanical and civil engineering over electronics, which added to the complexity for ECE aspirants. Although the questions were not exceptionally difficult, the inclusion of lengthy calculations in some questions posed a time management challenge for many candidates.
The cutoff for Paper 2 is another point of discussion. With the number of seats almost doubled compared to the previous year, predicting the exact cut-off becomes more challenging. Last year, the cutoff for ECE candidates (General Category) was 221. Based on this and the increased vacancies, a prediction of around 210 is plausible.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In summary, the 2018 ESE EC Paper was regarded as tough by many candidates, with a mix of straightforward and confusing questions. For those scoring within the 85 range or higher, the paper was manageable. However, for candidates from less-favored backgrounds, such as the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, the paper presented an opportunity for easy selection as they scored significantly better compared to the general category.
Statistical questions, particularly in the form of assertion-reasoning, were a significant time-consuming element of the exam. This type of question required careful analysis and strategic answering, affecting the overall performance of many candidates.
The experiences shared indicate that a moderate difficulty level was observed, with Paper 1 being more challenging than Paper 2. The cutoff marks are expected to reflect the increased number of vacancies, potentially making them lower than in previous years.
Conclusion
As we look forward to future ESE exams, it is essential to consider the patterns observed in the 2018 EC Paper. Understanding the key topics, the difficulty levels, and the types of questions asked can help candidates prepare more effectively. Whether in Paper 1 or Paper 2, a strong foundation in electrical engineering fundamentals is crucial, along with strategic time management during the exam.