ESE is one of the most prestigious examinations and the toughest examination which is conducted by the UPSC. There are thousands of engineering graduates who appear for this examination, but only a few students can make it to the final list. So, do you know what separates ESE toppers from the rest of the students?
In this article, we will let you know about the UPSC ESE preparation strategy, real UPSC preparation tips by toppers and simple steps to be followed in your journey to success.
UPSC ESE Preparation Strategy
Here are the following UPSC preparation tips by toppers which can be helpful for the candidates preparing for the ESE exam:

What could be learnt from the ESE Toppers’ Answer Sheets?
If you go through the ESE topper’s answer sheet, it can help you with the presentation of answers, not just the content. Some of the strategies followed in the ESE topper answer sheet are as follows: –
- Proper and clear structure: In the ESE Mains examination, the answers must be broken into pointers, diagrams and short explanations rather than using dense and long paragraphs.
- Flowcharts and diagrams usage: In any question, if there is a need for the relevant diagram, it’s neat, properly labelled, and actually connected with the answers.
- Time management: ESE toppers give every question a fair amount of time, so at the end of the exam nothing is left behind.
- Direct answering: ESE toppers do not add unnecessary points to the answer; they try to add relevant information and what’s actually asked in the question.
ESE Topper Interview: What can Aspirants Learn?
The ESE topper interview reflects the practical insights which are not available in any standard preparation books. Topper interviews can help in understanding what kind of resources toppers used in their preparation, how they planned their syllabus, how they handled PYQs, what strategy ESE used in prelims, mains and interviews, and how they managed revision sessions.
MADE EASY topper talk can help the candidates from civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics and telecommunication engineering sessions. The sessions include ESE toppers 2025 of different branches. One of the most important things in the ESE topper interview is to identify the common habits rather than following one candidate’s timetable.
ESE Topper Marks: What does it reflect?
Every time, at the time of the examination, many candidates start searching for the ESE topper marks and ESE topper marksheet to know about the marks required to get a top rank. Every year, UPSC releases marks-related information for the recommended candidates.
UPSC archives include the marks of the recommended candidates for the engineering service examination. ESE topper marks or ESE topper marksheets reflect that the marks can vary across various engineering disciplines and years.
Candidates should not prepare with a fixed marks target. They must focus on improving accuracy, conceptual understanding, question speed, answer presentation and test performance. Marks are allocated on the basis of these outcomes.
Routine Inspired by ESE Toppers’ Strategy
If you are preparing for the ESE exam in 2027 or 2028, then you do not need to study for long hours every day. Instead of this, the focus must be on productive and consistent study. Here is the simple daily routine inspired by the ESE toppers:
|
Activities |
Focus |
|---|---|
| Technical Subjects |
Learn about the new concepts |
| Practice ESE previous year question papers | |
| Revisions |
Keep revising old topics |
|
Practice |
Solve numerical questions |
| Main Answer Writing |
Write descriptive answers |
| Improve speed and accuracy | |
| Mistake Analysis |
Identify weak areas |
Final Words
Basically, there is no shortcut for cracking the ESE exam; there is a clear pattern in how candidates actually prepare for the ESE exam. By following the ESE toppers’ preparation strategy, staying consistent and learning from real topper experience, you can build a strong and reliable path to your own success.
If you are also preparing for the UPSC ESE 2027, you must be inspired by the ESE toppers strategy and use it as a source of guidance, not as the timetable to copy. Have a proper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, create a realistic plan and keep improving your performance through regular practice.
Just remember, every topper once started as a beginner. What made the difference was the strategy and steady efforts, and this is something anyone can build with the right guidance and consistency.
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.

