ESE ECE Prelims study plan
ESE ECE Prelims · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) & Network Theory
Build a one-page formula sheet for engineering mathematics covering matrices, eigenvalues, partial derivatives, and maxima-minima, then solve 15 mixed problems without referring to notes
Derive and memorize the Laplace transform pairs and initial/final value theorems, and apply them to 10 first- and second-order circuits
Solve 12 network-theorem problems (Thevenin, Norton, superposition, reciprocity) on DC and single-source AC circuits
Classify and solve 8 first-order RL/RC transient problems with step and pulse inputs, sketching the response in each case
Your checkpoint
A dated formula sheet plus a scored problem log (correct/total) for at least 45 solved problems across mathematics and network theory
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) & Electronic Devices and Circuits
Solve 20 numerical-aptitude items under a 30-minute timer and log the error type for each miss
Compute DC and small-signal operating points for BJT and MOSFET bias circuits, including load-line analysis, for 10 circuits
Analyze rectifier and regulator circuits (half-wave, full-wave, bridge, Zener) and compute ripple factor, efficiency, and regulation for 6 designs
Explain in writing the physics of PN junctions, depletion capacitance, and breakdown mechanisms, then answer 10 conceptual items on them
Your checkpoint
A 20-question timed aptitude attempt with a written error analysis, plus a schematic notebook of 10 fully solved bias and rectifier circuits
Analog and Digital Circuits & Signals and Systems
Design and analyze op-amp circuits (inverting, non-inverting, summing, integrator, differentiator, instrumentation amplifier) and compute gain, input impedance, and bandwidth for 12 configurations
Determine the Fourier series and Fourier transform of standard pulses and periodic waveforms, and use Parseval's theorem to compute signal energy and power in 10 problems
Analyze the frequency response and stability of feedback amplifiers, computing loop gain and phase margin for 5 cases
Convert between continuous- and discrete-time representations: sample standard signals, compute aliasing conditions, and state the Nyquist criterion for 8 examples
Your checkpoint
A worked portfolio of 12 op-amp designs and 10 transform problems, each with a hand-drawn magnitude/phase or spectrum sketch
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) & Analog and Digital Circuits
Solve 15 problems on number systems, Boolean algebra, K-map minimization, and combinational logic design (adders, multiplexers, decoders)
Design and analyze sequential circuits: flip-flop excitation tables, state diagrams, and counters, for 8 designs
Review general-studies current affairs and engineering ethics/standards material, writing 20 one-line factual notes
Complete a full-length Paper I mock section under timed conditions and mark every uncertain answer for review
Your checkpoint
A completed timed Paper I mock with a score breakdown by sub-topic and a prioritized list of the five weakest areas
Communication Systems (Analog and Digital) & Signals and Systems
Compute AM, FM, and PM modulation index, bandwidth, and power distribution for 12 analog communication problems
Analyze sampling, quantization, PCM, and delta modulation: compute bit rate, SNR, and quantization error for 8 digital communication links
Apply LTI system properties (linearity, time-invariance, causality, stability) and convolution (continuous and discrete) to 10 system problems
Evaluate noise performance: compute noise figure, equivalent noise temperature, and SNR for cascaded stages in 5 receiver chains
Your checkpoint
A communications problem set of 25 fully worked items with a summary table of modulation schemes and their bandwidth/SNR trade-offs
Electromagnetics and Antennas & Control Systems
Apply Maxwell's equations to derive and use boundary conditions, wave propagation, and Poynting vector results in 10 problems
Analyze transmission lines: compute characteristic impedance, reflection coefficient, VSWR, and Smith-chart-based matching for 8 lines
Design basic antennas (dipole, monopole, array factor) and compute gain, directivity, and radiation resistance for 6 cases
Derive transfer functions and use Routh-Hurwitz, root locus, and Bode plots to assess stability and steady-state error for 10 systems
Your checkpoint
An electromagnetics-and-controls workbook of 34 solved problems, including 6 hand-plotted Bode/root-locus sketches and 4 Smith-chart matching solutions
Measurements and Instrumentation & Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and Computer Fundamentals
Solve 15 measurement problems on bridges (Wheatstone, Maxwell, Hay), potentiometers, and error/uncertainty analysis
Select and specify instruments (CRO, DMM, transducers, strain gauges, thermocouples) for 8 given measurement scenarios with justification
Write and trace 8085/8051 assembly programs for arithmetic, data transfer, and delay loops, and compute timing for 6 programs
Explain memory interfacing, addressing modes, interrupts, and peripheral interfacing (8255, 8253) with 10 short analytical answers
Your checkpoint
A measurements-and-microprocessors answer booklet containing 15 bridge/error solutions, 6 traced assembly listings, and 10 interfacing explanations
General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) & Analog and Digital Circuits & Communication Systems (Analog and Digital)
Take two full-length timed mock exams covering all ten domains and record per-domain accuracy for each
Re-solve every missed item from weeks 1-7 and write a one-line root cause for each error
Condense all domain formula sheets into a single two-page revision card set
Rehearse high-yield Paper I topics (aptitude shortcuts, ethics, standards, current affairs) for 90 minutes of rapid recall
Your checkpoint
A final two-mock score report with per-domain accuracy, a corrected-error log, and a completed two-page revision card set
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 60% on the timed 20-item aptitude set and correctly solve 8 of 10 BJT/MOSFET bias circuits without notes
Week 4: Complete the timed Paper I mock with at least 55% overall and no sub-topic below 40%; the five weakest areas are documented
Week 6: Solve at least 80% of the week's electromagnetics and control problems correctly, including 4 Smith-chart matching and 6 Bode/root-locus plots
Week 8: Achieve at least 65% overall on both full-length mocks with every domain at or above 50%, and show a reduced repeat-error rate versus the week 4 mock