ESE ME Prelims study plan
ESE ME Prelims · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Derive and apply the continuity, momentum, and Bernoulli equations to solve pipe-flow and nozzle problems without notes
Classify flow regimes using Reynolds number and compute friction factor via Moody chart and Colebrook correlation
Compute hydrostatic forces on plane and curved submerged surfaces, including center of pressure
Set up dimensional-analysis problems using Buckingham Pi theorem and identify dimensionless groups (Re, Eu, Fr)
Your checkpoint
A handwritten formula-and-method sheet for fluid mechanics plus 30 solved numericals graded against a self-made answer key, with at least 85% correct
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Apply the first and second laws to closed and open systems, including steady-flow energy equation for turbines, compressors, and nozzles
Solve Rankine, Brayton, and Otto/Diesel cycle problems for efficiency and work output
Use psychrometric relations to compute humidity ratio, enthalpy, and dew point for air-water mixtures
Compute entropy change and exergy destruction for representative irreversible processes
Your checkpoint
A one-page thermodynamic property-relation summary plus 25 cycle and property problems solved under timed conditions (90 minutes)
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Solve steady and transient 1-D conduction problems with and without internal heat generation
Apply lumped-capacitance analysis and calculate Biot number to justify its use
Compute convective heat-transfer coefficients using standard Nusselt correlations for internal and external flow
Calculate radiation exchange between gray surfaces using view factors and the Stefan-Boltzmann law
Estimate LMTD and effectiveness for simple heat exchangers
Your checkpoint
A solved-problem portfolio of 20 heat-transfer numericals covering all three modes, with a one-page correlation cheat sheet
Engineering Aptitude and General Principles & Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Solve stress-strain, bending, torsion, and combined-loading problems including Mohr's circle construction
Compute principal stresses, buckling loads via Euler formula, and deflections for standard beam cases
Apply engineering-mathematics tools (linear algebra, calculus, probability basics) to short quantitative aptitude items
Interpret data-sufficiency and numerical-reasoning question stems accurately under time pressure
Your checkpoint
A 60-question mixed mock covering strength of materials and engineering aptitude, scored and error-logged by cause (concept, formula, calculation, misread)
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Analyze planar mechanisms using instantaneous centers and velocity/acceleration polygons
Compute gear-train ratios, epicyclic gear speeds, and cam-follower displacement for standard profiles
Balance rotating and reciprocating masses and evaluate flywheel energy fluctuation
Design shafts, keys, and couplings for combined bending and torsion using standard failure theories
Your checkpoint
Ten mechanism-and-design numericals fully drawn and solved, plus a labeled diagram set for velocity and acceleration analysis
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Select and specify manufacturing processes (casting, forging, welding, machining) for given part requirements
Compute machining time, material removal rate, and tool life using Taylor's equation
Solve metal-cutting force and surface-finish problems and identify defect causes in casting and welding
Apply tolerances, fits, and limit gauging to inspection scenarios
Your checkpoint
A process-selection decision table for 15 realistic part descriptions plus 20 manufacturing numericals solved with working shown
Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Solve forecasting, EOQ, and inventory-control problems including safety stock and reorder point
Apply CPM/PERT to compute critical path, floats, and project completion probability
Compute line-balancing efficiency, work-study time standards, and productivity indices
Evaluate replacement, break-even, and make-or-buy decisions quantitatively
Your checkpoint
Two complete CPM/PERT networks drawn and solved plus a 25-question industrial-engineering quiz scored at 80% or above
Engineering Aptitude and General Principles & Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines, Machine Design, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing and Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering)
Complete three full-length timed mock papers under exam conditions and score each
Re-solve every missed question from weeks 1-7 error logs until each is correct without reference
Condense all formula sheets into a single two-page rapid-revision card per domain
Rehearse time-allocation strategy per section and confirm accuracy targets are met
Your checkpoint
A final error-log review showing all previously missed items re-solved correctly, plus a personal two-page formula card per domain and a mock-score trend chart
Milestones
Week 2: Solve 20 mixed fluid-mechanics and thermodynamics questions in 60 minutes with at least 75% accuracy; if below, redo week 1-2 formula derivations before proceeding
Week 4: Score at least 60% on the 60-question strength-of-materials and aptitude mock, and confirm every error is tagged with a cause in the error log
Week 6: Complete a 40-question combined mock covering design, theory of machines, and manufacturing with at least 65% accuracy and no unresolved conceptual gaps
Week 8: Achieve at least 70% on the final full-length mock with all sections attempted, and verify the two-page formula cards cover every formula used in mocks