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GATE vs IES: Key Differences"Every decision you make is a trade-off between what you want now and what you want most." - Tim Ferriss

The ultimate choice between IES and GATE depends on one's personal goals and aspirations. IES offers a secure and stable career in the government sector, while GATE opens doors to high-paying jobs in PSUs and opportunities for research. The decision to take either IES or GATE should be based on where your passions lie, and what kind of career path you envision for yourself.
Make an informed choice for your future by exploring the differences between IES and GATE exams through this informative article by EduRev.

GATE vs IES: Key Highlights

Analogy

ESE

GATE

PURPOSE

Recruitment test :
For central government jobs
(Govt. of India) in various Engineering Departments.

Entrance test :

For admissions to higher education

  • ME/ M. Tech / MS / Ph.d
  • PG Diploma in Mgnt.

For jobs in

  • PSUs

WHO CONDUCTS?

UPSC, New Delhi

IISc Bengaluru / Any of seven old IITs

SYLLABUS

Almost Maximum of
Engineering Graduate Syllabus + GS
and Engineering Aptitude.

Part of Engineering Graduate Syllabus + Numerical
and Verbal Ability.

EXAM PAPERS

ESE exam is conducted in four streams

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engg.
  • Electrical Engg.
  • E&TC Engineering.

GATE exam is conducted in 27 Papers. (as per GATE 2020)
including both Engineering and Non-Engineering.

EXAMINATION MODE

Offline Exam

Online (CBT) Exam.

EXAM PATTERN

ESE exam is of 3 tier

  • Preliminary (obj. type) 500 marks
  • Mains (Conventional type) 600 marks
  • Personal Interview 200 marks.

GATE exam is of only Objective type questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

Numerical answer Questions.

Multiple Select Questions

USE OF CALCULATOR

  • Is not allowed in Preliminary examination.
  • Is allowed in Main examination.

Virtual calculator will be provided
(Physical programmable calculator not allowed).

NEGATIVE MARKS?

  • 1/3 of marks allotted in prelims.
  • No negative marks in Main examination.
  • 1/3 of marks allotted for Multiple choice Questions.
  • No negative marks for Numerical answer questions.
  • No Negative marks for Multiple Select Questions.

TIME DURATION

Prelims (one day – two sessions)

  • GS & EA
  • (2 hr, 100 Questions, 200 marks)
  • (Technical 3 hours 150 Questions 300 marks)

Main exam:
Two sessions of each three hours one of the 4 streams
mentioned above on same day. 300 Marks for each.

3 hours (One specified session on a particular day)
100 Marks (30 One mark + 35 two marks)

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

  • Prelims more of conceptual based, majority theoretical
    questions from wide spectrum of the syllabus.
  • Main is more of numerical oriented.
  • More numerical oriented.
  • Stronger fundamentals (basic concepts).
  • Application based.

TIME MANAGEMENT

  • In prelims for one question approximately 1.2 minutes
    is available.Hence, speed and accuracy are important.
  • Need not run for all questions.
  • In main conventional papers being QCAB format, Practice
    of writing with in the available space in the available time
    is a deciding factor.
  • In GATE exam, approximately 1.8 minutes is available
    for one mark question, 3.6 minutes for two marks
    question are available.
  • On an average 2.7 minutes per question are available. Hence,
    Time is not the major constraint compared to ESE Prelims.

COMPETITION RATIO

  • Competition ratio in terms of the number of vacancies
    versus the number of candidates appearing the examination
    is about 1:300.
  • From Prelims exam the qualifying ratio varies from 1: 6 to 1:8
    for main examination.
  • From main exam the qualifying ratio to personal interview is about
    1:2 to 1:2.5

Competition ratio in terms of the number of candidates
qualified versus the number of candidates appearing the
examination is nearly 1:7. (approximately 15% of the
candidates appearing). Hence, qualifying in GATE exam
is relatively easy compared to ESE.

GATE vs IES : Exam Pattern

The GATE and ESE exams have distinct testing styles. GATE is a one-day intense exam , whereas ESE requires a sustained effort similar to a test match. To maximize your chances of success, carefully review the exam patterns of both exams and choose the one that best aligns with your strengths and abilities.
GATE vs IES: Key Differences
You should also read: GATE Exam Pattern: Key Details and Information of 2024 Exam Pattern

You may also like: Validity of GATE Scores

What are the Benefits of Preparing for GATE and IES/ESE?

GATE and IES exams offer opportunities for career advancement, prestige, financial benefits, job security, and opportunities for research or public service. Clearing these exams is considered a measure of technical and engineering knowledge and is highly regarded in the industry.
To gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available after clearing the GATE and IES exams, continue to read "Post GATE Exam: Opportunities and Career Paths" and "What's Next After Clearing the IES Exam?" This will provide comprehensive information on the various career paths and opportunities that become available after successfully clearing these exams.

Opportunities after GATE Exam

Admissions in Postgraduate Programs

  • Clearing the GATE exam and obtaining a high score is an important first step in the admission process for post-graduate programs in engineering and technology at top institutions such as the IITs, IISC, and NITs.
  • To be eligible for admission, candidates must first qualify for the GATE exam and meet the cut-off score for the individual college.
  • The admission process typically includes a GATE score evaluation followed by an interview stage for final selection. Institutions such as IISC and IITs use the COAP portal for admission, while NITs use the CCMT portal.
  • MS programs at IITs, in particular, are highly competitive and admission is primarily based on the candidate's research capability, with interviews taking precedence over GATE scores or grades. To maximize chances of obtaining an MS position at an IIT, candidates should focus on demonstrating strong research potential.

Admissions in Doctoral Programs

  • Pursuing a PhD is now possible with a B.Tech degree and does not require an MTech. Joining a PhD program offers several benefits, including opportunities for international research, research assistantship during the course, and eligibility for Assistant Professor positions at IITs and IIITs.
  • The admission process for a PhD program involves submitting a valid GATE score along with a statement of purpose (SOP) and potentially facing an interview panel, depending on the candidate's area of interest.

Public Sector Undertakings Jobs

  • The popularity of the GATE exam has increased significantly after several PSUs signed an MOU with IITs for recruitment purposes. Clearing GATE with a high score can open up opportunities for direct government positions in these PSUs.
  • The benefits of PSU jobs are attractive, including high salary packages, a good work-life balance, subsidised rates for extra benefits, and opportunities for further education.

Careers and Opportunities after GATE Exam

  • Candidates who qualify for the IES exam are assigned to various departments based on their final merit ranking.
  • Upon successful completion, candidates receive a letter of notification from the President about their training and are invited to various locations across the country for further development. The journey as an IES officer is a remarkable experience in itself, providing ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • An IES officer's salary is competitive and often surpasses that of the private sector. Additionally, officers receive Dearness Allowance to mitigate the effects of market inflation, making the compensation package even more attractive.
  • When combined with the other benefits and privileges of the position, IES officers enjoy a superior standard of living compared to other employment opportunities in the country.

GATE vs IES: Key Differences

The following are the departments available for candidates who have taken the IES exam and specialize in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Telecommunications engineering:

GATE vs IES: Key Differences
GATE vs IES: Key Differences

GATE vs IES : Comparing Difficulty Levels

  • The difficulty level of GATE and IES exams can vary depending on an individual's strengths and weaknesses. 
  • However, generally speaking, the GATE exam is considered to be more difficult due to its emphasis on critical thinking and concept-based questions, whereas IES exams are more formula-based. 
  • The IES exam also has a selection process that tests both academic and personality brilliance, making it a more comprehensive evaluation. 
  • Ultimately, the difficulty level for both exams can vary for different individuals and it's recommended to assess one's own strengths and weaknesses before deciding which exam to take.

Can you Prepare for GATE Along with IES?

The relationship between performance in GATE and IES exams is not necessarily dependent on each other. However, preparing for GATE can improve one's concepts, which can benefit performance in a formula-based exam like IES. The key to success in both exams is consistent practice, including solving previous year's questions and taking mock tests.
By consistently putting in effort in this way, one can increase their chances of performing well in both GATE and IES exams.
Being ambitious is not always a negative trait, channel your drive in a productive manner, maintain focus, and you can attain any goal you set your mind to.

How to Prepare for GATE with EduRev Infinity?

Preparing for GATE with EduRev Infinity can be beneficial because it offers a wide range of study materials such as video lectures, practice questions, mock tests and interactive platform which can aid in understanding the subject matter, evaluating one's own performance and seeking help from experienced educators and other students.
EduRev can help you to stay organized and focused throughout the preparation.
Watch the Video to know more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azcbi8DMnpU

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on GATE vs IES Exam

Is IES tougher than GATE?

The competition level for the IES exam is significantly higher than the GATE exam, with a competition ratio of 1:300 candidates to vacancies. In contrast, the GATE exam is considered less competitive.

Which is better IES or GATE?

The GATE exam is more demanding and demanding than the IES exam, requiring a deeper understanding and application of multiple concepts to solve its questions. The level of difficulty of the questions demands a lot of time and effort from the students. On the other hand, the IES exam tends to be more straightforward, with many questions that can be answered using a single formula or concept.

Is IES and GATE syllabus same?

The syllabus for the IES and GATE exams is largely similar, with minor variations. Despite the similarities, the level of competition in these exams varies, with the IES being more challenging to clear. Thus, before embarking on the preparation process, it is crucial to be familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus of the chosen exam.

Is GATE necessary for IES?

No, GATE is not necessary for IES. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate engineering programs and also for recruiting engineers in public sector companies in India. IES (Indian Engineering Services) is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various engineering posts in the government sector in India. Although the syllabus for both exams is largely similar, passing GATE is not a requirement for appearing in the IES exam.

Is GATE coaching enough for IES?

Yes, to some extent GATE coaching can be useful for IES preparation. Approximately 60% of the IES syllabus is covered by the GATE syllabus. However, to clear the IES exam, one still needs to prepare additional subjects. The difference between the GATE and IES exams is that GATE requires a deeper understanding and analysis of key subjects, whereas the IES exam tests a wider range of topics in greater depth. Thus, while GATE coaching can serve as a foundation for IES preparation, additional preparation may still be necessary.

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