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All over preparation for IES is easy we can say even compared with GATE. Let us start with the difference in preparation for GATE and IES. For GATE, around 5 technical important subjects with Maths and Quantitative Aptitude may be sufficient to crack 95 to 98 percentile. We may have to even work out Exercise problems also for those subjects and may have to study multiple books for the same topic. But for Engg Service Exam (ESE), we may need not practice Exercise problems or may need not study multiple books for the same topic. Instead we may have to study multiple books for the same subject but for not same topic.
We need only 50% of marks from the written test. All over to write 20 to 25% questions, we need not prepare anything. Those will be that much easy. Around 40 to 50% of questions will be average standard which need preparation. Remaining questions may be difficult, for that above average to extreme preparation may be needed. Again, for ES exam, 30 to 35% questions (At least models) will be repetitive from Old question papers. So, we need to analyze old question papers starting from General Studies to Descriptive papers from 2004. Now, is it difficult to get 50% of marks IF WE PLAN PROPERLY?
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! Mantra. All you have to do is practice that's all for IES. You have to do same example problems thrice. You have to read same topic in the SAME book thrice. You are done. You can expect IES. Frankly IES don't need any talent, but perseverance and consistency in preparation.
About Objective paper: For objective papers we recommend preparing all subjects. For Electricals communications may be difficult or for Telecommunications Material science/Power Electronics may be difficult. But prepare those subjects also at least to Basic level. If you are unable to understand B.Tech books, go for Diploma books. You will be able to follow those and then try for graduation standard books. But don't leave any subject. Old question papers from 2004, you have to prepare, least mug up those in few areas. Also prepare old civil services preliminary exam questions for objective.
About Descriptive papers: For descriptive we need to practice a lot. See 3 to 4 subjects which are important/which is carrying more weightage. Prepare all example problems; solve all old question papers for these subjects. For other subject prepare at basic level.
Objective is more important than Descriptive papers (THERE ARE NO MERCY MARKs)

The work
As a Merchant Navy engineering officer, you would operate and maintain the machinery and support systems on a ship, both above and below deck. You would work with the engines, ventilation systems, navigation and communications equipment, and deck fittings such as cranes, hoists and landing craft.
Your job would be graded according to your experience and qualifications, with each grade having slightly different responsibilities:
Chief Engineer – overall authority for planning engineering tasks and allocating staff
Second Engineer – supervising the day-to-day duties of staff and engine crew
Third Engineer – assisting the second officer and looking after electrical systems and machinery
Junior/Fourth Engineer – carrying out general machinery maintenance. This is often the first posting for an officer trainee.
Whatever your engineering grade, your duties would include:
running scheduled maintenance checks on machinery and systems
responding to equipment failure alerts and repairing faults
maintaining fuel levels and stocks of spare parts
updating record management systems
mentoring and supporting trainees.
In the Merchant Navy, you could work on passenger ferries, cruise liners, container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, and salvage and supply vessels. In the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (civilian-crewed ships that support the Royal Navy), you could have responsibility for weapons maintenance.
Hours
You would work shifts, known as 'watches', which would vary according to the size of the ship. On a large vessel, you might work four hours on duty followed by eight hours off.
The amount of time you would spend at sea could last from a few days or weeks to several months. Your shore leave between voyages would also vary in length. You would spend most of your shift in the engine control room and the engine room. You may also have to work in uncomfortable conditions, like confined spaces in the vessel's hull or refrigerated areas.
If you are with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, you may be required to work in conflict zones.
Income
Sponsored trainee salaries are usually around £8,000 a year. Newly qualified engineering officers earn around £25,000 a year. Experienced officers earn from £26,000 to £50,000. Chief engineering officers can earn between £32,000 and £65,000.
The employer will pay for food and accommodation at sea, and some travel costs when ashore.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.