Purpose: GATE primarily serves as an entrance exam for postgraduate programs (M.Tech/MS/Ph.D.) in engineering and technology.
Difficulty: GATE questions are often conceptual and theoretical. The difficulty level varies among different subjects and disciplines.
Syllabus: GATE covers a comprehensive range of topics from the undergraduate engineering curriculum.
Purpose: ESE is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineers for various services of the Government of India.
Difficulty: ESE is generally considered more challenging due to its comprehensive syllabus. The exam includes both objective and conventional (essay-type) papers.
Syllabus: ESE has a broader syllabus compared to GATE. It encompasses subjects related to engineering disciplines, general studies, and engineering aptitude.