Last time. the essay was on Energy Crises in Pakistan. There was no negative marking. test was not so easy... Maths and Eco section were tricky, but not difficult. Time management is the key here.
i appeared last year and made it till the final interview (2nd one) and then got rejected :P, because i had a bachelors degree ( though, hons) but they objected that ill leave job after 2,3 years for masters :/..though i didnt say that.
anyways . last year after the test there were around 70 candidates shorlisted for first interview , and den 24 for 2nd ..and arnd 15 were selected from LHR region.
22k during training and 25 to the first 5 position holders.
bond of 3 years.
Hope it helps :-)
best of luck everyone..!!