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Key Facts: Concours ATS Exam

~50 schools

Engineering schools recruiting through the Concours ATS

Arts et Métiers

~1,000

Candidates sitting the Concours ATS each year

Arts et Métiers

95 €

Fixed fee (47,50 € boursiers; free for pupilles), plus per-school fees

Concours ATS 2026

4–6 May 2026

Written papers, sat in the lycées hosting ATS classes

Arts et Métiers 2026

22–27 June 2026

Common orals on the Arts et Métiers Paris campus

Concours ATS 2026

Calculators banned

Forbidden in the 3-hour maths and 3-hour physics papers

Concours ATS règlement

France's national competitive gateway for BTS/DUT/BUT technicians completing the 1-year CPGE ATS preparatory class, leading to ~50 top engineering schools (Arts et Métiers, Centrale, Mines-Télécom, Polytech) via rigorous written papers (maths, physics, industrial sciences/civil engineering, French, English) and Paris-based oral exams.

Sample Concours ATS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Concours ATS exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the unique solution to the first-order linear differential equation y' + 2y = 4x satisfying the initial condition y(0) = 1?
A.y(x) = 2 e^(-2x) + 2x - 1
B.y(x) = e^(-2x) + 2x
C.y(x) = 3 e^(-2x) + 2x - 2
D.y(x) = 2 e^(2x) - 2x - 1
Explanation: The homogeneous equation y' + 2y = 0 has general solution y_h(x) = C e^(-2x). A particular solution of the form y_p(x) = ax + b gives y_p' = a; substituting yields a + 2(ax + b) = 2ax + (a + 2b) = 4x, so 2a = 4 (a = 2) and a + 2b = 0 (b = -1). Thus y(x) = C e^(-2x) + 2x - 1. Applying y(0) = C - 1 = 1 yields C = 2, giving y(x) = 2 e^(-2x) + 2x - 1.
2What is the general real solution to the homogeneous second-order linear differential equation y'' + 4y' + 13y = 0?
A.y(x) = e^(2x) [A cos(3x) + B sin(3x)]
B.y(x) = e^(-2x) [A cos(3x) + B sin(3x)]
C.y(x) = A e^(-2x) + B e^(-3x)
D.y(x) = e^(-4x) [A cos(13x) + B sin(13x)]
Explanation: The characteristic equation is r^2 + 4r + 13 = 0. Its discriminant is Delta = 4^2 - 4(1)(13) = 16 - 52 = -36 = (6i)^2. The complex conjugate roots are r = (-4 +- 6i)/2 = -2 +- 3i. Therefore, the general real solution is y(x) = e^(-2x) [A cos(3x) + B sin(3x)], where A and B are real arbitrary constants.
3Which function represents a particular solution y_p(x) to the resonant differential equation y'' + 9y = 6 cos(3x)?
A.y_p(x) = cos(3x)
B.y_p(x) = x cos(3x)
C.y_p(x) = x sin(3x)
D.y_p(x) = 2x sin(3x)
Explanation: The characteristic roots of y'' + 9y = 0 are r = +-3i. Because the excitation frequency omega = 3 matches the natural frequency, resonance occurs. We seek a particular solution of the form y_p(x) = x(A cos(3x) + B sin(3x)). Differentiating twice gives y_p'' + 9y_p = -6A sin(3x) + 6B cos(3x). Setting this equal to 6 cos(3x) yields -6A = 0 (A = 0) and 6B = 6 (B = 1), so y_p(x) = x sin(3x).
4What is the determinant of the 3x3 matrix A = [[2, 1, 3], [0, -1, 4], [1, 2, 0]]?
A.-15
B.7
C.0
D.-9
Explanation: Expanding along the first row: det(A) = 2 * [(-1)(0) - (4)(2)] - 1 * [(0)(0) - (4)(1)] + 3 * [(0)(2) - (-1)(1)]. Evaluating each 2x2 minor: 2 * (-8) - 1 * (-4) + 3 * (1) = -16 + 4 + 3 = -9.
5What are the eigenvalues of the real matrix M = [[4, 2], [1, 3]]?
A.lambda_1 = 2 and lambda_2 = 5
B.lambda_1 = 1 and lambda_2 = 6
C.lambda_1 = 3 and lambda_2 = 4
D.lambda_1 = -2 and lambda_2 = -5
Explanation: The characteristic polynomial is det(M - lambda I) = (4 - lambda)(3 - lambda) - (2)(1) = lambda^2 - 7 lambda + 12 - 2 = lambda^2 - 7 lambda + 10. Factoring gives (lambda - 2)(lambda - 5) = 0, yielding eigenvalues lambda_1 = 2 and lambda_2 = 5. Note that Tr(M) = 4 + 3 = 7 = 2 + 5 and det(M) = 10 = 2 * 5.
6For the matrix M = [[4, 2], [1, 3]], which vector is an eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue lambda = 5?
A.v = (1, -1)^T
B.v = (2, 1)^T
C.v = (1, 2)^T
D.v = (-1, 2)^T
Explanation: An eigenvector satisfies (M - 5I) v = 0. We set up [[4 - 5, 2], [1, 3 - 5]] [x, y]^T = [[-1, 2], [1, -2]] [x, y]^T = [0, 0]^T. Both rows give -x + 2y = 0, so x = 2y. Choosing y = 1 yields v = (2, 1)^T. Testing: M v = [[4, 2], [1, 3]] [2, 1]^T = [10, 5]^T = 5 [2, 1]^T.
7Let A = P D P^(-1) where D = diag(1, 2) and P = [[1, 1], [0, 1]]. What is the matrix power A^4?
A.[[1, 16], [0, 16]]
B.[[1, 8], [0, 16]]
C.[[1, 15], [0, 16]]
D.[[4, 30], [0, 32]]
Explanation: Since A = P D P^(-1), we have A^4 = P D^4 P^(-1). Here D^4 = diag(1^4, 2^4) = diag(1, 16). The inverse of P is P^(-1) = [[1, -1], [0, 1]]. Computing the product: P D^4 = [[1, 1], [0, 1]] [[1, 0], [0, 16]] = [[1, 16], [0, 16]]. Then A^4 = [[1, 16], [0, 16]] [[1, -1], [0, 1]] = [[1*1 + 16*0, 1*(-1) + 16*1], [0*1 + 16*0, 0*(-1) + 16*1]] = [[1, 15], [0, 16]].
8Let A be a 4x4 real matrix such that rank(A) = 3. What are the values of det(A) and det(2A)?
A.det(A) = 3 and det(2A) = 48
B.det(A) = 0 and det(2A) = 8
C.det(A) = 1 and det(2A) = 16
D.det(A) = 0 and det(2A) = 0
Explanation: A square n x n matrix is invertible if and only if rank(A) = n. For a 4x4 matrix with rank(A) = 3 < 4, the columns are linearly dependent and A is not invertible, which implies det(A) = 0. Furthermore, by the scalar multiplication property of determinants for an n x n matrix, det(c A) = c^n det(A). Here det(2A) = 2^4 det(A) = 16 * 0 = 0.
9What is the Taylor expansion (développement limité) of f(x) = ln(1 + x) / (1 + x) at x = 0 to order 3?
A.f(x) = x - (3/2) x^2 + (11/6) x^3 + o(x^3)
B.f(x) = x - (1/2) x^2 + (1/3) x^3 + o(x^3)
C.f(x) = x - x^2 + x^3 + o(x^3)
D.f(x) = x - (3/2) x^2 + (7/6) x^3 + o(x^3)
Explanation: We use the standard expansions at x = 0: ln(1 + x) = x - x^2/2 + x^3/3 + o(x^3) and 1/(1 + x) = 1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + o(x^3). Multiplying the polynomials: f(x) = (x - x^2/2 + x^3/3)(1 - x + x^2) + o(x^3). Degree 1: x. Degree 2: -x^2 - x^2/2 = -(3/2) x^2. Degree 3: x^3 + x^3/2 + x^3/3 = (1 + 1/2 + 1/3) x^3 = (11/6) x^3. Hence f(x) = x - (3/2) x^2 + (11/6) x^3 + o(x^3).
10What is the radius of convergence R of the real power series sum_{n=1}^infty (3^n / n^2) x^(2n)?
A.R = 1/3
B.R = 1 / sqrt(3)
C.R = sqrt(3)
D.R = 3
Explanation: Let u_n = (3^n / n^2) x^(2n). Applying d'Alembert's ratio test: |u_{n+1} / u_n| = [3^(n+1) / (n+1)^2 * x^(2n+2)] / [3^n / n^2 * x^(2n)] = 3 * (n / (n+1))^2 * x^2. As n -> infty, this ratio approaches 3 x^2. For absolute convergence, we require 3 x^2 < 1, which implies x^2 < 1/3, or |x| < 1 / sqrt(3). Thus, the radius of convergence is R = 1 / sqrt(3) = sqrt(3)/3.

About the Concours ATS Exam

The Concours ATS (Adaptation Technicien Supérieur) is France's premier national competitive entrance examination specifically designed for graduates of two- or three-year technical higher education diplomas (BTS, DUT, and bachelor universitaire de technologie / BUT) who have completed the intensive one-year CPGE ATS preparatory class. Organised historically by ENSEA and officially transferred to Arts et Métiers (ENSAM) beginning with the 2026 session, the concours provides a dedicated pathway into approximately 50 prestigious French engineering grand écoles offering the national Diplôme d'Ingénieur accredited by the CTI (Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur). Each year, roughly 1,000 candidates compete for the ATS-reserved intake of renowned establishments including Arts et Métiers, ENSEA, Centrale Lyon, Centrale Nantes, Centrale Lille, Centrale Marseille, ESTP, the Mines-Télécom schools, INP Grenoble, Toulouse INP, Bordeaux INP, and the Polytech network. The competition features two specialized tracks: ATS Ingénierie (featuring Sciences Industrielles) and ATS Métiers de la Chimie / Génie Civil. Four written papers are common to all candidates: Mathématiques (3 hours, coefficient 3, calculators forbidden), Sciences Physiques (3 hours, coefficient 3, calculators forbidden), Français (4 hours, coefficient 2, synthesis and dissertation), and Langue Vivante Anglais (2 hours, coefficient 2), alongside the filière-specific technical paper (Sciences Industrielles or Génie Civil, 5 hours, coefficient 4). Candidates who achieve eligibility based on the written sessions (écrits held in early May in regional ATS centres) proceed to the oral examinations (oraux held late June at the Arts et Métiers Paris campus). Starting in 2026, an additional Voie 2 pathway (dossier review plus AUPE interview) operates alongside the traditional Voie 1 competitive examination.

Exam sponsor: Arts et Métiers (direction des concours et recrutements). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written phase (écrits) over three days, 4–6 May 2026, in the lycées hosting CPGE ATS classes: Mathématiques (3h, coef 3, calculators forbidden), Français (4h, coef 2), Sciences Physiques (3h, coef 3, calculators forbidden), Langue vivante — anglais (2h, coef 2), and one filière-specific paper, Sciences Industrielles or Génie Civil (5h, coef 4). Admissibilité is published on 6 June 2026; admissible candidates sit common orals in mathematics, sciences physiques, anglais and a filière-specific technical oral from 22 to 27 June 2026 on the Arts et Métiers Paris campus. From the 2026 session a second route (Voie 2, dossier plus AUPE interview) runs alongside the competitive Voie 1.

Time Limit

Written: 17 hours across 3 days (4-6 May 2026), plus oral examinations for admissible candidates (22-27 June 2026)

Passing Score

Competitive ranking based on written eligibility papers (écrits) and oral admission tests (oraux); intake quotas allocated across ~50 partner engineering schools.

Exam / Certification Fees

95 € (47,50 € for boursiers du gouvernement français; free for pupilles de la Nation)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Mathématiques

Linear differential equations (first and second order with constant coefficients), matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, matrix diagonalization, real power series, Taylor series expansions, double and triple integrals, and vector differential calculus (gradient, divergence, curl).

30%

Sciences Physiques

Newtonian mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, angular momentum theorem, harmonic oscillators, damped and forced resonance, thermodynamics (first and second laws, Carnot cycles, heat engines, entropy), electromagnetism (Gauss's law, Ampère's law, Faraday induction, RLC circuits), geometrical and wave optics, and fluid statics.

20%

Sciences Industrielles & Génie Civil

Mechanism kinematics (instantaneous centers of rotation, velocity addition), 3D static equilibrium using torseurs, strength of materials (RdM: tension, pure shear, torsion, bending moments, beam deflection), automatic control (Laplace transforms, open/closed loop transfer functions, Bode plots, stability margins), and structural mechanics/truss analysis.

10%

Français-Philosophie

Textual analysis, rhetorical argumentation, logical fallacies, stylistic devices, synthesis methodology, and philosophical essay structuring aligned with national CPGE themes.

10%

Anglais Technique

Specialized mechanical, electrical, materials, and civil engineering terminology, scientific reading comprehension, grammatical precision in technical reporting, and passive/active voice conversions in industrial contexts.

Preparing for the Concours ATS Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Competitive ranking based on written eligibility papers (écrits) and oral admission tests (oraux); intake quotas allocated across ~50 partner engineering schools.
  • Assessment: Written phase (écrits) over three days, 4–6 May 2026, in the lycées hosting CPGE ATS classes: Mathématiques (3h, coef 3, calculators forbidden), Français (4h, coef 2), Sciences Physiques (3h, coef 3, calculators forbidden), Langue vivante — anglais (2h, coef 2), and one filière-specific paper, Sciences Industrielles or Génie Civil (5h, coef 4). Admissibilité is published on 6 June 2026; admissible candidates sit common orals in mathematics, sciences physiques, anglais and a filière-specific technical oral from 22 to 27 June 2026 on the Arts et Métiers Paris campus. From the 2026 session a second route (Voie 2, dossier plus AUPE interview) runs alongside the competitive Voie 1.
  • Time limit: Written: 17 hours across 3 days (4-6 May 2026), plus oral examinations for admissible candidates (22-27 June 2026)
  • Exam / certification fees: 95 € (47,50 € for boursiers du gouvernement français; free for pupilles de la Nation) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
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Concours ATS: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice mental arithmetic and manual approximation techniques since calculators are prohibited in the mathematics and physics written papers.
2Master 2nd order linear ODEs with constant coefficients: characteristic equations, underdamped/overdamped cases, and the method of undetermined coefficients for particular solutions.
3Work extensively on linear algebra: computing determinants using Laplace row/column expansions, finding characteristic polynomials, and diagonalizing 3x3 matrices.
4Review classical mechanics: apply the angular momentum theorem (théorème du moment cinétique) and energy conservation to rotating rigid bodies.
5Consolidate thermodynamics cycles: calculate work and heat exchange for isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric steps, and compute Carnot efficiency (1 - T_c / T_h).
6In industrial sciences (Sciences Industrielles), master planar kinematics (centre instantané de rotation - CIR) and 3x3 wrench/torseur reductions at various points.
7Review automatic control: obtain Laplace transfer functions H(s), calculate natural frequency omega_0 and damping ratio zeta, and determine gain and phase margins on Bode plots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Concours ATS and who is eligible to compete?

The Concours ATS (Adaptation Technicien Supérieur) is a national competitive examination designed specifically for holders of technical post-secondary diplomas (BTS, DUT, or BUT in industrial or scientific disciplines) who are enrolled in a one-year CPGE ATS preparatory course. It offers a direct pathway to over 40 to 50 public and private French engineering grand écoles awarding the accredited Diplôme d'Ingénieur.

Who organizes the Concours ATS in 2026?

Starting with the 2026 session, the administration and organization of the Concours ATS transferred from ENSEA (Cergy) to Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), which manages the registration, written test coordination, Parisian oral examinations, and ranking algorithms through its direction des concours et recrutements.

What are the written papers and their durations and coefficients?

The written eligibility phase (écrits) comprises five papers held over three days: Mathématiques (3 hours, coefficient 3), Sciences Physiques (3 hours, coefficient 3), Français (4 hours, coefficient 2), Langue Vivante Anglais (2 hours, coefficient 2), and either Sciences Industrielles (for ATS Ingénierie) or Génie Civil (for ATS Génie Civil), lasting 3 to 4 hours with coefficient 3.

Are calculators allowed in the Concours ATS written exams?

Calculators are strictly forbidden in both the Mathématiques and Sciences Physiques written papers. All numerical expressions, approximations, and calculations must be performed entirely by hand, emphasizing algebraic rigor and numerical fluency.

What is the difference between Voie 1 and Voie 2 introduced in 2026?

Voie 1 is the classical competitive route combining written eligibility papers in regional lycées with oral admission examinations on the Arts et Métiers Paris campus. Voie 2 is an alternative recruitment track introduced in 2026 that evaluates candidates on academic dossier and an AUPE (Audition Universitaire Professionnelle d'Entrée) interview.

Which engineering schools recruit through the Concours ATS?

Approximately 50 engineering schools offer seats via the Concours ATS, including Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), ENSEA, Centrale Lyon, Centrale Nantes, Centrale Lille, Centrale Marseille, ESTP, Mines-Télécom schools (such as IMT Atlantique, Mines Albi, Mines Alès, Mines Douai), INP Grenoble, Toulouse INP, Bordeaux INP, and the Polytech network.

How is this practice bank structured compared to the real Concours ATS?

The official Concours ATS consists of long-form written synthesis, open-ended mathematical and physical proofs, and technical engineering problems in French, followed by oral boards. This practice bank is an English-language multiple-choice question (MCQ) study adaptation featuring genuine quantitative calculations and conceptual problems designed to reinforce core ATS syllabus competencies.

What are the registration fees for the Concours ATS?

The standard registration fee for the Concours ATS is 95 €. French government scholarship holders (boursiers de l'État) pay a reduced fee of 47,50 € (50% reduction), and pupilles de la Nation are exempt from registration fees.