  We propose a new search strategy based on the event shape variables for new
physics models where the separations among the masses of the particles in the
spectrum are small. Collider signature of these models, characterised by low
$p_T$ leptons/jets and low missing $p_T$, are known to be difficult to look
for. The conventional search strategies involving hard cuts may not work in
such situations. As a case study, we have investigated the hitherto neglected
jets + missing $E_T$ signature -known to be a challenging one - arising from
the pair productions and decay of $n =1$ KK-excitations of gluons and quarks in
the minimal Universal Extra Dimension (mUED) model. Judicious use of the event
shape variables, enables us to reduce the Standard Model backgrounds to a
negligible level . We have shown that in mUED, $R^{-1}$ upto $850 ~\rm GeV$,
can be explored or ruled out with 12 fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity at the
7 TeV run of the LHC. We also discuss the prospects of employing these
variables for searching other beyond standard model physics with compressed or
partially compressed spectra.
