UPSC ESE Syllabus and Exam Pattern

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Author at PW

June 17, 2025

If you're preparing for the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE), also known as IES, you likely need to know the UPSC ESE syllabus, ESE exam pattern, or UPSC ESE 2025 syllabus. This exam opens doors to top engineering jobs in various government departments. We break it down for you UPSC ESE syllabus and exam pattern. The exam conducts the Engineering Services Examination every year. People also call it IES (Indian Engineering Services).

Check Out: ESE Books

Learn ESE Exam Pattern

The ESE exam pattern has three main stages. Each stage tests different skills of the candidates. To clear the UPSC ESE exam, candidates must pass through three stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Stage-I)

This stage has two papers, both held on the same day.

Paper-I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
Marks: 200
Time: 2 hours

Covers general knowledge, reasoning, current issues, and basic engineering concepts.

Paper-II: Technical Paper Based on Your Engineering Discipline
Marks: 300
Time: 3 hours

Questions are based on your chosen stream (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics).

Total Marks in Prelims: 500
Question Type: Objective (MCQs)

Negative Marking: Yes. 1/3rd marks are cut for every wrong answer.

The total marks for the preliminary exam are 500. Both papers use objective-type questions. There is negative marking for wrong answers.

2. Main Exam (Stage-II)

Only those who qualify in the prelims can take this stage.

Paper-I (Conventional): Based on engineering discipline

Marks: 300
Time: 3 hours
Paper-II (Conventional): Continuation of technical subjects
Marks: 300
Time: 3 hours
Total Marks in Mains: 600
Question Type: Descriptive (Write long answers)
Medium: English only

The total marks for the main exam are 600. These papers need detailed written answers.

3. Personality Test (Stage-III)

Also known as the Interview Round.

Marks: 200

This round tests your communication, decision-making, personality, and awareness

Check Out: GATE & ESE Books

UPSC ESE Syllabus 2025: What to Study

Let’s now understand the UPSC ESE syllabus in a clear and structured way. The IES syllabus is divided into:

General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (common to all branches)
Technical Subjects (based on your stream)

General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Paper-I of Prelims)

This section is common to all candidates, regardless of engineering branch.

Key Topics in ESE Syllabus (GS Paper)
Current issues (national and international)
Engineering aptitude (logical reasoning, basic math)
Engineering ethics (values, responsibility)
Project management (basic tools and methods)
Material science basics
Environmental science (climate change, energy)
ICT tools (technology in engineering)
Drawing & safety basics
Quality control and standards

This paper needs a wide awareness of both technical and non-technical topics.

Technical Syllabus for Engineering Disciplines

The UPSC ESE 2025 syllabus has different content for different branches. Below is a short look at the important topics.

Civil Engineering

Paper-I (Prelims + Mains)

Building Materials
Structural Analysis
Solid Mechanics
Design of Steel Structures
Design of Concrete and Masonry Structures
Construction Practice & Management

Paper-II (Only Mains)

Fluid Mechanics
Hydrology
Water Resources Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
Surveying
Transportation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Paper-I

Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Internal Combustion Engines
Power Plant Engineering

Paper-II

Strength of Materials
Theory of Machines
Manufacturing Science
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics and Robotics

Check Out: UPSC ESE Civil Engineering Previous Years Solved Questions

Electrical Engineering

Paper-I

Circuit Theory
Control Systems
Signals and Systems
Electrical Machines
Power Systems

Paper-II

Analog & Digital Electronics
Power Electronics
Electrical & Electronic Measurements
Microprocessors
Renewable Energy System

Check Out: UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Previous Years Solved Questions

Electronics & Telecommunication

Paper-I

Networks
Control Systems
Signals and Systems
Communications
Electromagnetics

Paper-II

Electronic Devices
Digital Circuits
Analog Circuits
Microprocessors
Computer

Check Out: UPSC ESE Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Previous Years Solved Questions

Civil Engineering Syllabus Details

Paper 1 Topics:

Building Materials

Types of construction materials
Properties and testing methods
Quality control measures
New building materials

Solid Mechanics

Stress and strain analysis
Beam theory and applications
Column design principles
Structural stability

Structural Analysis

Method of analysis
Influence lines
Deflection calculations
Indeterminate structures

Steel Structure Design

Working stress method
Design of tension members
Compression member design
Beam and girder design
Roof structure design

Concrete and Masonry Design

Concrete mix design
Reinforced concrete structures
Prestressed concrete
Masonry construction

Construction Management

Planning techniques
Project scheduling
Cost estimation
Quality control

Paper 2 Topics:

Fluid Mechanics

Flow properties and behavior
Hydraulic machines
Pumps and turbines
Hydropower systems

Water Resources

Hydrology principles
Water resource planning
Irrigation engineering
Dam engineering

Environmental Engineering

Water supply systems
Wastewater treatment
Air pollution control
Solid waste management

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil properties and testing
Foundation design
Slope stability analysis
Earth pressure theory

Surveying

Measurement techniques
Modern surveying instruments
GPS technology
Photogrammetry methods

Transportation Engineering

Highway design
Traffic engineering
Railway engineering
Airport planning

Also Check, GATE Books

Important Features of the ESE Exam Pattern

Negative Marking Rules

The preliminary exam has negative marking. Here are the rules:

Wrong answers lose 1/3 of the question marks
Multiple answers count as wrong
No penalty for blank answers
Students should guess carefully

Qualifying Marks

Students must score minimum marks to move to the next stage. The exact cut-off marks change every year based on the difficulty level and number of candidates.

Final Merit List

The final selection depends on marks from:

Main exam: 600 marks
Interview: 200 marks
Total: 800 marks

The preliminary exam is only for qualifying. Its marks don't count in the final merit list.

How to Prepare Using the UPSC ESE Syllabus

Step 1: Know the Complete Syllabus

Read the entire syllabus carefully. Make a list of all topics. This helps in planning your study schedule.

Step 2: Differentiate Topics by Difficulty

Some topics are easier than others. Start with easier topics to build confidence. Then move to harder topics gradually.

Step 3: Make a Study Plan

Create a realistic study plan. Give more time to important topics. Keep time for revision and practice tests.

Step 4: Practice Previous Year Questions

Solve the previous year's question papers. This helps understand the exam pattern and question types.

Read More: UPSC ESE 2025 Preparation Books

Tips for Success in the ESE Exam

Focus on Basics

Strong basics are very important. Don't skip fundamental concepts. They form the base for advanced topics.

Regular Practice

Practice numerical problems regularly. Engineering subjects need lots of problem-solving practice.

Time Management

Learn to manage time well. Both in study and during the actual exam. Practice with time limits.

Stay Updated

Keep up with current affairs. Read newspapers and magazines regularly. This helps in the general studies section.

Changes in UPSC ESE 2025 Syllabus

The basic structure remains the same. However, there might be small updates. Check the official notification for any changes. Stay informed with the latest updates from the UPSC.

Career Opportunities After ESE

Success in the ESE exam leads to excellent career opportunities:

Indian Railway Service of Engineers
Indian Defense Service of Engineers
Central Engineering Services
Various PSU positions
State government engineering services

The UPSC ESE exam is challenging but achievable with proper preparation. Understanding the complete exam pattern and syllabus is the first step. Make a good study plan and stick to it. Practice regularly and stay motivated. Remember that success takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by initial difficulties. With consistent hard work and smart study methods, you can clear this exam. The engineering services offer a stable and respectable career. The work involves nation-building activities. It's a great opportunity to serve the country while having a secure future.

UPSC ESE Syllabus FAQs

1. What is the difference between ESE and IES?

ESE stands for Engineering Services Examination while IES means Indian Engineering Services. Both terms refer to the same exam conducted by UPSC. The exam was earlier called IES but is now officially known as ESE.

2. What is the ESE exam pattern for 2025?

The ESE exam pattern 2025 has three stages: Preliminary exam (500 marks), Main exam (600 marks), and Interview (200 marks). The preliminary exam has two papers while the main exam \also has two papers.

3. Is there negative marking in the ESE exam?

Yes, there is negative marking only in the preliminary exam. For each wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question are deducted. There is no negative marking in the main exam.

4. Can I change my engineering branch after applying for ESE?

No, you cannot change your engineering discipline after submitting the application form. Choose your branch carefully as per your graduation degree.