UPSC

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must have a degree in Engineering from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification approved by the Government.
• Age Limit: Generally, candidates must be between 21 to 30 years of age as of the exam year. Age relaxation is given to reserved categories as per government rules.
• Nationality: The candidate must be:
  • a citizen of India, or
  • a subject of Nepal, or
  • a subject of Bhutan, or
  • a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper Based Test)
• Stages: The examination is conducted in three stages:
  1. Stage 1: Preliminary Exam - Objective type questions.
  2. Stage 2: Mains Exam - Conventional (Descriptive) type questions.
  3. Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview).
• Number of Questions and Subjects:
  • Preliminary Exam: Two objective papers:
    • Paper 1: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (100 questions, 200 marks)
    • Paper 2: Engineering Discipline-specific paper (100 questions, 300 marks)
  • Mains Exam: Two conventional papers,
    • Paper 1: Engineering Discipline Paper 1 (300 marks)
    • Paper 2: Engineering Discipline Paper 2 (300 marks)
• Marking Scheme: Total marks for prelims are 500, for mains 600, and interview 200 marks. Negative marking applicable for prelims.
• When Held: Preliminary exam usually held in June, mains in November, with notification released around February to March each year.

Syllabus

The syllabus is vast and varies as per the engineering discipline. Here is a general overview:

• Preliminary Exam:
  • General Studies & Engineering Aptitude: Current issues, Engineering mathematics, Statistics, Ethics and values, Environmental studies, Basics of material science, Information and Communication Technology.
  • Engineering Discipline Paper: Questions based on specific engineering branches such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
• Mains Exam (Subject-wise detailed syllabus):
  • Civil Engineering: Building materials, Solid mechanics, Structural analysis, Concrete structures, Geotechnical engineering, Hydraulic engineering, Environmental engineering, Transportation engineering, Surveying, etc.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Engineering mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanics, Manufacturing technology, Machine design, Heat transfer, Theory of machines, Industrial engineering etc.
  • Electrical Engineering: Electrical circuits and fields, Electrical machines, Power systems, Control systems, Electrical and electronic measurements, Analog and digital electronics.
  • Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering: Analog and digital circuits, Signals and systems, Electronic devices, Communication systems, Control systems, Electromagnetic fields.

Other Important Information

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website during the application period.
2. Register online through the UPSC Online Application Portal.
3. Fill in the detailed application form carefully with personal and educational details.
4. Upload scanned documents and photograph as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or offline via bank challan (if applicable).
6. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Engineering Services in Central Government Ministries including Railways, Central Water Engineering, Central Electricity Engineering, and more.

Facts about the Exam

• It is one of the most prestigious exams for engineering graduates seeking government service.
• High competition with thousands of candidates appearing annually.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of engineering concepts and aptitude.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are released online on UPSC official website usually 3 weeks before the exam.
• Download by entering registration ID and date of birth.
• Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.
• Check for all details like exam date, venue, and instructions on admit card.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the UPSC official website.
• Cut-offs vary each year based on difficulty level and number of vacancies.
• Separate cut-off for prelims and mains exams.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
• Refer standard textbooks for core engineering subjects and UPSC related materials.
• Practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests.
• Stay updated with current affairs related to General Studies paper.
• Maintain good time management and regular revision.

FAQs

• Q: Can fresh graduates apply for the exam?
  A: Yes, candidates who have obtained their engineering degree are eligible within the age limit.
• Q: Is the exam held online?
  A: No, the exam is pen and paper based.
• Q: What is the application fee?
  A: Usually Rs. 200 for general candidates, with exemptions for women, SC/ST, and PwD candidates.
• Q: Is there negative marking?
  A: Yes, in the preliminary exam.
• Q: How many attempts can a candidate have?
  A: As per UPSC age and attempt rules, usually the maximum number of attempts corresponds to the age limit relaxation categories.