UPSC ESE Syllabus 2025: Comprehensive Prelims & Mains Guide
Explore the detailed UPSC ESE (Engineering Services Examination) syllabus for 2025, covering both Prelims and Mains stages across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering disciplines. Understand the exam pattern, key topics, and access downloadable PDFs to enhance your preparation.
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), conducted by UPSC, is one of the most prestigious exams for engineering graduates aiming to join various government departments. It comprises two main stages — Preliminary and Mains, followed by an interview. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed syllabus for both Prelims and Mains, branch-wise, along with marks distribution, recommended books, preparation tips, and a direct syllabus PDF download link.
2. UPSC ESE Exam Pattern Summary
Exam Stage
Papers
Marks
Duration
Question Type
Description
Prelims
Paper I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude
200
2 hours
Objective (MCQ)
Common for all branches
Prelims
Paper II – Discipline-specific
300
3 hours
Objective (MCQ)
Branch-wise syllabus
Mains
Paper I – Discipline-specific
300
3 hours
Descriptive
Branch-wise syllabus
Mains
Paper II – Discipline-specific
300
3 hours
Descriptive
Branch-wise syllabus
3. UPSC ESE Prelims Syllabus
3.1 General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) – Common to All Branches
Topic
Description
Approx. Marks (%)
Current Issues in National and International Importance
Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential circuits
4. UPSC ESE Mains Syllabus
Civil Engineering Mains
Paper
Topics
Paper I
Building Materials, Solid Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Design of Steel Structures, Design of Concrete Structures
Paper II
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mains
Paper
Topics
Paper I
Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines, Machine Design
Paper II
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Engineering, Power Plant Engineering
Electrical Engineering Mains
Paper
Topics
Paper I
Circuit Theory, Electrical Machines, Power Systems
Paper II
Control Systems, Measurements and Instrumentation, Power Electronics, Analog and Digital Electronics
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Mains
Paper
Topics
Paper I
Networks, Electronic Devices, Signals and Systems, Control Systems
Paper II
Electromagnetics, Digital Electronics, Communication Systems
5. Marks Distribution
Exam Stage
Paper
Marks
Duration
Prelims
Paper I (GS & Engineering Aptitude)
200
2 hours
Prelims
Paper II (Discipline-specific)
300
3 hours
Mains
Paper I (Discipline-specific)
300
3 hours
Mains
Paper II (Discipline-specific)
300
3 hours
6. Recommended Books for UPSC ESE
Branch
Subject
Recommended Books
Civil Engineering
Structural Analysis
Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler
Civil Engineering
Concrete Technology
Concrete Technology by A.M. Neville
Mechanical Engineering
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics by P.K. Nag
Mechanical Engineering
Strength of Materials
Mechanics of Materials by Gere & Goodno
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Machines
Electrical Machines by P.S. Bimbhra
Electrical Engineering
Power Systems
Power System Engineering by D.P. Kothari
Electronics & Telecommunication
Communication Systems
Communication Systems by Simon Haykin
Electronics & Telecommunication
Digital Electronics
Digital Design by Morris Mano
7. Preparation Tips for UPSC ESE
Separate Strategy for Prelims & Mains: Focus on objective questions for Prelims and detailed concepts for Mains.
Conceptual Clarity: Build strong fundamentals using standard textbooks.
Previous Year Papers: Practice extensively to understand exam pattern.
Revision & Mock Tests: Regular revision and time-bound mock tests help improve speed and accuracy.
Time Management: Allocate study hours based on topic weightage and difficulty.
The UPSC Engineering Services Exam requires a disciplined approach, thorough knowledge of both prelims and mains syllabus, and consistent preparation. Use the detailed syllabus and recommended books to plan your study schedule efficiently and improve your chances of success.