The UPSC ESE 2026 syllabus covers two major areas: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (common for all branches in Prelims Paper-I), and branch-specific technical subjects in Prelims Paper-II and Mains.
Prelims Paper-I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (Common for All)
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Current Issues of National & International Importance | Governance, Science & Technology developments, Economy, Social issues |
| Engineering Aptitude | Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Numerical Applications |
| Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability & Statistics, Numerical Methods |
| General Principles of Design & Safety | Energy conservation, environment-friendly design, occupational health |
| Standards & Quality Practices | ISO, BIS, quality control, testing |
| Information & Communication Technologies | Basics of computing, networking, cyber security fundamentals |
| Ethics & Values in Engineering Profession | Engineering ethics, professional responsibilities |
Prelims Paper-II & Mains (Branch-Specific Syllabus)
Civil Engineering Key Topics
- Structural Analysis, RCC & Steel Design, Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics, Hydrology, Irrigation Engineering
- Transportation Engineering (Highway, Railway, Airport), Environmental Engineering
- Surveying, Construction Technology & Management
Mechanical Engineering Key Topics
- Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines
- Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics
- Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Production Management
- Engineering Materials, Mechatronics, Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Electrical Engineering Key Topics
- Circuit Theory, Electromagnetic Fields, Electrical Machines
- Power Systems (Generation, Transmission, Protection), Power Electronics
- Analog & Digital Electronics, Control Systems, Measurement & Instrumentation
- Microprocessors, Computer Networks (basics)
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering Key Topics
- Network Theory, Electronic Devices & Circuits, Analog Electronics
- Digital Circuits & Systems, Signals & Systems, Communication Engineering
- Microwave & Antenna, Control Systems, Computer Organization
- Electromagnetics, VLSI Design, Optical Fiber Communication