UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus & Pattern: Complete Guide for 2025
Rahul Chaudhary
July 18, 2025
Introduction : UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus
Engineering your way to a prestigious government career? The UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus & Pattern is your roadmap to success in one of India’s most coveted competitive examinations. With 232 core vacancies and an additional 225 positions through IRMS in 2025, this examination opens doors to prestigious government roles across various departments including Indian Railways, Central Public Works Department, and Defence Services.
Table of Contents
Understanding the UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Examination
The UPSC ESE (Engineering Services Examination) is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit skilled engineers for Class A and Class B posts in the Government of India. For electrical engineering graduates, this examination represents a gateway to securing positions in organizations such as:
- Indian Defence Service of Engineers
- Indian Naval Material Management Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
- Central Power Engineering Service Group A (Electrical Engineering Posts)
- Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Electrical)
- Indian Skill Development Service
UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Exam Pattern
The examination follows a three-stage selection process that comprehensively evaluates candidates’ technical knowledge and personality traits.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type papers totaling 500 marks:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies and Engineering Aptitude | 2 hours | 200 |
| Paper II | Electrical Engineering (Discipline-specific) | 3 hours | 300 |
Important Notes:
- All questions are multiple-choice with negative marking of 1/3 marks for wrong answers
- Paper I has 100 questions, while Paper II contains 150 questions
- Both papers are conducted in offline mode
Stage 2: Main Examination (Conventional Type)
The main examination features two descriptive papers, each worth 300 marks:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Electrical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
| Paper II | Electrical Engineering | 3 hours | 300 |
The main examination is scheduled for August 10, 2025, and candidates must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering concepts through descriptive answers.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
The final stage carries 200 marks and evaluates candidates’ leadership potential, communication skills, and overall personality. This test assesses qualities essential for technical and administrative roles in government service.
Detailed UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus
1.Preliminary Examination Syllabus
Paper I: General Studies and Engineering Aptitude (Common to All Candidates)
Topics Covered:
- Current Affairs: National and international issues relating to social, economic, and industrial development
- Engineering Aptitude: Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Engineering Mathematics: Numerical analysis and mathematical concepts
- General Principles: Design, drawing, and safety importance
- Statistics and Probability: Fundamental concepts and applications
Paper II: Electrical Engineering (Discipline-Specific)
The preliminary Paper II covers foundational topics including:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electrical Materials
- Electric Circuits and Fields
- Electrical and Electronic Measurements
- Computer Fundamentals
- Basic Electronics Engineering
2.Main Examination Syllabus
Paper I: Electrical Engineering Core Subjects
- Engineering Mathematics
- Matrix theory, Eigen values & Eigen vectors
- System of linear equations
- Numerical methods for algebraic and differential equations
- Fourier series and complex variables
- Probability and statistics fundamentals
- Electrical Materials
- Crystal structures and defects
- Ceramic and insulating materials
- Magnetic materials and their applications
- Basics of solid-state physics and conductors
- Nano materials and superconductors
- Electric Circuits and Fields
- Circuit elements and network analysis
- KCL, KVL, nodal and mesh analysis
- Network theorems (Thevenin’s, Norton’s, Superposition)
- Transient response of DC and AC networks
- Three-phase circuits and Maxwell’s equations
- Electrical and Electronic Measurements
- Measurement principles and accuracy standards
- Bridges, potentiometers, and measuring instruments
- Digital voltmeters and oscilloscopes
- Transducers and data acquisition systems
- Computer Fundamentals
- Number systems and Boolean algebra
- Basic computer architecture and programming
- Operating systems and networking basics
- Basic Electronics Engineering
- Semiconductor devices and characteristics
- Transistor amplifiers and oscillators
- Feedback amplifiers and integrated circuits
Paper II: Advanced Electrical Engineering Topics
- Analog and Digital Electronics
- Operational amplifiers and their applications
- Digital logic families and combinational circuits
- Sequential circuits and memory devices
- ADCs, DACs, and programmable devices
- Systems and Signal Processing
- Signals and systems representation
- Laplace and Fourier transforms
- Sampling theory and digital signal processing
- LTI systems analysis
- Control Systems
- Feedback principles and transfer functions
- Stability analysis using Routh-Hurwitz criterion
- Root locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist techniques
- PID controllers and state space analysis
- Electrical Machines
- Single-phase and three-phase transformers
- DC machines and their characteristics
- Induction motors and synchronous machines
- Speed control and performance analysis
- Power Systems
- Power generation concepts and turbines
- Transmission line models and performance
- Load flow analysis and voltage control
- Protection systems and circuit breakers
- HVDC transmission and smart grid concepts
- Power Electronics and Drives
- Semiconductor power devices (thyristors, MOSFETs, IGBTs)
- Phase control rectifiers and bridge converters
- Choppers and inverters
- DC-DC and DC-AC converters
- Adjustable speed drives
Key Examination Dates and Important Information
1.UPSC ESE 2025 Timeline
- Notification Release: September 18, 2024
- Application Period: September 18 – October 8, 2024
- Preliminary Exam: February 9, 2025
- Main Exam: August 10, 2025
- Total Vacancies: 232 + 225 (IRMS) = 457 positions
2.Eligibility Criteria
a)Educational Qualification:
- Engineering degree from a recognized university
- Sections A and B of Institution of Engineers (India) examinations
- Equivalent foreign qualifications as recognized by the Government
b)Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years (as on January 1, 2025)
- Relaxations available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates (10 years)
c)Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
- SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates: Exempted
Career Opportunities After UPSC ESE
Success in the ESE Electrical Engineering examination opens doors to prestigious government positions with excellent career prospects:
Government Departments and Services
1.Central Government Organizations:
- Indian Railways: Technical and managerial roles in electrical systems
- Central Public Works Department: Infrastructure development projects
- Defence Services: Military engineering and technical support
- Power Grid Corporation: Electrical power transmission and distribution
- Border Roads Organization: Strategic infrastructure development
2.Public Sector Undertakings:
- NTPC, BHEL, PGCIL: Power generation and transmission
- Indian Oil Corporation: Industrial electrical systems
- Steel Authority of India: Manufacturing sector engineering
Salary and Benefits
Pay Scale: Level 10 in the 7th Pay Commission
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical benefits
- Pension scheme
- Career advancement opportunities
How Career Plan B Can Help You Succeed
Navigating the complex UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus & Pattern requires expert guidance and personalized preparation strategies. CareerPlan B specializes in helping engineering graduates achieve their career goals through comprehensive support services.
Our Services Include:
1.Personalized Career Counselling: Our experienced counselors help you understand the UPSC ESE examination structure, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop a targeted preparation strategy tailored to the electrical engineering syllabus.
2.Psychometric and Career Assessment Tests: Through scientifically designed assessments, we evaluate your aptitude for government service careers and identify the most suitable preparation approach for your learning style.
3.Admission and Academic Profile Guidance: We assist in optimizing your academic background and ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements for the UPSC ESE examination.
4.Career Roadmapping: Our experts create detailed preparation timelines covering all aspects of the syllabus, from preliminary examination topics to advanced main examination concepts, ensuring systematic coverage of electrical engineering subjects.
Confused about your career path? Don’t worry, choose CareerPlan B. Our comprehensive approach ensures you’re well-prepared for every stage of the UPSC ESE examination, from understanding the intricate syllabus details to developing the confidence needed for the personality test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the UPSC ESE 2025 Mains Examination scheduled?
The Mains exam will be conducted on August 10, 2025. It includes two descriptive papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), each carrying 300 marks and lasting 3 hours.
Q2. How many stages are there in the UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering exam?
There are three stages:
- Preliminary Exam (
- Feb 9, 2025) – Objective type
- Mains Exam (Aug 10, 2025) – Descriptive type
- Personality Test (Interview) – 200 marks
Q3. What is the pattern of Mains Paper 2 in UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering?
It is a 3-hour descriptive paper covering core subjects like:
- Analog & Digital Electronics
- Signal Systems
- Control Systems
- Electrical Machines
- Power Systems
- Power Electronics and Drives
The paper carries 300 marks and tests detailed conceptual understanding and derivation-based problem solving.
Q4. Are numerical and derivation-based questions asked in Mains Paper 2?
Yes, most questions are a mix of theory, numericals, block/circuit diagrams, and mathematical derivations. Good diagram work and stepwise calculations improve marks.
Q5. How should I approach Mains Paper 2 answer writing?
Structure your answer as:
- Definition or brief intro
- Relevant derivations and laws
- Circuit/Block diagrams if needed
- Step-by-step calculationsHighlight final answers with units
- Use headings and keep diagrams neat.
Q6. What are the high-weightage topics in Mains Paper 2?
Based on previous trends:
- Control Systems (Bode, Root Locus, State Space)
- Power Electronics (Converters, Inverters)
- Electrical Machines (Induction/Synchronous Machine)
- Analog Electronics (Op-Amps, Filters)
- Digital Electronics (Logic Gates, Flip-Flops)
- Signals (Fourier, Laplace, Sampling)
Q7. What are the best resources for Mains Paper 2 prep?
Standard books include:
- Nagrath & Gopal (Control Systems)
- Bimbhra / Rashid (Power Electronics)
- Kothari & Nagrath / Fitzgerald (Machines)
- Sedra & Smith (Analog)
- Oppenheim / Nagoor Kani (Signals)
Also, solve previous 5 years’ Mains papers and join answer writing test series if possible.
Q8. How many questions should I attempt in Mains Paper 2?
You’ll get Section A & B with internal choices. Attempt only the required number (usually 5-6 questions total). Focus on quality, not quantity.
Q9. What topics are included in Paper 1 (GS & Engineering Aptitude)?
Paper 1 includes:
- Engineering Aptitude (Reasoning, Numerical)
- Engineering Mathematics
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Ethics & Values in Engineering
- Design, Drawing, Safety & Environment
- ICT and Project Management
Q10. Is Paper 1 important for final selection?
Absolutely. Though it carries 200 marks, it determines your shortlisting for the Mains stage. A strong Paper 1 score can compensate for moderate Paper 2 performance in prelims.
Q11. How do I improve speed and accuracy in Paper 1?
Practice:
- Previous year question papers
- Topic-wise MCQs in reasoning/math
- Read editorials for current affairs
- Attempt timed mock tests with analysis
Q12. How is the final UPSC ESE merit list prepared?
The final merit is based on marks from:
- Prelims (out of 500)
- Mains (out of 600)
- Interview (200 marks)
Only Mains-qualified candidates’ marks are considered in the final ranking.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The UPSC ESE Electrical Engineering Syllabus & Pattern represents both a challenge and an opportunity for engineering graduates seeking prestigious government careers. With 457 vacancies available in 2025 and excellent career prospects across various government departments, this examination offers a pathway to secure, well-compensated positions in India’s public sector.
Success in this examination requires thorough understanding of the comprehensive syllabus, systematic preparation across all three stages, and expert guidance to navigate the competitive selection process. The detailed syllabus covers fundamental electrical engineering concepts through advanced topics in power systems, control systems, and power electronics, demanding both breadth and depth of knowledge.
Ready to transform your engineering career? Don’t let this opportunity pass by. Contact CareerPlan B today to begin your journey toward UPSC ESE success. Our personalized counselling and comprehensive preparation strategies will help you master the electrical engineering syllabus and achieve your government service aspirations.
Take the first step toward your dream career – schedule your consultation with CareerPlan B now and turn your engineering expertise into a prestigious government position.
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