IES Exam Analysis 2025 LIVE: UPSC ESE Prelims Shift 1 & 2 Questions and Answers & Expected Cutoff

• Matrix theory, Eigen values & Eigen vectors, system of linear equations, Numerical methods for solution of non-linear algebraic equations and differential equations, integral calculus, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, Line, Surface and Volume Integrals.
• Fourier series, linear, non-linear and partial differential equations, initial and boundary value problems, complex variables, Taylor’s and Laurent’s series, residue theorem, probability and statistics fundamentals, Sampling theorem, random variables, Normal and Poisson distributions, correlation and regression analysis.

• Electrical Engineering Materials, crystal structures and defects, ceramic materials, insulating materials, magnetic materials – basics, properties and applications; ferrities, ferro-magnetic materials and components; basics of solid state physics, conductors; Photo-conductivity; Basics of Nano materials and Superconductors.

• Circuit elements, network graph, KCL, KVL, Node and Mesh analysis, ideal current and voltage sources, Thevenin’s,
  Norton’s, Superposition and Maximum Power Transfer theorems, transient response of DC and AC networks, Sinusoidal
  steady state analysis, basic filter concepts, two-port networks, three phase circuits, Magnetically coupled circuits, Gauss
  Theorem, electric field and potential due to point, line, plane and spherical charge distributions, Ampere’s and Biot-Savart’s laws; inductance, dielectrics, capacitance; Maxwell’s equations.

• Principles of measurement, accuracy, precision and standards; Bridges and potentiometers; moving coil, moving iron, dynamometer and induction type instruments, measurement of voltage, current, power, energy and power factor, instrument transformers, digital voltmeters and multi-meters, phase, time and frequency measurement, Q-meters, oscilloscopes, potentiometric recorders, error analysis, Basics of sensors, Transducers, basics of data acquisition systems

Fluid Mechanics

• Basic Concepts and Properties of Fluids, Manometry, Fluid Statics, Buoyancy, Equations of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation and applications, Viscous flow of incompressible fluids, Laminar and Turbulent flows, Flow through pipes and head losses in pipes.

• Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substance; Zeroth, First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics;
• Entropy, Irreversibility and availability; analysis of thermodynamic cycles related to energy conversion: Rankine, Otto, Diesel and Dual Cycles; ideal and real gases; compressibility factor; Gas mixtures.
• Modes of heat transfer, Steady and unsteady heat conduction, Thermal resistance, Fins, Free and forced convection,
  Correlations for convective heat transfer, Radiative heat transfer – Radiation heat transfer co-efficient; boiling and
  condensation, Heat exchanger performance analysis.

• SI and CI Engines, Engine Systems and Components, Performance characteristics and testing of IC Engines; Fuels; Emissions and Emission Control.
• Vapour compression refrigeration, Refrigerants and Working cycles, Compressors, Condensers, Evaporators and Expansion devices, Other types of refrigeration systems like Vapour Absorption, Vapour jet, thermo electric and Vortex tube refrigeration.
• Psychometric properties and processes, Comfort chart, Comfort and industrial air conditioning, Load calculations and Heat pumps.

• Reciprocating and Rotary pumps, Pelton wheel, Kaplan and Francis Turbines, velocity diagrams, Impulse and Reaction principles, Steam and Gas Turbines, Theory of Jet Propulsion – Pulse jet and Ram Jet Engines,
• Reciprocating and Rotary Compressors – Theory and Applications

• Rankine and Brayton cycles with regeneration and reheat, Fuels and their properties, Flue gas analysis, Boilers, steam turbines and other power plant components like condensers, air ejectors, electrostatic precipitators and cooling towers – their theory and design, types and applications;

• Solar Radiation, Solar Thermal Energy collection - Flat Plate and focusing collectors their materials and performance.
• Solar Thermal Energy Storage, Applications – heating, cooling and Power Generation;
• Solar Photovoltaic Conversion;
• Harnessing of Wind Energy, Bio-mass and Tidal Energy – Methods and Applications, Working principles of Fuel Cells.

• Stone, Lime, Glass, Plastics, Steel, FRP, Ceramics, Aluminum, Fly Ash, Basic Admixtures, Timber, Bricks and Aggregates:
• Classification, properties and selection criteria;
• Cement: Types, Composition, Properties, Uses, Specifications and various Tests; Lime & Cement Mortars and Concrete:
• Properties and various Tests; Design of Concrete Mixes: Proportioning of aggregates and methods of mix design.

• Elastic constants, Stress, plane stress, Strains, plane strain, Mohr’s circle of stress and strain, Elastic theories of failure, Principal Stresses, Bending, Shear and Torsion.

• Basics of the strength of materials, Types of stresses and strains, Bending moments and shear force, the concept of bending and shear stresses;
• Analysis of determinate and indeterminate structures;
• Trusses, beams, plane frames;
• Rolling loads, Influence Lines, Unit load method & other methods;
• Free and Forced vibrations of single-degree and multi-degree freedom systems;
• Suspended Cables; Concepts and Use of Computer-Aided Design

• Limit state design for bending, shear, axial compression and combined forces; Design of beams, Slabs, Lintels,
  Foundations, Retaining walls, Tanks, Staircases;
• Principles of pre-stressed concrete design including materials and
  methods;
• Earthquake-resistant design of structures;
• Design of Masonry Structure.

• Construction - Planning, Equipment, Site investigation and Management including Estimation with latest project
  management tools and network analysis for different Types of works;
• Analysis of Rates of various types of works;
• Tendering Process and Contract Management, Quality Control, Productivity, Operation Cost;
• Land acquisition;
• Labour safety and welfare

Current issues of national and international importance relating to social, economic and industrial development

Basics of Energy and Environment: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Climate Change, Environmental impact assessment

Engineering Aptitude covering Logical reasoning and Analytical ability

Basics of Project Management

Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis

Basics of Material Science and Engineering

General Principles of Design, Drawing, Importance of Safety

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based tools and their applications in Engineering such as networking, e-governance and technology-based education.

Standards and Quality practices in production, construction, maintenance and services

Ethics and values in the engineering profession.