IES

The General Studies (GS) and Engineering Aptitude (Paper I) for the Indian Engineering Services (IES) or conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is designed to assess a candidate's general knowledge and aptitude relevant to engineering.

Basic Details About GS Paper 1:

Total Marks: 200

Duration: 2 hours

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Topics Covered in GS Paper 1:

This paper includes a mix of technical and non-technical subjects. Below is the detailed syllabus for Engineering Aptitude:

Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis: calculus, matrices, determinants, and linear algebra.

• Numerical methods and optimization:Engineering Drawing and Design
• Basics of engineering graphics and design.
• Drafting tools and conventions.
• General Principles of Design, Drawing, and Importance of Safety
• Fundamentals of engineering design and innovation.
• Understanding workplace safety and ergonomics.
• Standards and Quality Practices in Production, Construction, Maintenance, and Services
• ISO standards, TQM, and quality assurance principles.
• Process optimization and best practices in engineering services.
• Basics of Energy and Environment
• Energy resources (renewable and non-renewable).
• Environmental pollution, sustainable development, and climate change.
• Basics of Project Management
• Planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling projects.
• Cost estimation, resource allocation, and project lifecycle.
• Basics of Material Science and Engineering
• Properties of materials, testing, and applications.
• Material selection in engineering.
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Applications in e-governance, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Basics of data communication.
• Ethics and Values in Engineering Profession
• Professional ethics, accountability, and public interest.
• Ethical dilemmas and decision-making frameworks.
• Current Issues of National and International Importance Related to Engineering.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the Indian Engineering Services (IES) test, which is used to select applicants for a range of engineering positions in the government. The four main types of employment that are filled by successful candidates are civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronics and telecommunications engineering. These jobs are in important technical divisions of the Indian government, including the Ordnance Factories, Indian Railways, Indian Navy, Border Roads Organisation, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and several other ministries and public sector initiatives. In addition to administering and maintaining infrastructure, defence, public works, telecommunications, and other sectors crucial for national growth and government, engineers chosen through the IES test serve as Class I officers.

To apply for the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, candidates must have a degree in engineering from a recognised university or institution. The degree should be in one of the disciplines listed below: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has identified four fundamental branches: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronics and telecommunication engineering. Candidates with equivalent qualifications, such as a degree or diploma from a foreign university accredited by the Indian government, are also eligible. Furthermore, individuals who have passed Sections A and B of the Institution of Engineers (India) or have a degree/diploma from a recognised institution such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are eligible to apply. Final-year engineering students may also apply, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements following selection.

The UPSC ESE (IES) 2026 application deadline for the prelims exam is October 7, 2025. Before the preliminary exam candidates are required to finish their applications in order to take part in the examination procedure. After the notification will be made public on September 17, 2025, candidates will have a few weeks to get ready and submit their forms because the application window will be open for a short period of time. Because the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is strict about its application timelines, applicants need to meet this deadline in order to risk losing the opportunity. Candidates are urged to keep an eye out for any additional notifications from the UPSC in case there were any changes or revisions.

On September 18, 2024, the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE) announcement for 2025 was formally made public. The application procedure was launched with this notification and was open until October 8, 2024. In order to sit for the exam, candidates must first take the preliminary exam on February 9, 2025, and then the main exam on June 26, 2025. The notification gives candidates thorough information about eligibility requirements, test trends, and other pertinent factors. Applicants are urged to visit the official UPSC website for additional information about the test and any updates.Interested candidates are urged to check the official UPSC website for updates and additional exam information.