The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) has released its recruitment notification for 2026, including vacancies for the post of Technical Attendant Grade 1. Candidates preparing for this post should start with the syllabus because the CPRI Technical Attendant exam is not limited to general aptitude subjects. Along with reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude, and English, candidates also need to prepare job-specific topics related to electrical knowledge, workshop practices, tools, and industrial safety.
For technical attendant aspirants, understanding the weightage of each section is particularly important because the job-specific portion carries the highest individual weightage.
CPRI Technical Attendant Syllabus 2026: Overview
Before starting preparation, candidates can take a quick look at the important details of the examination.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Power, Government of India |
| Post | Technical Attendant Grade 1 |
| Advertisement No. | CPRI/06/2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
| Job-Specific Questions | 40 Questions |
| General Sections | Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English |
The official CPRI recruitment notice confirms that Advertisement No. CPRI/06/2026 covers Technical Attendant Grade 1 along with several other posts.
CPRI Technical Attendant Exam Pattern 2026
The CPRI Technical Attendant Grade 1 examination consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, to be completed within 90 minutes. The paper is divided into five sections.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 | 15 |
| General Awareness | 15 | 15 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 15 | 15 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 15 | 15 |
| Job-Specific Topics | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The four general sections each carry 15 marks, while the job-specific section carries 40 marks. The examination pattern reported for the 2026 notification specifies one mark for each correct answer and a negative marking of 0.25 mark for each incorrect response.
What does this pattern mean for candidates?
The biggest thing to notice is the 40-mark job-specific section. It accounts for 40% of the entire paper. Therefore, candidates preparing only the general aptitude subjects may find it difficult to perform well.
A sensible preparation strategy is to keep the general subjects active while giving additional study time to electrical basics, tools, workshop practices and industrial safety.
CPRI Technical Attendant Syllabus 2026
The syllabus can broadly be divided into five sections:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language & Comprehension
- Job-Specific Knowledge
The first four sections are common areas, whereas the fifth section is directly related to the Technical Attendant job profile.
General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
The reasoning section checks a candidate’s ability to understand patterns, relationships and logical situations.
Important topics to prepare include:
| Topic | What to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Number and word analogy |
| Classification | Odd one out |
| Series | Number and alphabet series |
| Coding-Decoding | Basic coding patterns |
| Blood Relations | Family relationship problems |
| Direction Sense | Distance and direction-based questions |
| Ranking & Order | Position and ranking |
| Venn Diagrams | Basic logical relationships |
| Syllogism | Basic conclusions |
| Statement & Conclusion | Logical interpretation |
| Alphabet Test | Alphabet-based problems |
| Missing Number | Number patterns |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Figure and pattern-based questions |
| Mirror & Water Images | Image-based reasoning |
| Embedded Figures | Figure identification |
Candidates should focus on accuracy first. Once the basic concepts become clear, solving questions with a timer can help improve speed.
General Awareness Syllabus
General Awareness is a relatively broad section. Instead of trying to memorise everything available, candidates should concentrate on topics that are commonly relevant to government examinations.
Important General Awareness Topics
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy
- General Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
- Important Government Schemes
- National and International Events
- Awards and Honours
- Sports
- Books and Authors
- Important Days
- Countries and Capitals
- Indian States and Capitals
- Important Organisations
- Basic knowledge of the power sector
- Important facts about CPRI and the Ministry of Power
Current Affairs Preparation
Candidates should pay particular attention to recent developments in:
- Electricity and power generation
- Renewable energy
- Transmission and distribution
- Energy efficiency
- Major government initiatives
- Science and technology
- National appointments
- Awards
- Important national events
For current affairs, maintaining short monthly notes is generally more manageable than trying to revise large volumes of information immediately before the examination.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude section carries 15 questions and tests basic numerical ability.
Candidates should prepare the following topics:
| Topic | Important Areas |
|---|---|
| Number System | Basic properties and calculations |
| Simplification | BODMAS and basic arithmetic |
| HCF & LCM | Direct questions |
| Percentage | Percentage increase/decrease |
| Ratio & Proportion | Basic applications |
| Average | Simple and weighted average |
| Profit & Loss | Profit, loss and discount |
| Simple Interest | Basic calculations |
| Compound Interest | Basic concepts |
| Time & Work | Work efficiency |
| Time, Speed & Distance | Speed and distance problems |
| Mensuration | Area and volume |
| Data Interpretation | Tables and simple charts |
| Algebra | Basic equations |
| Geometry | Basic concepts |
| Age Problems | Age-based arithmetic |
For this section, speed matters because the candidate has only 90 minutes for the entire paper. Basic formulas should therefore be revised regularly.
English Language & Comprehension Syllabus
English is another 15-mark section in the CPRI Technical Attendant examination.
Important topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- One-word Substitution
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Correction
- Spelling
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Tenses
- Articles
- Prepositions
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Conjunctions
- Idioms and Phrases
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
Candidates do not necessarily need advanced English for this section. A good command of basic grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension can make the preparation much easier.
5. Job-Specific Syllabus for Technical Attendant Grade 1
This is the most important section of the CPRI Technical Attendant syllabus because it contains 40 questions for 40 marks.
The 2026 examination pattern identifies the job-specific portion around:
- Basic Electrical Knowledge
- Workshop Practices
- Tools
- Industrial Safety Practices
Basic Electrical Knowledge
Candidates should revise fundamental electrical concepts before moving to more application-oriented questions.
Important areas include:
Electrical Fundamentals
- Basic electrical quantities
- Voltage
- Current
- Resistance
- Power
- Energy
- Electrical units
- Ohm’s Law
- Kirchhoff’s Laws
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electrical symbols
AC and DC Basics
- AC and DC current
- Frequency
- Phase
- Single-phase supply
- Three-phase supply
- Basic waveform concepts
- Power factor
Electrical Components
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- Inductors
- Switches
- Fuses
- Relays
- Transformers
- Motors
- Generators
- Batteries
Measuring Instruments
Basic knowledge of electrical measuring instruments is useful, particularly:
- Ammeter
- Voltmeter
- Wattmeter
- Energy meter
- Multimeter
- Megger
- Clamp meter
Candidates should understand what an instrument measures and the basic precautions involved while using it.
Workshop Practices
Workshop-related questions may focus on practical knowledge rather than lengthy theoretical calculations.
Important topics include:
- Workshop safety
- Basic workshop operations
- Measuring and marking
- Cutting
- Filing
- Drilling
- Grinding
- Fastening
- Basic fitting work
- Use of hand tools
- Use of power tools
- Maintenance of tools
- Workshop housekeeping
- Basic machine operations
Candidates should understand the purpose of commonly used workshop tools and the correct way of handling them.
Tools and Equipment
Technical Attendant candidates should be familiar with common tools used in electrical and workshop environments.
Some important tools include:
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Spanners
- Wrenches
- Hammers
- Files
- Wire strippers
- Cutters
- Testers
- Drilling machines
- Measuring tools
- Multimeters
- Soldering equipment
Rather than simply memorising names, candidates should know which tool is used for which task.
For example, questions may test the difference between a tool used for cutting wires and one used for measuring electrical quantities.
Industrial Safety Practices
Safety is particularly important in a technical working environment. Candidates should therefore give this portion adequate attention.
Important topics include:
- Electrical safety
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Earthing
- Electrical shock prevention
- Fire safety
- First aid
- Safe handling of electrical equipment
- Lockout/Tagout basics
- Safety signs
- Emergency procedures
- Safe use of tools
- Workplace hazards
- Preventive safety measures
- Safe handling of machines
- Proper housekeeping
Candidates should understand both the hazard and the preventive measure associated with it.
CPRI Technical Attendant Syllabus – Subject-Wise Weightage
The examination can be understood more clearly through the following table:
| Section | Weightage |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15% |
| General Awareness | 15% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 15% |
| English Language & Comprehension | 15% |
| Job-Specific Knowledge | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The job-specific section is therefore the largest component of the examination.
CPRI Technical Attendant Exam Preparation Strategy
A common mistake is to spend most of the preparation time on reasoning and mathematics because these are familiar competitive-exam subjects. For CPRI Technical Attendant, the job-specific section deserves equal or greater attention because of its 40-mark weightage.
Step 1: Finish the Technical Basics
Start with electrical fundamentals, tools and workshop practices. Make sure basic concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, power, electrical safety and measuring instruments are clear.
Step 2: Prepare General Subjects Together
Instead of completing one general subject and ignoring the others, divide your daily study schedule.
For example:
| Study Area | Suggested Daily Time |
|---|---|
| Job-Specific Topics | 2 hours |
| Reasoning | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 45 minutes |
| English | 30 minutes |
| General Awareness/Current Affairs | 30 minutes |
| Revision/Practice | 30 minutes |
This is only a suggested schedule and can be adjusted according to your preparation level.
Step 3: Practice MCQs
After completing each topic, solve objective questions. This helps identify weak areas much earlier than simply reading theory.
Step 4: Take Mock Tests
The actual examination is time-bound, with 100 questions to be attempted in 90 minutes. Candidates should therefore practise full-length tests under similar conditions.
Step 5: Analyse Mistakes
Do not stop after checking your mock-test score. Make a small error notebook and record:
- Questions answered incorrectly
- Questions left unanswered
- Formulas forgotten
- Technical concepts misunderstood
- Questions taking too much time
This simple habit can make revision much more focused.
CPRI Technical Attendant Exam – Time Management
With 90 minutes available for 100 questions, candidates get less than one minute per question on average.
A practical approach is to avoid getting stuck on difficult questions.
One possible strategy is:
First round: Attempt easy questions.
Second round: Solve questions requiring moderate calculation or thinking.
Final round: Return to difficult questions and review marked answers.
Because there is negative marking, random guessing should be avoided.
Important Books and Study Resources
Candidates can use ITI-level electrical books and basic competitive-exam preparation material for the Technical Attendant examination.
For Technical/Job-Specific Preparation
Look for books covering:
- ITI Electrician fundamentals
- Basic electrical engineering
- Workshop calculation and science
- Electrical tools and equipment
- Industrial safety
- Electrical measurements
For General Sections
Candidates can use standard books for:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- English Grammar
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
The most important thing is not collecting a large number of books. One reliable source per subject, followed by extensive question practice, is usually easier to manage.
CPRI Technical Attendant Syllabus 2026: Preparation Tips
Here are some practical tips for candidates who are beginning their preparation.
1. Give priority to the 40-mark technical section.
It is the single largest section of the paper.
2. Do not ignore English.
Even though it carries 15 marks, questions based on basic grammar and vocabulary can be scoring with regular practice.
3. Revise electrical formulas regularly.
Keep formulas related to voltage, current, resistance, power, energy and basic circuits in one place.
4. Learn tools practically.
Know the name, purpose and basic safety precaution associated with common tools.
5. Read about industrial safety.
Do not treat safety topics as secondary. They form part of the specified job-specific syllabus.
6. Practise with a timer.
The 90-minute duration makes time management an important part of preparation.
7. Revise instead of endlessly adding new material.
During the final stage, repeated revision of prepared topics is generally more useful than starting completely new books.
CPRI Technical Attendant Selection Process 2026
Candidates should also understand that the written examination is part of the overall recruitment process. The exact selection procedure and subsequent recruitment stages should be followed from the official CPRI notification for Advertisement No. CPRI/06/2026.
CPRI’s career page currently lists the 2026 recruitment advertisement for Technical Attendant Grade 1 along with Engineering Assistant, Scientific Assistant, Technician Grade 1, Assistant Grade II and MTS posts.
Candidates should rely on the official CPRI website for any later announcement concerning the CBT date, admit card, result, cutoff or other recruitment-stage instructions.
CPRI Technical Attendant Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the CPRI Technical Attendant exam pattern 2026?
The Technical Attendant Grade 1 CBT consists of 100 questions for 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes. The paper includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English and a 40-question job-specific section.
How many marks are allotted to the Technical Attendant job-specific section?
The job-specific section carries 40 marks out of 100.
Is there negative marking in the CPRI Technical Attendant exam?
Yes. The 2026 examination pattern specifies a deduction of 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer.
What are the technical topics in the CPRI Technical Attendant syllabus?
The specified job-specific areas include basic electrical knowledge, workshop practices, tools and industrial safety practices.
How much time is given for the CPRI Technical Attendant exam?
Candidates get 90 minutes to attempt the 100-question CBT.
How many questions are there in the CPRI Technical Attendant examination?
There are 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 100 marks.
When is the CPRI Technical Attendant application deadline in 2026?
According to CPRI’s current Advertisement No. CPRI/06/2026, applications are scheduled to close on October 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Final Words
The CPRI Technical Attendant Grade 1 examination has a fairly straightforward structure, but the 40-mark job-specific section makes technical preparation especially important. Candidates should build their preparation around basic electrical knowledge, workshop practices, tools and industrial safety, while continuing daily practice in reasoning, mathematics, English and general awareness.
The key is consistency. Instead of trying to cover everything at once, divide the syllabus into small topics, practise MCQs regularly and revise your mistakes. With the paper limited to 90 minutes, candidates should also include timed mock tests in their preparation.
For the latest recruitment notices and official updates, candidates should keep checking the CPRI career section, as the institute has already published Advertisement No. CPRI/06/2026 for the 2026 recruitment cycle.