The Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) conducts the Combined State Engineering Services Examination for the recruitment of Assistant Engineers (AE) in various departments such as Public Works, Energy, and others. For the 2026 cycle, the selection process includes a written examination followed by an interview. The written exam consists of general papers and two engineering subject papers specific to the candidate’s branch (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Agriculture).
This detailed guide covers the complete UKPSC AE exam pattern 2026, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and preparation insights based on the established pattern used in recent recruitments.
What Is the UKPSC AE Syllabus 2026?
The UKPSC AE syllabus evaluates both general aptitude and in-depth technical knowledge. It is divided into two main sections:
- Section I (General Papers): General Hindi, General English, and General Studies.
- Section II (Concerned Subject): Two papers of the engineering discipline chosen by the candidate.
Questions are objective (multiple-choice). Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect answer. The syllabus remains largely consistent across cycles, with the official notification confirming any minor updates for 2026.
Why Understanding the UKPSC AE Exam Pattern Matters
A clear grasp of the pattern and syllabus allows candidates to allocate study time effectively between general papers (300 marks) and technical papers (720 marks). Technical papers carry higher weightage (2 marks per question), making strong engineering fundamentals essential for a high rank. Qualifying marks are typically 40% for General category, 35% for OBC, and 30% for SC/ST.
UKPSC AE Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination totals 1020 marks. Candidates who clear the written stage appear for a Personality Test/Interview of 100 marks. Final merit is prepared out of 1120 marks.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General English | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| I | General Hindi | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| I | General Studies | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| II | Concerned Subject Paper-I | 180 | 360 | 3 Hours |
| II | Concerned Subject Paper-II | 180 | 360 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 660 | 1020 | – |
- Marking: +1 mark for each correct answer in Section I; +2 marks for each correct answer in Section II.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
- Mode: Offline (OMR-based).
UKPSC AE Syllabus 2026
General English :
1. Verb
2. Active Voice and Passive voice
3. Subject-Verb Agreement
4. Articles
5. Comprehension
6. Adverb
7. Error Correction
8. Sentence Rearrangement
9. Fill in the Blanks.
10. Unseen Passages
11. Tenses and its types
12. Vocabulary
13. Antonyms
14. Synonyms
15. Grammar
16. Idioms & Phrases, etc.
General Hindi :
1. Antonyms
2. Vocabulary
3. Fill in the Blanks
4. Error Detection
5. Translation of Sentences
6. Comprehension
7. Phrases/Muhavare
8. Error Detection
9. Grammar
10. Plural Forms etc
11. Synonyms
General Studies :
1. General Sciences
2. Our Environment
3. History of India
4. Independent India
5. Indian Politics and Economy
6. Sports
7. History, Geography and the Culture of Madhya Pradesh
8. Information and Communication Technology
Concerned Subject : –
Civil Engineering :-
Paper 1 : Theory of Structures, Steel Design, R.C. Design, Hydraulic Engineering, Design of Canals, Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering
Paper 2 : Building Construction, Roads and Runways, Surveying, Water Resources Engineering, Water Requirements for Crops, The Distribution System for Canal Irrigation, Sanitation and Water Supply, Environmental Engineering, Typical Features of Sewerage Systems
Electrical Engineering :-
Paper 1 : Networks and Systems, E.M. Theory, Control Systems, Elements of Electronics, Power System Analysis and Design, Elements of Electrical Machines, Utilization and Drives, Measurements
Paper 2 : Industrial Electronics, Digital Electronics, Microwaves and Communication Systems, Electrical and Special Machines, Power System Protection, Analog and Digital Computation, Elements of Microprocessors
Mechanical Engineering :-
Paper 1 : Statics, Dynamics, Theory of Machines, Mechanics of Solids, Material Science, Manufacturing Science, and Production Management
Paper 2 : Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Energy Conversion, and Environments
Agriculture Engineering :-
Paper 1 : Fluid Mechanics, Rural Engineering, Surveying, Levelling, and Land Development Process and Food Engineering, Pumps, and Storage Engineering
Paper 2 : Thermodynamics and Heat Engines, Tractor Power, Farm Machinery, Irrigation and Drainage, Ground Water Hydrology and Tube well Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
UKPSC AE Syllabus for General Papers: Important Topics
General English
Topics include:
- Verbs, Active & Passive Voice, Subject-Verb Agreement
- Articles, Tenses, Adverbs, Error Correction
- Sentence Rearrangement, Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary, Antonyms, Synonyms, Idioms & Phrases
- Comprehension and Unseen Passages
General Hindi
Topics include:
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
- Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection
- Antonyms, Synonyms, Phrases/Muhavare
- Translation of Sentences
General Studies
Topics include:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History, Geography, Polity & Economy
- General Science and Information Technology
- Sports, Culture, and important aspects related to Uttarakhand
Branch-Wise Concerned Subject Syllabus
Candidates must choose one engineering discipline. Below are the key topics for the major branches.
Civil Engineering
Paper-I
- Theory of Structures (determinate & indeterminate structures, energy methods, slope deflection, moment distribution)
- Steel Design (tension/compression members, beams, plate girders, connections)
- R.C. Design (working stress & limit state methods, beams, slabs, columns, footings)
- Hydraulic Engineering & Fluid Mechanics
- Design of Canals
- Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering
Paper-II
- Building Construction & Materials
- Roads, Highways and Runways
- Surveying
- Water Resources Engineering & Irrigation
- Sanitation, Water Supply and Environmental Engineering
- Sewerage Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Paper-I
- Statics and Dynamics
- Theory of Machines
- Mechanics of Solids
- Material Science
- Manufacturing Science
- Production Management
Paper-II
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Energy Conversion (IC Engines, Turbines, etc.)
- Environmental Control (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)
Electrical Engineering
Paper-I
- Networks and Systems
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Control Systems
- Elements of Electronics
- Power System Analysis and Design
- Elements of Electrical Machines
- Utilization and Drives
- Measurements
Paper-II
- Industrial Electronics
- Digital Electronics
- Microwaves and Communication Systems
- Electrical and Special Machines
- Power System Protection
- Analog and Digital Computation
- Elements of Microprocessors
(Agriculture Engineering follows a similar two-paper structure focusing on farm machinery, soil & water conservation, irrigation, and related topics when offered.)
Uttarakhand AE Selection Process Overview
- Written Examination (1020 marks) – Objective type covering general and technical subjects.
- Interview / Personality Test (100 marks) – Assesses personality, communication, and suitability for the post.
- Document Verification and Medical Examination – Final stage for selected candidates.
How to Prepare for UKPSC AE 2026
- Prioritise technical papers as they carry the highest weightage.
- Solve previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests.
- Focus on standard textbooks for core engineering subjects (e.g., Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Power Systems).
- Stay updated with current affairs and Uttarakhand-specific topics for General Studies.
- Practise time management, especially for the 3-hour technical papers.
- Download the official syllabus PDF from the UKPSC website (ukpsc.gov.in) once the 2026 notification is released for any updates.
Common Challenges and FAQs
Is the syllabus the same every year? The core structure and topics remain consistent. Always cross-check the official notification for the exact 2026 version.
What is the negative marking? 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Are there different papers for different branches? Yes. Candidates appear for two papers of their chosen engineering discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.).
When will the official 2026 syllabus be released? It will be attached to the detailed notification. Until then, the established pattern and topics listed above serve as a reliable guide.
Who Can Apply and Career Scope
Candidates with a degree in the relevant engineering branch (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) from a recognised university are eligible, subject to age and other criteria mentioned in the notification. Selected Assistant Engineers join various state government departments with attractive pay scales, allowances, and opportunities for career growth.
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