Is the Syllabus of Mechanical Engineering in the UPSC CSE Different from IES?

What is UPSC IES?

Civil services examinations open doors even for engineering graduates. UPSC conducts a separate exam for engineers called UPSC IES (Indian Engineering Services). This examination is curated to recruit talented engineers to cater to the technical demands of the country. The core subjects offered under engineering are electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering.

If you are looking for answers to – “Is the syllabus of Mechanical engineering in the UPSC CSE different from the IES?”, then let’s have a look at it through this article.

Can Candidates Who are Not from Engineering Backgrounds Take this Examination?

The answer is yes. UPSC allows engineering subjects as optional. However, very few aspirants take this risk. Most of the aspirants who opt for this examination are often engineers or from some technical background. These subjects are relatively vast and less scoring than other options. So, if you are not from an engineering background, don’t choose this as your optional. It could hamper your chances of cracking the exam.

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

Paper-1 Syllabus

1. Mechanics- Mechanics of rigid and deformable bodies.
2. Engineering materials.
3. Theory of Machines.
4. Manufacturing science- Manufacturing process and management.

Paper-2 Syllabus

1. Thermodynamics, gas dynamics, turbine.
2. Heat transfer.
3. I.C engines.
4. Steam Engineering.
5. Refrigeration and air conditioning.

Positives and Negatives of Taking Mechanical Engineering as an Optional for UPSC Exam

Positives

1. Aspirants who have studied this subject for four years have an advantage over others. It would be easy as this has been their area of expertise. So, you don’t have to study everything from the beginning. This would save time and energy.
2. The difficulty level of this subject is not as high as expected. The questions are objective type. So, your point of view or opinion doesn’t matter. The pass percentage of this subject is relatively higher than any other subjects.

Negatives

1. The extensive syllabus is a matter of concern. It is one of the reasons that aspirants are intimidated by this branch of engineering. If you are not a mechanical engineering graduate, this optional subject can take up most of the preparation time. So, choose your options wisely.
2. There is no overlapping with the General Studies paper.

UPSC ESE 2021 Syllabus

UPSC has three stages of the exam that are mains, prelims, and personality tests. The candidates who have qualified for prelims examinations are eligible for the UPSC mains. The updated syllabus for the UPSC ESE exam is mentioned below:

• Basics of Engineering and Material Science.
• Basics of Project Management.
• Engineering aptitude covering analytical and logical reasoning.
• Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
• Values and ethics of the engineering profession.
• General principles of design, drawing and importance of safety.
• Basics of energy and environment.
• Information and communication tools based applications.
• Quality practices and standards in production, construction maintenance.

UPSC ESE Exam Pattern

First stage

The first stage of the examination is prelims. The paper is of objective type and is divided into two stages. The total is 500 marks out of which 200 marks are for exam 1, and 300 for exam 2. The time allotted for completing the paper is 2 hours.

Second stage

This stage is the mains exam. According to the new changes in the UPSC exam, the ESE exam 2021 will be a detailed test. It would have 2 question papers. Total marks allotted would be 600, i.e., 300 for each exam.

Interview stage

Interviews are the final stage, comprising 200 marks. It analyzes the overall personality of the individual. The interview panel asks about your opinions and examines how well-informed you are about a particular event.

Tips to Study for UPSC Mechanical Engineering

1. Keep an emphasis on the theoretical aspects of the paper and make notes of them. Refer to standard books and relevant online resources.
2. Practice previous year question papers and sample papers. At your home, solve the question paper at a similar time constraint of an actual exam. It will teach you time management and will flourish your UPSC preparation.
3. Multiple revisions of difficult topics are mandatory. Revision should be done regularly, as it helps the knowledge to retain better.
4. Concentrate on solving the numerical problems along with the theoretical ones. Start solving them with solved examples. This area requires consistent practice and patience.

Conclusion

UPSC offers a pool of opportunities to all the aspirants regardless of their area of expertise. Selecting the right optional could make or break your career in UPSC. Always take up the subjects that are in your sphere of competence. No matter what, the UPSC exam requires strenuous preparation and time management.

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