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Downlaod Electrical Engineering Optional Syllabus PDF, Book to Refer & Preparation Tips.

The UPSC exam allows the candidates to pick an optional subject for Paper VI & Paper VII. Every optional subject is segregated into two major parts viz. Paper-I & Paper-II.

Each paper is of 250 marks, which sum it up to 500 marks. Electrical Engineering is one of the 48 optional subjects offered by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates from a similar background can choose Electrical Engineering as their optional subject.

  • Any of the optional subjects does not have negative marking.
  • 3 hours of time duration is allotted to every subject.
  • UPSC civil services exam focuses more on the applications. So, it is necessary to have a strong foundation in Electrical Engineering.

The UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus requires clear concepts and immense knowledge of the subject, and it comprises Electronic Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Theories and its Applications.

The aspirants must have a niche in Electrical Engineering to choose it as their ideal subject. In this article, you’ll find a detailed UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus, Paper Pattern, Best Reference Books and a few Exam Preparation Tips.

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UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus–  Paper I & II

Candidates appearing for the UPSC Civil Services exam 2023 should go through the UPSC Electrical Engineering syllabus Optional before they start with their preparation. The Syllabus Electrical Engineering subject for has been mentioned in detail in the official UPSC notification released. Candidates can check the below mentioned Electrical Engineering Optional Syllabus for UPSC for the same:-

Topics Sub-Topics
Circuits Theory
  • Circuit components, network graphs, KCL, KVL, circuit analysis methods: nodal analysis, mesh analysis, basic network theorems and applications.
  • Transient analysis: RL, RC and RLC circuits, sinusoidal steady-state analysis, resonant circuits, coupled circuits, balanced 3-phase circuits. two-port networks.
Signals and Systems
  • Representation of continuous-time and discrete-time signals and systems.
  • LTI systems, convolution, impulse response, time-domain analysis of LTI systems based on convolution and differential/difference equations.
  • Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z-transform, Transfer function.
  • Sampling and recovery of signals DFT, FFT Processing of analogue signals through discrete-time systems.
E.M. Theory
  • Maxwell’s equations, wave propagation in bounded media.
  • Boundary conditions, reflection and refraction of plane waves.
  • Transmission lines: travelling and standing waves, impedance matching, Smith chart.
Analog Electronics
  • Characteristics and equivalent circuits (large and small-signal) of Diode, BJT, JFET and MOSFET.
  • Diode circuits: Clipping, clamping, rectifier.
  • Biasing and bias stability. FET amplifiers. Current mirror.
  • Amplifiers: single-and multi-stage, differential, operational feedback and power. Analysis of amplifiers, a frequency response of amplifiers. OPAMP circuits.
  • Filters, sinusoidal oscillators: criterion for oscillation, single-transistor and OPAMP configurations.
  • Function generators and wave-shaping circuits. Linear and switching power supplies.
Digital Electronics
  • Boolean algebra, minimisation of Boolean functions, logic gates, digital IC families (DTL, TTL, ECL, MOS, CMOS).
  • Combinational circuits: arithmetic circuits, code converters, multiplexers and decoders.
  • Sequential circuits: latches and flip-flops, counters and shift registers.
  • Comparators, timers, multivibrators. Sample and hold circuits, ADCs and DACs.
  • Semiconductor memories. Logic implementation using programmable devices (ROM, PLA, FPGA).
Energy Conversion
  • Principles of electromechanical energy conversion: Torque and emf in rotating machines.
  • DC machines: characteristics and performance analysis, starting and speed control of motors.
  • Transformers: principles of operation and analysis, regulation, efficiency, 3-phase transformers.
  • 3-phase induction machines and synchronous machines: characteristics and performance analysis, speed control.
Power Electronics and Electric Drives
  • Semi-conductor power devices: diode, transistor, thyristor, triac, GTO and MOSFETstatic characteristics and principles of operation, triggering circuits, phase control rectifiers.
  • Bridge converters: fully-controlled and half-controlled, principles of thyristor choppers and inverters, DC-DC converters, Switch mode inverter, basic concepts of speed control of dc and ac motor drives applications of variable-speed drives.
Analog Communication
  • Random variables: continuous, discrete, probability, probability functions. Statistical averages, probability models.
  • Random signals and noise: white noise, noise equivalent bandwidth, signal transmission with noise, signal to noise ratio.
  • Linear CW modulation: Amplitude modulation: DSB, DSB-SC and SSB. Modulators and Demodulators.
  • Phase and Frequency modulation: PM & FM signals, narrows band FM, generation & detection of FM and PM, Deemphasis, Preemphasis.
  • CW modulation system: Superheterodyne receivers, AM receivers, communication receivers, FM receivers, phase-locked loop, SSB receiver Signal to noise ratio calculation or AM and FM receivers.

Check the detailed UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus here.

Download UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus 2023 PDF!

Electrical Engineering Syllabus for Optional Paper-II – 250 Marks

Download UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus 2023 PDF Paper- II

Download UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus in Hindi 2023 PDF Paper- II

Topics Sub-Topics
Control Systems
  • Elements of control systems, block-diagram representations, open-loop & closed-loop systems, principles and applications of feedback.
  • Control system components. LTI systems: time-domain and transform-domain analysis.
  • Stability: Routh Hurwitz criterion, root-loci, Bode-plots and polar plots, Nyquist’s criterion, Design of lead-lad compensators.
  • Proportional, PI, PID controllers. State-variable representation and analysis of control systems.
Microprocessors and Microcomputers
  • PC organisation, CPU, instruction set, register setting diagram, programming, interrupts Memory interfacing, I/O interfacing, programmable peripheral devices.
Measurement and Instrumentation
  • Error analysis, measurement of current-voltage, power, energy, power-factor, resistance, inductance, capacitance and frequency, bridge measurements. Signal conditioning circuit.
  • Electronic measuring instruments: multimeter, CRO, digital voltmeter, frequency counter, Q-meter, spectrum-analyser, distortion-meter.
  • Transducers: thermocouple, thermistor, LVDT, strain-gauge, piezo-electric crystal.
Power Systems
  • Analysis and Control: Steady-state performance of overhead transmission lines and cables, principles of active and reactive power transfer and distribution, per-unit quantities, bus admittance and impedance matrices, load flow, voltage control and power factor correction, economic operation, symmetrical components, analysis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults.
  • Concepts of system stability: swing curves and equal area criterion. Static VAR system. Basic concepts of HVDC transmission.
Power System Protection
  • Principles of overcurrent, differential and distance protection. Concept of solid-state relays.
  • Circuit breakers. Computer-aided protection: Introduction, line, bus, generator, transformer protection, numeric relays and application of DSP to protection.
Digital Communication
  • Pulse code modulation (PCM), differential pulse code modulation (DPCM), delta modulation (DM), Digital modulation and demodulation schemes: amplitude, phase and frequency keying schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK).
  • Error control coding: error detection and correction, linear block codes, convolution codes.
  • Information measure and source coding. Data networks, 7-layer architecture.

UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam Pattern 2023

UPSC Recruitment is based on three stages i.e., Prelim Exam, Mains Exam and an Interview. To clear the entrance, the candidates are required to clear all three stages of the examination.

  • There will be two papers for the Electric Engineering Optional Subject.
  • Each paper would comprise 250 marks, which makes it 500 marks in total.
  • There is no negative marking.
  • There are 9 papers total in UPSC Mains Exam out of which 2 are optional.
  • Each Paper would have objective answer type questions.
  • The duration for every optional subject is 3 hours.
Sr. No.  IAS Mains Papers Subject Marks
1. Paper VI Optional Subject Paper-I 250
2. Paper VII Optional Subject Paper-II 250
TOTAL 500
Time Duration 3 hours

Check the detailed UPSC IAS exam pattern here.

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How to Prepare for UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus for IAS Exam?

UPSC Electrical Engineering could drive a hard bargain and it required persistent hard work and enormous dedication. Mentioned below are a few helpful tips.

  • Get your Info on the latest official syllabus as well as the paper pattern. This helps in having a clear idea of what needs to be done.
  • Select limited but the highest recommended reference books for the subject. Correct and efficient reference books could be of great help.
  • List down the important topics with higher weightage and start working on them first. In this way, it’ll become easier to cover the syllabus.
  • Survey the UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus and identify your strong and weak points, work on your weak points.
  • Previous Years’ Question Papers, Mock Tests, Test-series are the keys to this examination.

Prepare for the exam using the UPSC IAS mains strategy here.

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UPSC Electrical Engineering Previous Years’ Question Papers 

So that candidates are fully prepared for the UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus, here are some previous years papers which will help the candidates get an actual interpretation of the examination and know about the type of questions which they can expect under the IAS Mains Electrical Engineering section. Candidates must keep on solving the UPSC previous year’s question papers regularly. Solving question papers helps to analyze the time management and the level of the questions and their capability.

Aspirants can check 2021 previous year papers for UPSC Electrical Engineering Optional Subject

IAS Electrical Engineering Paper 1 Electrical Engineering Paper-1 PDF Download
IAS Electrical Engineering Paper 2 Electrical Engineering Paper-2 PDF Download

Books to Refer for UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus

Some of the best books to study the complete UPSC Electrical Engineering optional subject are mentioned below:

  • Electromagnetic Fields & Waves by KD Prasad
  • Energy Conversion by Ashfaq Hussain
  • Analog Electronics by J.B. Gupta
  • Digital Logic and Computer Design by M. Morris Mano
  • Principles of Electronics by V.K. Mehta
  • Radio Engineering by G.K. Mithal
  • Circuit Analysis by Gupta Electrical Technology by Thareja
Check Related UPSC Syllabus for Other Subjects
UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus UPSC Statistics Optional Syllabus
UPSC Psychology Syllabus UPSC Zoology Syllabus
UPSC Botany Syllabus UPSC Chemistry Syllabus
UPSC Animal Husbandry And Veterinary Science Syllabus UPSC Commerce And Accountancy Syllabus
UPSC Medical Science Syllabus UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus

This was an in-depth article about the UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus, paper pattern, reference books and preparation tips. Do Check out the Testbook App to find some best guidance for the recruitment processes, test-series, mock-tests, etc and prepare for the UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus!

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UPSC Electrical Engineering Syllabus 2023 FAQs

Are final year undergraduate students also eligible for the UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam?

Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible for the UPSC Electronic Engineering Exam.

How many types of engineering exams do UPSC offer?

UPSC offers 4 types of Engineering Exams viz Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

What are the total marks for the UPSC Electrical Engineering paper?

The UPSC Electrical Engineering exam is divided into Paper 1 & 2. Both the papers carry 250 marks individually and 500 marks in total.

Are there any changes in the syllabus of the UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam as compared to the last year?

No, there has been no major change in the UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam syllabus as compared to the previous years.

Is it necessary for the candidate to be from the engineering domain to appear for the UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam?

Yes, it necessary for the candidate to be from the engineering domain to appear for the UPSC Electrical Engineering Exam.
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