Electrical Engineering is one of the popular optional subjects among technical optional subjects in UPSC Mains. The technical subjects offered as optional subjects by UPSC include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Candidates who have a sound understanding of topics related to electrical engineering opt for this subject.
Generally, there are very few takers for Mechanical engineering optional subject, however, the candidates who are also preparing for IES often take up the engineering subject optional. Since the syllabus is vast, the aspirants should focus on having a very strong strategy so as to cover the syllabus holistically.
Paper-I
Circuit 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 & Systems |
Representation of continuous-time and discrete-time signals & 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 analog 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 line: traveling 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; 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; minimization 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 |
Semiconductor power devices: diode, transistor, thyristor, triac, GTO and MOSFET-static characteristics and principles of operation; triggering circuits; phase control rectifiers; bridge converters: fully-controlled and half-controlled; principles of thyristor choppers and inverters; DCDC 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; a signal to noise ratio. Linear CW modulation: Amplitude modulation: DSB, DSB-SC, and SSB. Modulators and Demodulators; Phase and Frequency modulation: PM & FM signals; narrowband 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 for AM and FM receivers. |
Paper-II
Control Systems |
Elements of control systems; block-diagram representation; open-loop & closed-loop systems; principles and applications of feed-back. Control system components. LTI systems: time-domain and transform-domain analysis. Stability: Routh Hurwitz criterion, root-loci, Bodeplots 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 organization; CPU, instruction set, register set, timing 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 measurement. Signal conditioning circuit; Electronic measuring instruments: multimeter, CRO, digital voltmeter, frequency counter, Q-meter, spectrum-analyzer, 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. Concept 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. |
Pros of Electrical Engineering Optional
Objective Nature of Paper: The paper of electrical engineering is objective in nature which is why the score obtained in the optional paper is pretty much average for all serious candidates. Hence, you can actually predict your score in the optional paper and align your preparation strategy accordingly.
Familiarity with the subject: As stated earlier, often engineers who are IES aspirants opt for this subject, their familiarity and comfort level with the technical subject is much more than humanities subject.
Difficulty Level of the exam: The difficulty level of the questions are not that high, it is pretty much similar to the level of graduation or probably one notch higher than that.
Cons of Electrical Engineering Optional
Vast Syllabus: The syllabus is undoubtedly extremely vast which will require you to study it for a longer time than any other humanities optional. It will, therefore, lessen the time that you will get for your General Studies preparation.
No Overlap: While other humanities subjects may find a decent overlap in the syllabus, the electrical engineering optional syllabus has no overlap with any GS or Essay paper. So, the time allotted for the preparation of the optional paper is for it alone.
Booklist for Electrical Engineering Optional Subject
Here's an exhaustive list of books for electrical engineering optional subject for UPSC:
Print a copy of syllabus: The syllabus is vast and you really don’t want to digress from the syllabus and read extra, hence, always have a printed copy of the syllabus at your table
Numerical Problems: Do not neglect numerical problems at any stage. Solve it along with the theory papers.
Previous year Questions: Solve the previous year question papers of both Civil Services optional and Engineering Services. Refer to books from Made Easy Publication that also have model question papers curated on the same level.
Theory and derivations: Have a stronghold on theory parts and learn all the derivations as they may be asked in the exam.
Note-making: As the syllabus is extremely vast, you should keep preparing self-written notes that may be used for a quick revision.
Career Launcher brings to you comprehensive online courses for UPSC CSE Preparation. You can check out the entire course range here. Do get in touch with our course counselors for more details on our course deliverables.
Electrical Engineering is one of the popular optional subjects among technical optional subjects in UPSC Mains. The technical subjects offered as optional subjects by UPSC include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Candidates who have a sound understanding of topics related to electrical engineering opt for this subject.
Generally, there are very few takers for Mechanical engineering optional subject, however, the candidates who are also preparing for IES often take up the engineering subject optional. Since the syllabus is vast, the aspirants should focus on having a very strong strategy so as to cover the syllabus holistically.
Paper-I
Circuit 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 & Systems |
Representation of continuous-time and discrete-time signals & 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 analog 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 line: traveling 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; 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; minimization 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 |
Semiconductor power devices: diode, transistor, thyristor, triac, GTO and MOSFET-static characteristics and principles of operation; triggering circuits; phase control rectifiers; bridge converters: fully-controlled and half-controlled; principles of thyristor choppers and inverters; DCDC 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; a signal to noise ratio. Linear CW modulation: Amplitude modulation: DSB, DSB-SC, and SSB. Modulators and Demodulators; Phase and Frequency modulation: PM & FM signals; narrowband 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 for AM and FM receivers. |
Paper-II
Control Systems |
Elements of control systems; block-diagram representation; open-loop & closed-loop systems; principles and applications of feed-back. Control system components. LTI systems: time-domain and transform-domain analysis. Stability: Routh Hurwitz criterion, root-loci, Bodeplots 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 organization; CPU, instruction set, register set, timing 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 measurement. Signal conditioning circuit; Electronic measuring instruments: multimeter, CRO, digital voltmeter, frequency counter, Q-meter, spectrum-analyzer, 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. Concept 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. |
Pros of Electrical Engineering Optional
Objective Nature of Paper: The paper of electrical engineering is objective in nature which is why the score obtained in the optional paper is pretty much average for all serious candidates. Hence, you can actually predict your score in the optional paper and align your preparation strategy accordingly.
Familiarity with the subject: As stated earlier, often engineers who are IES aspirants opt for this subject, their familiarity and comfort level with the technical subject is much more than humanities subject.
Difficulty Level of the exam: The difficulty level of the questions are not that high, it is pretty much similar to the level of graduation or probably one notch higher than that.
Cons of Electrical Engineering Optional
Vast Syllabus: The syllabus is undoubtedly extremely vast which will require you to study it for a longer time than any other humanities optional. It will, therefore, lessen the time that you will get for your General Studies preparation.
No Overlap: While other humanities subjects may find a decent overlap in the syllabus, the electrical engineering optional syllabus has no overlap with any GS or Essay paper. So, the time allotted for the preparation of the optional paper is for it alone.
Booklist for Electrical Engineering Optional Subject
Here's an exhaustive list of books for electrical engineering optional subject for UPSC:
Print a copy of syllabus: The syllabus is vast and you really don’t want to digress from the syllabus and read extra, hence, always have a printed copy of the syllabus at your table
Numerical Problems: Do not neglect numerical problems at any stage. Solve it along with the theory papers.
Previous year Questions: Solve the previous year question papers of both Civil Services optional and Engineering Services. Refer to books from Made Easy Publication that also have model question papers curated on the same level.
Theory and derivations: Have a stronghold on theory parts and learn all the derivations as they may be asked in the exam.
Note-making: As the syllabus is extremely vast, you should keep preparing self-written notes that may be used for a quick revision.
Career Launcher brings to you comprehensive online courses for UPSC CSE Preparation. You can check out the entire course range here. Do get in touch with our course counselors for more details on our course deliverables.