UPSC Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 – Download Question Papers (Paper I & II) PDF
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has successfully conducted the Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams for you are a engineer aspiring to join Group A and Group B Gazetted posts in the Central Government.
Commonly known as ESE (Engineering Services Exam), this exam recruits brilliant engineers into top departments like:
- Indian Railways
- Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
- Central Water Engineering Services
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Indian Ordnance Factory Services
- Central Power Engineering Services
This article provides official download links for the 2025 question papers (Paper I & II) for all four major branches — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering — to help aspirants analyze question patterns, trends, and difficulty level.
Overview – UPSC ESE (Preliminary) 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Category | Central Government Engineering Jobs |
| Post Name | Assistant Executive Engineer / Group A & B Officer |
| Exam Date (Expected) | 16 February 2025 |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary → Main → Personality Test |
| Total Marks | 1300 |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Exam Structure – UPSC ESE (Preliminary) 2025
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies & Engineering Aptitude | 200 | 2 Hours | Objective |
| Paper II | Engineering Discipline (Branch-specific) | 300 | 3 Hours | Objective |
| Total | — | 500 Marks | — | — |
If you have qualify in the Preliminary Exam you are eligible to appear in the Main Examination (600 Marks), followed by the Personality Test (200 Marks).
Paper I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (2025)
Purpose:
This paper tests you general awareness, analytical skills, and engineering aptitude applicable across all disciplines.
Total Marks: 200
Duration: 2 Hours
Type: Objective (MCQ)
Key Topics Covered:
Current Issues of National & International Importance
— Energy, Environment, IT, Biotechnology, and Sustainable Development
Engineering Aptitude
— Numerical Analysis, Data Interpretation, and Problem Solving
Engineering Mathematics & Reasoning
— Basic mathematical concepts, linear algebra, and logic
Standards & Quality Practices
— ISO standards, project management, and safety in engineering
Design, Drawing & Ethics
— Basics of drawing, ethical responsibilities, and professionalism
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
— Latest trends in computing, digital security, and data systems
Project Management
— Risk analysis, scheduling, estimation, and financial analysis
Download Paper I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (2025)
| Paper | Download Link | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude (2025) | Download Official PDF (UPSC 2025) | UPSC Official Website |
Paper I – Sectional Analysis (2025)
| Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 10 | Moderate | 10% |
| Engineering Aptitude | 15 | Moderate | 15% |
| Reasoning & Math | 20 | Moderate–Tough | 20% |
| Standards & Ethics | 10 | Easy–Moderate | 10% |
| ICT & Project Management | 20 | Tough | 25% |
| Environmental Topics | 25 | Moderate | 20% |
Overall Level: Moderate
Trend: More focus on current-affairs-related engineering awareness and environmental management.
Paper II – Engineering Discipline (2025)
The Paper II varies according to your engineering branch.
Each paper is 300 marks and tests your in-depth technical knowledge.
Civil Engineering (Paper II)
| Section | Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineering | Strength of Materials, RCC, Steel Design | Numerical Analysis |
| Geotechnical Engineering | Soil Mechanics, Foundation Design | Conceptual Questions |
| Transportation Engineering | Highway Design, Pavement Analysis | Applied Problems |
| Water Resources | Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Irrigation | Theory + Formula-Based |
| Environmental Engineering | Wastewater, Air Pollution | Conceptual Understanding |
Overall Difficulty: Moderate–Tough
Trend: Increased emphasis on numerical application and environmental aspects.
Mechanical Engineering (Paper II)
| Section | Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer | Laws, Power Cycles | Derivation-based questions |
| Fluid Mechanics | Compressible Flow, Turbomachinery | Formula application |
| Machine Design | Gears, Bearings, Springs | Analytical problems |
| Manufacturing | Welding, Casting, CNC, Additive Manufacturing | Conceptual questions |
| Theory of Machines | Vibrations, Balancing, Mechanisms | Mathematical reasoning |
Overall Difficulty: Tough
Trend: Concept + Calculation mix, heavy numerical weightage.
Electrical Engineering (Paper II)
| Section | Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Power Systems | Generation, Transmission, Distribution | Fault Analysis |
| Electrical Machines | DC, Induction, and Synchronous | Problem Solving |
| Network Theory | Transients, AC Networks | Theoretical + Numerical |
| Control Systems | Stability, Root Locus, Bode Plot | Objective Calculations |
| Electronics & Measurement | OPAMPs, ADC/DAC, Transducers | Mixed Conceptual & Numeric |
Overall Difficulty: Tough
Trend: Focused on circuit analysis and advanced control topics.
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering (Paper II)
| Section | Topics | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Electronics | Amplifiers, Oscillators, Diodes | Concept-Based |
| Digital Systems | Logic Gates, Flip-Flops, Microprocessors | Numeric Problems |
| Communication Systems | Modulation, Noise, Signals | Conceptual Clarity |
| Network Theory | Thevenin, Norton, Resonance | Objective MCQs |
| Electromagnetics | Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines | Moderate Level |
Overall Difficulty: Moderate–Tough
Trend: More weight on communication systems and microcontrollers.
Download Paper II – Branch-Wise Question Papers (2025)
| Branch | Download Link | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering (2025) | Download Civil Paper II PDF | UPSC Official |
| Mechanical Engineering (2025) | Download Mechanical Paper II PDF | UPSC Official |
| Electrical Engineering (2025) | Download Electrical Paper II PDF | UPSC Official |
| Electronics & Telecommunication (2025) | Download E&T Paper II PDF | UPSC Official |
Overall Difficulty Review – UPSC ESE Prelims 2025
| Paper | Level | Nature of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies | Moderate | Concept + Current Affairs mix |
| Paper II – Civil | Moderate–Tough | Numerical Dominant |
| Paper II – Mechanical | Tough | Derivation-heavy |
| Paper II – Electrical | Tough | High Calculation Intensity |
| Paper II – E&T | Moderate | Theory-based |
Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Tough
Cut-off Prediction (Expected):
- General: 260–280
- OBC: 250–270
- SC/ST: 220–240
Why You Should Download ESE 2025 Papers
You can understand UPSC’s latest engineering trends
You can practice time-bound solving under real exam pressure
You can identify frequently repeated question patterns
You can compare your accuracy and speed with toppers
You can strategize revision for ESE Mains 2025 or Prelims 2026
“UPSC doesn’t repeat questions — it repeats concepts.”
Preparation Strategy for 2026 (Based on 2025 Trends)
General Studies (Paper I):
- Revise previous 3 years’ UPSC GS papers
- Follow current affairs related to science, technology, and environment
- Practice reasoning & aptitude questions from Made Easy Workbook
Engineering Paper II:
- Focus on numerical accuracy and formula recall
- Practice 10-year PYQs branch-wise
- Maintain a concept notebook for formulas and theorems
- Take weekly mock tests to improve time management
Books & Resources:
- Civil/Mech/Electrical/E&T: Made Easy / ACE Academy Notes
- General Studies: Lucent, GK Today, Current Affairs Yearbook
- Engineering Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal / NPTEL Lectures
Conclusion
The UPSC Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025 Question Papers serve as a crucial resource for anyone preparing for the next cycle.
By studying both Paper I (General Studies & Engineering Aptitude) and Paper II (Branch-specific), you can:
Understand UPSC’s evolving technical question style
Identify weak subjects early
Practice efficient time management
Boost accuracy for Mains & Interview
Stay updated on www.ExamGuru.org.in for:
- Direct PDF links
- Cutoff analysis
- Subject-wise strategies
- Free mock test schedules
“Engineers build the nation — UPSC builds the engineers who lead it.”
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