The SSC JE Syllabus 2026 is the most important resource for every engineering aspirant preparing for the Staff Selection Commission Junior Engineer exam. Whether you are from Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical background, understanding the complete syllabus and exam pattern is the first step toward cracking this prestigious government exam. This guide covers everything — Paper 1, Paper 2, topic-wise breakdowns, preparation tips, and best books.
SSC JE Syllabus 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Junior Engineer (JE) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Selection Process | Paper 1 (Tier 1) & Paper 2 (Tier 2) |
| Branches Available | Civil & Structural, Electrical, Mechanical |
| Paper 1 — Total Questions | 200 |
| Paper 1 — Total Marks | 200 |
| Paper 1 — Duration | 2 Hours |
| Paper 1 — Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Paper 2 — Total Questions | 100 |
| Paper 2 — Total Marks | 300 |
| Paper 2 — Duration | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 — Negative Marking | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC JE Selection Process 2026
- Paper 1 (Tier 1): Computer-based objective test — General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and General Engineering (your chosen branch).
- Paper 2 (Tier 2): Computer-based objective test — purely technical, focused on your engineering branch only (Civil / Electrical / Mechanical).
- Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted after Paper 2 are called for document verification.
- Medical Examination: Final stage before appointment to the post.
SSC JE Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours (Combined) |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| General Engineering (Civil OR Electrical OR Mechanical) | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
⚠️ Negative Marking (Paper 1): 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer. Avoid random guessing.
Paper 2 Exam Pattern
| Branch | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil & Structural Engineering | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Electrical Engineering | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
| Mechanical Engineering | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
⚠️ Negative Marking (Paper 2): 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer. Each question = 3 marks. Be very careful before marking an answer.
SSC JE Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies Similarities & Differences Space Visualization Problem Solving Analysis & Judgment Decision Making Visual Memory Discrimination Observation Relationship Concepts Arithmetical Reasoning Verbal & Figure Classification Arithmetical Number Series Abstract Ideas & Symbols Arithmetical Computations Analytical Functions
General Awareness
Current Affairs (National & International) India & Neighbouring Countries History of India Indian Culture Geography Indian Polity & Constitution Economic Scene Scientific Research General Science Environmental Issues Govt. Schemes & Policies Awards & Honours Books & Authors Sports Static GK
General Engineering — Civil & Structural (Paper 1)
Building Materials Estimating, Costing & Valuation Surveying Soil Mechanics Hydraulics Irrigation Engineering Transportation Engineering Environmental Engineering Theory of Structures Concrete Technology RCC Design Steel Design
General Engineering — Electrical (Paper 1)
Basic Electrical Concepts Circuit Laws (Ohm's & Kirchhoff's) Magnetic Circuits AC Fundamentals Measurement & Instruments Electrical Machines (DC & AC) Synchronous Machines Power Generation & Distribution Estimation & Costing Utilization of Electrical Energy Basic Electronics
General Engineering — Mechanical (Paper 1)
Theory of Machines & Machine Design Engineering Mechanics Strength of Materials Thermodynamics (1st & 2nd Laws) IC Engines Air Standard Cycles (Otto, Diesel) Rankine Cycle & Boilers Air Compressors & Refrigeration Fluid Mechanics Hydraulic Turbines & Centrifugal Pumps Classification of Steel Production Engineering
SSC JE Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
Civil & Structural Engineering — Paper 2 Syllabus
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Building Materials | Physical & chemical properties, classification, standard tests; building stones, Portland cement, asbestos, timber, laminates, bituminous materials, paints, varnishes |
| Estimating, Costing & Valuation | Earthwork, brickwork, RCC, shuttering, timber work; bar bending schedule, trapezoidal formula, Simpson's rule; depreciation, sinking fund, valuation methods |
| Surveying | Chain surveying, compass, plane table, theodolite traversing, levelling, contouring, tachymetry, curve setting, earthwork calculations, advanced equipment |
| Soil Mechanics | Void ratio, porosity, water content, Atterberg's limits, ISI classification, permeability, effective stress, quicksand, consolidation, shear strength, compaction, bearing capacity |
| Hydraulics | Fluid hydrostatics, Bernoulli's theorem, flow through pipes & open channels, weirs, flumes, spillways, pumps & turbines |
| Irrigation Engineering | Types of irrigation, hydrology, rainfall & runoff, crop water needs (duty, delta), canal systems & lining, waterlogging, major Indian irrigation projects |
| Transportation Engineering | Highway design, pavement types & design; railway track geometry, points & crossings; traffic surveys, intersections, signals, road safety |
| Environmental Engineering | Water quality, purification & distribution; sanitation, sewage treatment, solid waste management, air & noise pollution control |
| Theory of Structures | Elasticity constants, bending moment & shear force diagrams, slope deflection, columns, torsion of circular sections, eccentric loads |
| Concrete Technology | Cement, aggregates, water-cement ratio, workability, mix design, batching, compaction, curing, quality control, hot/cold weather concreting |
| RCC Design | Flexural, shear & bond; singly/doubly reinforced beams, T-beams, one-way & two-way slabs, footings, columns, retaining walls, water tanks; Limit State Method, Working Stress Method |
| Steel Design | Steel column & beam design, roof trusses, plate girders |
Electrical Engineering — Paper 2 Syllabus
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Basic Concepts | Resistance, inductance, capacitance; current, voltage, power, energy; units of electrical quantities |
| Circuit Law | Kirchhoff's Current & Voltage Laws, network theorems, simple circuit solutions |
| Magnetic Circuit | Flux, MMF, reluctance; electromagnetic induction; self & mutual induction; straight conductors, circular loops, solenoids |
| AC Fundamentals | Instantaneous, peak, RMS & average values; sinusoidal waveform; series & parallel R-L-C circuits; resonance; star & delta connections; polyphase systems |
| Measurement & Instruments | Single & three-phase power measurement; 2-wattmeter method; ammeter, voltmeter, megger, energy meter, CRO; CT & PT; earth fault detection |
| Electrical Machines | DC machines — characteristics, speed control, starting & braking; Transformers — OC/SC tests, voltage regulation, parallel operation, auto-transformers; Induction Motors — torque-speed characteristics, starting & braking methods |
| Generation, Transmission & Distribution | Power station types, load factor, diversity factor, power factor improvement; switchgear, circuit breakers, HRC fuses; Buchholtz relay, Merz-Price protection; cable types & ratings |
| Utilization of Electrical Energy | Illumination systems, electric heating, welding, electroplating, electric drives & industrial motors |
Mechanical Engineering — Paper 2 Syllabus
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Theory of Machines & Machine Design | Four-bar linkage, flywheels, V-belts & flat belts, clutches (plate & conical), gear types & ratios, governors, cams, bearings, riveted joints |
| Engineering Mechanics & Strength of Materials | Equilibrium of forces, laws of motion, friction; stress & strain, bending moment & shear force diagrams, torsion, buckling (Euler's & Rankine's), thin-walled pressure vessels |
| Properties of Pure Substances | P-V & P-T diagrams, steam tables, saturated/superheated steam, dryness fraction, Mollier's (h-s) chart |
| 1st Law of Thermodynamics | Stored energy, 1st Law for cyclic process, flow energy equations, enthalpy, SSSF Energy Equation |
| 2nd Law of Thermodynamics | Heat engine, heat pump, refrigerator, COP; Kelvin-Planck & Clausius statements; entropy, Carnot cycle & efficiency; PMM-2 |
| Air Standard Cycles | Otto & Diesel cycle — P-V and T-S diagrams, thermal efficiency; IC engine performance, combustion, cooling & lubrication |
| Rankine Cycle & Boilers | Simple Rankine cycle, efficiency with/without pump work; boiler classification, fittings & accessories, fire-tube & water-tube boilers |
| Fluid Mechanics | Ideal vs real fluids, Newton's law of viscosity; pressure measurement, manometers; Bernoulli's theorem; continuity equation; Venturimeter, Pitot tube, orifice meter |
| Hydraulic Machinery | Hydraulic turbines — classification & working; centrifugal pumps — classification, working & performance |
| Air Compressors & Refrigeration | Compressor cycles, refrigeration cycle principles, working of refrigeration plant |
| Nozzles & Steam Turbines | Functioning principles and classifications of nozzles & turbines |
| Production Engineering | Steel classification & heat treatment; welding (arc, gas, TIG, MIG), brazing; foundry & casting; forging & extrusion; metal cutting; lathe, milling, drilling, grinding; NDT methods |
SSC JE 2026 Best Preparation Strategy
📅 Study Plan
Cover Paper 1 topics in the first 4 weeks. Then shift full focus to Paper 2 technical subjects. Study 6–8 hours daily. Give equal time to General Awareness — it is a high-scoring section in Paper 1.
🔁 Revision Strategy
Prepare short notes for formulas, definitions, and key terms after every chapter. Revise your notes every weekend without fail. Use flashcards for General Awareness facts, government schemes, and static GK.
📝 Mock Test Approach
Start full-length mock tests at least 6 weeks before the exam. Analyze each test for weak topics and revisit those chapters. Practice negative-marking awareness — skip questions you are unsure about, especially in Paper 2.
Important Books for SSC JE 2026 Preparation
| Subject | Book Name | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| Civil Engineering | SSC JE Civil Engineering Solved Papers | GKP / Made Easy |
| Electrical Engineering | SSC JE Electrical Engineering Guide | GKP / Arihant |
| Mechanical Engineering | SSC JE Mechanical Engineering Previous Year Papers | Made Easy / GKP |
| All Branches | SSC JE Chapterwise Solved Papers (Last 10 Years) | Kiran Prakashan |