SSC JE 2026 Exam Syllabus, Pattern, Selection Process & Marking Scheme

Preparing for the upcoming engineering recruitment cycle requires a deep understanding of the SSC JE 2026 exam structure. Organized by the Staff Selection Commission, this nationwide drive aims to fill 1,731 vacancies across Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical engineering sectors. Candidates can track official announcements, notification updates, and submission guidelines directly via the official website https://ssc.gov.in/.

SSC JE Selection Process & Overview

The SSC JE 2026 examination consists of two computer-based tests: Paper I and Paper II, followed by document verification. Both papers are conducted exclusively in an online format as Computer-Based Tests (CBT). The technical syllabus for the SSC JE is designed at the Diploma level in Engineering from an institution recognized by AICTE.

Parameter	Details
Selection Process	Tier 1 (Paper 1) → Tier 2 (Paper 2) → Document Verification
Paper 1 Questions & Marks	200 & 200
Paper 2 Questions & Marks	100 & 300
Mode of Exam	Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Negative Marking - Paper 1	0.25 marks per wrong answer
Negative Marking - Paper 2	1 mark per wrong answer
Official Website	https://ssc.gov.in/

SSC JE Exam Pattern: Paper 1 and Paper 2

Paper I carries 200 marks with a duration of 2 hours, featuring 50 questions on General Intelligence & Reasoning, 50 questions on General Awareness, and 100 questions on General Engineering. Negative marking for Paper I is 0.25 marks per incorrect answer.

Subject	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Exam Duration
General Awareness	50	50	2 Hours
General Intelligence and Reasoning	50	50	2 Hours
General Engineering (Civil & Structural / Electrical / Mechanical) – any one branch	100	100	2 Hours
Total	200	200	2 Hours

Paper II carries 300 marks with a duration of 2 hours, focusing on core engineering disciplines (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical) with 100 questions (3 marks per correct answer). Negative marking for Paper II is 1 mark per wrong response.

Subjects	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration & Timings
Part A – General Engineering (Civil & Structural) OR Part B – General Engineering (Electrical) OR Part C – General Engineering (Mechanical)	100	300	2 Hours

Detailed Syllabus Checklists

General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

• Classification
• Analogy
• Coding-Decoding
• Paper Folding Method
• Matrix
• Word Formation
• Venn Diagram
• Direction and Distance
• Blood Relations
• Series
• Verbal reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Seating Arrangement
• Puzzles & Seating Arrangement

General Awareness Syllabus

To master this section, candidates should refer to structured preparation modules such as General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and standard Books and Authors reference guides.

• Static General Knowledge
• Science
• Current Affairs
• Sports
• Books and Authors
• Important Schemes
• Portfolios
• People in the News
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic
• Awards and Honors

Civil Engineering Syllabus – Paper 1 (Part A)

• Building Materials
• Surveying
• Estimating
• Soil Mechanics
• Costing and Valuation
• Concrete Technology
• Irrigation Engineering
• Steel Design
• Theory of Structures
• Hydraulics
• RCC Design
• Environmental Engineering
• Transportation Engineering

Topics	Sub-Topics
Building Materials	Physical and chemical properties Classification, Standard Tests, Uses and Manufacture/Quarrying of Materials
Estimating, Costing, and Valuation	Estimate, a glossary of technical terms, analysis of rates, methods and unit of measurement, Items of work – earthwork, Brick work (Modular & Traditional bricks), RCC work, Shuttering, Timber work, Painting, Flooring, and Plastering. Boundary wall, Brick building, Water Tank, Septic tank, Bar bending schedule, Centre line method, Mid-section formula, Trapezoidal formula, Simpson’s rule. Cost estimate of Septic tank, flexible pavements, Tube well, isolates and combined footings, Steel Truss, Piles, and pile-caps. Valuation – Value and cost, scrap value, salvage value, assessed value, sinking fund, depreciation and obsolescence, methods of Valuation.
Surveying	Principles of surveying, measurement of distance, chain surveying. Working on the prismatic compass, compass traversing, bearings, local attraction, plane table surveying. The theodolite traversing, adjustment of theodolite, Leveling, Definition of terms used in leveling, contouring, curvature, and refraction corrections. Temporary and permanent adjustments of dumpy level, methods of contouring. Uses of a contour map, tachometric survey, curve setting Earthwork calculation, advanced surveying equipment.
Soil Mechanics	Origin of soil, phase diagram, Definitions-void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, water content, the specific gravity of soil grains, unit weights, density index, and interrelationship of different parameters, Grain size distribution curves, and their uses. Index properties of soils, Atterberg’s limits, ISI soil classification, and plasticity chart. Permeability of soil, coefficient of permeability, determination of coefficient of permeability, Unconfined and confined aquifers, effective stress, quicksand, consolidation of soils, Principles of consolidation, degree of consolidation, pre-consolidation pressure, normally consolidated soil, e-log p curve, computation of ultimate settlement. Shear strength of soils, direct shear test, Vane shear test, Triaxial test. Soil compaction, Laboratory compaction test, Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, earth pressure theories, active and passive earth pressures, Bearing capacity of soils, plate load test, standard penetration test.
Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics	Fluid properties and hydrostatics, measurements of flow. Bernoulli’s theorem and its application. Flow-through pipes. Flow in open channels, weirs, flumes, spillways, pumps, and turbines.
Irrigation Engineering	Definition, necessity, benefits, 2II effects of irrigation, types, and methods of irrigation. Hydrology – Measurement of rainfall, runoff coefficient, rain gauge. Losses from precipitation – evaporation, infiltration, etc. Water requirement of crops, duty, delta and base period, Kharif and Rabi Crops, Command area, Time factor, Crop ratio, Overlap allowance, Irrigation efficiencies. Different types of canals, types of canal irrigation, loss of water in canals. Canal lining – types and advantages. Shallow and deep to wells, the yield from a well. Weir and barrage, Failure of weirs and permeable foundation, Slit, and Scour, Kennedy’s theory of critical velocity. Lacey’s theory of uniform flow. Definition of flood, causes, and effects, methods of flood control, water logging, preventive measure.
Transportation Engineering	Highway Engineering: cross-sectional elements, geometric design, types of pavements, pavement materials Aggregates and bitumen, different tests, Design of flexible and rigid pavements Water Bound Macadam (WBM) and Wet Mix Macadam (WMM), Gravel Road, Bituminous construction, Rigid pavement joint, pavement maintenance, Highway drainage, Railway Engineering Components of the permanent way -Sleepers, ballast, fixtures and fastening, track geometry, points and crossings, track junction, stations, and yards. Traffic Engineering – Different traffic survey, speed-flow-density, and their interrelationships, intersections, and interchanges, traffic signals, traffic operation, traffic signs and markings, road safety.
Environmental Engineering	Quality of water, source of water supply, purification of water, distribution of water, need of sanitation, sewerage systems, circular sewer, oval sewer, sewer appurtenances, sewage treatments. Surface water drainage. Solid waste management – types, effects, engineered management system. Air pollution – pollutants, causes, effects, control. Noise pollution – cause, health effects, control.

Topics	Sub-Topics
Theory of Structures	Elasticity constants, types of beams – determinate and indeterminate, bending moment and shear force diagrams of simply supported, cantilever, and overhanging beams. Moment of area and moment of inertia for rectangular & circular sections, bending moment, and shear stress for tee, channel, and compound sections. Chimneys, dams and retaining walls, eccentric loads, slope deflection of simply supported and cantilever beams, critical load and columns, Torsion of circular section.
Concrete Technology	Properties, Advantages and uses of concrete, cement aggregates, the importance of water quality, water-cement ratio Workability, mix design, storage, batching, mixing, placement, compaction, finishing and curing of concrete. Quality control of concrete, hot weather and cold weather concreting repair, and maintenance of concrete structures.
RCC Design	RCC beams-flexural strength, shear strength, bond strength, design of singly reinforced and double reinforced beams, cantilever beams. T-beams, lintels. One-way and two-way slabs, isolated footings. Reinforced brick works, columns, staircases, retaining walls, water tanks (RCC design questions may be based on both Limit State and Working Stress methods).
Steel Design	Steel design and construction of steel columns Beams roof trusses plate girders.

Electrical Engineering Syllabus – Paper 1 (Part B)

• Basic concepts
• Circuit law
• AC Fundamentals
• Magnetic Circuit
• Electrical Machines
• Utilisation and Electrical Energy
• Transmission and Distribution
• Estimation and Costing
• Basic Electronics
• Generation
• Fractional Kilowatt Motors and Single-Phase Induction Motors
• Measurement and Measuring Instruments
• Synchronous Machines

Topics	Sub-Topics
Basic Concepts	Concepts of resistance, inductance, capacitance, and various factors affecting them. Concepts of current, voltage, power, energy, and their units. Circuit law: Kirchhoff‟s law, Simple Circuit solution using network theorems. Magnetic Circuit: Concepts of flux, mmf, reluctance, Different kinds of magnetic materials, Magnetic calculations for conductors of different configuration e.g. straight, circular, solenoidal, etc. Electromagnetic induction, self, and mutual induction.
AC Fundamentals	Instantaneous, peak, R.M.S., and average values of alternating waves. Representation of sinusoidal waveform, simple series and parallel AC Circuits consisting of R.L. and C, Resonance, Tank Circuit. Poly Phase system – star and delta connection, 3 phase power, DC and sinusoidal response of R-Land R-C circuit.
Measurement and Measuring Instruments	Measurement of power (1 phase and 3 phase, both active and re-active) and energy, 2 wattmeter method of 3 phase power measurement. Measurement of frequency and phase angle. Ammeter and voltmeter (both moving oil and moving iron type), the extension of range wattmeter, Multimeters, Megger, Energy meter AC Bridges. Use of CRO, Signal Generator, CT, PT, and their uses. Earth Fault detection.
Electrical Machines	D.C. Machine – Construction, Basic Principles of D.C. motors and generators, their characteristics, speed control, and starting of D.C. Motors. Method of braking motor, Loss, and efficiency of D.C. Machines. 1 phase and 3 phase transformers – Construction, Principles of operation, equivalent circuit, voltage regulation, O.C. and S.C. Tests, Losses, and efficiency. Effect of voltage, frequency, and waveform on losses. Parallel operation of 1 phase /3 phase transformers. Autotransformers. 3 phase induction motors, rotating magnetic field, the principle of operation, equivalent circuit, torque-speed characteristics, and starting and speed control of 3 phase induction motors. Methods of braking, the effect of voltage, and frequency variation on torque speed characteristics.
Fractional Kilowatt Motors and Single Phase Induction Motors	Characteristics and applications. Synchronous Machines – Generation of 3-phase e.m.f. armature reaction, voltage regulation, parallel operation of two alternators, synchronizing, control of active and reactive power. Starting and applications of synchronous motors.
Generation, Transmission, and Distribution	Power factor improvement, various types of tariffs, types of faults, short circuit current for symmetrical faults. Switchgears – the rating of circuit breakers, Principles of arc extinction by oil and air, H.R.C. Fuses, Protection against earth leakage / over current, etc. Buchholtz relay, Merz-Price system of protection of generators & transformers, protection of feeders and bus bars. Lightning arresters, various transmission and distribution systems, comparison of conductor materials, the efficiency of the different systems. Cable – Different types of cables, cable rating, and derating factor. Different types of power stations, Load factor, diversity factor, demand factor, cost of generation, inter-connection of power stations.
Estimation and Costing	Estimation of lighting scheme, electric installation of machines, and relevant IE rules. Earthing practices and IE Rules.
Utilization of Electrical Energy	Illumination Electric heating Electric welding Electroplating Electric drives and motors.
Basic Electronics	Working on various electronic devices e.g. P N Junction diodes, Transistors (NPN and PNP type) BJT, and JFET. Simple circuits using these devices.

Electrical Mechanical Syllabus – Paper 1 (Part C)

• Theory of Machines and Machine Design
• IC Engines Combustion
• Air standard Cycles for IC Engines
• IC Engine Performance
• 1st Law of Thermodynamics
• 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
• Boilers
• IC Engine Cooling & Lubrication
• Classification
• Rankine cycle of System
• Specification
• Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials
• Centrifugal Pumps
• Basic Principles & Classification of steel
• Hydraulic Turbines
• Dynamics of Ideal fluids
• Fluid kinematics
• Measurement of Fluid Pressure
• Properties & Classification of Fluids
• Air Compressors & their cycles
• Refrigeration cycles
• Measurement of Flow rate
• Fluid Statics
• Nozzles & Steam Turbines
• Principle of Refrigeration Plant
• Fitting & Accessories

Topics	Sub-Topics
Theory Of Machines and Machine Designs	Concept of a simple machine, Four bar linkage and link motion, Flywheels, and fluctuation of energy Power transmission by belts – V-belts and Flat belts, Clutches – Plate and Conical clutch, Gears –Type of gears, etc.
Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials	Equilibrium of Forces, Law of motion, Friction, Concepts of stress and strain, Elastic limit. Elastic constants, Bending moments and shear force diagram, Stress in composite bars, etc.
Thermal Engineering	Properties of Pure Substance1st & 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Air standard Cycles for IC Engines. Rakhine Cycle of steam Boilers
Fluid Mechanics Machinery	Properties & Classification of fluid Fluid Statics Measurement of Fluid Pressure Fluid Kinematics Dynamics of Ideal Fluids Measurement Of Flow Rate Basic Principles Hydraulic Turbines Centrifugal Pumps Classification Of Steels

Next Steps for Candidates

After reviewing the syllabus and exam pattern, applicants should align their preparation with the latest technical standards. Once examination milestones conclude, candidates can verify their performance metrics by checking the SSC JE Tier 2 Result 2026 Declared - Click Here to View or analyzing the benchmark requirements through the SSC JE Tier 2 Cut-Off 2026 Released - Click Here to View portal links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the SSC JE Syllabus 2026?

The SSC JE 2026 exam is comprised of two tiers. Paper 1 covers Reasoning (50 marks), General Awareness (50 marks), and Core Engineering (100 marks), totaling 200 marks. Paper 2 is a 300-mark advanced technical exam tailored to your specific engineering discipline.

Q2. What is the selection process for SSC JE?

Answer: Yes, the selection process involves two computer-based stages (Paper-I and Paper-II) to shortlist qualified candidates for the SSC JE vacancy.

Q3. Is there negative marking in SSC JE 2026?

Yes. In Paper 1, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. In Paper 2, the penalty increases to 1 mark per incorrect answer. Unattempted questions do not attract any negative marking.

Q4. What is the mode of SSC JE Paper 1 and Paper 2?

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 for the SSC JE 2026 are conducted exclusively in an online format as Computer-Based Tests (CBT).

Q5. What is the exam pattern for SSC JE 2026?

SSC JE 2026 structure: Paper 1 includes 200 questions (200 marks) in 2 hours with a 0.25 negative marking. Paper 2 includes 100 questions (300 marks) in 2 hours with a 1-mark penalty per wrong answer.

Q6. What is the difficulty level of SSC JE engineering questions?

The technical syllabus for the SSC JE is designed at the Diploma level in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical) from an institution recognized by the AICTE.