SSC JE Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Topics

The SSC JE Syllabus 2026 is built around a two-stage selection process for the post of Junior Engineer in the Civil, Electrical and Mechanical disciplines. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the exam to fill Junior Engineer (Group B, non-gazetted) posts in central departments such as CPWD, Military Engineer Services (MES), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Central Water Commission (CWC) and Farakka Barrage. If you are an engineering diploma or degree holder targeting a stable central government technical job, understanding the full syllabus and marking scheme is the first step toward a strong score.

This guide breaks down the SSC JE 2026 exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2, the section-wise marks, negative marking, and the complete subject-wise topics for each engineering branch.

SSC JE 2026 Exam at a Glance

  • Conducting body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
  • Post: Junior Engineer (Civil / Electrical / Mechanical)
  • Level: Group B, Non-Gazetted
  • Selection stages: Paper 1 (CBT) and Paper 2 (CBT), followed by Document Verification
  • Exam language: English and Hindi
  • Question type: Objective, multiple-choice

SSC JE 2026 Selection Process

Selection happens in two computer-based papers. Paper 1 is the screening stage and is objective in nature. Candidates who clear the Paper 1 cut-off are shortlisted for Paper 2, which is discipline-specific and decides the final merit. After both papers, shortlisted candidates go through Document Verification before appointment.

SSC JE Paper 1 Exam Pattern

Paper 1 is a Computer-Based Test of 200 marks with 200 questions to be completed in 2 hours (2 hours 40 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe).

SectionQuestionsMarks
General Intelligence & Reasoning5050
General Awareness5050
General Engineering (Civil / Electrical / Mechanical)100100
Total200200

Negative marking in Paper 1 is 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Candidates attempt the General Engineering section only in their chosen branch — Civil, Electrical or Mechanical.

SSC JE Paper 2 Exam Pattern

Paper 2 is a discipline-specific paper of 300 marks with a duration of 2 hours. It tests in-depth knowledge of the candidate's own engineering branch. Negative marking in Paper 2 is 1 mark per wrong answer, so accuracy matters far more here than in Paper 1. Candidates may use a scientific calculator in Paper 2. Always confirm the exact question format for your cycle from the official SSC notification before the exam.

SSC JE Paper 1 Syllabus

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision-making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, coding-decoding, and abstract-idea and symbol relationships.

General Awareness

Current events, everyday observations and experience in their scientific aspect, and questions on history, geography, general polity, the Indian Constitution, economic scene, scientific research and general science — at a level expected of an educated person.

General Engineering (Branch-Specific, Paper 1)

In Paper 1, the General Engineering section tests foundational, diploma-level concepts of your branch:

  • Civil & Structural: Building Materials, Estimating and Costing, Surveying, Soil Mechanics, Hydraulics, Irrigation Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Theory of Structures, Concrete Technology, RCC Design and Steel Design.
  • Electrical: Basic Concepts, Circuit Law, Magnetic Circuit, AC Fundamentals, Measurement and Measuring Instruments, Electrical Machines, Fractional Kilowatt Motors, Synchronous Machines, Generation-Transmission-Distribution, Estimation and Costing, Utilization of Electrical Energy and Basic Electronics.
  • Mechanical: Theory of Machines and Machine Design, Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials, Thermal Engineering, Properties of Pure Substances, IC Engines, Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, and Production Engineering.

SSC JE Paper 2 Syllabus

Paper 2 covers the same branch subjects as Paper 1 but at a deeper, application-oriented level.

Civil & Structural Engineering

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

Electrical Engineering

Basic Concepts, Circuit Laws, Magnetic Circuits, AC Fundamentals, Measurement and Measuring Instruments, Electrical Machines, Fractional Kilowatt Motors and Single-Phase Induction Motors, Synchronous Machines, Generation-Transmission and Distribution, Estimation and Costing, Utilization and Electrical Energy, and Basic Electronics.

Mechanical Engineering

Theory of Machines and Machine Design, Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials, Thermal Engineering (Properties of Pure Substances, First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, IC Engines, Nozzles, Steam Turbines), Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, and Production Engineering.

SSC JE Eligibility in Brief

Candidates generally need a Diploma or Degree in the relevant engineering branch (exact requirement varies by post and department). The age limit is typically up to 30 or 32 years depending on the post, with relaxations for reserved categories. Always verify the exact eligibility from the official notification.

Preparation Tips

Start with Paper 1 basics and revise diploma-level engineering fundamentals daily. Because Paper 2 carries a heavier 1-mark negative penalty, practise discipline-specific problems until your accuracy is high. Solve previous-year papers and take full-length mock tests to build speed within the 2-hour window, and keep the General Awareness section current with regular reading.

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