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Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains 2024

Aditi Sinha August 16, 2023 06:31 5507 0

In this article, we discuss the significance of choosing Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject for the UPSC mains exam, covering its syllabus, recommended books, question paper patterns, success rates, and effective preparation strategies.

Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains 2024

Introduction

Mechanical Engineering optional is recommended primarily for those with an engineering background. In the following article, you can explore all aspects of choosing Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject for the UPSC IAS exam, including strategies, insights from toppers, recommended book lists, success rates, and much more.

Mechanical Engineering Optional UPSC

Mechanical engineering is a field focused on designing, constructing, and utilizing machinery. It’s among the 48 optional subjects available for the UPSC civil services mains exam, and is popular among engineering graduates

UPSC Mechanical Optional Paper 1 covers important subjects like Mechanics, Engineering Materials, Theory of Machines, Manufacturing Science etc. 

Paper 2 encompasses a wide range of crucial topics, including Thermodynamics, Gas Dynamics, Turbine, Fluids, I.C. Engines, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Psychometry etc. 

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus

The Mechanical Engineering Syllabus covers a wide variety of topics, starting from basics of mechanical engineering to advanced topics such as thermodynamics, heat transfer etc.

The complete syllabus for paper 1 and Paper 2 can be found below:

Paper 1 Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus

1. Mechanics 1.1 Mechanics of Rigid Bodies 

  • Equations of equilibrium in space and its application;  first and second moments of area; simple problems on friction; kinematics of particles for plane motion; elementary particle dynamics.

1.2 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 

  • Generalized Hooke’s law and its application; design problems on axial stress, shear stress and bearing stress; material properties for dynamic loading; bending shear and stresses in beams; determination of principle stresses and strains-analytical and graphical; compound and combined stresses; bi-axial stressesthin walled pressure vessel; material behaviour and design factors for dynamic load; design of circular shafts for bending and torsional load only; deflection of beam for statically determinate problems; theories of failure.
2. Engineering Materials
  • Basic concepts on structure of solids, common ferrous and non-ferrous materials and their applications; heat-treatment of steels; non-metals plastics, ceramics, composite materials and nano-materials.
3. Theory of Machines
  • Kinematic and dynamic analysis of plane mechanisms. Cams, Gears and epicyclic gear trains, flywheels, governors, balancing of rigid rotors, balancing of single and multi cylinder engines, linear vibration analysis of mechanical systems (single degree of freedom), Critical speeds and whirling of shafts.
4. Manufacturing Science 4.1 Manufacturing Process

  • Machine tool engineering – Merchant’s force analysis: Taylor’s tool life equation; conventional machining; NC and CNC machining process; jigs and fixtures. Non-conventional machining-EDM, ECM, ultrasonic, water jet machining etc.; application of lasers and plasmas; energy rate calculations. Forming and welding processes-standard processes. Metrology-concept of fits and tolerances; tools and gauges; comparators; inspection of length; position; profile and surface finish.

4.2 Manufacturing Management

  • System design: factory location—simple OR models; plant layout-methods based; applications of engineering economic analysis and break-even analysis for product selection, process selection and capacity planning; predetermined time standards. 
  • System planning; forecasting methods based on regression and decomposition, design and balancing of multi model and stochastic assembly lines; inventory management-probabilistic inventory models for order time and order quantity determination; JIT systems; strategic sourcing; managing inter plant logistics. 
  • System operations and control: Scheduling algorithms for job shops; applications of statistical methods for product and process quality control applications of control charts for mean, range, percent defective, number of defectives and defects per unit; quality cost systems; management of resources, organizations and risks in projects. 
  • System improvement: Implementation of systems, such as total quality management, developing and managing flexible, lean and agile Organizations.

Paper 2 Mechanical Engineering Optional Syllabus

1. Thermodynamics, Gas Dynamics Turbine 1.1  Basic concept of First-law and Second law of Thermodynamics; concept of entropy and reversibility; availability and unavailability and irreversibility. 

1.2  Classification and properties of fluids; incompressible and compressible fluids flows; effect of Mach number and compressibility; continuity momentum and energy equations; normal and oblique shocks; one dimensional isentropic flow; flow of fluids in duct with frictions that transfer. 

1.3 Flow through fans, blowers and compressors; axial and centrifugal flow configuration; design of fans and compressors; single problems compresses and turbine cascade; open and closed cycle gas turbines; work done in the gas turbine; reheat and regenerators.

2. Heat Transfer  2.1 Conduction heat transfer—general conduction equation-Laplace, Poisson and Fourier equations; Fourier law of conduction; one dimensional steady state heat conduction applied to simple wall, solid and hollow cylinder and spheres. 

2.2 Convection heat transfer—Newton’s law of convection; free and forced convection; heat transfer during laminar and turbulent flow of an incompressible fluid over a flat plate; concepts of Nusselt number, hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer their thickness; Prandtl number; analogy between heat and momentum transfer—Reynolds, Calbom, Prandtl analogies; heat transfer during laminar and turbulent flow through horizontal tubes; free convection from horizontal and vertical plates. 

2.3 Black body radiation—basic radiation laws such as Stefan-Boltzmann, Planck distribution, Wein’s displacement etc. 

2.4 Basic heat exchanger analysis; classification of heat exchangers.

3. Engines 3.1 Classification, thermodynamic cycles of operation; determination of brake power, indicated power, mechanical efficiency, heat balance sheet, interpretation of performance characteristics, petrol, gas and diesel engines. 

3.2 Combustion in SI and CI engines, normal and abnormal combustion; effect of working parameters on knocking, reduction of knocking; Forms of combustion chamber for SI and CI engines; rating of fuels; additives; emission. 

3.4 Different systems of IC engines-fuels; lubricating; cooling and transmission systems. Alternate fuels in IC engines.

4. Steam Engineering 4.1 Steam generation—modified Rankine cycle analysis; Modern steam boilers; steam at critical and supercritical pressures; draught equipment; natural and artificial draught; boiler fuels solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Steam turbines—Principle; types; compounding; impulse and reaction turbines; axial thrust. 

4.2 Steam nozzles—flow of steam in convergent and divergent nozzle pressure at throat for maximum discharge with different initial steam conditions such as wet, saturated and superheated, effect of variation of back pressure; supersaturated flow of steam in nozzles, Wilson line. 

4.3 Rankine cycle with internal and external irreversibility; reheat factor; reheating and regeneration, methods of governing; back pressure and pass out turbines. 

4.4 Steam power plants—combined cycle power generation; heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) fired and unfired, co-generation plants.

5. Refrigeration and Air-conditioning 5.1 Vapour compression refrigeration cycle—cycle on p-H & T-s diagrams; eco-friendly refrigerants—R 134a. 123; Systems like evaporators, condensers, compressor, expansion devices. Simple vapour absorption systems. 

5.2 Psychrometry—properties; processes; charts; sensible heating and cooling; humidification and dehumidification; effective temperature; air-conditioning load calculation; simple duct design.

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Books

Candidates preparing for UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional can refer to the following table for the list of books covering the entire syllabus:

Paper 1 Paper 2
  • Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering 
  • Theory of Machines by Rattan
  • Theory of Mechanism and Mechanics by Jagdish Lal
  • Machine Design by Shigley VB Bhandari
  • Manufacturing Technology by P N Rao
  • Principles of Manufacturing Material & Process by Campbell
  • Production Management by R K Jain
  • Mechanics of Solids by Popru
  • Strength of Materials by Gere & Timoshenko; BC Unamia; Sadhu Singh
  • Thermodynamics by R Yadav
  • Fundamentals of Classed Thermodynamics by Van Wylen
  • IC Engine by ML Mathur and RP Sharma
  • Heat Conversion by Arora and Kundwar
  • Heat Transfer by Gupta Prakash
  • Gas Turbine and Propulsive Systems by PR Khajuria & SP Dubey
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by CP Arora and Domkundwar
  • Heat and Mass Transfer by JP Hollman and RC Sachdeva

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Question Paper Pattern

The structure of the question paper is similar to that of other optional. It includes two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, both of which carry 250 marks each.

Both the question papers have eight questions, divided equally into two sections, having four questions each. In total, a candidate has to attempt any five questions. Question 1 and Question 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining six, any three are to be attempted, selecting at least one from each section.

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Question Paper

The previous year question papers of UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional can be downloaded from the given table:

Year Question Paper
2023 UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 1 2023 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 2023 PDF
2022 UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 1 2022 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 2022 PDF
2021 UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 1 2021 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 2021 PDF
2020 UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 1 2020 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 2020 PDF
2019 UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 1 2019 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 2019 PDF

Success Rate of Mechanical Engineering Optional UPSC

Over the years, the success rate of mechanical engineering optional UPSC has ranged from 5% to 12%. For the detailed success rate over the years, refer to the table below:

Year Number of Candidates Appearing Number of Candidates Selected Success Rate (%)
2020 201 22 10.9%
2019 213 12 5.6%
2018 152 9 5.9%
2017 170 19 11.2%

Mechanical Engineering Optional: Preparation Strategy

UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional is a highly technical subject requiring a solid background of mechanical engineering. Candidates aspiring to take up mechanical engineering optional can follow some of these strategies:

  • Understand the Exam Questions: Start by analysing previous UPSC Mechanical Engineering question papers to grasp the types of questions asked.
  • Thoroughly Cover Theory: Ensure a strong foundation in theory by studying the subject comprehensively.
  • Practice Solved Examples: Work through numerical problems in standard textbooks to gain practical problem-solving skills.
  • Solve Previous Year Numerical Questions: Practice numerical questions from past UPSC papers to familiarize yourself with the exam’s pattern.
  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Use test series to mimic exam settings, helping you adapt to writing comprehensive answers within time constraints and choosing questions wisely.
  • Take Notes: Create notes for each subject, considering the various study sources available. Also, maintain a separate set of formula notes for quick last-minute revisions.
  • Revision: Revise the entire mechanical engineering syllabus at least twice before the mains exam. This is crucial due to the extensive syllabus and numerous formulas.
  • Use Diagrams and Graphs: Incorporate diagrams and graphs where necessary in your answers. They not only enhance your score but are often essential for providing a complete response.

Conclusion

To excel in mechanical engineering optional subjects, candidates have to undertake comprehensive preparation for each of the topics. It is essential to build a strong foundation in all areas and thoroughly understand the concepts. With a well-rounded preparation strategy, aspirants can confidently attempt the paper.

Also Read: UPSC Optional Notes PDF For IAS Prelims And Mains

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus FAQs

Yes. Provided the preparation is right, a candidate has a high chance of scoring high marks in Mechanical Engineering Optional UPSC.

Yes. Numerical problems are important parts of any science-based or technical subjects. In mechanical engineering optional also, numerical problems carry significant weightage.

Yes. It is always advisable to read previous year question papers to get a good idea on the syllabus and important topics for the exam.

There are no fixed marks that a candidate has to attempt to get a good score. Anywhere between 450-500 marks is considered a good attempt, considering the accuracy of answers.

It depends on the preparation level of the candidate. Individuals who have prepared for IES or GATE may not require coaching, but those preparing for the first time may require.

Yes. Test series help candidates to gauge the level of their preparation and address issues that may affect their performance during exams.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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