UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES)
The Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) is a prestigious engineering service conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit engineers for technical and managerial roles in the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and other power sector organizations under the Government of India.
CPES offers a challenging and rewarding career for engineers in the power sector, contributing to the nation’s energy infrastructure. This guide provides detailed information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, career growth, and job roles for CPES.
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Overview
The CPES exam is conducted to recruit engineers in various disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil) for the following organizations:
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Central Power Research Institute (CPRI)
National Power Training Institute (NPTI)
Selected candidates are appointed as Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) and can rise to higher administrative and technical positions.
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Exam Pattern
The selection process consists of three stages:
1. Stage-I: Written Examination (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Ability Test (English & GK) | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (Technical) | 300 | 3 Hours |
Total Marks: 400
Negative Marking: Yes (⅓ marks deducted for wrong answers)
2. Stage-II: Written Examination (Descriptive Type)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Engineering Discipline (Detailed) | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Engineering Discipline (Detailed) | 300 | 3 Hours |
Total Marks: 600
Only candidates who qualify Stage-I can appear for Stage-II.
3. Stage-III: Personality Test (Interview)
Marks: 200
Candidates are assessed on technical knowledge, leadership, and communication skills.
Final Merit List
Total Marks (Written + Interview): 1200
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Degree |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Power Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering |
Candidates must have a degree from a recognized university/institution.
Final-year students can apply if they submit proof of passing before the interview.
2. Age Limit (As of UPSC Notification)
Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per government norms)
3. Nationality
Must be an Indian citizen.
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Syllabus
The syllabus varies based on the engineering discipline:
1. General Ability Test (Paper-I)
English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary.
General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian economy, science & tech, environment.
2. Technical Papers (Electrical/Mechanical/Civil)
Electrical Engineering
Power Systems
Electrical Machines
Control Systems
Power Electronics
Renewable Energy
Mechanical Engineering
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Manufacturing Processes
Power Plant Engineering
Machine Design
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Construction Management
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Salary
Selected candidates are appointed as Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) in Level-10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
| Post | Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 (including allowances) |
| Executive Engineer (EE) | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Superintending Engineer (SE) | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 | ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Chief Engineer (CE) | ₹1,23,100 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹1,80,000+ |
Allowances & Benefits
DA (Dearness Allowance)
HRA (House Rent Allowance)
Medical Benefits
Pension & Gratuity
Official Vehicle (At higher levels)
UPSC Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) - Career Growth & Promotion
CPES offers excellent career progression with opportunities in technical, administrative, and policymaking roles.
| Designation | Promotion Timeline (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) | Entry-Level |
| Executive Engineer (EE) | 4-5 years |
| Superintending Engineer (SE) | 10-12 years |
| Chief Engineer (CE) | 18-20 years |
| Additional Director General (ADG) | 25+ years |
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