Landing a job as a fresher amidst the cut throat competition in this economy can be a real challenge. In that scenario, Government sector comes to the rescue for many of us with their lucrative jobs and different career options. The SSC JE Recruitment is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission every year. The commission invites young graduates from various fields to apply for a number of SSC JE Vacancies open in different cadres. In this article “SSC JE Exam Preparation” you can find details of the examination, exam pattern, preparation tips, syllabus, previous year question papers and list of important books.
To be eligible candidate should be a Indian National or a PIO (criteria should be checked from official circular) of 18-27 years as on August 1 of the year. Candidate should hold Diploma in Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized institution or any other equivalent qualification. The SSC JE Eligibility Criteria vary for different posts as per the optional chosen for the exam. Please refer to the official circular for further
SSC JE Exam Pattern
In Paper-I and Paper-II for General Engineering, the candidate will be required to attempt only the part as per option given in the application form filled by the candidate. In other words, the candidates appearing for the post of Junior Engineer (Civil), Junior Engineer (Quantity Surveying & Contract) should attempt Part A (Civil & Structural) of Paper-I and Paper-II and the candidates appearing for the post of Junior Engineer (Electrical) should attempt Part-B (Electrical) and the candidates appearing for the post of Junior Engineer (Mechanical) should attempt Part C (Mechanical) of Paper-I and Paper-II failing which his/her answer sheet (Paper-II) will not be evaluated.
Candidates are allowed to bring their own Slide–Rule, Calculator, Logarithm Tables and Steam Table for Paper-II only. They are not allowed to use such aids for Paper-I.
Paper-I will consist of Objective Type Multiple Choice questions only. Candidates who are shortlisted on the basis of performance in Paper –I will be called for Paper-II (Conventional Type).
Candidates are not permitted to use Mobile Phone or any other electronic / electrical device other than those specifically permitted. Candidates must not, therefore, bring Mobile Phone or any other electronic /electrical device not specifically permitted inside the Examination premises. Possession of these items, whether in use or not, will be considered as “use of unfair means” in the Examination and candidature of such candidates will be cancelled forthwith. Such candidates are also liable for debarment upto a period of 3 years and/or criminal prosecution.
There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I. Candidates are, therefore, advised to keep this in mind while answering the questions.
Commission will place the answer keys of Paper-I on its website after the examination. Objections and claims if any, received within the time limit specified while placing answer keys will be examined by the Commission with the help of experts, if necessary. Commission’s decision in this regard will be final.
Important Topics for SSC JE Preparation
The SSC JE Syllabus for both the papers is mentioned in the official circular. Candidates should always keep a copy for reference. Below are important topics for SSC JE Exam Preparation field wise.
Civil Engineering:
| Estimating, Costing and Valuation | Building Materials | Hydraulic Engineering | Transportation Engineering |
| Irrigation Engineering | Soil Mechanics | Environmental Engineering | Surveying |
Environmental Engineering is the emerging hot topic for this section. Air pollution, its variants, need for sanitation and soil mechanics should be covered first.
For Structural Engineering, theory of structures, RCC Design, Steel design and concrete technology topics have to be prepared.
Mechanical Engineering:
| Machines and Machine Design | Production Engineering |
| Engineering Mechanics & Machinery | Thermal Engineering |
Ist and IInd Law of Thermodynamics, Boilers, Fluid Mechanics, Laws of Motion and Friction
Electrical Engineering:
| Resistance and Inductance | Magnetic Circuit | Measuring instruments | Utilization of EE |
| Circuit law | AC Fundamentals | Electrical Machines | Basic Electronics |
You should focus on basics of electronics and AC fundamentals. The topic of utilization of Electrical Energy should also be covered thoroughly.
Important Books for SSC JE Preparation
| SSC Junior Engineers Exam for Civil and Structural by R. Gupta’s |  Buy on Flipkart |
 Buy on Amazon |
| SSC Junior Engineers (Mechanical Guide) by Disha Publications | Buy on Flipkart |
Buy on Amazon |
| SSC Junior Engineers (Electrical Engineering) by Arihant Publications | Buy on Flipkart |
Buy on Amazon |
| Practice Workbook for Junior Engineers by Kiran Prakashan | Buy on Flipkart |
Buy on Amazon |
| Quantitative Aptitude For Competition by R.S.Agarwal | Buy on Flipkart |
Buy on Amazon |
| Pratyogita Darpan Magazine can also be covered for Paper 1. | Buy on Flipkart |
Buy on Amazon |
SSC JE Exam Preparation Tips & Tricks
The most important section is your chosen branch exam. Focus on your opted subject more than any other section while preparation.
Focus on your weak areas and try to cover them first. Section wise preparation while practicing mock tests simultaneously is the best approach to cover the syllabus. Go through the whole SSC JE syllabus carefully and keep a copy of it handy for reference.
Solve as many SSE JE Previous Year Question Papers as you can. They should give you an idea of pattern of the examination. Practice the shortcut techniques for problem solving which are very helpful to combat the time issue in exam.
Follow a proper schedule for preparation; dividing your time in the ratio of 2:1 between optional subject and GA/Reasoning.
The general awareness section can be a bit tricky. Don’t answer if you are not completely sure to avoid negative marking. There should be one book for one section to prepare from. Anything more than that can come off as undue burden.
With a moderate difficulty level, this exam can be a cakewalk for those who prepare their optional subject thoroughly.
Focus on your speed and accuracy since time is of utmost essence in this paper.
Always answer those questions first for which you are 100 percent sure of the answers. Try to avoid guessing but if you do, first guesses are always right. Avoid random answer marking if you have successfully attempted 60 % percent of the paper. There is negative marking for every wrong answer.
In case, you are not able to predict the answer of a question, give it 40 seconds and then quickly move onto another. Try to solve as many questions as you can in the given time. Simultaneously keep marking the answers on the OMR sheet. Always keep a timer while attempting practice tests. You should be able to manage your time in the examination hall.
-: Words of Wisdom :-
Time Management, Adequate Practice and Focused preparation are the three keys to crack this exam. Make sure you keep track of all these and watch success knock your door this time!
