DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 covers General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Language skills in Tier 1, followed by Core Engineering papers in Tier 2 for both Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer posts. The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) conducts this two-tier exam with a total of 314 vacancies across multiple engineering disciplines under various Delhi government departments. This syllabus is based on the official notification released by DSSSB (Advertisement No. 01/2026).
The selection process consists of two written examination stages: Tier 1 serves as a screening test covering general and reasoning abilities, while Tier 2 tests in-depth technical and subject-specific knowledge. Both stages carry equal weightage in the final merit list, making balanced preparation across general and technical subjects critical.
Understanding the DSSSB AE and JE Exam
The DSSSB AE and JE exam is designed to evaluate an engineer’s foundational knowledge in general awareness, problem-solving, and language comprehension, followed by specialised technical competency in civil engineering (and other disciplines). This exam qualifies candidates for entry-level and mid-level engineering positions across Delhi government departments, including the Public Works Department, Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and Municipal Corporation. The two-tier structure ensures that only candidates with both general aptitude and deep technical knowledge progress to the final merit list. The exam is conducted at the national standard level, assessing both theoretical understanding and practical application of engineering principles.
Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) |
| Posts | Assistant Engineer (AE) & Junior Engineer (JE) |
| Total Vacancies | 314 vacancies (various engineering disciplines) |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026 |
| Application Start Date | 24/02/2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 25/03/2026 |
| Exam Dates | 08/09/2026 to 17/09/2026 |
| Selection Mode | Two-Tier Written Exam |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Official Website | https://dsssb.delhi.gov.in |
Selection Process
- Tier 1 Examination – Written test covering General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Hindi Language, and English Language. Candidates must qualify for this stage to be eligible for Tier 2.
- Tier 2 Examination – Discipline-specific technical paper testing core engineering knowledge in Civil Engineering (and other specialisations). Only Tier 1 qualified candidates appear in this stage.
- Merit List Preparation – Final merit is determined based on combined performance in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, with both tiers carrying equal weightage.
Exam Pattern – DSSSB JE (Junior Engineer) Tier 1
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Hindi, English) | 20 per subject (100 total) | 100 |
| Section B (Subject/Technical) | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer Total Questions: 200 Total Marks: 200
Exam Pattern – DSSSB JE (Junior Engineer) Tier 2
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Core Engineering Paper (Civil) | 100 | 100 |
| English Language & Comprehension Paper | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer Total Questions: 200 Total Marks: 200
Exam Pattern – DSSSB AE (Assistant Engineer) Tier 1
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Subjects (General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Hindi, English) | 200 | 200 |
Duration: 2 hours Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer Total Questions: 200 Total Marks: 200
Exam Pattern – DSSSB AE (Assistant Engineer) Tier 2
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Technical & Subject-Related) | 100 | 100 |
| Section B (Subject-Related) | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 3 hours Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer Total Questions: 200 Total Marks: 200
DSSSB JE Detailed Syllabus 2026
DSSSB JE Tier 1 Syllabus
General Awareness
- History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Constitution (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles)
- World Geography (Physical, Political, Climate Zones)
- Indian Geography (Physical features, States, Union Territories)
- Economics (Basic concepts, Banking, Currency, Budget)
- Indian Art and Culture (Literature, Music, Dance, Architecture)
- Sports (National and International events)
- Current Affairs (National and International news)
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies and similarities
- Differences identification
- Space visualisation and spatial reasoning
- Problem-solving and logical deduction
- Judgment and decision-making
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Verbal classification
- Figure classification and pattern recognition
- Number series and missing term problems
- Syllogism and logical statements
- Blood relations
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number system and basic arithmetic
- Simplification and BODMAS
- Percentage calculations
- Ratio and proportion
- Average and weighted average
- Profit, loss, and discount
- Time and work problems
- Speed, distance, and time
- Simple and compound interest
- Data interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Basic geometry and mensuration
Hindi Language & Comprehension
- Hindi grammar fundamentals
- Vocabulary and synonyms/antonyms in Hindi
- Sentence correction and grammatical errors
- Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, and other parts of speech
- Active and passive voice in Hindi
- Comprehension passages in Hindi
- Idioms and phrases in Hindi
English Language & Comprehension
- English grammar fundamentals
- Vocabulary and synonyms/antonyms
- Sentence correction and error identification
- Parts of speech (Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb)
- Active and passive voice transformation
- Direct and indirect speech
- Comprehension passages
- Reading comprehension and question-answer type passages
- Idioms and phrasal verbs
DSSSB JE Tier 2 Syllabus – Civil Engineering
Building Materials
- Cement: Types, properties, composition
- Bricks: Classification, quality, characteristics
- Steel: Properties, grades, reinforcement types
- Timber: Properties, classification, defects
- Concrete: Mix design, properties, strength testing
Surveying
- Chain surveying methods and procedures
- Compass surveying and magnetic declination
- Levelling: Types, level book, staff reading
- Theodolite: Parts, adjustments, traversing
- Total Station: Components, operations, applications
Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering
- Soil classification and identification
- Physical and mechanical properties of soil
- Bearing capacity: Types, calculation, factors affecting
- Foundations: Shallow and deep types, design considerations
- Settlement analysis and ground improvement techniques
Structural Analysis
- Beams: Types, loading, reactions
- Trusses: Pin-jointed frames, method of sections
- Bending moment and shear force diagrams
- Stresses and strains in structural members
- Deflection of beams and cantilevers
Design of RCC Structures
- Reinforced Concrete Design Principles
- Limit state design method
- Design of beams, slabs, and columns
- Detailing of reinforcement
- Durability and concrete cover requirements
Estimating, Costing & Valuation
- Quantity estimation from drawings
- Rate analysis and cost estimation
- Valuation of properties
- Tender process and contract management
- Budget and financial control
Environmental Engineering
- Water supply systems and treatment processes
- Sanitation and waste management
- Sewage treatment: Primary, secondary, tertiary
- Industrial waste treatment
- Pollution control and environmental standards
Transportation Engineering
- Highway engineering: Classification, design, construction
- Traffic engineering: Flow, capacity, signal timing
- Railway engineering: Alignment, track construction
- Pavement design and maintenance
- Transportation planning and safety
Water Resources Engineering
- Irrigation systems and canal design
- Hydraulics: Flow principles, pipe flow, open channel flow
- Dams and spillways
- Groundwater: Aquifers, wells, and pumping
- Flood control and management
DSSSB AE Detailed Syllabus 2026
DSSSB AE Tier 1 Syllabus
General Awareness
- History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- World Geography (Physical and political)
- Indian Geography (Terrain, climate, resources)
- Economics and banking basics
- Art, culture, and sports
- Current affairs and recent developments
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies and word relationships
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualisation and 3D reasoning
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Judgment and decision-making
- Arithmetical and verbal reasoning
- Classification and pattern recognition
- Number and figure series
- Logical deduction and syllogism
- Blood relations and family trees
Arithmetical & Numerical Ability
- Number systems and operations
- Simplification using order of operations (BODMAS)
- Percentage and percentage change
- Ratio, proportion, and partnership
- Average and mean calculations
- Profit and loss in trade
- Time and work efficiency
- Speed, distance, and time problems
- Simple and compound interest
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Mensuration basics
Hindi Language & Comprehension
- Hindi vocabulary and word meanings
- Grammar, including parts of speech
- Sentence correction and error detection
- Active and passive voice transformations
- Direct and indirect speech
- Comprehension reading passages in Hindi
- Idioms and common phrases in Hindi
English Language & Comprehension
- English vocabulary and word meanings
- Grammar fundamentals
- Sentence correction and error identification
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Parts of speech application
- Active and passive voice
- Direct and indirect speech conversion
- Reading comprehension passages
- Cloze tests and fill-in-the-blank questions
- Idioms and phrasal verbs
DSSSB AE Tier 2 Syllabus – Civil Engineering
Building Materials
- Cement: Types, composition, hydration
- Bricks and brick masonry
- Steel: Grades, properties, reinforcement
- Timber: Properties, seasoning, defects
- Concrete: Constituents, mix design, testing
Surveying
- Fundamentals and principles of surveying
- Chain surveying and compass surveying
- Levelling methods and instruments
- Theodolite: Parts, adjustments, traversing
- Total Station technology and operations
- Contouring and topographical surveys
Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering
- Soil classification and identification tests
- Soil properties: Density, permeability, compaction
- Shear strength and bearing capacity
- Foundations: Design, types, settlement analysis
- Ground improvement and soil stabilization
- Earth pressure and retaining structures
Structural Analysis
- Types of beams and supports
- Loading and reactions
- Bending moment and shear force analysis
- Trusses and frames
- Stress and strain relationships
- Deflection calculations
- Columns and buckling
Design of RCC & Steel Structures
- Reinforced Concrete Design Principles
- Limit state design methodology
- Design of beams, slabs, columns, and footings
- Connections and detailing
- Steel structure design: Tension, compression, and bending members
- Composite structures
Estimating, Costing & Valuation
- Quantity surveying and estimation
- Rate analysis from first principles
- Cost estimation and budgeting
- Project valuation methods
- Tender process and contract documents
- Financial management and accounting
Environmental Engineering
- Water supply treatment and distribution
- Sanitation design and waste management
- Sewerage system design
- Sewage treatment processes
- Industrial wastewater treatment
- Environmental impact assessment
- Pollution control standards
Transportation Engineering
- Highway classification and design
- Pavement design methods
- Traffic engineering and safety
- Railway alignment and track construction
- Urban transportation planning
- Maintenance and rehabilitation
Water Resources Engineering
- Irrigation: Types, design, scheduling
- Hydrology: Rainfall, runoff, stream flow
- Hydraulics: Flow through pipes and channels
- Dams and reservoirs: Design, spillways
- Groundwater: Aquifers, wells, pumping tests
- Flood management and disaster mitigation
High-Weightage Areas
| Subject/Section | Marks (JE Tier 1) | Marks (JE Tier 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (Tier 1) | 20 | – |
| General Awareness (Tier 1) | 20 | – |
| Reasoning (Tier 1) | 20 | – |
| Hindi Language & Comprehension (Tier 1) | 20 | – |
| English Language & Comprehension (Tier 1) | 20 | – |
| Subject/Technical (Tier 1) | 100 | – |
| Core Engineering / Technical (Tier 2) | – | 100 |
| English Language & Comprehension (Tier 2) | – | 100 |
For DSSSB JE, the technical section in Tier 1 carries 100 marks out of 200, making it the single highest-weightage area. Combined with the 100-mark Core Engineering paper in Tier 2, candidates must dedicate substantial preparation time to civil engineering fundamentals. The five general subjects in Tier 1 (Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Reasoning, Hindi, English) each carry 20 marks, totalling 100 marks; these are qualifying subjects and should not be neglected despite lower individual marks. Since both Tier 1 and Tier 2 carry equal weightage in the final merit, excelling in the technical component is essential for competitive selection.
Preparation Strategy for DSSSB AE and JE
The technical section dominates the JE exam structure, with 100 marks in Tier 1 and another 100 marks in Tier 2 dedicated to core engineering. Candidates must prioritise building a strong foundation in civil engineering topics such as Soil Mechanics, Structural Analysis, and Design of RCC Structures, as these appear in both tiers and carry the highest marks. The general subjects in Tier 1, while carrying fewer individual marks (20 each), collectively account for 100 marks and serve as gatekeeping criteria; candidates who attempt to skip these sections risk failing the Tier 1 cutoff despite strong technical knowledge. The 2-hour duration for 200 questions in Tier 1 demands that candidates solve approximately 1 question per 36 seconds on average, requiring rapid decision-making and pre-exam practice to avoid time mismanagement.
How to Use This Syllabus Effectively
- Download the official DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 PDF from the link in the Important Links section and keep it as your preparation reference. Use it to verify that you are studying only the topics specified by DSSSB, avoiding unnecessary topics outside the scope.
- Go through the High-Weightage Areas table above and allocate your preparation calendar accordingly. Devote 50% of your time to technical engineering topics, 20% to Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, and 30% to General Awareness and Language skills combined.
- Work through the Detailed Syllabus section-by-section for both Tier 1 and Tier 2, marking each sub-topic as “completed” once you finish studying and practising questions on it. This visual progress prevents accidental gaps in coverage.
- Use previous year question papers released by DSSSB (if available) alongside this syllabus to identify which specific topics within each subject carry more weightage in the actual exam.
- In the final four weeks before the exam, return to any incomplete topics in the high-weightage areas and allocate extra revision time there rather than spreading effort evenly.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 | Download Syllabus PDF |
| Official DSSSB Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between DSSSB AE and JE in terms of exam pattern?
Ans. Both AE and JE follow a two-tier structure with equal weightage given to each tier in the final selection. The main difference is in Tier 2 duration: JE Tier 2 is 2 hours, while AE Tier 2 is 3 hours. Additionally, AE Tier 2 carries additional responsibility and tests slightly more advanced technical knowledge compared to JE. The JE Tier 1 includes a dedicated 100-mark technical section, while the AE Tier 1 covers only general subjects. Both positions require Civil Engineering knowledge in Tier 2.
Q2. Is the DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 the same as the previous year, or has it changed?
Ans. The DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 (Advertisement No. 01/2026) remains largely consistent with the previous recruitment cycle in terms of broad subject areas. However, specific topics within each subject may be refined over time. Candidates should always refer to the official notification PDF released for 2026 to ensure they are studying the exact current syllabus rather than relying on older versions.
Q3. Which topics in the DSSSB JE Syllabus 2026 are most important for high marks?
Ans. In Tier 1, the technical section (100 marks) is most important and should be your primary focus. Within Tier 2, Core Engineering topics such as Design of RCC Structures, Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering, and Structural Analysis carry significant weightage. General subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness are also important collectively (100 marks combined in Tier 1) and should not be neglected.
Q4. What is the negative marking scheme for DSSSB AE and JE 2026?
Ans. DSSSB deducts 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. This is a relatively moderate penalty, but it still discourages random guessing. Candidates should attempt only those questions where they have a reasonable level of confidence.
Q5. How many months of preparation are typically required for DSSSB JE Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Ans. Most candidates benefit from 4-6 months of structured preparation for DSSSB JE, depending on their engineering background and study pace. Candidates with a fresh engineering degree may require 3-4 months to cover both tiers, while those whose graduation was several years ago may need 5-6 months to rebuild foundational knowledge, particularly in civil engineering. The duration also depends on your current proficiency in general subjects.
Q6. Can I skip Tier 1 general subjects and focus only on the technical section?
Ans. No. While the technical section carries 100 marks in Tier 1, the five general subjects together also account for 100 marks. More importantly, there is often a sectional cutoff in Tier 1 (though not explicitly stated in the raw notification), meaning you must clear both general and technical sections to proceed to Tier 2. Skipping any major section is risky and will likely disqualify you even if your technical score is high.
Q7. Is Civil Engineering the only discipline offered for DSSSB AE and JE, or are there other branches?
Ans. The raw notification and source material provided focus specifically on the Civil Engineering syllabus. DSSSB may offer other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, but the detailed syllabi for those branches have not been included in the referenced source material. Candidates applying for Mechanical or Electrical engineering posts should download the full official notification PDF from the DSSSB website to access the complete syllabus for their specific discipline.
Q8. What is the best way to approach Building Materials and Surveying topics in the DSSSB JE Syllabus?
Ans. Building Materials and Surveying are foundational topics that require both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. For Building Materials, focus on properties, classifications, and comparisons between different materials. For Surveying, it is essential to understand the instruments, methods, and their practical applications. Using diagrams, flowcharts, and YouTube videos on surveying instruments will help solidify your understanding. Combine textbook study with previous year question analysis to identify which specific sub-topics carry more weightage in the actual exam.
What Comes Next
Download the official DSSSB AE and JE Syllabus 2026 PDF from the link in the Important Links section before starting your preparation, so you can study from the confirmed and authorised topic list. Allocate the majority of your preparation time to the technical sections in Tier 1 (100 marks) and Tier 2 (100 marks), as these carry the highest marks and require the most depth of knowledge. Stay updated with our job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for announcements regarding admit card release, result dates, and upcoming recruitment cycles from DSSSB and other central government agencies.
